More carriages needed

It is gratifying to read about the new transit lines being built in Bangkok.

Unfortunately, the lines coming into service in the near future (Green Line extensions and the first phase of the Orange Line) will be bringing more riders into the already-overcrowded inner-city lines.

It will be difficult to persuade people to switch from their cars to the subway when they cannot even get onto a train.

A solution is available which is surely faster and cheaper than waiting for the completion of the entire system five or so years from now — more trains. I am told that all of the current trains can have two carriages added, which would boost the capacity by 50% with very little increase in personnel costs.

In addition, at many off-peak but still very busy hours, the trains do not run as frequently as the signalling system would permit (every three minutes). Even at those off-peak hours, the trains are frequently overcrowded.

KURT RUDAHL
Shared global values

Re: “Araibi finally free after Bahrain backs off”, (BP, Feb 12).

We can all celebrate the release of Bahraini footballer and refugee Hakeem al-Araibi after a long incarceration in Bangkok for a safe return overnight to his wife and family in Melbourne.

This outcome is the culmination of amazing and sustained contributions, efforts and even protests in the campaign led by former Australian international football player Craig Foster.

This action involved many thousands of people in the football community of Australia and around the world, including many people in Thailand — khob khun krab.

However, such success needs to be tempered by the reality that human rights and the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers in Thailand and Australia falls well short of standards both of our nations can feel proud of.

Obviously the associated issues are complex to balance including national security, respect for international law, compassion, humane treatment and affording the opportunity for justice to all.

Vulnerable people from diverse backgrounds deserve protection, and Australians stand ready to work with Thailand to achieve common goals of giving refugees another chance in life.

Football, the world game, and its leaders can help to bring out the best in all of us by championing and progressing these shared values and aspirations.

PABLO BATESON
No Thai chamois

Re: “Watershed area mines get go ahead”, (BP, Feb 11).

It stated that Saraburi’s limestone mountains are home to chamois. We certainly do not have chamois in Thailand. Chamois live in the Alps.

The endangered goat-like animals that reside in Saraburi’s mountains are the mainland serows.

I consider this as serious a mistake as calling our Grand Palace Versailles.

RUNGSRIT KANJANAVANITVice President, Seub Nakhasathien Foundation
Bye bye Thaksin

Re: “Plot twists put democratic return at risk”, (Opinion, Feb 12).

Personally, I think Atiya Achakulwisut should not worry about an “explosion of far-right anti-Thaksin extremism” surfacing. Why?

Thais knew all along that the nomination of Princess Ubolratana as a prime ministerial candidate for the Thai Raksa Chart Party was a dirty trick masterminded by Thaksin Shinawatra.

What happened on Friday was Thaksin trying to drive a wedge between countrymen and countrymen.

Most Thais do not want to have anything to do with Thaksin anymore. As time goes by, Thaksin will find fewer and fewer countries willing to keep him under their umbrellas.

VINT CHAVALAChiang Mai

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