Trade foresight?
Re: "Geoeconomics of Thai 'land bridge'", (Opinion, May 15).
Pavida Pananond and Thitinan Pongsudhirak have raised quite some thought-provoking issues on the geoeconomics of the Thai land bridge.
Seen in the light of Thailand's membership in BIMSTEC with other member countries such as Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, connectivity with these countries and other important trading partners will surely be enhanced.
The impact on trade for Thailand and other BIMSTEC countries will be positive in that the land bridge is projected to reduce shipping time between the Indian and Pacific Oceans by four days and lower transport costs by 15%, significantly shortening routes like Chennai-Yokohama.
For Thailand itself, the project is expected to support the southern part of Thailand (the Southern Economic Corridor) and to link with Thailand's agricultural and bio-industry sectors.
Looking ahead, the Anutin 2 government will be credited with taking the bold step to move forward and enhance the prospects not just of the Thai economy, but of the regional, Gulf Cooperation Council, and Asia-Pacific economies by and large.
Thailand's geocentric position in Asean and its favorability to investments in the project from countries like China, France and some in the Middle East must surely prove incentives to moving ahead instead of doubting and vacillating on important investment development potentials in the face of the current America-Israel standoff with Iran and the impasse in the Strait of Hormuz, which doesn't seem to be easing up.
Glen Chatelier
Test of leadership
Re: "Uneasy world awaits reopening of Hormuz", (World, May 15).
It seems the American war on Iran will never end, given that President Trump didn't even finish reading Iran's latest peace suggestion.
Surely you need to read the whole list of negotiating points to see what is possible and what you can agree on to get them off the table. However, if the war is over, the spotlight will swing back to the Epstein files once the UFOs have left, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is bright blue, and the ballroom is open, but these distractions will be replaced by other distractions. What everyone needs is positive leadership that promotes peace and keeps their citizens safe and well-fed. Do you and your country have this?
Dennis Fitzgerald
In natural harmony
Re: "Communities mourn death of famed tusker 'Plai Thong Bai'", (BP, May 11).
Very much appreciated the memorial to 'Plai Thong Bai' published on May 11.
After spending some time in the jungle with a mahout/kwan-chang and an elephant, I've always been impressed by the relationship between animals and the Thai people. Sometimes it's a challenging relationship involving private animal ownership and the problems that can arise, but mostly, my wife and I have noticed the very unique and gentle relationships Thais have with animals.
Your article demonstrates a unique relationship that differs markedly from that in other countries. Canada often names and tracks special bears, and the media gets involved, but to put it simply, it's not the same relationship.
It sure isn't easy to ride bears. Thai elephants are often more reasonable, with their artistic abilities and fortitude in manual labour. Thank you for the touching memorial.
Mike Sluchinski
