Action not passive indifference

Editor;

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has long advocated the secular philosophy of Sufficiency Economy to shield the Thai people and nation from adverse internal and external threats by acknowledging the interdependence among people at all levels, cooperating rather than competing for the common good. In order to cope with economic adversity and to withstand future economic insecurity, the optimal middle path speaks to a lifestyle governed by moderation, reasonableness, tolerance, common good, moral integrity, self-awareness and spiritual enlightenment.

Foreseeing a global famine epidemic looming, with a projected 4.7 billion people added to the world’s population, the global demand for daily sustenance will more than double over the next half-century. The central issue influencing human destiny is neither the global financial crisis nor climate change, but whether humanity can accommodate and achieve an enormous sustainable harvest. Scarcities of almost everything to produce high yields of foodstuff, fresh water, farmland, mineral nutrients, fossil oil, natural gas and fish production play into and compound the other factors.

As a major exporter of rice and fruit, Thailand and ASEAN should reassess priorities and plan to increase investments in agricultural stocks, which will also help reduce urban-rural mindset inequities as well as socio-economic disparity gaps. Pragmatic idealists should envision a greener supply-and-demand sustainable global sufficiency economy where agricultural products and freshwater sources are treated with as high regard as oil and gas.

With increasingly frequent global unnatural disasters and severe weather extremes, government policies must better plan how to curtail abusive misuse and overuse of our deteriorating eco-environment, ensuring more secure and saner futures for our beloved offspring.

Dr. Charles Frederickson

Bangkok

Mother Earth needs our help

Editor;

Escaping the flooding in Korat, these 2 young ladies, Som, 8, and Pop, 6, came with their families to Jomtien and were on Jomtien Beach in November.

While playing on the beach they saw the Pollution Solution Group removing garbage and feeding and watering the friendly, homeless dogs and decided to help.

For the next hour, these caring and understanding young ladies assisted us.

We told them how much we appreciated their help and to be sure to wash their hands after. We gave them some literature to bring back to their school, when it is safe to return.

We are always very impressed when children want to help. Most adults, Thais and Farangs just look on.

One would think that when children reach out to make a difference, adults would also want to set examples, showing their concerns for Mother Earth and wanting to leave her a safer place for the young, wildlife and waterways.

Elders need to “wake up” and play a major part in showing concern along with getting some “needed” exercise.

We are offering Thais and Farangs a chance to join the Nifty Over 50 Club (Waster-Sizing) and allowing younger people to also join.

All one needs to do is come to the beach, park, lake, river, creek, neighborhood or wherever litter is, bend at the waist to pick up the waste, getting rid of both. It is called tam boon and exercise at the same time, a win, win, making a difference, setting examples and enhancing one’s inner-wealth.

We don’t need no stinkin gym.

Show the Pollution Solution Group pictures of your concerns and good deeds by email or in person and we will give you a frame-able certificate of appreciation. pollutionsolutionthailand@ yahoo.com

Everyday should be Earth-day as Mother Earth gives us daily life.

Thank You,

Gerry Rasmus

Dogs for dogsthe blood boil

Editor;

On Saturday 19th of November the Mad Dogs MC held their first poker run in support of the Mabprachan Animal Shelter. Eighty-six big bikes took part and through donations and sponsorships 200,000 baht was raised for the shelter. The ride organisation by “The Dogs” was impeccable and all who came had a great time. I wish to thank Dale and Mad Dog MC, everyone who turned up, everyone who sponsored and all the media, radio, TV and newspapers that took such an interest in this important project and made it such a success.

The dog problem in Pattaya is often talked about in respect of strays and disturbances at night. This embryonic project is the first of it’s kind to really try to get the public and the authorities interested in doing something about it. The MAS cares for 170 dogs at the last count, looking after their nourishment and health requirements in the hope that dogs can find a loving home and a new life. It is an expensive task costing about 6,000 baht per dog per year.

Rehabilitated dogs are often sent to foreign countries, particularly Germany, and are also taken by individuals. When the dogs are fully rehabilitated they are disease free, inoculated and in good condition. They make great pets and have boundless love to give to their new owners. If you are thinking of acquiring a dog I strongly recommend you first take a visit to Derek and his charming wife who selflessly own and run this shelter. The shelter can be found on the road behind Mulligans pub on Mabprachan reservoir.

There is a desire to take the support further than simple rescue; that is to cut down on the wild birthrate by introducing a neutering program. In this respect and regards nourishment, major pet supply companies are being approached to help on a broad range of support.

The dog was given by nature to truly be man’s best friend and that’s the only thing they want and need in their life. If you have ever felt saddened by seeing an unloved confused, hairless and starving dog on the streets then this is your chance to do something about it.

Anyone interested in acquiring a dog, sponsoring the project or just simply want to help, then the shelter would be happy to hear from you. Please contact Derek on 08100221957.

Richy

Crazy baht bus drivers on the hill

Dear Editor;

I have been coming to Pattaya now for over 12 years and I always stay with all the British lads who are based in the Cosy Beach area.

One big problem which I wish would go to the government at City Hall is the rude baht bus drivers based outside Mountain Beach Hotel. They come up and down Cosy Beach traveling at high speeds and it’s only time before someone gets killed.

I was with a group of friends in the Mountain Bar the other night when this baht bus driver came charging down the road and knocked over a dog. If it was not for us yelling and screaming at the driver to back up he would have killed the dog as it was trapped under the front wheel. Luckily it escaped but is not good at all and is being cared for by one of the very loyal locals here in Cosy Beach.

The baht bus driver just did not give a dam or even get out to see how the poor dog was. Really bad person this driver.

What I am asking is please, please can we get speed bumps put up and down the road in Cosy Beach to stop these baht buses speeding up and down? It’s getting to the stage now where it’s not going to be long before someone is killed.

Thanks

Stewart Ex Pat

Action not passive indifference

Mother Earth needs our help

Dogs for dogs

Crazy baht bus drivers on the hill