TERM OF TRADE : ETHICS & ECONOMICS PASTOR MATT ZHANG | EASTER SUNDAY INGOUDE COMPANY CHRISTIAN CHURCH “ 1. Explain the ethical problems facing researchers. Try to find some real-world example of how a researcher or group of researchers faced ethical pressure or issues when conducting/publishing their research. REAL WORLD EXAMPLE FALSE CLAIMS ABOUT INFERTILITY In late 2020 and early 2021, various social media platforms and websites circulated a false claim that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine could cause infertility in women. MISINTERPRETATION OF SCIENCE False claim that vaccine's spike protein is similar to syncytin-1, leading to the incorrect assertion that it would cause infertility by attacking the placenta VIRAL SPREAD Misinformation spread rapidly on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and through online forums and messaging apps AMPLICATION BY PUBLIC FIGURES Some influencers and public figures with large followings spread these false claims, increasing their reach and impact REAL WORLD EXAMPLE RESPONSE AND IMPACT EXAMINING AND REFUTING THE FACTS Organizations like WHO and CDC, along with independent fact-checkers, worked hard to correct the misinformation. They explained clearly that the vaccines are safe and have no link to infertility PUBLIC STATEMENTS Pfizer, BioNTech, and other vaccine makers reassured the public, stating there was no scientific basis for the infertility claims IMPACT ON VACCINE UPTAKE The false claims led to vaccine hesitancy, particularly among women of childbearing age, who were worried about fertility “ 2. Explain how and why government economic policies are not always ethical. Provide real world examples to highlight your case. PART 2 PUBLIC CHOICE THEORY POLITICIANS CAN BE "ECONOMIC MAN" WHO IS MORE OR LESS FOCUSED ON SEEKING BENEFITS FOR HIMSELF. TO MAINTAIN POWER, COLLABORATE WITH BUSINESSES TO OBTAIN “RENTS” REAL WORLD EXAMPLE THE COUNTRY'S POWER DEVELOPMENT PLAN (PDP) 2018 “THE LONG-TERM SUPPLY OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY OVER 15-20 YEARS”. To create stability and sufficiency in generating capacity to ensure a long-term electricity supply sufficient The construction of a power plant takes approximately 3-5 years, depending on the type of plant. PDP planning is reviewed periodically every 1-2 years “ Analysis the policy Is it sound good, Right? Let’s explore the statistic.... OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS NEW POWER PLANT PROJECTS HAVE BEEN INCREASINGLY ADDED. RESULTS FROM FORECASTS OF RISING ELECTRICITY USAGE MORE POWER PLANTS ARE BUILT, THE ELECTRICITY BILLS WE PAY WILL INCREASE TO HIGHER ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION COSTS. From JustPow's data collection, it was found that the electricity production capacity from new power plants between PDP 2004 and the first revision of PDP 2018 increased by 200%, with power plant projects increasing by approximately 500%. DUE TO A CONTRACT BETWEEN A MAJOR PRIVATE POWER PLANT AND EGAT = "TAKE OR PAY" MODEL = WE HAVE MANY POWER PLANTS AND MACHINES NOT OPERATING AT THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. IPP POWER PLANTS OF 12 COMPANIES, WITH A COMBINED CAPACITY OF 15,009 MEGAWATTS, OPERATED ON AVERAGE ONLY 35% OF THE TIME THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. Operating at more than 94% Operating only 15-19% Not operating at all FOCUSING ON THE 3 PLANTS THAT DID NOT OPERATE ALL YEAR, THEY STILL RECEIVED MONEY IN THE FORM OF "AVAILABILITY PAYMENTS" totaling 9,166 million baht. results in nationwide electricity prices being approximately 5 satang per unit higher than they should be, If it's that bad, Why don't ordinary people protest against it? PDP Plan Duration of Public Comment Period Time for NEPC to Consider the Plan After Public Comments Public Hearings Held Nationwide to Collect Opinions Public Hearings Held Nationwide to Collect Opinions Version 2007 2 days 2 months X X Version 2007, 2nd Revision 1 day 1 month X X Version 2010 2 days 4 months X X Version 2010, 1st Revision No public comment period Version 2010, 2nd Revision No public comment period Version 2010, 3rd Revision 1 day 3 days X X Version 2015 2 days 2 weeks X X Version 2018 5 days in the regions, 1 day in Bangkok 1 month O X Version 2024 2 days in 4 provinces, online comment period (middle, east, northeast, south) ? Comments allowed on Facebook and the website from June 19-23, 2024 ? So, Government economic policies or The country's Power Development Plan (PDP) are ethical or not?
