Pattaya Mail — Letters

It is noticed that the letters herein in no way reflect the opinions of the editor or writers for Pattaya Mail, but are unsolicited letters from our readers, expressing their own opinions. No anonymous letters or those without genuine addresses are printed, and, whilst we do not object to the use of a nom de plume, preference will be given to those signed.

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Letters published in the Mailbag of Pattaya Mail will also be on our website

Make the city better for pedestrians

Editor:

My letters to your paper might have given you and your readers the impression that I’m a negative person. This is far from the fact. I feel happy when improvements take place in the city. I think most people agree that we should try to make our city as nice as possible for the coming tourists. But surely, we who live here benefit most from the good impression the tourists get. It is our city, we live here permanently and can enjoy the improvements every day!

One thing which I have been thinking about is to introduce a street closed to all traffic. In Europe, most cities, small and big, have introduced walking streets in the middle or nearby the city centre. Permanent in the sense that they are closed the whole year. It has proved to be an enormous success. Not only among the people who do business in the area, but for the entire population. So, why not try it here in Pattaya? To begin with, close Beach Road every Sunday. If this is too much even as a beginning, why not one of the central sois? Of course, all kinds of licensed vendors must be allowed. Some live music would be welcomed. Let’s enjoy ourselves and have some fun. With some experience, we could consider more days - and finally permanent closing of the street. Please, Mr. Mayor, give it a thought

To prove the fact that I’m not suffering from constant criticism, I would like to salute the many ladies who every day keep the Promenade nice and clean in all kinds of weather.

But, Mr. Mayor, the Promenade is a walking area and in some places is dangerous. Stones are lacking and some of the concrete has broken and made dangerous potholes. This is city land and the city is responsible for any damage to pedestrians! We can not afford this kind of thing at present, can we?

So, a few words to the head of the police. Why not send a couple of your men on foot on a walk 2-3 times a day along the promenade. Not everyone who resides on the promenade is there to enjoy the sea and the sun! I feel confident that your men would enjoy a walk in the sea breeze. Not to mention the good feeling after some exercise. Please, Chief, give it a thought.

Finally, let us wish each other a good and long season for the benefit of our city, tourists and last but not least, we, the natives!

Allan

Punctuality defined

Dear Sir:
The pedants are still revolting! This week’s Mail, in a front page story, refers to the inaugural flight of the LTU aircraft arriving at U-Tapao airport 20 minutes ahead of schedule and thus ‘demonstrating typical German punctuality’. Sorry to be a bore, but my dictionary defines the word ‘punctual’ as ‘arriving, happening, performing, etc., at the exact or agreed time’. However laudable its earliness, the LTU flight was not punctual.

On the subject of punctuality, may I ask why it is not possible for the cinema operators at the Royal Garden Plaza to adhere to the advertised film starting times? The other evening, I went to see ‘Air Force One’. As I had been caught before, I was in my seat a good five minutes before the advertised starting time of 8 PM. Lo and behold, the film started four minutes before eight PM! Those first four minutes of the film are important to the understanding of the entire film. But I don’t suppose many people in the large audience either noticed or cared.

By the way, I was delighted to see that the King’s Anthem film clip which precedes the main film has been remade and is now a professional, slick and enjoyable work of art... The musical arrangement of the new Anthem film is original, respectful, clever and enjoyable to hear.

Yours faithfully,
Oliver W. Minto

A test of probity

Sirs:
Whilst I admit it is not foolproof, a guide to the rectitude of one’s Thai friends and acquaintances could be the enthusiasm or otherwise with which they greet the reinstatement of crime-buster, new CIB Commissioner, Pol Lt-Gen Seri Temiyavej. The good guys like him, the bad ones don’t. I’m happy to say that acquaintances of mine, so far, have proved positive.

It is certainly a sign that the Chuan government is on the right track.

Sincerely,
Chuck Pringle
Pattaya