Re: "Motorists slam police road safety crackdown", (BP, Aug 23).
The proposed new fines and punishments for breaking the road traffic acts of Thailand to a certain extent are well overdue. I have the feeling that they will be a waste of time.
The underlying problem is not that people are deterred from breaking the law by handing out fines and prison time, because as we all know your friendly traffic policeman and his bosses can help you in that area. All that will happen is the price for getting off the hook will increase to the benefit of all the corrupt police who have to feed the man at the top.
This is where the real problem lies. Until there is a root and branch change in the Royal Thai Police and enforcement of the laws comes before the lining of pockets, regrettably Thailand will remain at the top of the league when it comes to road deaths and many other crimes for that matter.
Brian Corrigan
True religion
"We can reject everything else; religion, ideology, all received wisdom. But we cannot escape the necessity of love and compassion. This, then, is my true religion, my simple faith. In this sense, there is no need for temple or church, for mosque or synagogue, no need for complicated philosophy, doctrine, or dogma. Our own heart, our own mind, is the temple. The doctrine is compassion, love for others and respect for their rights and dignity, no matter who or what they are: ultimately these are all we need."
This brave and wise quotation is from the Dalai Lama, the only spiritual leader that I have enormous respect for. In these perilous times, where materialism and consumerism prevail throughout every society, and where massive resources are squandered to build obscene monuments to our misguided and demented beliefs, it's reassuring that at least someone understands where every society has gone wrong, and has an answer.
Johnny Waters
Ridiculous rules
The proposed higher fines for drivers licence offenses are ridiculous , and will not lead to fewer road deaths. Want to get Thailand off the "worst in the world" list for road safety?
- Helmets for all motorcyclists and passengers.
- Rear lights on all motorbikes.
- Maximum of 3 persons on a motorbike.
- No riding on the wrong side of the road.
- No underage riders.
If you seriously think a valid licence would help, then make the driving test meaningful. Not the joke we all know it is now.
P Kelly
Hua Hin
Swamp monster
In follow-up to Lungstib's letter in Aug 22's PostBag, it is not coincidental the TARGET word in the Aug 23 puzzles is COMMITTAL, given the revelations of the past 24 hours in the US. I, too, have had very little time for the Trump candidacy, nor presidency, given the abhorrent lack of class, courtesy, deference, and preparedness for the office he ran for, and somehow won. He has nearly completed one of his pre and post election promises, though, by draining the swamp, albeit the swamp has been drained of most of his co-corrupt associates recently, those that were going to be the "very best in the business"!
Happily, the swamp may soon be drained enough to expose the largest swamp creature infesting the waters soon!
Politico Steve
The quiet diplomat
Re: "Late Kofi Annan was a 'guiding force for good'." (BP, Aug 19).
The wise and sagacious Kofi Annan, led the United Nations with sober dignity and aplomb. During the Iraq War, he had tried to be the voice of reason and millions of citizens had faith in his restraining influence. He believed in quiet diplomacy, infinite patience and the virtues of silence in the midst of conflict.
He was truly an angel of peace and his heart and soul were in the mission of the United Nations.
Rajendra Aneja
Ironic appointment
In the Bangkok Post's Aug 22 report, Tourist Police Bureau (TPB) deputy chief Pol Maj Gen Surachate Hakparn aka Big Joke has been appointed spokesman for Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon. The irony. Will he be conducting an investigation into his boss's mysterious watch collection? Let's see how white the White Knight of the police force is.
Ron Martin
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