Gunboat diplomacy won't work here

Gunboat diplomacy won't work here.

POSTBAG

As a Thai, I do find it wearying to read of threats of declining foreign investment in the kingdom whenever foreigners do not get their way.

The latest warning from the Joint Chambers of Commerce in Thailand is another classic of protecting foreign interests one-sidedly, either you delay the decision or your country is going to suffer from shortage of our investment. Don't they know that gunboat diplomacy is abhorred by all Thais?

Hurting Thai pride is a sure way of not getting what you want, especially now that we have adopted the principle of a sufficiency economy. Furthermore, investment is a two-way street and meant to be mutually beneficial to both parties.

SPADE

Bangkok Consider FBA impact carefully

I fully agree with the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) proposal that the government carefully consider the impact of proposed changes to the Foreign Business Act (FBA) before implementing it. The FBA is the keystone of our approach to foreign investment, and, as our government realised three decades ago when they set up the Stock Exchange of Thailand, we need offshore investment if we are to enjoy sustained economic growth.

It's folly to leap first, see the impact, then try to fix things. As it is, Commerce Minister Krirk-krai Jirapaet sees fit to keep the details of his proposal confidential before submitting it to the cabinet for review and approval. Even though the approval will be in principle only, the draft will indicate the government leanings, and could easily cause alarm which we can ill-afford, especially now.

Our leaders, not being elected, should show us that they can put politics behind them, and place long-term national interests first. Show us that you have vision, and carefully consider where you are leading us. Let a neutral body, like the Thailand Development Research Institute, evaluate the matter and make recommendations.

BURIN KANTABUTRA

Bangkok

Teacher's degree implies commitment

In response to Jack Gilead's letter on the issue of whether a degree makes a teacher or not raises many issues, the first being that Thailand is not a Third World country; it is a developing nation and as such has the ability and the right to decide what qualifications are required for those who have the responsibility of teaching the youth of the nation. There may be no doubt that qualified teachers would command a higher salary, but it is better to have qualified professionals who have the required educational knowledge in Thailand's classrooms rather than employing individuals who sometimes have no qualifications to speak of and no idea about teaching and who consequently do more harm than good.

The second issue is that a degree does not a teacher make in any Western country, a degree is just the start of the process to being a teacher. Further study is often required, sometimes an advanced degree, and a dedicated commitment to professional development and lifelong learning.

A degree might not indicate that someone is a natural teacher, it is after all just part of the road that everyone has to follow to be a teacher, it does however show a commitment to the very field that the teacher is engaged in, and is the very first step to being a teacher.

Education is not something that should be skimped on. Quite a few people who purport to be teachers do more harm than good. The educational dividends for the children they teach are zero or even worse these teachers could have a huge detrimental impact on the children they teach, teaching things that are wrong. Just because someone is a native speaker does not mean they are capable of teaching using appropriate methodologies, it does not automatically make them a subject matter expert in the field of English. It seems that anyone who went to school thinks they must be an expert on education. No country needs these self-appointed educational experts who assume that they know best based on their own prejudices and their own agendas. Every country needs professional well-educated teachers, professional well-educated teachers who are appropriately qualified.

HARVEY TAYLOR

Bangkok

Israel needs to talk to Iran

In response to a recent report that Israel is currently preparing a nuclear strike on Iran. If the report is true, this is a major step backward for the entire human race. It is ignorant to think that a strategy such as this will have a positive short-, medium- or long-term outcome. Even as a threat or a means to encourage our intervention, the reverberations across the globe can only have a negative effect on Israel, its people and the Middle East.

An attack such as this would only lead to retaliation from Iran, its current and future allies and quite possibly any nuclear power who sympathises with it. Is Israel aware that if it carries out a nuclear strike, catastrophe on a global scale will be the result? This act, if carried out, will be a one-way, non-refundable, non-redeemable ticket.

The only way forward for Israel is to develop and encourage peace negotiations with Iran and the rest of the Middle East. Invest in a policy of actively pursuing peace rather than waging war and encourage and promote peace, understanding and forgiveness with its adversaries. It is not possible to achieve long-term peace any other way. Forgiveness is one of the most difficult challenges for mankind and also one of the greatest achievements when embraced and managed by an individual or nation. With war, there will always be retaliation, hate, revenge, anger, hurt, martyrs etc.

PETER J MCCARTHY

IRELAND

Central bank rules should be reviewed

I thought that the coup would bring about good changes to our country but apart from the corruption cases which appear more like a witch hunt, this government seems to be indifferent to the business community's opinions. Therefore, I now have to turn to the media to at least put our views across in order to prevent any further deterioration in the business climate which, if left unattended, will cause serious repercussions to the economy and labour force.

The draconian measures put in effect by the Bank of Thailand (BoT) is not only badly affecting foreign investment, directly and indirectly, but it is also affecting all businesses due to higher interest costs and tighter liquidity. The BoT would do a lot better if it took the advice of TDRI director Chalongphob Sussangkarn saying that a mere 2 to 3% retention of any transfers into the country for short-term investment would have sent a very strong signal to speculators on the baht. This would give the BoT a very good tool in managing the exchange rates to protect Thailand's exports which contribute to 60% of the GDP.

NAVNANT

Bangkok

Bangkok Post
Thursday January 11, 2007