OPINION

Poor grades

Re: "SET lacks catalysts until year-end", (Business, Dec 14).

The Thai stock market overall has not done well this year.

While the SET-index seems to be holding at stable levels, higher then a year ago, this is most only due to a very few select big caps.

These overvalued but scarce large cap stocks have become the mantra of punters and traders, and move this index most.

However, from a broader perspective, secondary indexes, for example the SSET or MAI, one can see how Thai stocks remain in a bear market here at considerably lower combined levels compared to a year ago.

PostBag ergo sum?

Re: "AI's poetic edge", (PostBag, Dec 15).

In his latest letter, Felix Qui appears to be establishing himself as PostBag's agony aunt.

As I noted some years ago, I suspect the name Felix Qui has been borrowed from words by the Roman poet Virgil, which read "Felix, qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas" (translation: "Fortunate, who was able to know the causes of things"). Do you really, Felix?

Incidentally, email/video calls serve me well in corresponding with family and friends without the need to satisfy my ego via other mechanisms.

Just popping out

Can you please stop the annoying pop ups that appear constantly in the on-line forum sidebar.

What is really bothersome is that when you click to close the pop up, it closes the entire sidebar.

Can't you, at least, allow the pop up to close without forcing one to reopen the forum sidebar every time?

I mean, it's bad enough the forum has become a breeding ground for racism, personal attacks and defamation; at least let us read the comments in peace.

An exclusive club

Why has Songdej Praditsmanont's letter tally been restricted to only two today and I see a non-member newcomer allowed some air time. Is this wise ?

Go on, print that one.

Is German loss a Thai gain?

Re: "Govt renews rail deal with Germany", (BP, Dec 12).

At the end of World War II, as the German army was collapsing, both the USA and the USSR rushed to take control of German laboratories and factories, intent on capturing as many scientists and engineers as possible, particularly those involved in rocketry, jet propulsion, and nuclear research. Many scientists were either persuaded to leave or forcibly removed from Germany during this time. One notable figure, Wernher von Braun, later played a key role in leading the US space programme, achieving great success and ultimately sending astronauts to the Moon.

Fast forward to 2024, and Germany, particularly its automotive industry, is facing a potential collapse. This industry decimation is not due to a decline in German engineering capabilities but rather the result of a series of missteps by its business leaders and politicians coerced to follow President Joe Biden's policies and the prevailing hegemonic mindset in Washington, DC.

The destruction of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline has thrown Germany and Europe's energy landscape into chaos, rendering its industries uncompetitive. As a result, many German companies are being forced to relocate to the USA, China, and elsewhere. With leading automotive brands like Volkswagen, BASF, Siemens, and many others facing bankruptcy, many companies and engineers are looking for a new base and opportunities worldwide.

In this context, Thailand -- an attractive destination for Germans, with a substantial German expatriate community and a long history of bilateral cooperation -- has the opportunity to take its engineering expertise to the next level while offering support and a strong choice to German engineers who will likely soon be out of work.

Many experts believe the 21st century will be dominated by Asia, and Thailand should not simply watch as other Asean countries progress. Opportunities like this may not arise again for another fifty years, or possibly never. The Thai government should consider initiating a study to take advantage of this unique situation, with a focus on attracting German investments and engineers to work in Thailand.

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

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