Media do end up serving their 'masters'

Pravit said that Somchai maintains "the mainstream mass media overwhelmingly reflect the middle-class [and in some cases an elitist] political worldview".

I wouldn't use the word overwhelming, but I agree with the concept. The reason is not because the media are middle class but rather "in a capitalist society, the media tend to serve their 'masters'." The US media are a prime example.

BILL

BANGKOK

Are only Asians targeted |in shoplifting scams?

Ref: Are police involved in airport shoplifting scam? Letters, April 30

I echo the voice of J Nirmal Kumar's letter. Recently a young student from an Asian nation was in transit to the US via Bangkok, and at the airport's King Power duty-free shop he was accused of shoplifting. He was then handed over to the police, who later made him sign documents in Thai and took him to the police station.

Later one South Asian man claiming to be a Thai police officer demanded Bt300,000 from him and even made a long-distance phone call to his parents demanding the money. The guy claiming to be a Thai policeman later turned out to be a volunteer appointed by the police to help the tourist. Anyway, the student's family sent money, and he had to pay a huge amount for his release. After a few days in police custody, his passport was stamped with a few words in Thai.

His embassy was also helpless and could do nothing. It seems as if there is nexus of duty-free staff, police and the rescue or tourist volunteers who work in unison to trap innocent travellers. The majority of the cases seem to be South Asians, followed by Chinese.

The problem starts when duty-free staff immediately hand the accused person over to the police, and some volunteers working inside the airport also play a role in trapping travellers by speaking English and appearing to be helpful.

As far as we know, there are more than two or three such incidents every day, and each of these goes unnoticed. Most of the victims are from Asian countries, so the police just do not care.

This racket must be busted. The mafia of duty-free staff, police and so-called tourist volunteers needs to be handled immediately.

JOHN BIGS

BANGKOK

Don't let state firms forget they are for the people

Ref: State firms told to contribute more, Business, April 28

This is just what politicians who play with the public's money would love to have happen.

Why don't state firms just reduce their charges to break even with capital reserves and let Thai taxpayers decide how to spend the money themselves?

Moreover, lowering the cost of public services could stimulate the economy greatly.

Don't "state firms" exist to benefit "the people"? So why do they have to provide income to the government?

Why not let the income stay with the people?

A CONCERNED TAXPAYER

BANGKOK