Re: "E-business tax to be levied in 2018," (BP, Dec 1).
Taxing any online transaction that takes place in Thailand regardless of the e-commerce operator's location will make a level playing field tilted, not level. If I buy, say, from Central department store, why should I pay more for buying online versus at a brick-and-mortar store? If anything, online sales should be cheaper because Central won't need a prime location venue or sales people. Having the online tax would prompt me to buy in person, adding to travel expenses and traffic jams.
Perhaps Revenue Department director-general Prasong Poontaneat's real motive is to shield brick-and-mortar retailers from online retailers, and locals from offshore retailers -- at the cost of consumers like you and me, dear reader. That's hardly laudable, sir. Encouraging competition between different channels of distribution makes merchants more efficient and effective, saving consumers' hard-earned money. For example, no government taxes taxi firms so that buses can compete with taxis, or taxes fares of foreign airlines so local ones benefit.
Instead of seeking to suppress innovation that'll help bring Thailand 4.0 about, the government should help brick-and-mortar retailers adapt to the changes, for example, by subsidising retraining for laid-off staff or helping retailers find new market niches.
Burin Kantabutra
Warped Buddhism
While it is true that tourists should "show respect when they travel" (PostBag, Dec 2) it is equally true that the gross over-reaction by hysterical Thai authorities fails to respect common sense and decency, not to mention the teachings of the Buddha. Sadly, this use of Buddhism as a weapon to attack others is a common occurrence in Thailand, where respect for the Buddha's actual teachings is either ignored, as in the daily slaughter of animals to sate a very carnal lust for tasty roasts, or is actually criminalised, as in the harsh censorship laws designed to prevent the right of understanding that is an essential part of the Buddha's wisdom.
The two foreigners were rude fools, but it is not obvious they are the more guilty party in disrespecting Buddhism in Thailand.
Felix Qui
Dialogue the answer
Re: "Is Trump twigging to 'rational accommodationism'?", (Gwynne Dyer, BP, Dec 2).
Dyer is correct in calling Mr Trump ignorant and bombastic. As they say, "barking dogs seldom bite". A few decades ago America used similar kinds of warnings and threats against India and China when they were pursuing their nuclear ambitions. At that time both Asian countries were not big economies, but they did become nuclear states while the US administration kept on barking. It is not surprising that America has now become a close ally of these two countries.
North Korea is not like Iraq or Afghanistan.
A single nuclear device dropped on South Korea will have devastating consequences. The best course for the countries in the region is to accept North Korea the same way they have accepted USA, China, India, Pakistan, Russia and few European countries. Dialogue and negotiations with North Korea is the only way forward.
Kuldeep Nagi
Firebrand mellows
Re: "The 'Rohingya' trap", (PostBag, Dec 2)
I did a double take after I read, "I think it's unfair to attack Pope Francis for not using the word 'Rohingya' when he was in Myanmar." I rubbed my eyes to make sure this came from Eric Bahrt.
I expected Eric to lambaste Pope Francis for not jumping at Aung San Suu Kyi's throat during his visit there. I expected Eric to rattle off cases of child sexual abuse by Catholic priests, followed by the Church's teaching that contraception is sinful. But he didn't. He sincerely understands.
If this bloke is really Eric Bahrt, he's sure mellowed a lot.
Somsak Pola
Found in translation
Some letter writers reckon they can't speak Thai. What rubbish. We can all learn slowly, at our own speed if we want to. We start with our priorities, like days of the week or motorbike directions (turn right, or left). It shows respect for others, apart from a farang.
Gerry Popplestone
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