Forget the gloom
Re: "Thailand now 'the sick man of Asean'", (Opinion, Oct 30).
While Economist/columnist Chartchai Parasuk's analysis offers a sobering view of Thailand's economic outlook, it would not be correct for society to accept a fatalist vision of its future.
Calculations and forecasts made by the IMF measure growth rates and debt ratios, but not the resilience, creativity or spirit of the Thai people.
If Thais can revitalise traditional community support -- qualities beyond the reach of economic models -- the industrious population of Thailand can transform today's relative pessimism into renewed confidence. By the end of 2026, the Thai nation may have upset the experts' gloomy forecasts.
Ioan Voicu
No free lunches
Re: "Andrew bows out" & "Credit where it's due", (PostBag, Nov 2).
Just the two letters today, but both well worthy of comment.
The first tells us about a naughty royal, formerly known as Prince Andrew. I'm sure this sort of behaviour does happen elsewhere ad nauseam around the world, especially when your spoons are made of silver.
He also wrote that Andy's teammate Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide, though I beg to disagree with this assertion.
The second one was from law professor Ajarn Vitit Muntarbhorn.
He cites the "unspoken aberration" of non-remuneration for any kind folk who give up their free time to help out at various embassies, international agencies or the UN.
So local people here are asked to help out for free, paying their own travel costs getting to the conference and somehow aiding the process with their local knowledge pro bono.
Recounting a recent seminar where he was to give a one-hour talk, we're told his request for a car to travel to the venue was denied and subsequently advised to take a taxi instead with costs reimbursed upon receipt.
I must agree that the taxi option is a lot more economical and practical but alas a written "check bin" is rarely available from a cabbie.
After contacting the embassy's ambassador for assistance, he managed to ruffle a few feathers below deck, leading to a menacing verbal response.
My advice is to give the whole shebang the elbow or pick your potential collaborative bodies more carefully if desiring to enlighten the enlightened.
Ian Dann
Driving in their cars
Re: "Open for trial: Motorists test out the Bang Yai–Kanchanaburi motorway", (BP, Oct 31).
On seeing the photo of the M81 motorway, I am moved to pen this. We all know Thais love their cars -- years ago, a property agent drove me to a potential Bangkok office one stop away on the skytrain.
Of course, it took me 15 mins longer to get there in their car ("it's all part of our service").
Other countries have invested and are investing in rail transport, for people and freight, using integrated connections, thus reducing accidents (on the road and during construction), pollution and environmental damage.
Anyone got an answer to what is stopping Thailand making this move toward a "developed, safer and cleaner country?"
And please, please change your old diesel engines to electric.
JezzaNong
