Enacting a better structure for taxing land and inheritance is a positive step forward for Thailand. Currently, property taxes are either too low or non-existent, which enables absentee owners to let otherwise productive land lay idle.
In principle, well-administered taxes are good for society. It is particularly so if the revenue is spent wisely and benefits the disadvantaged. For example, there is currently no welfare for elder citizens other than for those who worked within government. Infrastructure, schools, emergency preparedness, parks... are just some of the municipal responsibilities which could be improved.
A fairly administered property tax would put a dent in the chasm that exists between the very rich and the impoverished, and enable fallow resources to be put to good use.
KEN ALBERTSEN
Chiang Rai
-----
The NIM debate
The recent debate on Net Interest Margin (NIM) of banks in Thailand is interesting. The government is on the one hand trying to stave off an onslaught of economic depression while trying to maintain a laissez faire treatment on the economy. The banks on the other hand come into 2009 with a robust balance sheet and profits, and are trying to maintain the spread in order to take them through this economic rollercoaster ride.
With unemployment now spreading like wildfire, one wonders how long before the middle class will be affected? Once that happens, it's safe to say that the non-performing loans/assets will shoot through the roof since there will be no money to service mortgages. This sector of society makes up the majority of home owners in Thailand and if unemployment hits them, it will also hit the banks hard.
What would the banks do then? Repossess the homes and try to find new buyers in a second-hand home market worth millions of baht in trying times?
Or try to negotiate with the home owners to work out a plan for repayment?
It remains to be seen how this NIM will be played out, since the government is trying to placate the banks by using a hands-off approach but at the same time remains answerable to the man on the street.
HAM SUP CHAI
-----
THAI parks miles away
I refer to the woes of Thai Airways International. I used to be a frequent flier on THAI but am no longer. One reason is that many THAI flights arriving at Suvarnabhumi are not connected by aero-bridge to the terminals. Instead, they are parked at the remote bay. Passengers already worn out by long-haul flights have to hop on a bus to get to the terminal. This is tedious if you have to go down a flight of steps with your carry-on luggage and if you have to connect to another airline. Similarly, passengers departing Bangkok may be unpleasantly surprised that at the terminal they may have to board a shuttle to the plane. Often the plane is parked for hours under the sun at the remote bay. The interior is very warm and there is another hour's wait before takeoff as other passengers have to be ferried over. I've noticed that other carriers do not have to go through this routine as much as THAI does.
THAI must learn from Hong Kong and Singapore, where the respective national carriers have preferred terminals to facilitate seamless travel. Suvarnabhumi Airport authorities must put aside selfish interests and accord the national carrier premium terminals for departure and arrival. How can you build pride in a national carrier if it is always consigned the most undesirable terminals and remote locations of the tarmac?
LAURENCE LEONG
Singapore
-----
Ask travellers first
Commentary columnist Boonsong Kositchotethana advocates closing Don Mueang Airport for good (BP, Jan 28). Many major cities such as New York and London operate two or more airports. I'm sure there are more such cities if one bothers to check.
Suvarnabhumi is still in its teething stage, still plagued with problems and still dealing with disgruntled passengers. Don Mueang is wonderful for domestic flights, whether Thai Airways International chooses to use it or not. Thai Airways' days might appear numbered, with its poor service, overextended budget, inflated executive salaries, government bailouts, reduction of flights and lack of liquidity.
Don Mueang offers travellers a good choice of domestic landing sites. Before shutting it down, it would behoove the government to poll travellers for opinions. Most would opt for Don Mueang over Suvarnabhumi. If the shoe fits well, wear it.
YANKELEH
-----
No trolleys at airport
I had been assured that all Bangkok airports were fully operational again. I flew into Suvarnabhumi Airport from Rangoon on Jan 21, Bangkok Airways, arrival 16.25. Luggage was unloaded on Belt No. 10. In that section of the arrivals, there was not one single luggage trolley to be found. The arrivals hall was busy due to Chinese New Year and many passengers were desperate.
There was no uniformed airport staff at any of the luggage belts to help with inquiries. I finally found a very helpful gentleman in the Lost Luggage Office, who assured me that airport staff were aware of the problem and that trolleys would soon arrive.
But still no airport staff anywhere near the luggage belts and no trolleys, either. Bangkok Airways staff arrived and assured increasingly irate passengers that trolleys would arrive ''soon''. A very kind and helpful cleaning lady emptied her trolley to allow myself and another very elderly passenger to use it... 40 minutes after the luggage arrived on Belt No. 10 there still was not one single trolley in that hall.
Airport fully operational? It is a pity that management at Suvarnabhumi is so sadly incompetent and unprofessional.
A DISAPPOINTED PASSENGER
source : www.bangkokpost.com |
