Gap in 10k plan
Re: "Handout sign-up kicks off", (BP, Aug 2).
Have I missed something?
I've seen it reported a number of times that eligibility for the 10,000 baht digital wallet will be assessed on the basis of an individual's tax returns.
My understanding is that as few as 9–10 million Thais actually submit a tax return because their income is less than the tax threshold.
How then will the remaining percentage of the estimated 50 million eligible citizens establish their financial status?
Gender woes in sports
Re: "Controversy as Khelif's opponent abandons fight", (BP, Aug 2).
I wish to express my deepest sympathy with Angela Carini, the Italian boxer at the Paris Olympics, and disgust with the inclusion of an obviously physically superior athlete in the bout against her.
After just 46 seconds, she abandoned her match against an Algerian boxer, Imane Khelif, who despite being born as a woman, has the male XY chromosome and a male body's structure.
The Algerian was banned from competing against female boxers in a 2023 World Championship for failing International Boxing Association eligibility rules that prevent athletes with XY chromosomes from competing in the women's arena, only to be allowed by the International Olympic Committee to enter the ring in Paris with her superior male strength.
This is grossly unfair. Inclusivity has to stop once and for all, especially in the protection of real women.
Visions of the past
I am not superstitious and rarely glance at Guru's horoscope predictions, but I cannot understand why they always refer to the week that has finished, not the week to come.
That must make the writer's job conveniently easy. I look forward to occasionally glancing at some future predictions. Touch wood!
Journalism matters
Re: "Prisoner swap lifts Biden legacy, but risks abound", (Opinion, Aug 3).
The case of Evan Gershkovich is a warning about press freedoms, too. No matter what he was charged with, the reality was that he was imprisoned for his journalism work and his capacity to tell us the truth.
The world will be a better place when there is nothing to warn us about, but until then we need the bravery of Evan and many others, and to remember those who have lost their lives warning us.
There have been too many lost to us.
From England with games
Re: "Olympic tiddlywinks", (PostBag, Aug 2).
Your recent correspondent referring to the English bar game as Shove Half Penny makes it sound almost like a sophisticated pastime. In fact, it's "shove ha'penny" in English bar parlance.
It is about as down-to-earth as you can get!
All eyes on summit
Re: "Thailand ready to host the sixth Bimstec summit", (BP, July 14).
The upcoming 6th Bimstec Summit in Bangkok next month will be interesting to watch.
It is hoped that the Bangkok Post will cover this topic.
Developing countries need help from Thailand and other countries for economic development.
Trying to make a point
Re: "Hyperbole hurts", (PostBag, July 30), "Things to not forget", (PostBag, July 28) and "Why Bua Noi needs a sanctuary", (Opinion, July 17).
Rose Bellini's use of the word "oubliette" was appropriate in highlighting the abuse of animals, in this case, a gorilla most unfortunately imprisoned in a shopping mall. I dare say those gifted with a classical education would agree. For some reason, David Brown managed to take offence.
Then, in a reply to Ms Bellini's second letter, Mr Brown's mean-spirited interpretation discovers hyperbole regarding the same matter, imagining it would hurt the gorilla's cause. A slight exaggeration of the circumstances of imprisonment using "oubliette" if anything arouses further sympathy from readers.
When Mr Brown imagines Ms Bellini's task in writing is to stimulate a sympathetic (but obviously non-existent) bone in the mall operator's mind he should be reminded that hyperbole is not meant to be taken literally. He also seems to think that it is his duty to supervise Ms Bellini's composition accordingly and in this, I am afraid, he is sadly deluded.
We need answers
Re: "Expat tax fallout", (PostBag, July 20) and "New overseas income rules", (Business, June 5).
I implore one of your investigative journalists to address the following. Regulation 48 of the Revenue Code, read closely, including the date of effect, will provide perhaps a partial answer to the multitude of mail to your site. It may provide some relief from anxiety for many folks.
CONTACT: BANGKOK POST BUILDING136 Na Ranong Road Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110Fax: +02 6164000 email: postbag@bangkokpost.co.th
All letter writers must provide full name and address.
All published correspondence is subject to editing at our discretion.