Endless accidents
Re: "Bus crash injures 31 uni students", (BP, Oct 16).
The road accident involving a bus carrying 40 Srinakharinwirot University students and a pig lorry on Phetkasem Road on a recent Monday evening is just another glaring example of how bad, nay useless, the Thai drivers are and how inadequate the enforcement of any road regulations is in this country.
Because Thai drivers do not undertake any meaningful driving tests, which would teach them basic road awareness, like the breaking distance of their vehicle, especially in adverse conditions, or road rules, including courtesy, these needless accidents will never stop.
In a developed country, any driver who hits a vehicle in front of him is always guilty. Repeat, always!
Therefore, the lame excuse that the road traffic in front of the bus slowed or stopped, let alone that it was raining, is not only ridiculous but insulting. The bus driver was obviously going too fast and too close to the vehicle in front of him.
Luckily, no one got seriously injured, including the porkies. And above all, the bus driver did not flee the scene! He should stop telling porkies, have his licence revoked and be sent to a proper driving school.
Blocking 112 reform
Re: "Scope of amnesty study limited", (BP, Oct 16).
It is not surprising that "some coalition parties -- Bhumjaithai, United Thai Nation and the Democrat Party -- strongly oppose extending any kind of amnesty to Section 112 offenders.
More plainly, some coalition members oppose democracy and reject justice, both of which are opposed and rejected by 112 in its current form.
That conflict is perhaps why so many Thai voters in May last year proved themselves happy to see it reformed. A poll to discover the facts would be informative.
Cash aid for kids
Re: "Government mulls welfare aid boost", (BP, Oct 15).
Increasing the monthly child welfare support payment to encourage Thais to have more children and stave off a possible labour shortage in the future (due to an ageing society) certainly is noble.
But why in cash and restrict it until the age of six or seven? Wouldn't it be better to lessen the burden of having children by introducing a structural and sustainable system whereby parents are supported only by handing out necessary practical products (clothing, footwear, pampers, food, etc.) until kids are school-age?
Then, extend this by offering completely free schooling, food, and uniforms until they leave school (say, age 21). That way, parents' burden is untroubled and cushioned until the end, certainly in light of household debts to the tune of 90% of GDP.
Buri Ram for F1
Re: "Chasing F1 glory", (PostBag, Oct 12).
According to this letter, Thai Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong wants to bring Formula 1 racing to the country's capital.
Considering the high price tag of hosting such an event, it is debatable whether it is worth having it here in the first place.
Anyhow, what about Buri Ram? It seems that this city has the best race track in the kingdom, and has hosted a few professional international motorbike racing events in the past.
Furthermore, the city's leaders have also expressed an interest in previous years in bringing an F1 event to the country.