Map it, please
Re: "Road collapse shocker", (BP, Sept 25). Indeed, a picture is worth a thousand words -- if there is one! But why, oh why, are Bangkok Post reporters incapable of including a map with their articles, whether they are about new roads, floods, border problems, or whatever?
Why should readers online have to Google place names to find out where it was all happening? Why should paper readers have to just wait and wonder about it?
Look at most foreign newspapers: a new road bridge has been constructed at X -- see the map below; a storm has wreaked havoc in the Y area -- see the map below. It's not rocket science! In this digital age, it should be so easy to make reading your articles a bit more informative.
Johnny Thoyts
Words to deeds
Re: "No new world order, only global disorder", (Opinion, Sept 9).
Columnist John J Metzler's article hits the right note that underscores the turbulent context in which the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
At such a critical juncture, the choice of slogans such as "Better Together" and appeals to "Dialogue and Diplomacy" must be interpreted not as a simple ceremonial rhetoric, but as adequate tools to foster the indispensable solidarity without which the United Nations and multilateralism risk remaining in crisis.
The credibility of the UN depends not only on diplomatic statements or festive commemorations but on the genuine will of 193 member states to turn these slogans into shared commitments.
The value of solidarity is no longer an option; it is the real condition for addressing wars, humanitarian emergencies, and the erosion of trust in international cooperation. Without it, the UN risks becoming a forum of lamentation rather than a strong platform for solutions.
Ioan Voicu
An overvalued baht
Re: "The baht's troubling rise", (Editorial, Sept 22).
While the strong baht currency benefits the few rich travelling or investing overseas, it surely does not benefit the export or important tourism sectors, two very vital sectors to help the Thai economy grow more to its true potential.
The topic regarding the size of the foreign reserve is seemingly rarely addressed. As we are told, Thailand's international foreign reserves are over the top, I think, exceeding US$280 billion (9 trillion baht). This treasure trove is one reason the baht currency is so strong.
Could the new governor of Bangkok, Thailand, revise policy on how to manage these reserves?
Instead of using this reserve to manage the US dollar, the authority can use these reserves to pay for useful specific infrastructure in US dollars, instead of converting into baht currency. This would help Thailand be more productive, which is a key to increased economic performance.
At the same signal, Thailand is not obsessed with now-outdated over-the-top uber-prudence reserves and so an overvalued currency.
Paul A Renaud
