You don't have to be Christian to have a merry Christmas

Since it's only said with the best of intentions, why create a problem when there isn't one?

When I was a schoolboy, other Jewish children ridiculed me because my family celebrated Christmas. However, we didn't celebrate it because it's a Christian holiday, we celebrated it because it was fun.

If people are so concerned about being "good Jews" then shouldn't they insist that Israel treat the Palestinians better? Shouldn't we be concerned about stealing other people's land and killing civilians instead of worrying about whether or not to celebrate Christmas? In other words, isn't it more important to be morally correct than politically correct?

So, I wish my Palestinian brothers and sisters across the world a very merry Christmas.

ERIC BAHRT

CENTRAL PATTAYA

Read letters carefully before slamming them

Re: 'Vigilante' squads would add to carnage, Letters, December 22

I thank Mildew for his criticisms of my idea of reducing holiday road deaths by forming flying squads of deputised locals to catch drunks, who are mainly on motorbikes. If no breath analyser is handy and the suspect protests that he is sober, he should be asked to blow up a balloon and hold it until his breath can be properly tested. If someone is caught without a helmet, he should be fined Bt800 and given a coupon for a helmet that meets safety standards. The difference between the price of the helmet and the fine should be shared within the flying squad and local police station.

Mildew's reading of my suggestion was incomplete. Firstly, he rightfully is concerned that the drunks would run over the deputies. But, to repeat my earlier letter, they'd be working under the direct supervision of a policeman, who should know how to set up a checkpoint so the authorities are not in harm's way.

Secondly, he asks: "Can you imagine the corruption that would arise [from the Bt800 fine]?" Sir, I did explicitly state that receipts would be given for those fines.

Also, a hefty portion of the fine would go to the squad and the local cops, so I don't see why those involved would want to steal from themselves or their team, who would know the exact tally of each day and would have an interest in getting their share.

Most importantly, though, I make no claims that my ideas are perfect. As an old Chinese saying goes: "It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness."

Maybe we could see the light of your candle, sir? At least in terms of improving my idea.

BURIN KANTABUTRA

BANGKOK

Thailand's railway has sadly been neglected

Re: WB turns focus on energy waste in transport sector, Business, December 21

While the article by Sasithorn Ongdee was indeed interesting and brought into focus the need to improve transport efficiency, it did not go down to the important detail contained in the report and expose the disparity between road and rail transport in the Kingdom.

The statistics revealed in the World Bank report are that 95 per cent of all freight is transported by road in Thailand, with rail taking a shocking 1.8 per cent - by far the lowest among the countries in the study, with China topping the list at 51 per cent. What is worse is that 98 per cent of passenger transportation in Thailand is by road.

These figures are a disgrace and show the consistent lack of government policy towards multi-modal transport, leaving the country exposed to fluctuations in oil prices and the consequent increase in the cost of basic commodities.

Technology for the construction of a railway was skilfully obtained by King Rama V, who played the European colonial powers off one another so no one power would have any advantage, and thus maintained Thailand's control over the system. It seems that the king's adept and thoughtful provision of a great national asset has been betrayed and the advantage provided carelessly squandered over the years by those who have subsequently been responsible for, and who have lamentably and unacceptably neglected, this once great institution.

DR JOHN SYMONS

BANGKOK

Son looks for his dad

I am John Derick Cuenca from the Philippines and am looking for my long-lost father Sura Choojai. All I know is that he studied in the Philippines 23 years ago and met my mother, but for some reason they have lost contact. I have been looking for him for years now, and four years ago, a woman named Nuntawan Choojai helped me out. She said my father was in Bangkok and had a family, but I did not hear from her after that. I mean no harm to anyone. I just want him to know that I'm looking for him. I can be contacted at: (639) 158 942335 or on johnderickcuenca@yahoo.com.

JOHN DERICK CUENCA

THE PHILIPPINES