Their own worst enemy
Re: “Army prepares to step up rocket-system technology” (BP, Feb 13).
Deputy defence minister Udomdej Sitabutr says the Thai army needs more weapons to protect the country. What? What? Did I read this correctly? The HTMS Chakri Naruebet needed to protect Thai territorial waters sits idle, a tourist attraction, especially on National Children’s Day. That army airship, aka the blimp, is so full of holes that it never takes to the sky.
Now Thailand needs modern rocket technology to protect it against potential enemies? What happened to those plastic mine detectors that the army paid thousands for per unit? Didn’t anyone learn? The only potential enemies to Thailand are those in the military who propose such unmitigated follies through stupidity, because like little boys, they need their toys. They are the ones full of holes for their hot air.
David James Wong
STOP BUYING TOYS FOR THE BOYS
In the latest attempt to protect the Thai nation from the enemy without, the generals are once again seeking new weapons, in this case rockets with an effective range of 150 kilometres.
Given the chequered history of weapons acquisitions, such as the GT 200 bogus bomb detectors that killed their operators, the blimp that can’t fly, and an aircraft carrier now serving as a museum, one might well inquire as to the likely fate of chemically fuelled rockets armed with explosives.
Where is the facility to decommission these dangerous weapons? They will require highly specialised and expensive equipment and trained personnel to render them harmless. Is that included in the procurement budget? And following the dictum of proportionate response, where is the enemy located a mere 150 kilometres away with missiles pointed at Thailand?
If an effective deterrent is what the military desires it might be more cost effective to institute top to bottom restructuring rather than buying more non-essential toys. The military has generals numbering in the thousands and administrative costs estimated to be above 70%.
Why not modernise the military first? Efficiency could be significantly improved by eliminating waste and reorganising the inordinately top-heavy management structure. Then at least the enemy within may be conquered.
Michael SetterBang Saray
ABUSED BY THE MEN IN ORANGE
Re: “Paiboon leads legal charge against Buddhism bodies” (BP, Feb 12).
As an unashamed anti-theist I must just say how impressed I am by the actions of Khun Paiboon in standing up to the monastic dictatorship here in Thailand. After all, no one wants to see a totalitarian authority ruling over them that is above both criticism and the rule of law, now do they? Banish the thought!
Although, as in most cases of faith and religion, we see a simple philosophy of naive intent (in this case Buddhism) distorted and abused by the men in orange. They are afforded such exceptional privilege and status, whilst a gullible following fill their bowls and their banks to excess.
As long as people of faith continue to invest their fate in the fairytale texts of our intellectual infancy, and invest their money in the culture of “how much religion can you afford today?”, then I am afraid to say they get exactly what they deserve. Zero return on investment.
T Hinker
GET ON YOUR BIKE, NOT THE BTS
I was on the skytrain on Friday, about 5pm. The carriage was full, mainly because four full-size bicycles and riders were taking up the space. By the time we got to Phloenchit, more passengers were unable to board.
Why were these people not on their bicycles? Their journey cannot have been far as the entire length of the line, which is not a strenuous journey on a bike.
I have questions for the BTS management. Why are bicycles permitted on the skytrain at all? Why are they allowed during rush hour? What is the price of a ticket for a bicycle? My station has sign warning about balloons being prohibited but seems to openly encourage bicycles.
Patanawet
COMPLAINANT WITH A CAUSE
Re: “Easy 90-day reporting” (PostBag, Feb 12).
I read Fred Prager’s response to my letter “moaning” about 90-day reporting. I would like to assure Mr Prager that this was not a moan but just an attempt to get someone to do something about the long-promised online system.
In this day and age it should be a simple process. If it is not continually brought to the attention of those in charge then nothing will happen. Mr Prager states that online reporting is currently only available on Internet Explorer. I, and many friends, use Internet Explorer and so far none of us has been successful. I would be interested to hear if he has actually been successful in completing his reporting by this means.
Mr Prager mentions the postal solution, but surely this is a little antediluvian, and not everyone is lucky enough to have a post office nearby. I will continue my trips to Chaeng Watthana and will not hold my breath for a speedy solution.
Scottie
TEACHING NO ONE A LESSON
Why does the Bangkok Post keep on writing about education? I’ve been reading article after article on this subject for years. It’s plain as the nose on your face that the powers that be don’t want the general public to be educated. So please stop, it’s getting boring.
Petros
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