Re: "2 Chinese arrested for stealing Rimowa bags at Suvarnabhumi", (BP, Nov 4).
Is it any surprise that passengers' bags are being stolen at Thailand's airports? The bags reach the carousels well before the passengers, who are often queuing at immigration for ages. This gives opportunities for absolutely anyone to pick and choose any bag.
There are staff in the reclaim halls waiting to receive reports of missing bags. Why are these staff not deployed to check the bag you are leaving with has the same tag number as that indicated on your boarding pass? It's unbelievable inefficiency.
IAN CRUICKSHANK
Overpass number fun
Re: "900 days of pain: congestion fears loom as overpass shuts", (BP, Nov 6).
I love the City Hall's public relations work. "900 days" does not sound as long as "2½ years". I groaned when converting days to years!
SONGDEJ PRADITSMANONT
Duty-free no bargain
Re: "At Suvarnabhumi, duty calls", (Business, Nov 5).
The table highlighting the duty-free concession arrangements for different airports in Asia is very revealing and provides clear insights into why duty-free shopping at Suvarnabhumi remains so lousy. The sweetheart deal giving King Power a monopoly over duty-free sales at Suvarnabhumi and other major airports in Thailand for 14 years is undoubtedly great for the bottom line of King Power, but results in non-competitive pricing, service and product choices -- none of which are good for consumers.
There are good reasons why people speak glowingly about duty-free shopping at other airports around the region where multiple concessions are granted for shorter durations, while almost no one talks positively about duty-free shopping at Suvarnabhumi.
SAMANEA SAMAN
Thais' English slump
Re: "Angry at 'angrit'", (PostBag, Nov 6).
While I do not always agree with Kuldeep Nagi, I must say I fully agree with his comments in his letter. It is very succinct and well said. Between both the Ministry of Education, (probably few there speak fluent in-gi-rish), and the indeed draconian immigration laws, Thailand will probably drop another few notches by the next Swiss survey.
I used to care, but, frankly, if those responsible for promoting language education do not give a hoot, then, why should I? Most people become vocal when it hits their pockets or wallets, and they are turned down in a job market that Thailand promotes with its desire to be part of international, or Asean development. Keep on sloggin' boys. The already near dead horse is ready to drop dead. Once down, it is not going to get up for anyone.
DRONGO BIRD
Elderly need our help
Re: "Rising abuse of elderly irks NHRC", (BP, Nov 5).
Congratulations to your reporter Penchan Charoensuthipan on the front-page special report on the rising problem of the neglect and abuse of older people in Thailand, and to the National Human Rights Commission for addressing this hidden scandal. Elder abuse is in fact a global problem, but tends to be hidden in many countries, perhaps especially in Asia, where traditional values of respect for elders often contrast with the harsh realities of life in our fast-changing socio-economic and family structures.
Last month, HelpAge International held its Asia-Pacific Regional Conference together with UNFPA and the national government of Iran focusing on families, communities and the state in ageing societies, which brought together representatives from governments, civil society, academic institutes and development partners. The challenges are huge, but working together, we can adapt our health and care systems to protect older people's human rights and provide vital services as we live longer and we hope healthier lives.
It is also good to read about the work of voluntary organisations such as "Mae Ying" in Buri Ram.
USA KHIEWRORD
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