Why so cheap?
Re: "Illegal pork saga must end", (Editorial, Nov 25).
The Bangkok Post editorial rightly urges a thorough investigation into who has been involved in the widespread smuggling of pork into Thailand. The extent and volume of smuggling suggest the involvement of officials and traders at many levels.
The Post editorial failed to raise another set of important issues, however. Questions should also focus on why smuggled pork can be produced abroad, transported great distances, and still be sold at half the price of pork produced in Thailand. Apparently, Thai pork producers have been so protected by tariffs and trade barriers over the years that they have become grossly inefficient and cannot compete in the global marketplace.
It is worth considering if Thai consumers should have to foot the bill in terms of higher pork prices to continue propping up an inefficient and uncompetitive domestic industry.
Samanea Saman
Monopoly mark-up
Re: "Govt plots duty-free paradise", (BP, Nov 29).
If the government is serious about making Thailand more attractive for duty-free shoppers, one of the first things it should do is end the monopoly enjoyed by King Power at Thailand's international airports and open this sector up to competition.
As it is, King Power often charges more for an item than it would cost to buy on the street. An example is the Thai-produced Sang Som rum, which is marked up at King Power to well above what you would pay for a bottle at your local mom and pop store.
David Brown
Lessons from war
Re: "China-made sub engine is now ok," (BP, Nov 21).
They say Ukraine is a testing ground for new weapons for the Russians and the Americans. It is now all about missiles, drones and autonomous weapons. Russian warships are threatened by such weapons and are now on the move out of Sevastopol to new locations farther away. The Russians no longer control the Black Sea.
Has Thailand learned anything from the war in and around Ukraine when it comes to its own defence and the procurement of a frigate -- shown as yesterday's way of defence -- or the no better solution, the reappearing sub, considering the shallow waters around Thailand? And where are Thailand's waterborne attacks supposed to come from -- Myanmar, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam or Singapore?
Some say Thailand's navy needs a sub to be considered a proper navy. If that is part of the thinking behind Thailand's defence, Thailand has no real defence but only harmless postures.
A Johnsen
Proud of PM
Re: "Oh no, he's put his foot in it again!", (Opinion, Nov 29).
Straight-talkers are always at a disadvantage. Between a straight-talker and a sweet and measured talker, one goes for the first one every time. Sincerity is his brand. Among all the "gaffes" the writer says Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin committed, none are undiplomatic, ill-mannered, or illegal. Instead, we see his personality and many like it.
On the contrary, never before have we seen a Thai prime minister working so hard and with such enthusiasm. With a prime minister attending so many international meetings to try and solve problems like trade deficits and debatable Thai shortfalls, please don't kill his enthusiasm.
Give him a break and judge him when warranted. One feels proud of having such a person representing Thailand at present.
Songdej Praditsmanont
