Choose sustainable
Re: "PM Srettha touts plans for casinos, nuclear power", (BP, June 22).
From the perspective of an undergraduate student living in Thailand, I respectfully disagree with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's proposals to legalise casinos and build a nuclear power plant in Thailand for several reasons.
Firstly, while legalising casinos may bring gambling under governmental control, it will not necessarily eliminate illegal gambling completely. Moreover, it could cause social issues related to gambling addiction and crime associated with the industry.
Secondly, the idea of constructing a nuclear power plant to reduce electricity costs requires considerable safety standards that cannot be overlooked. History has shown catastrophic accidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima, which have had devastating consequences for human health and the environment. Even with modern safety standards, the potential for accidents remains a critical concern. In addition to this, nuclear power plants produce radioactive waste that remains hazardous for thousands of years. Proper management and disposal of this waste pose ongoing challenges. Furthermore, high costs associated must be carefully considered.
Lastly, transitioning to nuclear power as a means to achieve net zero carbon emissions overlooks alternative renewable energy sources that are safer and more sustainable in the long run, such as solar and wind energy. All in all, while addressing underground gambling and reducing energy costs are important goals, I believe there are more sustainable and socially responsible ways to achieve them.
Pyn Lochaya
Causes for worry
Re: "Quest for tax clarity", (PostBag, June 30) & "Review tax reform", (PostBag, June 15).
Bob Danob, with his "Confusion reigns" letter, hits the nail right on the head -- and the old saying by W Scott comes to mind: "Oh what a tangled web we weave/when first we practise to deceive". Not deceiving, but surely the Thai tax authorities have managed to utterly confuse long-term expats staying here. And this for months now, especially the very ones they aim to attract. Thais and foreign investors as well as long-term expats can deal with good and not-so-good news -- but not with ongoing confusing uncertainty and then subject to arbitrary interpretation -- or worse. The lame words "don't worry" only emerge to those not affected.
Paul A Renaud
The heart of Asean
Re: "Thais favour proactive foreign policy", (Opinion, July 2).
Thank you, Bangkok Post columnist Kavi Chongkittavorn, for a thought-provoking review of the survey study done by The Asia Foundation. While noting some of the trends in the reactions by the respondents of varying age and personality profiles, it is undeniably true that Thailand geopolitically is the heart of Asean. Thailand needs to grow outside its geographic confines, treat Asean as a greenfield open space and leverage connectivity as the choice strategy to have any relevance in the Asia Pacific Era as it is emergent. Digital connectivity is sine qua non, but more than that, human connectivity is more of the need of the hour. As Thailand, in its recent national strategy, has chosen to promote soft power and the many attributes of such power, Thailand must groom its youth to lead the way forward with new innovative ideas and initiatives. More than all, to achieve its aspiration to be that nation of consequence in the future of Asean, what is needed at this time is a new value system which counteracts the oft-witnessed "No Action Talk Only". Talent deployment to achieve high results for the greater good of all is the only way for Thailand to stand tall among the communities of nations.
Glen Chatelier
