OPINION

Sub guinea pig

Re: "Navy may take sub engines from China", (BP, Aug 10).

Our navy should stand firm on its contract agreement that our sub's engine "must already be in active use by any nation" -- rather than take the unproven model that the Chinese are pushing on us. China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co already voided our contract with them because the German makers refused to install their engine in our sub, and now they're foisting an engine which nobody has used on us. Evidently, the only other country that might buy CSOIC's engine is Sri Lanka -- which will default due to lack of funds.

Yes, the RTN will test the engine thoroughly before accepting it -- but that's nowhere comparable to large-scale usage from active duty by a naval power. I note that of its 46 diesel-powered subs, China's not trusting any of them to the CSOIC model they're urging on us. We're not the world's guinea pig for sub engines. Stick with the agreement to use only what's tried and true.

Re: "Taliban elites torn over reforms", (BP, Aug 11).

It was a good sign to read that the Taliban do not all agree with the crackdowns on rights and freedoms in Afghanistan. About 25 years ago I spent a lot of time working in England. I don't remember his name, but the man considered the top UK Muslim theologian was on TV. He was asked about the Taliban who had recently emerged victorious in the Afghan Civil War. He said that the Taliban confuse their own culture -- their mores and folkways -- with Islamic law. According to him, the repressive measures that the Taliban impose on society, and especially against women, are not at all in accordance with Islam. Even if the reforms are small, they are a first step away from their "retrograde and dogmatic views." At least there are some who are questioning and contesting the status quo.

Re: "Phuket recovery relying on Indian flights", (Business, Aug 11).

In mid-July, I tested positive for Covid so could not catch my scheduled flight to Bangkok on Thai Airways. Since then I have fruitlessly tried to change my ticket. Firstly, the booking agent doesn't even answer my emails; worse still are Thai Airways who won't answer a phone call or an email at their Melbourne Australia office.

At a time you'd think they'd be bending over backwards to get tourists on the ground in Thailand, it would seem they are doing everything in their power to put people off visiting. After close to 40 years of visiting Thailand, I'm so over being treated so badly.

Re: "Not well saved", (PostBag, July 31) and "Fear and favour", (PostBag, Aug 1).

Referring to both letters, I think the GSB should rethink its policy. Very old fashioned in this age. I bought salak lottery from GSB years ago when I was still working and had a work permit. But I cannot take out any loans from GSB although I have the salak lottery as a guarantee.

Now after retirement, I am still buying the salak but they refuse to give me the GSB app on a handphone because they said I don't have a work permit. Thai people can buy via their mobile phones to get the digital salak version. But foreigners like me (I am a permanent resident here now) cannot do that. I just can't think of any reason why. Security? As Peter Jeffreys wrote, "What are they afraid of?"