Here in Thailand, when complaints are voiced about the unfair practices of some convenience stores or about any up-market fresh-food outlets, most of the time the complainers don’t even know both businesses they have encountered are controlled by one and the same very rich person.
It beggars belief that one rich man is trying to control every business that could yield a profit for him — and most importantly some of those businesses should have been conserved for the country’s poor.
This goes to show that laws to protect the poor's way of life are either non-existent, or not working.
We, the Thai people, must not allow this avaricious behaviour to go on.
This is the time we must say to this tycoon: ”No more!”
Vint Chavala
Time to get serious
I agree to some extent with Krit (“Only boozers to blame, PostBag, May 5), except I think the challenge has more to do with educating drivers about the effects of alcohol, drugs, tiredness, awareness of speed, mobile phone use and all the other factors which affect a driver’s ability to be in complete control of the car at all times.
Driving courses which highlight the factors above are needed.
Learner drivers should have a specific time for learning road craft, both theory and practice, being taught by fully qualified and experienced driving instructors.
Learner drivers should only be allowed to drive by themselves having passed a rigorous specific theory and driving test.
There are other caveats such as at what age are you allowed to start driving (coaches, minivans, cars and motorbikes), the length of time spent learning, the quality of the instructor and the depth and breadth of the test itself.
But none of these are insurmountable.
The next stage is to have in place a dedicated section of the police force trained specifically to patrol the roads, having undergone extensive driving courses themselves, and have patrol cars equipped with the ability to read a vehicle registration plate and establish immediately the owner of the car, and whether it is insured and taxed.
They should have the authority to stop a vehicle and establish the credentials of the driver and their ability to drive.
There are various police forces in other countries who would provide the basis for developing such a police force.
For example, British traffic police, who themselves have undergone specialist training, are considered one of the best groups of traffic police drivers in the world.
The final stage is to ensure that lawmakers have created a transparent, fair and uncompromising set of laws.
Authorities need the powers to exact appropriate fines, disqualifications and detention for drivers who flout the law.
Death caused by dangerous driving, for example, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs should have a mandatory prison sentence.
Until this happens, I cannot see an end to the arrogant and selfish way drivers continue to exercise what seems to be their inalienable right to cause, at best, huge traffic jams and, at worst, carnage on the roads of Thailand.
The prime minister has the power to do something really meaningful and relevant to everybody — road users and pedestrians alike — it is called Section 44!
Martin
Wan played big role
I refer to Ajarn Thitinan’s article, “A South–South opportunity emerges in global power shift” (Opinion, May 1).
Thailand’s former foreign minister Prince Wan Waithayakorn did not just join the 1955 Bandung Conference, but he was elected its Rapporteur.
He was responsible for the Conference Report and Declaration, which animated the Bandung spirit. He also held a good meeting with China’s Premier, Zhou Enlai.
The Prince went on to preside over the UN General Assembly in 1956, the year of the Suez and Hungary crises.
Tej Bunnag
Death in the slow lane
Cycling is popular among the middle class who believe they have the same rights on a highway as motorists do.
But an average bike speed is 20-25kph, while an average speed of an automobile on a highway is 80-90kph.
Many a time while driving, I was startled by a group of cyclists taking half of the left lane going at 20kph.
We will hear more about fatal accidents involving automobiles and cyclists, by either drunk or sober drivers.
Bike riding on highways should be banned for the safety of cyclists.
Somsak Pola
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