Postbag
Deputy Commerce Minister Nattawut Saikuar's song and dance on YouTube to promote mom and pop grocery stores clearly deserves public derision.
However, we can't blame it all on the minister. As we all know, he was given his cabinet position because he was effective at making rousing speeches, not because he knows anything about commerce. The real blame and embarrassment should fall on the people who put him in the position in the first place.
Vint Chavala
Lamphun
DEMOCRATS NEED RE-INVENTION
I believe the Democrats are within their rights to try to impeach the entire cabinet for alleged legal infringements in the handling of water and flood management projects. But the problem is, even if they are able to do so, they would not have improved the state of Thai politics, for the Pheu Thai Party will just put in another bunch of yea-sayers. Thaksin Shinawatra, or anyone perceived to be his choice, will likely win a fair election hands down _ not because Pheu Thai is so good, but because voters don't see a viable alternative.
I propose that the Democrats live up to their noble ideals and re-invent themselves, stressing integrity, fiscal discipline and genuine income redistribution, including a tax overhaul that narrows the rich-poor gap. Practise, don't just preach, the Seven Pillars of Sustainable Democracy of former prime minister Anand Panyarachun. Promote freedom of expression by carrying out His Majesty the King's clearly expressed wishes and reform our lese majeste laws. Promote accountability by amending the emergency decree so that the military and police are accountable for their actions.
In short, rather than engage in an unproductive impeachment exercise, the Democrats should woo voters by showing them they have a long-term vision that better fits their needs, and the will to make that vision come true.
Burin Kantabutra
THINK HEALTH PLAN THROUGH
There is basically nothing wrong with requiring tourists to carry health insurance when abroad, as the Health Ministry is now suggesting. Some countries will not issue an entry visa unless you have medical and accident insurance coverage. I have an awful feeling, though that this will turn into a money-making scam if agents and airlines are allowed to handle it.
I would like to ask the Health Ministry which government hospitals offer free medical treatment for tourists?
I have lived in this country legally for several years and on the three occasions I have had to seek hospital care (one private hospital and two government ones) I have had to pay. I am not complaining, as the treatment I received was excellent and the prices charged were reasonable.
I also wonder where this policy will leave persons who are here on long-term visas rather than as tourists.
Finally, a word of warning: In Western Europe it is virtually impossible to obtain travel insurance once you are over 65, so this policy could bar a large segment of Thailand's tourist market from visiting the country.
Brian Stocks
HAZE HAS A LONG HISTORY
I have been following the articles relating to the Indonesian haze with interest. Currently eight Southeast Asian companies in the palm oil business are being blamed for the raging fires that have blanketed neighbouring Singapore and Malaysia.
I don't know how long these companies have been in control of the plantations, but having worked up country from Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Indonesia some 30 years ago, I can definitely confirm that the haze was definitely there then. One could not see across a road and, of course, the local airport was out of action because of it. It was disgusting, and I cannot believe that it has been allowed to continue. However, I'm not so sure all the blame should be falling on these eight companies.
DH Carter
GET REAL WITH PHUKET SCAMS
In a perfect world I would agree with the writer of the letter ''Hit them where it hurts'' in yesterday's ''PostBag'' regarding the scams of Phuket. However, anyone who understands the taxi and tuk-tuk drivers' mindset and has had to deal with this on a daily basis will tell you that boycotting them will only get them madder and they'll put their prices up further to cover losses. They are certainly are not going to give up their grip on power and lose face at the same time. The only answer to saving Phuket in general is to bring in a new governor ready to take action, someone like Singapore's governor Lee Kuan Yew, and give him or her the power to wipe the slate clean.
Stop all new development, look at all the problems, make a new plan for how Thailand wants the world to view Phuket, put in strict regulations with regard to development, waste management, pollution, traffic management and tourist safety and transport. If necessary make a monetary deal with the current taxi and other scam operators and tell them they have to move out.
Then, start over, and maybe in a couple of years time, Phuket will look and feel as it is represented in the brochures. Otherwise, within a few years tourist numbers will start dropping, as is already happening in the high-end market.
Perry
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Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2013/06/30/performing-to-expectations/
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