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Turmoil in Thailand
Dear Editor,
What’s going on in Bangkok in the last few weeks makes me puzzled and
confused. I am living in Thailand since 10 years and meet many Thais. I keep
keen attention on what is happening around both Pattaya and Bangkok. I read
2 weekly newspapers in the English language and follow the economic and
political trends.
I am asking myself where is this social and political Thai awareness coming
from, as the population has modest education on universal political culture.
It looks like Thais are in the street to make racket rather than yearning
after reforms, new constitution or political changes.
In some way I feel sorry for those Thais. They are naïve people talking of
Democracy without any real knowledge what that crucial word means. Democracy
is not perfect but is the best we can offer nowadays. Democracy is freedom
of speech, respect of the law, hard fighting in the Parliament as opposition
in full respect of popular sovereignty and last but not least, political
parties, a cornerstone of a democratic society.
Best Regards,
Concerned Farang
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Enforce no smoking laws
Editor;
Re: Shirtless in Pattaya (PM Mailbag Friday, 20 December 2013) - I think
they need to clamp down on smoking in no smoking areas before worrying about
this. Farangs think that they are exempt from this law as they smoke
wherever they like: restaurants, markets and out the front of the Tut Com
right next to the no smoking signs saying 2000 baht fine. The police could
make a squillion baht in fines from this illegal practice.
Ian
Annoyed by noise, too
Editor;
Re: Noisy Thailand (PM Mailbag Dec 20 2013) - Hi George, I too am one
annoyed by needless noise. I could never understand competing with a machine
to talk above it. Seems the fewer the customers the louder the music as
though it will attract them. I have a fairly large group of friends; we get
out early, drink during happy hour, then when they crank up the music, we
leave. If we were able to converse we’d stay. That doesn’t seem to register
with mgrs or owners. Seems just tuning it down a bit is not an option, it
must be blasting.
The bar complex newly built behind the now dead Rehab disco is costing
developers and condo owners. In 2011 we were asked to sign a petition to
quiet it down. I’m talking about the Avenue, Urban, and City Gardens condo
complexes, and the Mercure Hotel where there are thousands of residents and
tourists.
Most of those bars have gone under, as there is not enough foot traffic to
support that type of business. Those that remain must be owned by Thais with
deep pockets or farangs that can afford to operate at a loss. There are
never more than a few farangs there, yet 3-4 times a week there are birthday
parties with a stadium size sound system that continues until after 3:00am.
I have lived in my current unit for 4 yrs. Though I am in a unit which does
not face that area, I am still affected by it. Those I know who live in the
above mentioned condos are moving, or ready to sell, some have gone to
installing double pane windows, which doesn’t help I am told.
To think a 3.6 million THB condo is made virtually worthless by the lack of
the powers to be showing some consideration for people who have invested
heavily is sad. It is appalling that a 4,000 THB sound system is allowed to
create such misery. I know residents who have stayed in hotels rather than
their own units on such nights.
It is amazing that a building that cost maybe 30,000 THB to build, with a
sound system, can ruin the lives of people who paid 100 times a much for
what they thought would be a nice place to live.
I am a renter, when our lease is up we are out to buy a house. I won’t say
where, but not Pattaya. I got here 34 yrs. ago and it is not the place it
once was.
All I can say to prospective buyers and renters is be aware of any vacant
land that may be near your unit as they will build anything on it, no amount
of complaining will do any good.
Dill Pickles
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Re: Ireland not giving anything away
Editor;
Re: Ireland not giving anything away (PM Mailbag Friday, 20 December 2013) -
George Best’s letter last week is wrong. Ireland is an independent country
and if you get a visa for England, Scotland & Wales, you still need a
separate visa for Ireland. Why would we want to give anything away?
Sean Murphy
Continuing water problems
Editor;
Re: Water problems on Soi Nernplabwan (PM Friday, 15 November 2013) - 28
years I’ve lived in Pattaya and visited their offices in Naklua regularly
during that time. The story is the same. Lots of people running around
shouting/yelling/screaming “nam mai lai”. And the situation never improves.
Not one of them deserves to be in employment.
Boy Sing
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