Driving them away
Re: "Airport tax to rise 53% for international flights", (BP, Dec 4).
Starting early next year, passengers taking international flights from Thailand will be taxed about 1,120 baht per flight, a significant increase from the 730 baht which both Thais and foreigners alike have to pay now.
The mandarins at the Thai Civil Aviation Authority decided the fee was necessary to improve flight experiences for passengers and upgrade the infrastructure at the airports providing international flights.
But haven't tourist arrivals to Thailand been on the decline for the last few years or so?
Tourist revenue contributes to GDP.
Those in charge of the government say they want the economy to improve in 2026. Yet I don't see how increasing the price of flight tickets is going to bring in more tourists to the country.
Paul
Tepid match
Re: "Stars give 'battle of sexes' thumbs up", (Sport, Dec 30).
The match between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios should have never been played, as it humiliated the best women's tennis player, for Nick Kyrgios is well past his sell-by date as far as the men's game is concerned.
I dread to think what the result would have been if Sabalenka were playing Carlos Alcaraz or Jannick Sinner. Or if the English Lionesess football team played a football game against the Argentina national men's team. God and FIFA forbid!!
Miro King, believes in sex separation in sport
More speed needed
Re: "Justice system tested", (Editorial, Dec 30).
I am shocked BP posted a headline saying "Justice system tested" for claims that Pol Gen Surachate bribed a NACC commissioner.
This latest accusation stems from a case when a former trusted aide of Pol Gen Surachate's turned against him and provided alleged bribery evidence against both him and an NACC commissioner.
Pol Gen Surachate has at least four to five cases before the NACC. The editorial should ask why the NACC has been slow as a turtle to make the findings known to the public, to clear or indict.
As the editorial has said, everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Gen Surachate should stand up to prove his innocence in court, and not use social media to support him in a battle that would make the events resemble a modern-day soap opera.
Yingwai Suchaovanich
