Just as it would seem that only divine intervention can save the embattled residents of the Mahakan Fort community from eviction, inner Bangkok is in the process of gaining an additional 300 rai of open space.
While exercising in Benjakiti Park I noticed demolition activities in the northeastern corner of the Thai Tobacco Monopoly compound. I was told that the manufacturing and storage facilities would be moving out of Bangkok and the vacant land would be added to Benjakiti Park. This was confirmed by further research.
This plan was first mooted during the 1990s by successive governments, but never seemed to progress beyond the election manifesto. Now that the idea is finally becoming reality it would be reassuring to see a promise that the entire reclaimed area will become a public park. I also hope that there will be public participation in the planning of the park.
Could some of the old warehouse buildings be converted to studios for local artists and musicians? There should also be plenty of grass for unorganised ball-games; such as football, cricket, rounders and what you will. Local cycling and running groups should have some say in the provision of their facilities.
Could we have a jogging path with a surface that is kinder to the knees and ankles of the weightier and more senior athlete? It would be nice to have a cycling track made of a similar material to that at Suvarnabhumi. Moreover, one on which the rouleurs do not have to constantly swerve and brake to avoid colliding with dreaming narcissists with selfie-sticks. I look forward to the completion of this project.
Richard White
Safer roads a priority
According to the Road Safety Directing Centre of Thailand, 442 people have died as a result of road accidents during the "seven dangerous days" of Songkran festival -- up a whopping 21.4% from last year's death toll of 364.
Out of this year's total of 3,447 accidents, more than one thirds (34.09%) were caused by drunk driving, followed by driving over speed limits (32.94%). Four out of five of these accidents involved two-wheelers.
Many innocent people have been killed and maimed by drunk drivers. The government should do something to stop drunken people from using public roads.
Drivers who are found to be just slightly inebriated should have their licences and vehicles confiscated for good. Roads are public places where only completely sober motorists should be allowed.
There should be no compromise for drunk drivers, since they pose unprecedented dangers to others.
Vint Chavala
90-day form frenzy
Re "'Intrusive' form irks travellers, expats", (BP, April 22).
It comes as no surprise that thousands of foreigners have expressed outrage and confusion over the new three-page 90-day reporting form which asks extremely personal questions such as which social media you use, which clubs you frequent and your bank account details.
Outrage, because what business of the government is it to store these details, and confusion over the Immigration Department's vague response that it is "not mandatory".
One of my colleagues was told in no uncertain terms he had to answer these questions, while another flatly refused and the clerk relented and admitted he didn't have to reveal this information.
Perhaps there has been poor communication between the people at the front desk and the people in top management.
Might I offer a simple solution: place an asterisk beside each question that is mandatory (sensible ones such as passport details, etc) and leave it to the foreigner's discretion as to which of the other questions they wish to answer.
Wunfer Lefrog
Travel trouble in North
Re "Aircon bus heads north", (BP, April 24).
So-called public transportation in Chiang Mai has been dominated by the red songthaew pick-up vans for a long time. There were several attempts in the past to introduce new public transport, but all failed because of resistance from the red songthaew.
This time, the attempt came from the local transportation authority. I hope they can overcome the obstacles and succeed in improving the long-overdue public transport in Chiang Mai.
RH Suga, Lamphun
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