OPINION

Put convicts to work

Re: "Govt speeds up anti-flood measures", (BP, Sept 16).

Cleaning up after our record floods is a Herculean task because the mud's all over, and all at once. The Department of Prisons should organise inmates convicted of non-violent crimes to clean up public spaces, especially hospitals, schools, transit systems and private places that serve low/middle-income people, like wet markets.

Such volunteers should receive the same sentence reductions and working conditions as those given for cleaning sewers and other community work.

Show us the comments

Re: "The perils of censorship", (Editorial, Sept 19).

I found it fitting that on the day when your leading opinion article was "the perils of censorship", your internet version printed no comments on the articles or the letters. Was this a statement or a genuine difficulty?

Farewell, Tupperware

Re: "As sales slump, Tupperware Brands file for bankruptcy", (Business, Sept 19).

So no more Tupperware, another familiar childhood memory is fading. There are a few pieces in the cupboard, not used as often now with reliable refrigeration and the almost instant availability of most foods.

It has gone the way of Blockbuster videos and Borders bookstores, once very successful but staying the same when the world moved on.

The other, seemingly unmentioned, reason for its demise was its quality. A well-made product that is still useable and therefore doesn't need to be replaced every few years. Very few other products will last the distance as planned obsolescence becomes so common.

Vale Tupperware and your parties.

Train access for seniors

Re: "B8bn annual fund for flat rate fare plan", (BP, Sept 11).

So, the fare concession granted to senior foreigners travelling on the MRT (subway) system in Bangkok has been discontinued.

The fare differential is, of course, inconsequential, but the decision rather smacks of another disappointing and petty measure targeting those who contribute so much to Thailand's economy.

Vote with your wallet

Re: "Value for money?" (PostBag, Sept 20).

Complaining about True services has always been and doubtlessly will remain about as effective as lobbying for the gorilla Bua Noi's animal rights. The parties concerned couldn't care less as long as the cash rolls in.

Build a fence

Re: "Solving the Myanmar migrant surge", (Opinion, Sept 17).

It's always exciting to read Khun Kavi's articles, which are loaded with information on committees formed and their purposes within our parliament.

With due respect to all the recommendations from Khun Kavi, I would add more to shed light on the root problems behind the illegal migrants in Thailand.

The root cause of the illegal migration from Myanmar, in particular, lies in the weak leadership of our Asean countries, including Thailand.

The Tatmadaw -- Myanmar's junta -- remains unchallenged by the so-called world superpowers: USA, Russia, China, India and even the European Union. None of them has given an ultimatum to junta supremos that democracy must prevail in Myanmar.

The United Nations itself has not taken any realistic action against the junta, aside from issuing warnings. We must work to reduce inaction on the international stage.

Now we go to the local accomplices in Thailand, who are part of a transnational human trafficking syndicate. These culprits are believed to be politicians of all levels, officials, law enforcers and security personnel.

We can stop illegal migrants if our government is serious. For example, after the recent political problems in Bangladesh, thousands fled to India and were shunned at the border as the Indian Border Security Force stood firm and sent them back to Bangladesh.

Our government should fence the border with Myanmar with high-tech seismic sensors and high towers, with security personnel equipped with high-tech night vision tools.

CONTACT: BANGKOK POST BUILDING136 Na Ranong Road Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110Fax: +02 6164000 email: postbag@bangkokpost.co.th

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