Re: "Prawit won't resign, to stay on in 'national interest'," (Online, Feb 5).
The report quoted Lt Gen Kongcheep Tantrawanit as saying that "Gen Prawit was healthy and of good morale, and he would continue to devote himself to his role as the key figure in ensuring national security and safety".
I sincerely believe the general public are not interested in Gen Prawit's morale. They are more interested in his morals.
David Brown
Court casinos
It was sad to read about the death of 17-year-old Watchareepon Kongsompeth after her bike was run over by a large truck despite her reportedly driving on the hard shoulder.
The final paragraphs state that the Khu Kot police, having decided somewhat strangely that the girl was partly to blame, will take no action to assist compensation. It seems their investigation was shabby and incomplete.
The real horror is the glib excuse that the family can seek compensation by filing a civil claim through the courts.
Anyone having used the courts in Thailand will know it is horribly expensive not just to file the claim but also in lawyers' fees, and in the years it takes to reach a conclusion. Outcomes are also somewhat uncertain and a gamble as the outcome can be completely different from previous cases with similar facts. It often seems contradictory.
The alternative avenue to the police actually doing their job properly is really not a good opportunity as the cost and further distress to the family are prohibitive, even allowing for any relief they may be offered as impoverished Thais by the law.
Ian Rance
Licence to bribe
Earlier today, the Chiang Mai police (all the officers had a sanitary mask on) were stopping all tourists of European descent on a motorbike or moped near the Thapae Gate. They were asking for their driver's licences and, if not available at the time, a cash payment of 1,000 baht.
As a frequent business visitor to Chiang Mai for many years, I've never had that issue. Also, the rental places, even the very reputable ones, do not ask for a driver's licence or advise you to carry one when using their small two-wheel vehicles.
I saw an officer putting a lock on a bike as the driver did not have enough money, an ID card or a driver's licence (not sure if it was an international licence or a regular one they needed).
Beware!
Alan E Brown
Train reaction
In his Feb 3 letter, "Full speed ahead", Chavalit Wannawijitr writes that the high-speed Bangkok-Chiang Mai train would facilitate populating towns along the route from a sinking Bangkok. One problem is that local trains on the route are affordable and easily accessible, stopping frequently. A high-speed train, if it makes local stops would defeat its purpose, like a short flight aircraft that revs up, takes off and before reaching full power is already in landing mode -- a puddle jumper as we call it.
It is also not a good idea to assume that city dwellers and those living outside Bangkok would want to repopulate small towns, or even live in them. A city dweller's mentality is much different than that of a country dweller, for whatever reasons. And imagine if Chiang Mai started swelling its population beyond the ability of the city or province to cope with or provide services. Chiang Mai would become another Bangkok. Out of the frying pan into the fire. Who needs or wants it.
Jack Gilead
Airpocalypse now
The Pollution Control Department says 50µcg or less of fine particulates in 1 cubic metre of air is "safe". The WHO says if fine particulates were reduced from 70µcg to 20µcg, deaths from outdoor air pollution could be cut by 15%. Clearly, 50µcg is not safe. The department should communicate with the general public in a more realistic way that reflects the facts.
Michael Setter
Contact: Bangkok Post Building
136 Na Ranong Road Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110
fax: +02 6164000 Email: postbag@bangkokpost.co.th
All letter writers must provide full name and address.
All published correspondence is subject to editing at our discretion.
