Govt doublespeak
Re: "Floods in northern Thailand worry business chiefs", (BP, Sept 2).
Did all of you observant readers see what the chairman of the Thailand Chamber of Commerce, Sanan Ang-ubolkul, said on page 1? You didn't? Well, let me repeat it.
He said: "There was little chance Bangkok and neighbouring provinces would experience flooding worse than in 2011."
Isn't that comforting, especially for all of the people living in the northern parts of Bangkok who experienced waist-high or higher flooding back then, that it won't be worse? I guess that means that floods will not pass Sutthisan Road on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, that we will be forced out of our homes for six weeks or more again, have to pay for relocation expenses for all of that time, and then receive only 30,000 baht.
He also said that flooding wouldn't happen because of certain things happening. Well, guess what? People in the flooded areas have called us and warned us that we were going to get it and to prepare for it. They have gotten more rain, and it will come this way.
Don't believe me? Try getting a recent picture of the immigration station in Wiang Kaen, which is normally 10 metres above the water level in the Mekong. The river is at the front door, and the road to my wife's village is still underwater and inaccessible. So much for government reassurances.
So, I ask Laksi residents, where do we sign up as potential litigants when we go underwater again because of continued government inaction?
Less cars, more care
Re: "Popular waterfall reopens after two months of rehabilitation", (BP, Sept 3).
I'm glad that we temporarily closed the popular Thi Lor Su waterfall in Tak to allow it to recover from the damage we've done to it. But we should do more so that we can enjoy it for decades to come. Besides limiting road access to Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary to four-wheel vehicles, we should also limit the number of such vehicles and people who can access the falls daily.
Also, require that upon entry, each vehicle's driver must purchase large biodegradable garbage bags, one or more for each type of garbage. The bags, whether full or empty, can be returned for a full refund at the point of exit. The sides of the bags should be available for paid advertising.
As the sanctuary is heavily subsidised by our taxes, we should charge for entry to keep it in prime condition. Fee levels should be based on legal residency -- not nationality. Also, teachers of relevant subjects, students in uniform, the disabled, clergy, and the elderly should be given generous discounts.
Paying for nostalgia
Re: "I'm with the band -- how music made me British", (Opinion, Aug 31).
I lived through the Oasis mania when they came on the music scene, and my students were going gaga over them.
What has shocked me now, 30 years later, is that the same students, now mature people, are prepared to pay 350 pounds, that is 15,723 baht, for a ticket to see a has-been, faded pair of obnoxious, boring brothers and fighting to be there.
What is happening in the world? How much do these crazy people earn to afford it and enthusiastically say it is worth it and reasonably priced? Where did these people get their lobotomies performed?