GT200 Conclusion: Big Names Exposed

(photo credit: Andrew Drummond’s blog)

If there is anything we have gained from the whole GT200 scandal at all, it could be the fact that this crazy saga has cruelly exposed just how incompetent some of our most influential public figures today are. This post is just a compilation of some of the ‘big names’ who have fallen victim to the most laughable, yet shocking, scam to have hit Thailand in recent years.

(Click “read the rest of this entry” to see their names and what they said)

PM Abhisit: Initially came out to defend the device, showing his impressive array of scientific knowledge by saying that the GT200 “relies on static charges within the body of the user” which means that “if the user hasn’t had enough rest or is not well-prepared, the detector’s effectiveness will be reduced” (source). Should be credited for eventually making a U-turn and playing a part in putting the GT200 through scientific tests (which they subsequently failed).

Deputy PM Suthep: Has said, among other things, that he was “not so anxious” about concerns raised about the detectors because “other countries also used the GT200″(source). Also tried to quell the worries over the GT 200 by saying that Thailand uses “a different brand” from the device that the BBC had earlier exposed as a fraud (source).

Dr Pornthip: The celebrity pathologist has been a staunch defender of the GT200. The most memorable quotes include, “[The GT200] was effective when searching for bombs and even nails under water.” (source), and “It is not a scientific device and the most important variable is the human operator.” (source). One wonders how much, if any, credibility she will have left after this whole soap opera.

Army chief Anupong: In response to reporters’ angry questions about the GT200, he shot back: “Is the company using you to ask these questions?” (source)

Justice Minister Peeraphan: Made an unbelievable remark after scientific tests confirmed the GT200′s inability to detect anything. He said, “The suspicious point is that if the GT200 device does not work and is of no quality then this device would be unable to detect any bombs, but in the test it was able to detect the bombs 4 times, but not in 16 instances. Therefore, it is necessary to find the reason.” (source)

Last but not least, Science and Technology Minister Khunying Ganlaya: During her special lecture to Thai students in a seminar at Imperial College London on 30 January, she was asked by a participant what she thought about the then-ongoing GT200 scandal. Having tried to dodge the question at first, she eventually said, “Regarding people’s beliefs, some kinds of beliefs are harmless. If these beliefs make people comfortable, we should just leave them alone, shouldn’t we? Some people are happy to worship trees, for example. We don’t need to disturb them, do we?”

(เรื่องความเชื่อนะคะถ้าความเชื่อไหนที่ทำแล้วสบายใจ เราก็ควรปล่อยให้เค้าทำ จริงมั้ยคะ อย่างบางคนไหว้ต้นไม้แล้วสบายใจ ก็ไม่ต้องไปยุ่งกับเค้าใช่มั้ยคะ) (source, in Thai)

Ok. I repeat. She is the SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Minister in the Abhisit government for crying out loud. I suggest the opposition Peua Thai Party file a censure motion against her right now, preferably in addition to an impeachment motion.

And just to conclude, does anyone need to be reminded that out of the six individuals listed above, four are members of the party that “highly educated Thais” allegedly tend to vote for?

Related posts (automatically generated):

1. GT200: The Only Remaining Obstacle
2. Authorities Insist GT200 Does Work, The Nation Says No
3. GT200 Dowsing Rod Update: Gen Anupong Bans Further Purchases Pending Investigation
4. Banyan on the Latest Situation
5. Petition to Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, Regarding the Violence in Thailand