Trump has the power
Re: "Thais use rare earth leverage", (BP, Oct 29).
It appears that Thai authorities are under a serious misconception about negotiations with the US on rare earths if they think they will get tariff relief from those negotiations. Instead, it is more likely that the US will threaten to hike tariffs to 30%, 50% or even more if Thailand does not agree to Trump's demands on rare earths.
Realistically, Thailand has virtually no leverage on the issue, largely because Thailand has almost no alternatives to acceding to Trump's terms. Neither China nor Russia has any need for Thailand's rare earths, and the market for rare earths in Western Europe and elsewhere is not very large.
Thus, all the leverage is on Trump's side. By now, everyone should realise that he is determined to maximise the use of his power as part of his commitment to put the interests of America first, even if that results in harming long-time friends such as Thailand.
George Rothschild
Feeling unwelcome
Re: "Former tourism boss touts measures for 2026 comeback", (Business, Oct 22).
The media is full of stories about the economic impact of the lack of tourists. Allow me to share mine.
I have had a retirement visa for 20 years. My wife and I have lived well, eating and drinking, and spending money in the local economy during the rainy and low seasons.
Recently, Immigration is turning on us regarding bank accounts. After 20 years of living in the same house, we are still treated like this. Other countries are now welcoming, and so many friends have gone to Vietnam who welcome them.
Clif Snow
Govt lacks vision
Re: "Data centre dangers", (Opinion, Oct 29).
This editorial brings up important considerations for Thailand. We were just informed that the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) is shuttering and postponing electricity-generating capacity due to weak demand. If Thailand is also considering becoming a data centre hub in Southeast Asia, one can assume this is a case of poor government coordination of policy planning among stakeholders.
This is not surprising for a newbie PM. Unfortunately, PM Anutin Charnvirakul succeeded six newbie prime ministers, and among them, the longest-serving prime minister lasted just over a year (Paetongtarn Shinawatra). Some were in office for a few days as acting prime minister, or for a couple of months for those few who got the boot.
Prior to that, Thailand had a military man in office who, frankly, was not abreast of the times, lacked vision, and led a rather moribund government that accomplished little.
To walk into the future and meet challenges, it is abundantly clear that a new charter needs to be established, created by forward-thinking individuals that will allow younger generations to participate enthusiastically and fairly. The concepts of permanent secretaries and an appointed senate need to be rethought, and the government needs a better structural system of checks and balances. If Anutin accomplishes nothing else, he should prepare the country to vote on a new constitution.
Michael Setter
