LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
British Embassy announces changes to visa-application process, new charge
As part of our commitment to continually improve our visa services, the British Embassy has entered into a partnership with VFS (Thailand) Ltd to expand arrangements for the receipt and return of visa applications.
From April 21, applications for all categories of UK visas should be made at: UK Visa Application Centre 2nd Floor, Regent House183 Rajdamri Road Kwaeng Lumpini, Khet Pathumwan Bangkok, 10330 Opening hours: submission - 8.30am to 3pm; collection - 3pm to 4.30. The office is situated within five minutes walk of BTS Rajdamri. Most straightforward visa applications submitted through the Application Centre will be processed within two working days. A service charge of Bt425 (plus 7 per cent VAT) per passport will be levied. It is appreciated that the service charge is an increased cost to a visa application, but it is hoped this will be offset by the convenience, comfort and efficiency that the new system and premises provide. The Visa Section at the British Embassy will be closed from April 19 to 21 to prepare for outsourcing. VFS, operators of the UK Visa Application Centre, are an experienced company offering visa support services to British and other diplomatic missions in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the People's Republic of China, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, among others. British Embassy Bangkok ---------------------------------- Thaksin's behaviour is par for the course in this society
I, for one, cannot see what the ongoing Thaksin furore is about. After a few years of his rule, after he wins a landslide election, his opponents mobilised to protest and force another election, which he again won. Thaksin was voted into power because the majority of the Thai people thought that his business savvy and financial success would be replicated in the Thai economy with everyone becoming a bit richer. Thaksin's ethical issues were overlooked for the simple reason that it is all part and parcel of Thai life (corruption, nepotism etc). Ultimately, Thaksin behaves in a way which is acceptable in Thai society, so why the call for his removal? It's been said before in these pages that politicians are reflections of the societies in which they live - and that's exactly what Thaksin is. It would be interesting to see who they can find to replace him. I doubt whether there are any "lily white" figures in political circles - and if Thais want to really find out how good Thaksin has been, how about replacing him with a certain Mr Chalerm Yoobamrung? A Warner Bangkok ---------------------------------- 'The Economist' fails to make its case on Thailand
Re: "Thank you, 'The Economist', from the bottom of my heart", Opinion, April 12. Thank you very much for saying this for the rest of us. I normally have great respect for articles in The Economist and am a subscriber, but its recent commentaries on Thailand have been so substandard that one wonders whether the writer(s) may have been too overworked. Many of the comments made in favour of Thaksin Shinawatra were extremely poorly argued and miles from being well informed. Apart from pointing out tangible evidence about a clearly broken system and the suppression of the media, Khun Tulsathit made a huge point at the end of his article, which The Economist needs to take to heart if it wants to get its stories on Thailand right. An election is only democratic if the rules are fair, the regulations enforced, knowledge is freely distributed and the playing field is even. And this from a publication which had the nerve to demand for the resignation of Silvio Berlusconi? A better-written piece would have made Thaksin's case far more convincing and less deserving of scorn than The Economist article. What does this say about the rest of the articles featured in The Economist dealing with countries that we know so much less about? Natee Vichitsorasatra England ---------------------------------- Vitriolic attack shows a lack of professionalism
Re: "Thank you, 'The Economist', from the bottom of my heart", Opinion, April 12. I had just finished reading Dom Dunn's very reasonable criticism of Thepchai Yong in the "Letters" section ["There is no democratic mandate against Thaksin"] when my mood was seriously disturbed by Tulsathit Taptim's attack against The Economist. I understand that your valued newspaper, which I have read for 20 years, has temporarily suspended its professional code of ethics in order to be "the torchlight of truth" (from your Wednesday editorial) and in favour the ouster of PM Thaksin. During the time of the street protests, almost the only substantially deviating voice published in your paper was a courageous article by Subhatra Bhumiprabhas ("Non-violence is not simply the absence of physical violence", Opinion, March 1). She tried to argue against the hegemonic view that the street protests were non-violent. Now that we have a little time to breath again, politically speaking, would it not be good to consider adopting a somewhat more professional approach to bring it in line with its own professed standards? MN Nonthaburi ---------------------------------- Right-wing analysis had economic motives
I see The Economist magazine has gone Thailand-bashing again, this time in its latest cover story, "A Sad Day for Democracy in Thailand". Obviously the editors intention was to bolster short-term political stability in favour of maximising profits from speculative short-term "hot-money" investment. Well done lads! By contrast, a few of us who live and work here in Bangkok would agree with the notion that the recent anti-Thaksin protests held by knowledgeable and articulate Thai people were an encouraging sign, just what the country desperately needs, ie, more knowledgeable and articulate Thais. It is indeed a sad day for democracy when presumably well-educated journalists such as those at The Economist are expected to sing for their suppers! Frank Lee Nonthaburi ---------------------------------- Magazine should research its topics more thoroughly
Re: "Thank you, 'The Economist', from the bottom of my heart", Opinion, April 12. I'm glad the article in The Economist has caught your eye. How utterly pathetic that a magazine like The Economist can publish such a poorly researched article. Obviously the author knows nothing about the situation in Thai politics and media. Chaiyot Navalaksana Bangkok ---------------------------------- Anonymous sources used as camouflage for attacks
Re: "PM eyes talks with leaders in Europe," News, April 12. I can understand there are times when it is necessary to guarantee anonymity in exchange for vital information, but the process has been abused by reporters to the point where I suspect that the anonymous sources quoted in many stories are none other than the reporters themselves. The excessive use of unnamed sources is becoming an easy way for the media to unfairly attack people they cover. To me, it is worse than bias, sensationalism and inaccuracy. Somsak Pola Samut Prakan ---------------------------------- Nuclear strike fits right in with Iraq mentality
Re: "US mulling bombing blitz on Iran", News, April 9. After reading this article, I found the following comment on the Internet version of the British newspaper The Telegraph: "Jack Straw, the foreign secretary, has dismissed reports of a possible nuclear strike against Iran as 'competely nuts'." What the foreign secretary failed to say is that the invasion in Iraq was also "completely nuts". But those who are "complete nuts" are not necessarily confined to psychiatric clinics, some act as politicians. Manfred Liebig Freiburg, Germany ---------------------------------- The Thai people should condemn Nepal Gyanendra
Nepal, once the most peaceful nation in the world, is going through a major painful time in its history. Surprisingly the rest of the world and in particular Thailand has not said a word about problems in Nepal nor taken much notice. Just this weekend King Gyanendra ordered his troops to shoot unarmed protesters, which led to the killing of non-violent civilians. The protesters were simply asking for the restoration of democracy and being freed from his autocratic military rule. Thailand is excitedly waiting to celebrate 60th glorious year of HM the King of Thailand this June and unconfirmed reports says King Gyanendra is one of the invited guest to celebrate the most auspicious event of the Kingdom. Gyanendra's hands are bloodstained and his presence at the most auspicious event in Thailand would just diminish the whole ceremony. I call on all Thais to boycott Gyanendra or petition to the HM the King of Thailand not to invite Gyanendra in June. Jon Bangkok
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