We need a series of debates between candidates for Bangkok governor to help educate and inform voters. Each candidate would have an opportunity to prove that his promises are really feasible, not just empty words. The given candidate's opponent will be all too happy to prove on-the-spot that what he says is nonsense. Thus, for example, can Pheu Thai's Pongsapat Pongcharoen convincingly prove that he will be his own man, not another puppet, when Thaksin's personal lawyer, Noppadon Pattama, confirmed to the New York Times that PM Yingluck is no more than a stand-in for the fugitive mastermind in Dubai?
Or, if MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra builds tunnels under intersections to ease traffic, won't we have even worse congestion while they are being built _ especially since the BTS lines are being expanded and the government's first-car scheme promises hell in the streets already?
As James Madison put it, ''A popular government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or, perhaps, both. A people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives''.
The debate series would give us the knowledge we need to choose wisely.
BURIN KANTABUTRA
The voice of reason
Re: ''Kittiratt adds pressure'' (Business, Feb 6). No matter how good he thinks his reasoning is, Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong should realise that the Monetary Policy Committee is a lawful and independent group of experts who must be allowed to make decisions independently _ free from any political pressure.
Respect for other lawful agencies is a prerequisite of a good government in a democracy.
A good political office holder should be a consummate communicator _ not one who bosses around pressuring others to conform or comply.
VINT CHAVALA
Time to tackle dengue
Two of my friends have contracted dengue fever recently. They both live in Pattaya and, prior to falling ill, had not left the city. Anecdotal evidence suggests that dengue fever is reaching epidemic levels here.
I have also noticed that the usual mosquito control measures have not been carried out during the past 14 months, nor have I seen the fogging process anywhere in Pattaya for a long time. Dengue should not be permitted to be prevalent in Pattaya. This is disgraceful and unacceptable.
MICHAEL SETTER
Is relief finally at hand?
I understand there is a promotional video available that may help people to learn Thai.
Perhaps you, or one of your readers, can advise me where I might obtain this useful product.
For years now I have suffered the frustration at being unable to communicate properly with the vendors openly selling sexual aids, pornographic DVDs, knock-off erectile dysfunction drugs and other treats from numerous stalls in the lower Sukhumvit area.
Now, it seems, relief may be at hand _ unless the Culture Ministry gets there first.
DAVID TUCK
Quality in eye of hotelier
Re: ''Changing Thailand's cheap and cheerful image'' (BP, Feb 6).
Travel writer, Karnjana Karnjanatawe states that ''Those hotel rates should be raised''.
The perception should also be changed.
Thailand should focus more on ''quality travellers'' such as long-haul travellers because they spend more and stay longer is untrue.
A few years back a well-known hotelier in Thailand, a member of the hotel association, reported that backpackers and trekkers and those other non-big spenders, actually spend more and stay longer.
They spread money into the outback of Thailand where the so-called rich and well-heeled tourists who spend a week or two never tread.
JACK GILEAD
CONTACT: BANGKOK POST BUILDING
136 Na Ranong Road Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110
Fax: +02 2403666 email: postbag@bangkokpost.co.th
All letter writers must provide full name and address.
All published correspondence is subject to editing at our discretion.