OPINION

Dire lack of security?

We are all too familiar with the events that occurred at Terminal 21 in Korat. It seems that every article concentrates on what happened after the shooter arrived at the mall. But what is not being mentioned is what occurred prior to his arrival. What we know is that he shot his superior officer and, according to the news article, he then stole a collection of arms and ammunition. This would lead one to believe that he was armed prior to obtaining the weapons used in the attack. He then took his haul and went to another location and stole a vehicle which he then drove off the base to the mall. So why was the soldier armed in the first place? As I recall weapons in barracks were kept in a secure location, locked and issued individually as needed. All transactions were recorded, and an inventory taken daily.

He then commandeered a military vehicle which should have been under 24-hour guard in the base motor pool. Again, vehicles are issued per orders, signed out and in and the motor pool is usually under 24 guard. He then left the base. Now, from the time he shot the officer, stole the weapons, commandeered the vehicle and arrived at the base exit you are telling me that no one heard or saw anything that would cause alarm? Hard to believe, huh?

If the weapons and vehicle were readily available, then the Thai military has a serious issue with security. I would hope that we will hear more about these issues but that's doubtful. My prayers go out to the families of the victims.

Health misconception

People such as Bemused Observer (PostBag, Feb 7) misunderstand that all travellers to Thailand must have health insurance. As far as I know only those applying for an "oa" visa need health insurance.

And once tourists get past Thai immigration at the border or airport it is very unlikely immigration will bother them again without good reason.

Electoral riddles

Re: "Sock it to 'em!", (PostBag, Feb 7).

Mr Levin, your comment about Trump winning the 2016 election with 63 million votes is not correct. According to the independent, non-partisan Cook Political Report, Clinton's final tally came in at 65,844,610, compared to Donald Trump's 62,979,636, with a difference of 2,864,974. The total number of votes for other candidates was 7,804,213. Mr Trump won via the electoral college vote. Something that does not make sense.

Bangkok

Uniform uniformity

Felix Qui is preaching to the wrong country in his letter, "Living in the past." Thailand is far from being the only country in the world where uniforms are worn by students, postal workers, other civil servants, blue and white collar workers and others. Most people are proud of their uniforms as a distinct badge of who they are what they represent. Do your homework Mr Qui. You'll find that uniforms are worn in most of the most advanced countries in the world.