History of greed

Re: "Nitirat chief warns of new 'Black May'," (BP, March 20).

As the road map unfolding with military precision attests, it is not so much that the ruling politicians who selfishly delivered the Thai nation from the good morals on which democracy is founded are stupid (such a rude word).

It's that they are greedily serving their mates in the oligarchy, whose traditions of Thai Niyom (Thainess), inherited from their ancestors, dictate that the lives of the lower classes remain duty-bound by feudal patronage to cater to the lusts and control of their betters.

Felix Qui

Misplaced sympathy

Re: "Tycoon in crosshairs", (PostBag, March 20).

Somsak Pola seems to be oblivious to the general public's anger over the recent killing and eating of an endangered leopard, allegedly by a rich tycoon and his cohorts. Mr Somsak asks us not to get upset if the accused only gets a slap on the wrist for all the charges the group may face.

Perhaps Mr Somsak would like to give us a declaration that he is not in any way connected with anyone in said group with whom he apparently sympathises, and that being slapped with only trivial offences is an appropriate outcome.

Martin R

It's a dog's life

Re: "Don't defend stupidity", (PostBag, March 19).

The bottom line is the owners of the dog didn't want to pay the extra US$50 (1,560 baht) or $100 that United Airlines would have charged.

The dog should have been in a kennel that fit under the seat and the cabin crew should have also been told about it.

It was not in a kennel, and that type of dog has a difficult time breathing at high altitudes.

Thank you and end of story.

Mr P

Under a coconut shell

During my teaching career in Thailand, I was often asked to explain current events. This can be difficult to accomplish with eight- to nine-year-olds, but one such discussion might have gone like this. "Mr G, why are my parents mad about 4G?"

Well, let's compare the 4G telecom companies to Mr Somchai, who buys and sells coconuts for a living. One time he spent too much money buying coconuts. Now, there is no way that he can make a profit. His thinking is that, the blame lies at the company who sold him the coconuts. They should not have charged that much money for coconuts to begin with. And now, he wants his money back.

"But, that doesn't make sense Mr G"

George Bowman

Keeper of the ocean

In my 17 years of dealing with stray dogs in Thailand's Jomtien area, giving water, food and treats to up to 100 a day, having had over 200 dogs and 60 cats sterilised, giving shots if needed, [helping] many that were hurt, they never bite, and none has ever had rabies.

I find that a stray dog with water and food that is a pet and given treats is much safer to be around than a thirsty, hungry and scared dog. Now I have people (farang) telling me to stop, some yelling at me, as they drive by. I have asked Pattaya City Hall for over 14 years to have prisoners take in the strays, learn how to sterilise, bathe and train them. That will give both the prisoners and the dogs love, while the prisoners can learn a trade and make some money, so when they are released, the odds of getting a job and a meal will be in his favour. I have also asked Pattaya City Hall [for land to house them.]

That's my story, I have given blood, sweat and tears to less fortunate humans and animals ... I'm turning 80 this April and still doing my best to make a difference for the better.

Gerry aka KOTO (Keeper Of The Ocean)

Part of the pollution

Re: "The city of smog", (PostBag, March 17).

Wolfgang Marquardt writes to complain about the pollution he experiences when driving up from Hua Hin to Bangkok and goes on to point out some of the causes -- "traffic, industry, etc".

Mr Wolfgang, you as a driver are actually part of the problem! The last thing Bangkok needs is more vehicles on the road and by driving into the city you actually make the air pollution worse.

Peter Atkinson

Contact: Bangkok Post Building

136 Na Ranong Road Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110

fax: +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.