OPINION

Bright idea

Re: "Cheap imports levied VAT from July: Move expected to create a level playing field for domestic entrepreneurs", (Business, June 22).

I am amazed by the hundreds of items I have bought on Lazada that are actually made and shipped from China. Even the flower pots I received last week were from China. Does that mean that the hundreds of commercial growers in Thailand are importing pots from China? There seems to be very little production of many commonly used household items in Thailand, a great opportunity being missed.

I suggest Thailand consider building some small business parks, with modest-sized units that local people could use to make products. Back in the UK, I started with a 250-square-metre unit many years ago, which was perfectly adequate for my initial needs. Later, as the business grew, I moved to 500 and, later, 2,000 square metres. The units were built in a rural area, so rent was cheap. It was a great feeling to have my own little business and put my own key in my own lock every morning.

With some government subsidy, small businesses would erupt nationwide. And Thailand's reliance on imported Chinese products would quickly diminish.

Time and hassle

Re: "Tax law confusion", (PostBag, June 20).

Khun Songdej waves away the problem as double taxation agreements will shelter most expats.

The reality is that we will have to collect and collate documentary evidence of worldwide income, which is something that I have never done, and deal with various allowances applied at source and those applicable in Thailand.

The UK treaty is 37 pages long and is a technical document. This means that tax advisers will be needed to sort out the correct taxes due. All of which is cost, time and hassle that retirees do not want and can avoid in neighbouring countries.

Cheaper option

Re: "Investors from three nations eye Land Bridge project", (BP, June 1).

An automated zero emissions conveyor system has been proposed by the Japanese government to move shipping containers between cities.

I believe such an idea should be implemented between Lat Krabang and Laem Chabang ports. It could remove tens of thousands of diesel trucks off the road, reducing traffic congestion and particulate air pollution.

Forget the insanely impractical Land Bridge project and do this instead, Mr Prime Minister.

Assange logic

Re: "Australia's quiet diplomacy to free Julian Assange", (Opinion, June 29).

Julian Assange has pleaded guilty for something most think was not a crime, including himself.

An odd quirk question to consider is, will he be committing contempt of law by pleading guilty in this case?

He has been imprisoned either by the law or voluntarily for longer than he probably would have received on a conviction, and it was for telling the truth.

He might however retire now, having already done so much, so that he can get to know his kids and just take them for a walk in the open air.