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It’s a world issue

Songkran - it’s that time of year again

Looking after you from birth to death

It’s a world issue

Dear Editor;
It may surprise people to know that although Bob’s letter of April l6 is somewhat critical of me, I agree with practically everything he wrote. But as someone who has always promoted a low-fat diet I’m surprised that he thinks I only condemn animal foods. For example, I once had a full length article published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer entitled: “Vegetarianism is only half the battle”.
But one major advantage of a vegan diet is that the overwhelming majority of vegan food has virtually no saturated fat while a meat-eater, even a fish eater, is going to have a difficult time avoiding foods which are high in saturated fats.
In regards to KFC, Bob misses my point. KFC is an American corporation and when people eat at KFC in Thailand they are helping KFC in America. It’s all connected. If all KFC’S outside of Canada were to agree to the same conditions that KFC in Canada agreed to, chickens in both America and Thailand would benefit. This is not an “American” issue, it is a world issue.
As for my “bad bedside matters” I have never personally attacked another letter-writer unless he personally attacked me first. Needless to say, I don’t turn the other cheek. And why should I?
Eric Bahrt

Songkran - it’s that time of year again

Editor;
Yes, it is that time of year again. I write this from Paris CDG airport on my way to Pattaya for a 2 week break. I wish this visit could be at any other time of year but my work schedule dictated otherwise. I had honestly hoped that after the recent troubles in Pattaya and Bangkok the whole thing might be cancelled but unfortunately not. Such is the “mai pen rai” attitude.
I hope that someone will take a little time to think not only of those about to be killed over the coming “festivities” but for all those who are disabled and maimed at the same time. They never get much of a mention but their numbers are obviously much greater then the fatalities. Then please spare a thought for those who don’t find it amusing to be belted with often dirty water while going about their normal daily routine. The whole thing could be great if controlled and for a limited time.
No doubt you will have the usual debate going on in the coming weeks but I thought I’d like to get in early with my message.
By all means have Songkran the weekend after the rest of Thailand but let’s just keep it 2 days, say from midday Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday. Most of my friends who still live in Pattaya and former residents like me who are still frequent visitors could enjoy it along with the rest the population. The local Thai business community would probably appreciate being able to trade during this time as well without the constant worry of their stock being damaged.
I would love to be wrong with any predictions here.
George Seator

Looking after you from birth to death

Editor;
I hope that the situation between the red shirts and yellow shirts doesn’t get any worse as people like Matt might have to return to the UK where the NHS is there to look after you from birth to death in or out of work, where if you can’t work the government will pay you. I wonder how many Thais get paid when they don’t work.
Most Brits go abroad for two maybe three reasons 1/ the sun, 2/ rate of exchange for the pound and the improved standard of living for the same money, 3/ the lack of the police and the freedom that brings. I agree with Matt he should be able to come back and get treatment for free. But many people have said to me it was their choice; they should have found out about health care and how much it was going to cost before they emigrated, not just gone expecting to live like kings and then expecting the British tax payer (N.I.) to foot the bill for medical treatment. Whatever way you look at it in your paper they moan about Thailand, Britain, and America. It goes on, let’s moan and be happy. Matt, see a good solicitor and ask about care from cradle to the grave.
Wayne Hobson

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