Re: "History repeats as graftbusters fall flat", (Opinion, Jan 4). Surasak Glahan's commentary on the frustrating dearth of objectivity, independence, fortitude and integrity of the National Anti-Corruption Commission is largely on the mark.
In one aspect, however, Khun Surasak is dead wrong. This is where he says the conclusion to the protracted watch probe "has left the public reeling in disbelief at the agency's weak findings and unconvincing summation".
A petition backing a campaign to impeach the National Anti-Corruption Commission over its controversial 'watchgate' ruling. The campaign was initiated by activist Srisuwan Janya.
In reality, only a more damning conclusion to the investigation would have left the public reeling in disbelief.
Samanea Saman
Politicians' bad example
Re: "Man guns down children, 4 in-laws at New Year party", (BP, Jan 2).
It is a depressing symptom to see the new year start with yet another Thai male with access to guns, albeit drunk on alcohol rather than power, follow the example set by the ruling politicians of resorting to violence to solve a problem with the perceived attitudes of other people, specifically, that they did not give his ego the respect he demanded irrespective of what had been earned.
Felix Qui
Trump's arms deals dubious
I have just enjoyed reading another pro-Trump letter from Jason A Jellison, ("Praise for Trump", PostBag, Jan 5), this time extolling the virtues of Mr Trump extracting the USA from conflicts around the world, as opposed to past presidents who have often become embroiled in complex conflicts overseas.
I would agree that it is good to see the US extricate itself from wars that it has itself often caused, but then if Mr Jellison is really serious about the positive benefits of this, perhaps he should also condemn Mr Trump for selling billions of dollars of arms to dubious regimes like those in Saudi Arabia, when his administration knows full well how such weapons will be used -- often on innocent civilians.
Sponsoring war through seemingly unlimited arms sales in such a way could be seen as just a coward's way of keeping oneself out of direct harm's way, while effectively encouraging others to do the dirty work for you!
GMT
Trying to help a waste of time
Bravo to "A teacher" for his Jan 5 letter, "Raising the English bar". I still fail to see why the government does not legislate to permit retired teachers (and other professionals) in Thailand from donating their services and expertise on a voluntary basis. Everyone would profit.
Some students in a local park where I was idling away the day under a shady tree reading, approached me and asked if I would spend time talking with them. Sure, I was delighted to oblige. They asked if I would come to their local high school to have an informal conversation class once a week.
First, immigration does not permit even voluntary service without a permit, second, when I did inquire of the school administrator, I was told "it is not a good idea as you would be taking away the job of a Thai teacher".
The Thai English teacher in question has had a vocabulary of fifty English words for the past 20 years, and has never used the verb "to be" in any of its existing forms. So much for raising the bar on English, but lowering the bar on students and depriving them of golden opportunities by myopic officials.
Thailand will continue to strive in its efforts to always be number-one, in traffic accidents, poor roads, horrible drivers, and is currently maintaining its reputation as number-one lowest Asian country for the poorest English language standards. And, ask yourself, who is to really blame?
Jack Gilead
Road education is vital
The recent fatal accident in Chiang Mai in which a TV host was killed highlighted what I believe to be a very important feature in Thailand's very high road deaths. It wasn't drunk driving or speeding, none of the "popular" causes for Thai accidents, it was quite simply the lack of understanding on where to position vehicles at road junctions.
With no proper lessons, no knowledge of road rules or time spent learning, many drivers haven't a clue about which lane they should be occupying. Someone on the extreme right was not turning right but going straight ahead and someone to their left was doing a right hand turn across the path of that car. Two unnecessary deaths caused by a simple matter of wrong lane use.
You can clean up the drunks and the speeders, enforce seat belt and helmet rules but only when proper driving instruction and a proficiency test is enforced will you see safer roads.
Lungstib
Child abuse on our roads
Re: "Make boozers pay", (PostBag, Jan 3).
Congratulations to Charcoal Ridgeback on his letter about drivers. I would like to expand some extras. What about for fines not wearing helmets?
Years ago, police used to have spot checks. No more.
Why are not the people who rent these motor bikes not fined for not having enough helmets for the riders and passengers? And most importantly, severe fines for having children on these bikes. Back in North America this is called child abuse.
Froggie
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