OPINION

Oldies but goodies

In his Jan 14 letter, "Troops mobilised?" Observer lamented seeing so many old people supporting the government at the Lumpini walk.

By "old people" I assume Observer means the elderly, or, does he mean "the same old people" as in repeaters? I should like to call attention to the simple fact that when one is familiar with current situations, current trends, and lifestyles that have been going on for many years, one feels a familiarity, a feeling of being safe, secure.

The new kid on the block, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, might just upset the proverbial apple cart. This is not acceptable.

Many (of us) "old people" have lived through many changes of government and prime ministers, and they do not see or feel the difference, nor see the need for a change in the status quo.

The Prayut Chan-o-cha government might not be ideal to many, but the PM has made great strides in helping older people, improving medical, improving living allowances, and much more.

My older friends and neighbours are happy with Gen Prayut and will continue supporting him as long as he remains in office.

Save yourselves

I am glad to see university students protesting against the PM2.5 problem. I hope the government will finally start dealing with this problem in a serious way.

I live in a one-rai compound in Bang Khen full of trees and other plants and I thought I was immune to dirty air, but after experiencing eye irritation and a persistent cough to try to clear my throat for the past several months I realised I was wrong and my recently purchased air quality monitor confirms it.

I am not looking forward to spending a small fortune on running air purifiers and conditioners for a house not designed for air conditioning, but if that is what it takes to save my and my wife's life then that is what I am going to have to do.

Alternative solution

Yes. Smoke pollution is an annual problem that produces the same questions every year, like "Where are the police?" "What is the governor doing?" But what about the farmers? Where is the advice and financial help to give them alternatives to burning? Would not the answer be to provide tractors and ploughs to each community to be used as a community vehicle subsidised by the government. The farmers to pay a nominal sum for each rai of land they use it for. One Tractor, One Tambon. It would reduce the costs and pressure on hospitals where people are being treated for respiratory problems. But do something.

Construction to blame

The air quality in Bangkok is very bad because there are too many construction sites ignoring the environmental regulations. Residents are very frustrated because complaints to the district offices fall on deaf ears.

I suggest the media interview residents living near construction sites and managers at district offices so the cause of the ignorance of construction companies can be made public.