We cannot deny the fact that foreign investors have contributed to our economy greatly, but most of the discussion in the media does not offer specific ideas as to what extent we should welcome these investments. There is no discussion of which industries we should keep a close watch on, or how much equity foreigners should be allowed to hold in specific businesses.

Just from the letters to this newspaper, we know that even an advanced country like the US does not or is reluctant to allow foreigners to participate in certain businesses like petroleum, airlines and many more. It is safe to say that every country imposes some limits or restrictions in this area and it is unfortunate that members of the Thai public are generally unaware of this.

It would be helpful if someone provided comprehensive information so that we have a concrete basis for this important discussion. Foreign investments are important for every country regardless of its level of development, however we should set some restrictions appropriate to our economic, social and political conditions, as other countries do. For strategic reasons, we should determine how much we should rely on foreign investment. Being totally dependent on investment from outsiders is not sensible. Is it better to set future goals so that Thais have the ability to invest in some areas where foreigners are now dominant in our country, even if that means that we would have to wait until the next generation?

Prichar

Bangkok

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Constant coverage giving deposed PM a public platform

Re: "Thaksin: Enough is enough", News, January 16. It seems that the government wishes to curtail media coverage on Thaksin. I believe this is a very good idea, but, as of today, his name is mentioned almost across the board in news reports. If the Thai media really wish to "move on" then they should provide a lot less coverage of a man who took everything and anything he could from his country. The power newspapers give to him by writing about him is far more powerful than the actions of all of his supporters.

Regarding his CNN interview. He mentioned "sacrifice". Sacrifice to whom? Does he mean that if he had stayed in office longer he would have become richer? I do not believe he made any sacrifices that did not fill his pockets with cash. He could never come back and be "a normal citizen". The reason: he is not a "normal" person.

JSF

USA

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Junta's media interference bad for country's global image

Re: "Thaksin: Enough is enough", News, January 16. The attempts to block Thaksin's globetrotting are ridiculous. The military can also not do much to stop the former prime minister from returning to his home country except to divert his flight to a military airfield and then incarcerate him.

Does the government seriously believe they will be able to persuade other countries not to let him in? That might work with neighbours like Cambodia and Laos, but much of the developed world welcomes rich people with open arms and even ignores behaviour that is not permitted under their visa status provided they keep such matters low key. The UK in particular has large numbers of former foreign ministers, leaders of resistance movements and even criminals. It's money that matters.

It's all sour grapes from a government desperately lacking in confidence. This ex-premier has the military rattled at a time when it should be pursuing its investigations with a measure of self-assurance.

Does the possibility of a negotiated pardon in the interests of national reconciliation feature as a fallback position?

The longer this situation lingers, the more unstable the country will become with questions concerning Thailand's investment climate, and increasing pressure from the international community for a restoration of civilian rule. The government is being given a grace period at the moment but it will not last the year out.

David Harrison

Bangkok

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Generals should focus solely on coup's stated objectives

Re: "An inappropriate response from 'gentlemanly' junta", Opinion, January 16.

If the Council for National Security's generals claim that they brought down Thaksin in the name of democracy, all they need to do is stick to the goal. Shying away from decision-making, wanting to please everybody at all costs and last but not least, trying too hard to be too democratic would definitely work against the democratisation process. The CNS should keep in mind that it is a transitional, caretaker government and as such, it needs to set priorities and move ahead fast accordingly. The name of the game is to deliver and it won't do anyone any good for them to remain idle.

Subin One

Bangkok

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Small retailers justifiably fighting against extinction

Re: "Controls on retailers need to be formulated with the consumer's benefit in mind", Letters, January 16.

I doubt the writer of this letter ever operated a business in the US. It is true that Thai retailers have a lot to learn about merchandising and service, but all of the training in the world will not save them from the mega-stores.

In America, whoever can float a large enough credit line opens a new monster chain and because of their size they get the best buying prices on merchandise. They start off with excellent displays and services until they have stolen most of the trade and then they start cutting back on the service and the number of employees.

No "mom and pop" store can compete with them in any way, shape or form. The proof is that there are no longer any mom-and-pop stores handling traditional goods in the US any longer. The government encourages this because it becomes easier to monitor the income of the corporations and collect their tax dollars.

I think that the Thai government trying to protect Thai retailers is great. If they do not have some products available, then let some mega-stores that do survive, but control the number. Thais may not be masters at merchandising and service, but they are true entrepreneurs and that is why no one is starving in this country.

John Arnone

Yasothon

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Suvarnabhumi's design and services 'mediocre at best'

Re: "Suvarnabhumi much better than most people allow", Letters, January 16.

The writer's evaluation of Suvarnabhumi Airport as "perfectly acceptable" is a joke, right? The quality of design, construction and ease of use is terrible, as are the services. For example, airport lighting is so dim it looks like a dungeon. There is no rail transportation and people have to walk a kilometre just to get to the gates. The duty-free stores are dated and boring. There are not enough places to sit, and the chairs available are made of hard, uncomfortable plastic. The bathrooms are too small and look like they are 20 years old.

With respect to services, taxi queues are still miserably long. Immigration lines are slow. Baggage handling is unimpressive. The ground staff is no more helpful here than at Don Muang. At best, services are average.

My "disenchantment" with the airport is due precisely to my experience. This is a combination of the quality of construction and lousy service. I am not satisfied with mediocrity and Suvarnabhumi epitomises mediocrity, at best. Why don't you travel overseas and take a look at Singapore or Hong Kong's airports and then let us know what you think?

Outraged Taxpayer

Bangkok

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Airport's distance from CBD a drawback for businesses

Re: "Better solution for Thai International at Don Muang", Opinion, January 14.

All short-haul flights such as Hong Kong and Singapore should be moved back to Don Muang. The difference between a 20-minute drive to the airport and one that lasts over an hour is a serious negative for Bangkok-based business. I find myself deferring or cancelling trips because of this.

Don Muang was 20 minutes from my door in the central business district. All I know about the new airport is that it has inadequate air-conditioning, inadequate seats in the waiting area - other than at overpriced restaurants - inadequate toilets, and baggage handling issues due to a company with no previous experience somehow being selected.

Not Used It Yet

Bangkok

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Keep Northern gem from being ruined by development

I went to Mae Salong in Chiang Rai province recently. It reminded me of the Cameron Highlands in my own country. Mae Salong and the Cameron Highlands share many similarities: both are hill resorts and they both have tea plantations. Mae Salong is famous for its cherry blossoms, while the Cameron Highlands is known for roses and orchids. However, the Cameron Highlands has grown too big, too crowded. During peak tourist times, the traffic there can be as bad as it is in Bangkok. I believe Mae Salong should avoid such pitfalls. The government of Thailand, both the central and local branches, should take steps to ensure that Mae Salong retains its small-town charm.

Of course, one may argue that an influx of tourists would boost the economy of Mae Salong, but an alternative option is to make a smaller number of visitors spend more. Most of the attractions of Mae Salong, such as the tea plantations and hill-tribe villages, are best visited during the day. There are few activities at night, which was why I saw tourists drinking in the guesthouses. A night bazaar, cultural dance shows and massage services are all potential sources of income.

Khengsiong Chew

Kuala Lumpur