Rethink tax policy
Re: "Minister vows VAT increases", (BP, Nov 21).
Not once in this article is the collection of income tax mentioned. No one pays their fair share, many fudge the figures, and plenty do not even bother to file. The VAT programme is a weight dragging down productivity, yet the Finance Ministry thinks it is a good idea to increase it.
Why? Purportedly to show investors the government is stable, though Fitch and Moody's clearly disagree.
Perhaps the finance policymakers could revisit the core principles of free-market capitalism. They might also consider urging banks to stop perpetually inflating their non-performing loans, allowing the real estate sector to return to a genuine supply-and-demand marketplace rather than one where asset prices rise regardless of overall economic conditions.
Or how about investing in workforce development so Thailand becomes competitive enough for the Foreign Business Act to become obsolete? And then there is the radical notion of greater foreign ownership, which might actually bring much-needed investment. But no -- instead, let's raise VAT to the maximum and wreak havoc on poor households.
Michael Setter
Riders cause havoc
Re: "City Hall expands project to renovate walkways", (BP, March 21).
As a topic of widespread concern, the use of footpaths by motorcyclists in Bangkok has persisted for as long as I can remember. One major reason for this intransigence, I believe, is that crowded roads pose real dangers to anyone on two wheels.
However, the growing number of motorcycle taxis, goods delivery riders and couriers -- while providing valuable public services -- has also contributed to the problem. Many ride wherever they please, and often as fast as they please. AI CCTV cameras have been introduced to catch motorcyclists in pedestrian areas, but they seem to have had little effect.
The government has paid limited attention to this issue, and anyone who walks regularly can attest to the risks of using footpaths today. Police are visible, but I have rarely seen them stop offending riders -- though perhaps they do on occasion.
Most motorcycle taxis are registered, but this does not appear to lessen the risks they pose to pedestrians. Bangkok is a major tourism centre, and the situation hardly leaves a good impression on visitors.
Would it be possible for commercial operators to enforce rules for their riders? If not, the government should step in and impose heavy fines on business owners for the actions of their employees. Someone must take responsibility.
Richard Jones
