Nail in the coffin
Re: "Ex-PM sees no risk to Pheu Thai", (BP, Nov 15).
Does Thaksin Shinawatra really believe his appearances at political rallies is not influencing voters? Give me a break. Everyone in Thailand knows who he is and what party he supports, and that his presence at political rallies is telling everyone who he wants them to vote for. Isn't that against the law? He may claim to be a non-political citizen expressing his views, but everyone knows that he covertly rules the party. This should be another nail in the coffin of that party.
Holistic travel
Re: "London Model to be used for road fees", (BP, Nov 13).
To reduce Bangkok's world-infamous traffic congestion, we need a holistic, inclusive view. We're even framing our problem too narrowly, so it's no wonder things don't improve. Instead of asking, "How can Bangkok traffic congestion be reduced?" we should ask, "How can Bangkok's masses -- especially those with low income -- go from Point A to Point B in greater Bangkok effectively and efficiently?"
Thus, we must look at each person's entire journey, such as from home to workplace. Can they get from home to a mass transit station in all kinds of weather? Are the various modes of mass transport which they must take coordinated in terms of routes and schedules? Can they plan her travel time accurately? Are the travel modes safe and affordable, given their low income?
For example, when I worked in New York City, I walked two blocks from my Brooklyn borough apartment to a subway station, made two train changes underground by simply crossing the platform, and surfaced two blocks from my Manhattan office. My friend in a NY suburb drove five minutes to his commuter train, boarded a subway within the train's Manhattan terminal, and walked two blocks to his Wall Street office. That was sixty years ago. What's taking us so long?
Sacred cow
Re: "Moo Deng still a drawcard, boosts the economy", (BP, Nov 12).
As yet another feather is added to her fruitful bucket, is there anything that the ever illustrious Moo Deng, the reigning icon of Thainess incarnate, a foreign captive no less, cannot do better than any homegrown icon? Even her fortune-telling skill exceeds the usual fraudulence. (Lisa is excepted, having fled Thai captivity for climes where creativity is not stifled) But how do the local sacred cows feel about being so upstaged by this alien usurper?
Fed-led gold rush
Re: "Fed-free future", (PostBag, Nov 14).
The last time US financial institutions, also led by a conservative government, were allowed to squeeze the last drop out of the financial system unhindered by regulation, we ended up with a crashed US economy and the global financial crisis of 2008.
Lives were ruined around the globe.
If, as Michael Setter thinks, Elon Musk and Donald Trump intend to "eliminate the Federal Reserve", it can surely be for only one reason: So they can do the same.
The Federal Reserve is a vital regulator of the banking system, and its independence from interference by money-grubbing politicians is critical.
I would strongly suggest Mr Setter converts all of his his savings to gold if Mr Musk and Mr Trump get their way.
Political football
Re: ''Dire warnings of a worldwide 'Jew hunt'", (Opinion, Nov 15).
Once again the foremost defender of Jews, Bret Stephens, is trying to obscure the problems that the Jews and Israelis are causing in the world.
I do not exactly know why the Israelis strenuously avoid calling themselves Jews. It is a Jewish state with Arabs in it. Be proud of it!
The Israelis have no right to play competitive football in Europe. Israel is in Asia.
Therefore Israel should play against the Asian teams. Yet imagine them playing in Iran, Saudi Arabia or Yemen.
By forcing themselves into European football, Israel is provoking and inviting trouble. Thousands of policemen had to guard them in Paris. Why?
Aggressive Israel is not exactly the toast of the world nowadays.
So, dear Israelis, stop exporting your problems. Either play football in Asia, or stay at home.
That way you will surely have no problems with the European fans.