Re: “Board axes SRT rail link boss contract”, (BP, April 11).
I was not surprised about managing director Phirakan Kaeowongwattana's fraud to gain employment with SRT, because such acts are common in Thailand. What I can't stand is the news that the airport link's Phaya Thai line will be closed for a year for maintenance.
Transport business operators around the world plan the maintenance of vehicles on rotating schedules so as not to disturb services. I cannot understand why all their carriages have become “unrailworthy” at one time. This really is amazing Thailand.
Robert H Suga
Lamphun
Back to the future
Not so long ago power lay with an elite, Bangkok-based few. The country revolved around rich businessmen, high ranking army figures and ultra conservatives.
What did these guys ever do to improve the lives of their poorer citizens? Were they not corrupt in ensuring there was no distribution of wealth? Is Thailand about to go full circle? Mr Suthep is trying his best to restore the status quo.
Having a vote means that the powers that be have to listen to you. Say what you like, but Thaksin gave the mass of working people hope. He has since been discredited and doesn't have the support of old, but don't give up on democracy, use it.
Why haven't the opposition had the balls to listen to the people and campaigned to demonstrate its intentions to move the country forward in terms of education, living standards and health issues? This government can easily be beaten at the ballot box if the opposition is seen to speak for all.
Gordon Pattison
Press for democracy
The British press often campaign for just causes in the interests of the nation, particularly when there is a threat to democracy. They are very much part of the system of democracy.
One wonders why the press in Thailand does not adopt a similar stance over democracy in the interests of the country and its future generations.
Surely establishing democracy in Thailand must be to the country's advantage. It would provide for the political stability which Thailand desperately needs.
Endemic corruption is restricting education, holding back economic development and preventing the country embracing international status. The current system of governance is damaging the country with a xenophobic, medieval mindset held by a controlling few, set only on increasing their personal wealth at the expense of Thai people.
JC Wilcox
A prickly issue
I read the article “MPB chief slammed for Thaksin meet”, (BP, April 12) and thought, is it April 1? No, this is just how Thai justice performs. A convicted fugitive is visited in Hong Kong and given acupuncture by Metropolitan Police Bureau Chief, Khamronwit Thoopkrachang. I seem to recall he has visited one other time to have an award bestowed on him by Thaksin?
Plus Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri sees no problem with his behaviour. At the very least someone, (Abhisit Vejjajiva?) should file a complaint with National Anti-Corruption Commission on grounds of dereliction of duty and negligent behaviour. It's just a complete farce, I know of no other country in world where this kind of action would occur or simply be condoned.
Ray Gregory
True spirit of Songkran
In our younger days during Songkran, my wife and I would bring our daughter to visit and pay respects to our parents in a rod nam dum hua tradition.
Now our daughter has grown up and married, and it is her family's turn to treat us with the same simple ceremony. This year, I have noticed that our five-year-old grandson has become unusually solemn and observant during the ceremony — as his mother was.
It dawned on me then that this age-old and wonderful tradition will stay within our family for a long, long time. It would be wonderful if our country's elders were regarded and treated the same way.
Vint Chavala
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