OPINION

Trade pact is needed

Re: “Time to rethink our economic strategy”, (Editorial, Aug 9).

It is natural with any trade pact that there will be winners and losers economically. While some aspects of the TPP may be unfavourable to Thailand, the country would undoubtedly also gain a great deal in terms of lowering trade barriers and increased market access.

It is naive to think Thailand can continue to grow its economy without a strong export orientation. The Thai domestic market is far too small to sustain a robust economy in isolation.

It is time for Thai authorities to reconsider the country’s position on the TPP as part of its economic rethink.

Samanea Saman

Re: “The big issue: A degree of intervention”, (Opinion, Aug 9).

Please remember that US Republicans made an issue of the “watchlist” and stood up for Thailand in the US Congress recently.

Years ago, Republican Senator Jesse Helms stood up to former PM Thaksin Shinawatra to defend the news media in Southeast Asia.

US Republicans are long-time, proven friends of Thailand.

The TPP would force a type of consumerism on Thailand that would create an unacceptable rise in wages, forcing Thailand out of business. Any country in Southeast Asia that signs the TPP ends up committed to buying Western goods, and that leads to unmanageable household debt, or to an unacceptable rise in wages.

US Republicans can understand all of this and if Thais carefully explain the economic fundamentals at play, Republicans will respond favourably. If US businesses need competitive, low-cost production in Thailand, then Thais must remain “net producers” of Western goods, but not “net consumers” of those goods.

Guy Baker

Many people do not like Donald Trump, but one must admit he has a knack of getting things done — mostly, of course, for his own benefit.

If Thailand had someone with the guts to apply Mr Trump’s trademark phrase to all the corrupt officials in the government, military and police, it would indicate a true start has been made on the reforms Thailand so badly needs.

“You’re fired” must not mean just moving people to inactive posts on a full salary for the rest of their working lives.

Chris Kaye

I read Rick Reisman’s letter, “Time for my pills” (Postbag, Aug 8) with serious interest. I’d like to come to the defence of (most) government hospitals.

I have had knee surgery in Udon Thani’s state hospital performed by perhaps one of the best orthopedic surgeons in the country (who is now unfortunately retired). The cost was 28,000 baht as opposed to one of Bangkok’s private outlets where I was quoted 280,000 baht.

I have had cataract surgery on both my eyes at Prachin Buri’s Apaiphubetr state hospital costing 16,500 baht per eye. No, it was not laser surgery, but the results are the same. I was quoted 60,000 baht per eye at one of Bangkok’s finest facilities.

Yes, I agree with Mr Reisman that one must wait two, and perhaps three hours. But a state hospital is a care facility open to all, not a money-making hospital for those who can afford it, where the first question asked on entry is, “Can you afford to pay for our services?”

As a non-Thai I always expect to pay more than a local, but I have never been gouged, overcharged or taken advantage of because I’m a Westerner. My fees have always been most reasonable. I’ve always found (most) state hospital doctors knowledgeable, competent and as good as any in private hospitals.

I’ve also found my share of stupid, ignorant, incompetent doctors at state hospitals as well. Most doctors do have a basic knowledge of English, and I’ve never encountered comprehension problems in either their explanations or in explaining my problem.

I’m also completing a tooth implant for 45,000 baht. Bangkok’s private institutions quoted me upwards of 65,000 baht.

Now that Mr Reisman (and the rest of the world) has my medical history, I’d say don’t be too hard on government hospitals.

A brightly painted room, nicer equipment and stainless steel wheelchairs, gurneys and tables, modern TVs, a waiting room with comfortable chairs, beautifully uniformed nurses, and piped-in music, does not guarantee competency. It does however guarantee to put you at ease while forking over big bucks with a smile.

Lobzig