No free ball, here
Re: "End the free football habit", (Editorial, May 18).
The editorial is right to point out that tradition alone is not sufficient reason to keep repeating a practice, however longstanding -- including the government's habit of providing free World Cup broadcasts.
Some traditions, particularly those that run counter to democratic freedoms or serve little practical purpose, cannot be justified simply because they are longstanding.
At least the Bangkok Post is willing to question the costly practice of publicly funded World Cup broadcasts when scarce resources could be directed towards more urgent priorities.
Felix Qui
Road safety first
Re: "A toll we keep paying", (Editorial, May 19) and "City bus-train collision kills 8", (BP, May 17).
The recent train-bus collision once again highlighted shortcomings in road safety and driving standards.
Reports focused on the railway crossing itself, yet many motorists routinely ignore basic traffic rules, including entering yellow box junctions without understanding their purpose.
More broadly, many drivers appear confused by right of way at roundabouts and when entering major roads from side streets.
Is it not time for Thailand to become tougher on driver education, testing and enforcement?
Equally troubling is the tendency for officials to assign blame almost immediately after serious incidents, often before investigations have properly begun.
Statements condemning individuals or companies may satisfy an immediate demand for answers, but they risk undermining public confidence if later evidence tells a different story.
A more credible response would be to acknowledge the seriousness of an incident, express sympathy for those affected, confirm that an investigation is under way, and commit to publishing findings once the facts have been established.
During that process, authorities should also urge restraint on social media out of respect for victims, families and first responders.
NW
A 'no' for the bridge
Re: "Concerns over Land Bridge grow", (BP, May 17).
From everything I have read on the proposed Land Bridge project, the answer appears straightforward: no.
Rather than pressing ahead, the government should seek the views of those who would actually use such infrastructure -- international shipping companies. If industry experts see little economic justification for the project, that ought to settle the matter.
John Harper
Name the judges
Re: "Commission disciplines three judges", (BP, May 20).
There is something troubling about the report concerning three judges disciplined for wrongdoing: their names were not disclosed.
Ordinarily, when individuals are convicted of offences or sanctioned for serious misconduct, their identities are made public. Transparency is an essential feature of a justice system that commands public trust.
If the suppression of names was court-ordered, the public might think the judiciary is afforded protections unavailable to others.
That could undermine confidence in the institution itself.
David Brown
