OPINION

Noisy riders are relevant

Re: "Summary execution", (PostBag, Oct 6). Unfortunately, my letter was cruelly edited to the point that it made little sense. In my original, I included photographs in support, and said that although a (very weak) argument could be made for motorcycles riding on the footpath against the flow of traffic, none can be made for those that ride on the footpath with the flow of traffic.

I also stated that police action against motorcycles should include those that are extremely noisy. Considering the recent articles in your esteemed publication related to noise and noise pollution, I think this is very relevant.

A motorcycle riding on the footpath with the flow of traffic.

Re: "Into the political fray", (BP, Sept 1).

Your editorial breaking down the manner in which the military are seeking to prolong their stay in power by creating a new party and seeking to attract similarly power-drunk politicians was both moving and courageous.

The low-key but courageous critique in the newspaper on the same day did little to expose, much less curb the actions of the military to create in this beautiful country what is nothing less than a repressive military dictatorship in scant disguise.

All I can ask is that you do not step back from your criticism, what ever its impact on a reluctant and oppressed constituency and on the military, as the press are the only medium that has the capacity to expose and counter excesses of the powerful.

Thank you for taking a stand.

Re: "Relocate religion", (PostBag, Oct 6).

So, just because one condo resident complained about a bell ringing at 3.30am-4 am as has been the tradition for hundreds of years, said tradition should yield? This atheist reader has lived for several years near a mosque in Bangkok and was never been bothered by the early morning call to prayer.

There are earplugs on sale in all pharmacies for sensitive ears. Besides, that condo resident should have checked the surroundings before purchasing her apartment. There is no reason to change this tradition. It is nice to hear these bells and calls to prayer in a soulless forest of concrete Bangkok has become.

Re: "Relocate religion", (PostBag, Oct 6).

I agree that Wat Sai should temper its bell ringing, but Lungstib is topsy turvy in his argument that "It's time to take religion out of the community where it causes arguments, and put it into the private space where it belongs, along with superstitions and fables".

First of all, Wat Sai has been there for a long time. It was the "community" that encroached on it, and if I read correctly, the abbot was considerate enough not to object to the building of these two high rise condominiums that put his wat in the shade. Secondly, while I am an atheist, what is religion if it is isolated from community? It is part of community, always has been and always will be.

Bell ringing aside, Lungstib's letter reeks of religious intolerance and bigotry.

As a follow-up to my letter to the Bangkok Post a few months ago regarding the banning of the herbicide Roundup in Thailand, I submit the report below about the $289 million (9 billion baht) settlement given by a court in the San Francisco Bay Area to a school caretaker there for the cancer he developed after exposure to the poison while working at the school.

If this is not sufficient proof of the mortal danger this herbicide poses to the people of Thailand to have it immediately banned, I'm afraid there is little hope for the Thai people to gain protection from this proven cancer-causing agent.

Re: "Parks officials propose options in lieu of Maya Bay", (BP, Oct 5).

I urge authorities to consider dividing all national parks into two zones. The zone of academic and historic value will be designated for guided tours by rangers. For underwater visits, a glass-bottom boat or submarine will do for a good view. Other areas should be allowed for visitors' activities such as camping and snorkeling with little restriction. Commercial businesses may be allowed to operate in those areas under the condition their activities do not ruin the natural environment.

Re: "Dog day afternoon", (BP, Oct 6).

I have no sympathy and little understanding for those who defend dogs running loose in our streets and beaches, or object to the killing of dogs responsible for attacking and even killing people. However, I was gratified to read that Verneita Boonlom's letter advocated BP devote space to children's charities (as well as animals).

I am always bemused that if one suggests giving donations to organisations like the Child Protection and Development Centre or Pattaya Orphanage, the response is usually a refusal justified by saying that there are just too many worthy charities and you can't support them all. Give those same people a white envelope and tell them you are collecting for yet another temple and invariably they will stuff them with banknotes. It's a funny old world.

Contact: Bangkok Post Building 136 Na Ranong Road Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110 fax: +02 6164000 Email: postbag@bangkokpost.co.th

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