Re: ''BMA embraces Unesco book capital title'' (BP, April 22).
Bangkok governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra hopes to have Bangkokians reading more. The BMA plans to add 20 community libraries per year to the current number of 116 in the city. According to one statistic, Thais now read on average just five books each year.
While that is discouraging enough, based on my observations during hours of riding mass transit in all its forms, I believe the real figure is much closer to zero.
But what better time to read a good book, than while commuting in a train or on a bus?
So here is a suggestion for the BMA. To help publicise the city's new status as ''World Book Capital'', how about negotiating with the operators of our public transport services to replace the noisy TVs that now make it all but impossible to read.
I'm sure that in the case of the BTS Skytrain, the recently approved fare increases will offset any losses in advertising revenue, and they will be doing the public and the city a great service.
MARTIN AMADA
Virachai deserves praise
I would like to give credit to those who deserve it regarding the Preah Vihear case at the International Court of Justice.
Ambassador Virachai Plasai was previously moved to an inactive post by former foreign minister Noppadon Pattama. He was then made ambassador to the Netherlands by the Democrat government in preparation for the recent presentation.
I was immensely impressed not only with Mr Virachai but also one slow-paced translator on the oral presentation.
The bonus was Alina Miron, whose map knowledge and personality nearly made me cry with joy.
The only credit this government deserves is for being transparent and for allowing us to learn from this event.
SONGDEJ PRADITSMANONT
Thank you, Thai Post
On Saturday during a trip back to Bangkok from Udon Thani, we realised my Samsung tablet computer had been left behind.
My wife immediately rang her sister who rushed to the post office to send it to our home in Bangkok via the Thai Post's EMS courier service.
Only 24 hours later, on Sunday afternoon, I am writing this letter with my tablet. The shipment only cost 80 baht. I'm not sure that too many other postal services in places like the US, UK or Australia could match this. Well done!
BANGKOK DEMON
Show mailmen respect
Re: ''Post office pains'' (Postbag, April 22).
Yankeleh stirred up quite a controversy when he blatantly insulted first world postal services.
He defends his initial insults by regurgitating concerns people held, incorrectly, from 20 years ago.
He got it all wrong. Yankeleh blames union workers for expensive postage. He apparently is unaware that, thanks to the internet, most people don't mail anything anymore.
No mail means no revenue and, therefore, higher prices. We should show some respect and empathy for mailmen whose jobs are on the line due to technology.
JOHN KANE
Bus drivers risk lives
I would encourage the BMTA to reprimand the driver of bus No.522, plate number: 14-41402 for an incident yesterday. The driver departed from Victory Monument around 6.25am and he drove so fast he was able to overtake another No.522 _ a bus that had left earlier.
He then stopped in the middle of the road and let passengers disembark at their own risk near Kasetsart University on Ngam Wong Wan Road, and in front of Saphan Mai market.
Many Bangkok bus drivers commit this dangerous practice and it's not a safe way to let passengers disembark.
It's time for the BMTA to crack down on needless risks.
PETER C SALAZAR
CONTACT: BANGKOK POST BUILDING
136 Na Ranong Road Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110
Fax: +02 6164000 email: postbag@bangkokpost.co.th
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