Thailand in reverse
Thaksin is 100% correct that the country is worse off (BP, Sept 18).
Thailand's governmental system is now worse than Cambodia's and the Philippines which, although there are problems, is at least democratic and has free speech. Does Thaksin think his government treated rivals fairly, was not corrupt, was tolerant of critics, and developed the country? My memory is his government was very authoritarian. But he is right that it was at least a presentable elected government that worked with multiple coalition partners and veteran (non-Democrat) politicians.
Thailand seems to be going backwards. Many TV channels offer no criticism, only nonsense shows for people with low IQs.
What has he done to make friends with rivals? Does this include the red shirt violence and fires in 36 buildings in Bangkok? He says he forgives people who slandered him but this still sounds like someone with a chip on his shoulder. Also he makes it sound like the country's loss was not benefiting from his experience, whereas Thailand has many capable people, not just himself.
The Brain
Easy Pass fiasco
Seems like fun and games are starting up again with the boys and girls over at the Expressways Authority Easy Pass office.
This happened a few years back and started quite a stir, and after some public pressure it finally got corrected. Well folks, it's happening again!
Two weeks ago I was driving to Bang Saray and noticed that the Easy Pass toll gate added, rather than deducted from my balance. Now I don't mind that, but it signalled that something wasn't quite right.
So then my passenger took careful note at each toll booth and wrote down the changes each time.
For the next three toll booths, the deductions were correct. When we got to the Pattaya exit the balance was 840 baht. Then coming back the following day, we went through the first toll and it was 645 baht!
It was OK for the rest of the trip back except at the very last toll coming down at Klong Toey, when it went up from 495 baht to 525 baht (instead of going down 10 baht). The following day, I got on the motorway at Sukhumvit soi 1, and guess what? It should have gone down 50 baht, but it went down 145 baht.
Could this have something to do with some of the cars being backed out of the Easy Pass lane, thinking they have more balance available? Or is it just a fun lottery from the boys and girls at the Easy Pass office?
I tried calling the officials at the Easy Pass office. But that was like talking to a brick wall. Other friends have experienced similar problems recently. What can we do?
Khun Krading
US coup bid exposed
In one of the greatest challenges against the US constitution since the Civil War, a full-blown attempted coup is now finally being exposed by the US Senate, independent investigators like Project Veritas, legal investigators (using the Freedom of Information Act and litigation) exemplified by Judicial Watch, and exceptional journalists such as Sarah Carter.
So far the constitution has proved itself worthy to the task and it now seems inevitable the massive illegal efforts of a group of traitors will find their demise in the rule of law. One wonders how robust the new Thai constitution will prove in comparison. It will be a good lesson for all.
Michael Setter
Don't feed pigeons
The reason why we are encouraged not to feed pigeons is that they are a primary transmitter of psittacosis, a dangerous bacterial disease (PostBag, Sept 23).
The dead and dying pigeons which birdwatcher Eric Bahrt observed may well be infected by this bacterium, which is transmitted to birds and humans through the nasal discharge and faeces of infected birds. The symptoms Mr Bahrt observed in the birds are consistent with psittacosis. Feeding them puts people at risk of contracting it. Don't feed them!
Mr M
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