A diplomatic do-do
Re: 'Thailand's false sense of tariff security,' (Opinion, May 30).
I read Thitinan Pongsudhirak's well-written article and I agree with much of what he said. I might add one psychological factor regarding the overconfident, "nonchalant, complacent and smug" behaviour of certain senior officials, to use Dr Thitinan's words.
I believe the reason why certain senior Thai officials are underestimating what trouble Thailand is in with America is because Thailand has historically come out on top using a very good, but now dated and predictable diplomatic playbook.
Today, however, it's no longer working. I went down my street last night in a major tourist zone. In 90% of businesses, there were 0 to 2 customers.
There are other countries who also want tourists, and they did not make international headlines concerning an American educator (Paul Chambers) facing charges which also scare potential American tourists.
I believe this situation is called "deep diplomatic do-do."
Jason A Jellison
What not to print
Re: "Musk's space boo-boo". (PostBag, May 30).
Apparently, PostBag's editor has been given a new progressive mandate: the column must contain at least 50% "green" content that contributes to the print edition's biodegradability. No matter that the above letter could have been edited to "A Space X rocket malfunctioned" without any loss in value to readers; we were confronted with the whole box of cereal.
The remainder, which consisted of childish derision of arguably the world's most successful man, was written in a style using sarcasm and irony.
There is nothing funny in such pablum prose -- it only degrades the minds of others. At least the complaints of a disgruntled Fred Prager expressing his dissatisfaction with food delivery services had content, albeit nothing earthshaking. Just because it's "green" doesn't mean it is fit to print.
Michael Setter
Times are changing
Re: "Be firm on subs deal", (Editorial, May 20).
Why is Thailand buying submarines? The Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea are too shallow to make them useful. The USA somewhat allowed China to create its defence islands in the South China Sea because it was considered non-strategic by Robert Gates, former secretary of defence under George W Bush and Barack Obama.
Thailand's Indian Ocean coast used to come under attack from the Burmese in the old days. Locals used to live well inland in Thalang and Takuapa lest they get caught on the beach and taken into slavery. The traditional response was to run into the jungle and hide. More robust defences where further inland at places like Lan Saka in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Submarines will be stationed in Sattahip, not in Krabi or Ranong. If Thailand signs to buy Chinese submarines, it's likely to make Donald Trump a lot less flexible on trade discussions.
The Thai navy needs fast, flexible vessels to stop smuggling and conduct disaster response. New improvised naval drones as seen in the Black Sea have the current fleet looking like sitting ducks. Ukraine has managed to sink Russia's flagship and push the Black Sea Fleet off Crimea back to Novorossiysk. The times… they are a-changin'.
AM Phuket
