PM needs to rethink his Cabinet criteria

I suggest that you revise the quota system of choosing ministers. Instead of first allocating ministries, allocate the number of posts each coalition party may fill and let all parties submit candidates, including non-MPs, for each post they're interested in. Use job-relevant key performance indicators (KPI) to evaluate candidates' past experience. Submit your selections to the Senate committee covering a given sector for confirmation, and show how each nominee exceeds his/her KPI on the Internet.

For the longer term, live up to your oath to serve by educating we the people - especially in rural areas - as to where our national interests lie, so that never again will we elect the incapable and unworthy. Heed Ralph Waldo Emerson: "In a declining state of public morals, men will be so blinded to their true interests as to put the incapable and unworthy at the helm. It is therefore vain to complain of the follies or crimes of a government. We must lay our hands on our own hearts and say, 'Here is the sin that makes the public sin.'"

Burin Kantabutra

Bangkok

Develop export shrimp market beyond US

Re: "US duty changes could lead to shrimp crisis", News, September 23.

Achara Pongvutitham's article suggests a vulnerability of the Thai shrimp sector. Thailand being one of the world's top shrimp producers and exporters should not rely solely on the US market for exports. The Thai shrimp industry should either expand its overseas markets or increase exports to existing clients where levels are currently low. The needed technology does not have to be imported, as various research agencies, such as Biotec and Mahidol University's Shrimp Centex, are available to provide the services required. Not putting all your eggs in one basket and using locally made technology can help the Thai shrimp sector avoid a crisis.

Ramjitti Indaraprasirt

Pathum Thani

Programme to help bridge the urban-rural IT gap

The Education Ministry has proudly announced that it will sponsor an innovative multilingual pilot project focused on lessening the IT gap between rural and urban areas, while promoting the "three Rs": respectful rural renaissance. Under the visionary direction of Dr Somkiat Chobphol, deputy secretary-general of the Office of the Basic Education Commission, (Obec), a programme called A-OK (All Our Kids) will be tested next term in two outlying community schools selected from each educational district in the five southernmost border provinces (27 sites), plus five new boarding schools under royal patronage in Songkhla, Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani and Satun, for a total of 32 sites.

Area educational directors and supervisors will work in close conjunction with local officials, community representatives, teachers, parents and students to carefully monitor and professionally evaluate individual progress in order to ensure success. Recognising the importance of using a child's first language to clarify basic instructions and initial concept formation, a transitional bilingual approach appreciates the need to switch over to second-language acquisition skills development once a firm and secure learning foundation is established.

A pre-service hands-on training workshop is scheduled from Saturday to next Friday in Hat Yai.

Chanchai Prasertson

Bangkok