OPINION

Visa blowback

Re: "MFA proposes slashing visa-free tourist period in half", (BP, March 25) & "Explainer: Thailand's new visas", (Podcast, Aug 5, 2024).

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow recently discussed the proposal as he chaired a seminar, running from Tuesday to Friday, that brings together consular officials from Thai embassies, consulates, and trade offices worldwide."

Do these seminars take public comment, either from Thais who work in the hotel and tour industry outside Phuket, or from any kind of foreigners?

It seems like an opportunity for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to gather feedback on what obstacles prevent access to consular services.

I would be well prepared to show them how hard it is for a well-intended, law-abiding foreigner to get basic help or information when applying for a visa.

You report the restrictions are due to "foreign visitors misusing the scheme for purposes other than travelling" and that the MFA is "citing national security concerns".

The MFA's position, at the time it set the 60-day term, was that the VE entry is not only for short-stay tourism, but also for other sensible purposes like long-stay tourism (snowbirds), investors, offshore workers, professionals on sabbatical leave, and so on.

It was reported the biggest winner would be the large country moving from the 15-day VOA list to the new 60-day VE system.

But how are drunken louts and employment violations at small businesses in Phuket a national security concern, rather than a matter for the local police and the labour office?

Most crucially, if this is to be another crackdown, how do good guys prove to border officers that we're law-abiding? By paying a "safe entry" agent?

Oil shock fuels EVs

Re: "Petrol-price roller coaster increases appeal of EVs", (Business, March 24).

Isn't it ironic that Donald Trump, the self-proclaimed archenemy of anything sustainable and renewable, might be the one to accomplish what nobody could do before, namely, the broad adoption of electric vehicles?

The oil shortage and accompanying price spikes due to the folly of starting an unnecessary war seem to have woken up many people -- mostly outside the United States, I admit -- to the fact that being overly reliant on oil and gas isn't very smart.

Sales of EVs are going through the roof in many countries, facing shortages and long lines at the pumps.

Many are looking to diversify by buying an EV as their first or second car. I can't blame them.

War of words

Re: "Grave parallels", (PostBag, March 24).

"Complete detachment from reality" is about where Mr Kridakorn lives in the latest letters published by the Post.

The only similarity here with the Nazi party is the medieval government, which funded terrorist groups such as Hamas.

Such medieval administration indeed has terrorised Iran for over 42 years and recently executed 5,000 of its own civilians in public.