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On the way to work ... what price misery MRTA?
Editor;
Thaksin Shinawatra, the prime minister called him “that
lousy driver”.
Driving into to work this morning, thankfully against all
the traffic trying to squeeze into Bangkok’s Asoke and Sukhumvit Road from
Ratchadaphisek, I ponder on the cost of the train accident yesterday on
Bangkok’s new subway. At least a 12 km three-line traffic jam stretching
as far back as the eye could see, on this misty January morning. Scores of
miserable drivers trying to get to work, the cancellation of all underground
trains, another week before they can re-open the system.
The millions of baht in lost revenue, estimated at Bt2.3
- Bt2.5 million per day plus the collateral damage quoted by one minister as
being in the region Bt100 million (which seems a staggering amount!). The
loss of goodwill and confidence in the system is a PR company’s
opportunity; however, the insurance companies are hit again, only 21 days
after the tsunami disaster. The cost to the environment? Slow moving cars
belting out pollutants, all add to the quality of life and financial misery.
And then you start to think ... how can one employee
cause this much damage? What about my own business? What about insurance
against these kinds of disasters? It’s a lot to think about on the way to
work.
Andrew J Wood
General Manger
Chaophya Park Hotel, Bangkok
Thanks for the insight
Dear Editor,
Colin Hinshelwood has written an excellent description of
his experience as a volunteer immediately following the tsunami that
devastated the beaches of Phuket. His steady descriptions of the process of
recovery enabled me to visualize what he went through, and his support of
the Thai authorities and their procedures was good to read. Congratulations
to him for a good article, and thanks to Chiangmai Mail for printing
it.
Rebecca Lomax
Victim of drive by theft
Dear Editor,
Just for information. While cycling very close to my
hotel in a little soi on Thursday night a motorbike came up behind me at
high speed and pulled my bag out of the basket of my bike taking all my
money, credit cards, glasses, etc. I had just left my friends and only went
100 yards alone. He sped off too quickly to get a license plate or
recognition. I spend months in Chiang Mai each winter and feel very safe
here but this has been going on since November.
I also want to ask you where in Hang Dong is the Mother
of Pearl Industry that you mentioned as having won an award for employing
many disabled persons in ’04? I would like to buy there. I phoned the
number given but there is no response.
Aileen Roantree
Editor replies: The Mother of Pearl Industry focuses on
manufacturing and export to mainly Japan and Europe, but those of you who
are interested may contact the MOPI Company at 0 5336 8027, or email info@mo
pi.co.th. Their items are available at selected shops in Thailand.
No wine before 5 p.m.
Dear Chiangmai Mail,
This is not supposed to be an agony or complain letter,
but I am frustrated as I do not understand what is behind this new rule
which suddenly hits people who want to have their shopping done before dawn.
There is a new (maybe old?) rule and it is announced with big signs at all
the supermarkets e.g. Carrefour and Lotus, that it is not allowed to sell
alcohol before 5 in the evening.
As I have no other choice as to accept it, I still would
be interested why? If I go shopping during the time my kids are in school,
just before I pick them up (early afternoon) and want to purchase a bottle
of wine, it does not mean that I drink it while driving or?
And what do you do when you live all the way out in Hang
Dong, invite guests and need to have your shopping done before 5 p.m. It is
just ridiculous! Yesterday afternoon I stood at a cashiers at Carrefour at
4.15 and this girl (she followed the rules, I know) refused to let me pay.
It was Sunday, we are adults and we had money in our pockets.
Is there a rule also for consuming? Maybe it is not
allowed as well to finish your glass of beer after midnight? Just curious.
Please also specify the exact times, from when until
when.
Sibylla Remedios
Cosmetic differences
Mr. Jones,
I did not appreciate your characterization of my
President, George W. Bush. You have no idea of the greatness of the man.
I’m glad you’ve chosen to live in another country. But I want you to
know that the next time I’m in Chiang Mai, I’m going to look you up and
change your face.
Roger Kuyrkendall
Conservative Republican
Scott Jones replies:
Well, Mr. Kuyrkendall, we have a couple things in common:
1) we’re both glad I live in another country. 2) We both have the luxury
of freedom of speech. However I don’t share your violent streak. When
you’re in Chiangmai, perhaps we could meet at The Writer’s Club where
people exchange ideas, disagree or agree and talk about issues in a
civilized manner. “Changing my face” won’t alter my mind or my heart.
Scott Jones
Human Being
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