Re: "Thai English proficiency drops", (BP, Oct 5).
So why does the drop in ranking constitute tragic news? Who in the country really cares about this, or any other ranking system? For more than a century, we have known there is a strong correlation between higher English proficiency, a nation's wealth and its progressive social values. Although each Thai student studies English for at least 12 years at primary and secondary school, they are still unable to communicate in English. This is proof the educational system that has been place for 70 years is shortchanging them. Even Thai students who are doing their PhDs, as well as the professors advising them, can't speak or write in correct English.
Draconian immigration laws and work permit rules are partly to blame for the dismal state of English in Thailand. Thailand can easily tap into the talent of foreigners who have relocated here by providing them suitable visa benefits and hassle-free work permits. Many of us who have decided to live here are willing to work for free.
Thailand will not be able to improve its stature and economy without making English a medium of instruction. It also needs good teacher-training programmes at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Within Asean, Singapore provides the best model of how excellence in education can lead to the creation of wealth and prosperity for its citizens.
Kuldeep Nagi
Armed slavery
Re: "Apirat defends mandatory draft", (BP, Nov 4).
There is no justification for a mandatory military draft when the country is not at war! Forced servitude to the government for any means is equivalent to slavery. I am a veteran from the greatest military power ever created and it is a totally voluntary militia. My country learned this lesson after Vietnam when they realised forcing people to join when they did not want to created bad soldiers and corruption with people trying to get deferments and avoid the draft.
Making military service voluntary forces the military to become more efficient and treat the soldiers better. When the military elites do not have to address soldiers complaints and concerns, then the system automatically becomes abusive and tyrannical. Tyranny seems great if you are one of the few at the top of the pyramid, but less so as you get further down the rankings. Having a voluntary military means that the soldiers are truly respected for their sacrifice and encouraged to support the effort so that there is not a need for a draft programme.
US soldiers are offered reenlistment bonuses, college stipends, base housing (for families) and other financial perks that support any civilian career path. This creates a viable institution that reflects honouring the sacrifices made. Also, this creates a higher calibre of people filling the ranks.
Soldiers for any developed country are only used against those outside the country and deemed "enemies" by the government. Since Thailand does not have a military that can compete with those of developed nations, then why the push for a fake military?
When the military does not have a focus outside the country's borders, then it automatically starts targeting the civilian population. It is time for an honest discussion about the purpose of the military and the actual needs of the people, not the military elites if the country is truly to advance into the 21st century. One would think that one of the few countries that supports Buddhism would have the smallest military and the largest Peace Corps.
Darius Hober
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