Re: "Will we ever be able to bridge the political divide?". (Opinion, May 29).
The political conflict in Thailand has separated Thais into two opposing groups -- conservatives and liberals. In between these two groups there are the moderates, who share the feelings of the opposing factions but want to see a compromise reached, so that peace and harmony will prevail again.
The passing of Gen Prem Tinsulanonda has once again split Thais into two differing camps. One side is saying the statesman has brought peace, stability and prosperity to the country during his time, while the other is saying he has been standing in the way of democracy all along. Be that as it may, who will bring peace and harmony back to our society from now on? The answer is clear that we need a communicator with a diplomatic touch -- not a consummate rabble-rouser.
Vint Chavala
Ironic choice
Isn't it ironic that Thailand, especially Bangkok, will be hosting a conference about "clean water supplies" (BP, May 30)?
We here in Moo Baan Chuan Chuen -- and I am sure in many other sections of the city -- have repeatedly asked the MWA to replace the ancient water pipes. Many years ago, a small section was replaced, but the rest of us continue to suffer from dirty water. The MWA sent out a crew to inspect and they confirmed that our water tanks have crud on their bottoms and need cleaning 1-2 times a year, they confirmed that minerals in the water cause the rings in our toilet bowls. And yes, if you want to drink water from the tap you need a water filtration system to make it drinkable. These need changing at least twice a year.
What is their solution? To build a new corporate building while we get a notice stuffed into our mailbox naming a company that will clean out water tanks. We don't need tank cleaning, we need clean, drinkable water from the tap.
One other thing. The whole world is trying to dispose of plastic bottles (well maybe not here). One big way is to have potable water available in all major cities. Imagine not having to run to the store every time you want a drink of water, not to mention elimination of a great deal of waste. But since this is Thailand, maybe the government has an interest in the myriad of bottling plants here.
One last thing. In small print, the ad said "Smart water solutions for smart cities". I leave it up to the reader to determine where Bangkok fits in.
Krun Chee Wahter
Set record straight
Generally, I would agree that if a prosecutor doesn't have enough evidence to indict, then he's not supposed to say the suspect might be guilty. But in the case of Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller, we have a situation where he can't indict the president of the United States. Donald Trump takes advantage of that fact and gloated that he had been totally vindicated by the Mueller report. His water boy Attorney-General Bob Barr repeats that lie.
So it's perfectly appropriate for Mr Mueller to set the record straight. Since the president of the United States can get away with any crime he commits -- unless Congress takes action -- it's absurd to suggest he's entitled to the same presumption of innocence as the average US citizen.
Eric Bahrt
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