Expat fare snub
Re: "Why we need walkable cities", (Life, March 21).
As an elderly expat, I primarily rely on public transport to get around the city. The BTS, MRT and BMTA buses are a lifeline for many elderly people residing here.
As Thailand continues to promote the country as a retirement haven, they seem to assume that all retirees are just swimming in money. Recent articles have noted concerns in the Pattaya community about the baht's ever-changing value.
As many of us are on fixed incomes from various sources, we appreciate any opportunity to save a few baht, which we, ultimately, spend back in the community. This is why the policy of not allowing us to buy senior discount passes is particularly bothersome.
Recently, in another publication, the MRTA confirmed that student/senior discounts for Mangmoom EMV cards apply only to Thai citizens. Add to this the recent confusion with topping up one's Rabbit card, and it looks like Thailand really doesn't understand the makeup of the expat community. We live here 24/7/365 and spend untold millions of baht in support of the local economy. A little consideration would be appreciated.
Fred Prager
Court long-stayers
Re: "Cultural eclipse", (Editorial, March 11).
The planned merger of the tourism and culture portfolios is yet another initiative to attract more tourists to Thailand. Like previous initiatives, new visa legislation, tinkering with the alcohol sales legislation, etc, it is likely to have a limited effect. Instead of chasing the fickle tourist market, the government could consider another initiative. There are currently somewhere between 500,000 and 1 million long-term expats living in Thailand. These are people who spend money 365 days a year, rather than the typical 14 days for a tourist.
Surely a better way to increase revenue would be initiatives to encourage these sorts of people to come to Thailand. These initiatives could include making long-term resident visas much easier to obtain, reducing the 800,000 baht minimum bank holding requirement, facilitating land ownership through leasehold, dropping the 90-day reporting system, deregulating bank transfer amounts (now 50,000 for foreigners), etc. On the basis that it is easy to become a long-term, 365-day foreign resident and the revenue generated for the economy would be considerable.
Andy James
Demand peace
Re: "Trump goes off-script, US gone rogue", (Opinion, March 27).
The world today is paying the price for the actions and decisions of a single individual, Donald Trump. Yet, there is a striking silence at the global level. No united voice from major nations or alliances, such as BRICS, has emerged strongly enough to challenge the situation.
It is deeply concerning that a leader once associated with peace narratives is now being linked to one of the most serious global conflicts of our time. At the same time, the people of the US, who elected this leadership, appear divided or subdued, while continued support and funding for the war persist.
In times like these, the responsibility does not lie with one nation alone. The global community must step forward collectively. Countries across the world should unite, raise their voices, and push firmly for an immediate ceasefire.
Now more than ever, diplomacy must take precedence over conflict. It is crucial to bring all parties to the negotiation table and work towards peace before the consequences become even more devastating for humanity.
D Kedia
