OPINION

Thaksin's no angel

Re: "Coups not the answer", (PostBag, May 23). I fully agree with Felix Qui that coups are not the solution to Thailand's political maladies and government corruption. I also agree that Thaksin Shinawatra was highly successful in garnering the support of poorer segments of society, largely because he was the first politician to give marginalised Thais any attention, however meagre.

I don't agree, however, with Felix's assertion that "dubious political charges" were pressed against Thaksin. There is ample evidence of multiple abuses of power by Thaksin for personal financial gain (cosy telecommunication deals with Myanmar and land title transfers at far below market prices are just two that spring to mind). While "acquitted" of tax evasion charges related to sales and transfers of stocks, this never passed anyone's smell test for corruption. I would certainly not characterise the charges levelled against Thaksin as dubious. These, and others, reflect real and damaging rot that pervaded the Thaksin administration.

See outside of the box

In his May 25 letter, Andrew McDowell alleged True Visions has censored BBC and CNN news channels. Why is he contributing to the coffers of True Visions when for the price of a good internet provider he can ditch his satellite dish, go online and get all the uninterrupted news and UK TV channels he could wish for at a 350 baht/month fee?

Respect where it's due

Re: "The silent farang", (PostBag, May 25).

Thank you Robin for pointing out the fleeting glimpse of a Westerner in the new version of the 6pm TV broadcast of the national anthem. It is so fleeting that it is difficult to catch that glimpse. It would also be good if Thai ethnic minorities were visibly included, the Mon, Hmong, and a few others, not as quick eye-blink glimpses, but remaining long enough on the screen for their images to register.

It is the sad, old story -- out of sight, out of mind. It seems only Thai reverence toward the country and monarchy is important. This notion needs to be corrected. Many non-Thais have more respect for both country and King than many locals, or "natives", if you'll excuse the crass term.

Recipe for disaster

Re: "Ministry mulls levy for tourists", (BP, May 24).

The Tourism and Sports Ministry says it "will carefully find the proper solution that will have a minimal impact on the country's tourism".

Shouldn't this instead read, "will carefully find the proper solution that will have an impact on the country's minimal tourism"?

How to destroy tourism

It is clear that Thai immigration has gone from being surly and unhelpful to outright hostile in dealing with foreigners. Today I attended the Nakhon Si Thammarat office to extend my 30-day entry for another 30 days.

I had not applied for a 60-day tourist visa as the head official at this office told me I had used up my quota of tourist visas so could only come in for 30 days then extend for 30 more without any problems. When I tried to do this today, they refused point blank to give me an extension. When I said the boss of this very office said it would be fine just a few months ago, the blunt answer was "new boss, new law". I then asked "how could I know the laws had changed? I had just recently consulted the consulate in Australia and they too said I would be all right."

I also asked the NST official why does Thailand offer a one-year tourist visa in Australia that supposedly allows up to four visits per year? He said: "Impossible, only two tourist visas per year allowed." I think his type just makes it up according to how he feels.

The last time I left Thailand I stayed away for three months thinking it would be considered long enough for another 60-day visit. It's like there is a concerted effort by some officials to make you so upset you will never return. They, of course, don't own a hotel, restaurant or business that depends on people like me; people who support local business and bring in foreign exchange. I'm finished humiliating myself trying to deal with these malcontents at immigration. It ain't worth the trouble.

Vaccine worse than disease?

"Rotavirus shots by next year, govt says", (BP, May 24), is news designed to instill confidence. However, according to the article, in 2017 a total of four people in Thailand died from rotavirus infection. Recent data regarding the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine found glyphosate in many batches of vaccine and a high rate of infant mortality and long-term health issues resulting from its use on infants.

Has the infant mortality, cumulative health risk and glyphosate content of this new vaccine been accurately tested before giving it to two-month-old infants? No. But the vaccine board thinks its a good idea. Rigorous public hygiene education and the banning of glyphosate might be a better, more cost-effective idea.