Land Bridge woes
Re: "Rethink the Land Bridge", (Editorial, May 8).
The massive 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge project requires a feasibility study conducted by a source that is clearly unbiased.
Unfortunately, the study conducted by the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), which is part of the Transport Ministry, does not meet this standard. The minister reports to the owner of a construction firm that is likely to be a frontrunner for many of the Land Bridge contracts.
This situation prompted our national think tank, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), to commission a review of the OTP study from Chulalongkorn University.
The conclusions drawn by the NESDC study sharply contrasted with those of the OTP study, casting doubt on the economic feasibility of the Land Bridge project.
Given the significant differences between these two conclusions -- and the potential bias in the OTP study -- there is a clear need for an independent and credible review of both studies.
Burin Kantabutra
Heed his wisdom
Re: "Dodgy reform arguments", (PostBag, May 3).
Section 112 of the Criminal Code, commonly referred to as the lese majeste law, was last amended in 1976.
Subsequent amendments have increased the penalties associated with this law. Attempts by the elected parliament to amend this law have not been successful.
To help letter writer Yingwai Suchaovanich better understand the difficulties imposed by Section 112, he might consider the following questions: How does the Thai population feel about this law and its purpose? Is there room for healthy criticism?
In the meantime, I continue to agree with Burin Kantabutra that the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great was correct in his comments regarding these laws.
Felix Qui
Trouble in paradise
Re: "MP cites risks of large Israeli community", (BP, May 7).
This article discusses an MP from the Economic Party who is expressing concerns about security and sovereignty regarding about 4,000 Israelis residing in Koh Phangan on long-stay visas.
MP Chris Potranandana has complained about "disruptive behaviour", which includes drug use, unlicensed businesses and informal hotels, schools and retail outlets.
This situation raises a question: if MP Chris has legitimate concerns about foreigners settling in Thailand, why is there no mention of individuals from other nationalities?
Everyone knows there are over 20,000 Russians living in Pattaya and Phuket, where there are Russian schools, restaurants, real estate agencies, tour operators, pharmacies and more.
Targeting a specific ethnic group while ignoring others suggests a troubling pattern.
CNX JON
No happy ending
Re: "Pope marks one-year anniversary in Italy", (World, May 9).
In the fairy tale world of Cinderella, the special gift was glass footwear. In contrast, during the meeting between Marco Rubio and the Pope, the special gift was a football made of glass (or perhaps crystal).
While there were some shared symbols between the two stories, Cinderella and her friends lived happily ever after. However, it seems unlikely that Rubio's team at the White House is heading for such a positive outcome.
Do the president and his team truly live in the real world?
Dennis Fitzgerald
Facts over feelings
Re: "War of words", (PostBag, May 5).
I was amused to read Michael Setter's furious article during breakfast while my kettle whistled away. Unlike Michael, who makes baseless accusations, I simply presented the facts as I believe them to be. I respect Burin Kantabutra as a diligent contributor to PostBag.
I am fairly certain that Michael is an insider at the Bangkok Post; otherwise, PostBag would not have allowed him to label me a communist apologist whenever we disagree. This time, I hope PostBag will let me clarify that I am not an apologist -- I am merely an admirer of modern communist China.
Yingwai Suchaovanich
