Thitinan Pongsudhirak’s article yesterday, “PM’s Japan visit heralds ‘hedging’ strategy” summarises in detail the difference between infrastructure projects recently inked between Thailand and China, and those with Japan.
As a good example the author outlines the conditions of the north-south rail project to be carried out by China and concludes this may be seen as “a grand rip-off”, especially when comparing the more favourable conditions offered by Japan on similar projects.
Surely a comprehensive study, and understanding of terms and conditions and any small print are fundamental before signing any agreements or contracts? The words caveat emptor spring to mind.
If you don’t like the terms and conditions, then negotiate them and do not sign any contract unless and until you are satisfied with them. Do not, under any circumstances, sign first and then complain you have been ripped off!
Martin R
US creates terrorists
Re: "Head in the sand” (BP, Feb 23).
John Arnone had a lot to say about Islam and Muslims and none of it was positive.
He mentioned that the world's Muslims are to be blamed for their silence about terrorists acts perpetrated by radical Islamist groups.
But I cannot help but ask Mr Arnone if he has ever condemned the American invasions of Muslim countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan and Libya? These invasions killed hundreds of thousands of Muslim women and children and destroyed their countries. I'm sure nothing would make the Muslim world happier than to see Mr Arnone’s advice followed and for Western governments to leave the Muslims to take care of their own affairs. This is exactly what all those terrorists are fighting for.
To say there has been no outcry by Muslims against these acts of terrorism is wrong. We are all very sad about these things which are not based on our religion, but rather on regional politics.
Maybe some of you can also tell Israel to leave the Palestinians alone? Although I believe in the idea of the State of Israel as an independent nation, I still blame them for the suffering of the people they displaced. Israel must find a solution to this terrible incident in world history. I want to see the Arabs and the Jews live peacefully with each other, the way they did for more than a thousand years until the Christians came along and killed their people during World War II.
I cannot blame some Muslims for not understanding the logic of Western governments — they destroy people’s lives and still put the blame on the victims.
Mahamas Kromas
Appreciating Islam
I would like to thank my fellow non-Muslims from the bottom of my heart for helping spread Islam across the world. It is much appreciated.
If these non-Muslims claim that Islam is a faith which provokes hatred and encourages its followers to commit atrocities against non-Muslims around the world, why do we see a huge number of people of different faiths, or atheists, convert — or rather “revert” — to the peaceful faith of Islam on a daily basis?
I am perplexed, and I only have one answer to this confusion: there is a hidden agenda. People try to give Islam a bad name and a negative reputation so that Muslims will be scared and try to fight back.
In the end, Muslims are not at war with non-Muslims, and I would like to advise Muslims, wherever they are, to stay vigilant and not to get involved in any violent protests because Islam came to lead the entire human race to the right path.
It is your free choice to embrace or reject this pure faith, as long as it is within respectful boundaries.
Ameen
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