OPINION

A smart shift

Re: "Auto parts makers nudged towards medical devices", (Business, July 12).

I strongly agree that shifting Thai auto parts manufacturers towards medical device production is a strategic and wise move. Leveraging their existing manufacturing capabilities, these companies can efficiently enter a growing industry, offsetting the decline in automotive demand and boosting Thailand's self-sufficiency in essential medical equipment.

The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains, making domestic production of items like ventilators and PPE crucial.

With government support and incentives, this pivot allows auto parts makers to diversify revenue streams and ensure long-term sustainability, aligning with Thailand's economic interests and market adaptability.

China perspectives

Re: "What's a few F16s anyway?" (PostBag, July 14).

It would suit Ray Ban to have a less biased Western (or American) view of China. Lest we forget: the US, as a warmonger, is the one that has caused lots of wars and has countless military bases around the world.

Furthermore, for decades, China was welcomed as the cheap factory of the West, but it has now been discarded because it has asserted itself and become the West's rival. Other countries don't need to be dictated, or in some other devious way (cheap loan to buy F16s), by the US (or the West) what they should or should not do.

That's not to say that I agree with everything China is doing right now, though.

3 types of expats

Re: "Tax racket", and "Pension pickle", (PostBag, July 10), and "The truth on tax", (PostBag, July 11).

The above three posts from Michael Setter, Michael Lane and MP Foscolos reflect the microcosm of expatriates in Thailand. They can be categorised into three types: refined, resentful, and pompous. Fortunately, with PostBag, most belong to the first category.

Michael Setter ridiculed me for having a sub-par command of English. I accept that charge since English is not my first language, though I was educated for four years in London and worked for six years in the City of London.

But, as a guest of the country, casting doubt on the prime minister's integrity and describing his policy as "theft and racketeering" is insulting and on the borderline of defamation. Even citizens of the host country would not go as far as that. Culturally, he belongs to neither of the three.

Michael Lane posed a legitimate question of whether the Australian government's superannuation and pension, already tax-free in Australia, is tax-free in Thailand. He threatened the authorities to issue an official statement otherwise, "we can't stay here". Some simple googling of the words "the Australia/Thailand Double Taxation Agreement" brings you to the Revenue Department's website, revealing that there is no tax in Thailand either (Article 18 and 19 – Pensions and Annuities).

MP Foscolos' eloquent input belongs to the first category but is somewhat presumptuous that navigating Thailand's tax system is costly and burdensome. It took only 10 minutes to clear Mr Lane's doubt.

No doubt a mass exodus of expats will have an impact, but only a drop in the ocean. In 2024, Thailand has 49 dollar-billionaires, with Japan (44), Australia (45), Sweden (25), Spain (27), Canada (53). Thailand has a better chance to tax the rich with its smaller GDP than it does in terms of the percentage of funds inflow from long-stay expats in Thailand.

CONTACT: BANGKOK POST BUILDING 136 Na Ranong Road Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110 Fax: +02 6164000 email: postbag@bangkokpost.co.th

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