OPINION

Tunnel vision

Re: "EEC panel okays feasibility studies on three projects", (BP, Oct 6).

The Thai public should insist that the government takes a transparent and participatory approach in assessing the feasibility and cost effectiveness of the proposed Saphan Thai project that would dig a massively expensive tunnel underneath the Gulf of Thailand. It's surprising that there has not been more debate over this proposal.

The "Thai Bridge" project seems like a bridge too far even by Thai standards. The proposed expenditure of more than 990 billion baht equates to more than 14 thousand baht for every man, woman and child in the Kingdom. Taxpayers should ask who -- other than Chinese enterprises -- will benefit from this massive boondoggle. I'm fairly certain that ordinary Thai citizens could come up with an extensive list of projects that would be far more valuable in meeting their everyday needs.

Readers who didn't see the briefings on Donald Trump's medical condition that were broadcast nightly on CNN from the Walter Reed Medical Center from Oct 10-12 really missed something. Mr Trump's chief physician, Dr Sean Conley, who conducted the briefings, is a dead ringer for the young Tom Cruise.

Unfortunately, Dr Conley sullied his image by projecting nothing but sunshine and light and by dodging important questions. Asked when Mr Trump last tested negative for Covid, he said he didn't want to look backwards. (Question from an imaginary prosecutor to the late Adolf Hitler: "Did you in fact order the murder of six million Jews?" Hitler: "Oh! Don't ask me. I don't want to look backwards.")

In fact, the briefings might have been better classified as non-briefings. Sunshine Sean radiated positivity and cheer at every turn but there was an astounding absence of specifics. He could have saved us all a lot of time and trouble by simply flashing a Cruisian smile, a thumbs-up sign and warbling "Everything is OK, folks!"

But we have to cut him some slack. Dr Conley is a doctor but he is also a commander in the US Navy. Donald Trump is his commander in chief. If Mr Trump had ordered him to declare "Donald Trump is God," military protocol would have compelled him to comply.

I can't wait for the movie, which ought to be titled "The Trump Show". That hefty actor John Goodman will play Trump, and Angelina Jolie will play Melania. The only problem will be finding an actor who looks like the young Tom Cruise.

The Thai government is planning to have new four-day holiday weekends in order for Thais to travel and spend money. This is a good idea.

But why not move all holidays that are in the midweek to either Monday or Friday? This would give Thais many more long weekends all year round. One day off in the middle of the week is more of an annoyance and does very little good for the economy, or the people.

During these long weekends people could travel, shop and recharge their batteries.

I don't think that the Thai religious and other leaders would be against this because it would really be beneficial for the whole country.