Despite advice for simple, inexpensive but workable solutions to the Saphan Taksin BTS station single line problem, our city planners are determined to go ahead with the station expansion project.
Not only this. They are also planning to erect another station located between Surasak and Chong Nonsri stations! These two massive construction projects, conducted concurrently, will make Sathon Road impassable for traffic and adjacent districts "no-go" areas for up to three years.
I find it hard to believe there is so much funding available for such schemes when two escalators leading to the elevated pedestrian walkway in front of Amarin Plaza have been shut down for years. The lift at Ratchadamri BTS station was closed after operating for just three weeks almost a year ago. Let's fix these essential facilities before thinking of such grandiose, unnecessary work.
Experience shows the dreams of planners are often the nightmares of the people. Can someone knock some sense into these decision makers before it's too late?
John L Sheppard
Land of contradictions
We are all aware Thailand is a land of contradictions in all walks of life. Indeed, the excitement and anticipation of what might be around the next corner or what might transpire over the next hour is what many would class as one of the attractions of living here. I am delighted to see that the Bangkok Post is also entering into the spirit of things with two reports in the Nov 2 edition. In the first, "EIT envisions 'smart future' for Thailand", Khun Thanet Veerasiri, President of the EIT, claims that, "Using digital innovation and automation can help us manage our resources wisely. It can also help us manage services more efficiently." Wonderful!
Then, in the same issue, with regard to welfare card travel, we read "Some city buses still do not have card-readers (EDC devices) … despite displaying stickers indicating the machines are in place. Some EDC devices in buses functioned slowly because of poor internet connections." Perhaps Khun Thanet could get together with the BMTA to offer advice. Then again, one hapless passenger is quoted as saying, "The bank staff which issued me with the card didn't tell me what I could do with the card." With such stories to hand, who would read the comics page?
Warner
Foreign media follies
Re: "Royal respect", (PostBag, Nov 1).
I couldn't agree more with Sumaetin Saengtriratnukul that people from different countries hold different beliefs; hence, citizens from different nations should learn to respect and understand each other.
Foreign media that levelled criticism at Thailand over how much was paid for the cremation ceremony of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej should realise that they are trespassing in another country's internal affairs.
We Thais hold sincere respect for foreigners who observe our age-old traditions with a positive attitude and courteousness.
But for those who criticise our country without reason, or without any attempt to understand us, we can only feel sorry for their ignorance and insensitivity.
These foreign media should look at their own countries' problems -- and help solve them. They should not answer by saying there are no problems back there.
They should have enough decency to leave us alone over this matter.
Chavalit Wannawijitr
Not charmed on arrival
On a recent visit to Sri Lanka I cleared immigration on arrival in about two minutes. On my departure the immigration officer wished me good afternoon and asked if I had a pleasant stay. Fast forward to my return to Suvarnabhumi airport: I was in the so-called Fast Track/Premium lane where 60% of the desks had no immigration staff on duty. After a long wait I was processed by a surly immigration officer who could not even be bothered to look at me, let alone smile.
As the immigration is the first experience for visitors to Thailand, one would have thought a friendly greeting was not too difficult? A few years ago we were told the immigration staff would be sent to a charm school to improve their demeanor. I trust the government sued that school!
Martin R
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