About those interest rates...

Dear Sir,

The letter from Leslie Wright regarding interest rates paid at the banks has raised a good deal of interest in the Farang population. It is pity that he did not say which banks are the culprits.

My own research at Krung Thai Bank show that interest on my fixed deposit account is automatically reinvested at the current rate, each time the account matures, and the interest rate is clearly shown in my passbook. The interest rate on my savings account is 4% and there are no variations according to visa status.

Similar checks at Bank of Ayutthaya did not reveal any discrepancies either.

I wonder where Leslie Wright got his information?

Yours truly,
Alan Smith

Banglamung Post Office

Dear Sirs,

After two years of living in Pattaya, time has come to go back to France.

We have been dealing with most of the public services and we must recognize that the Banglamung Post Office people in Naklua are probably the nicest we have met so far. They are always kind, polite and efficient. We want to thank them again for being so helpful.

They are an example of professionalism for all public services in Pattaya, and dealing with them can really ease your day to day life.

That is why we believe these people deserve, through the Pattaya Mail newspaper, a public thank you!

Sincerely,
D. Maitre

Another spoiled vacation

Dear Sir,

I am on vacation in Amazing Thailand, but there is something that I don’t think was so amazing. During a visit to one of my friends in Casa Bella, my rented motorbike and my friend’s motorbike were stolen. It happened during my visit, which took only 1 1/2 hours.

I had to pay for a new motorbike (40,000 baht) to the man who I rented the motorbike from on Beach Road.

What could I do? Go to the police? Somebody told me that many motorbikes are stolen every day and night. Sometimes up to about 20. But nobody ever got their motorbikes back. So I realized it was worthless to go to the police, because they never find them.

The question is, what happens to all the (stolen) motorbikes? Who steals them? If they are sent to Cambodia or elsewhere, how can that happen? Is there no control on the border?

After that history, I don’t wish to stay in Pattaya any longer, so today I leave the resort and go to some other places in Thailand for the rest of my spoiled vacation.

But there is still a question, what is the job for the police in Pattaya?

Yours sincerely,
Peter Rasmussen

Givskud, Denmark

An answer for a search for enlightenment

Editor,

As an American serviceman, previously stationed in the Kingdom, I would like to respond to T. Crossley’s search for enlightenment. The policies which he questions are not made by the serviceman, but rather by our President and Congress. The duty of the American serviceman is to carry out the orders of our Commander-in-Chief (the President) and implement policy.

We don’t make these policies, but we do implement them in the most efficient manner possible. We are United States citizens, not robots, and there are times when we may disagree with the policies which we must enforce. However, we are sworn to obey the lawful orders of our superiors, whether we agree with them or not.

If T. Crossely is really looking for an answer, he would be better off to write to the Washington Post; or better yet, directly to the President or Congress. I’m sure if you were to ask any of the British soldiers stationed in Northern Ireland why they risk their lives daily; they would probably give the same answer ... “I’m following orders”.

I hope this helps put your mind at ease, but if not, have a beer and relax.

Ron Godsy,
Riyadh, KSA

Fines for baht bus drivers

Dear editor

About the baht buses: Why not start by fining every driver who cut out the “Baht 5” notice which is on the red and white stickers. I didn’t see many complete stickers on my last trip to Pattaya.

Kind regards,
Chris Van Rompaey
Lier, Belgium

Offended by Ken

Editor;

As an Australian I object to the following line in your feature article “Splat” by Ken Langbell. “An Aussie said it was the Wet Australian Policy. Didn’t he mean the ‘White Australian Policy’? No, he never hit white people except for the occasional Kiwi.” Irrespective of what Mr Langbell’s nationality may be, the Pattaya Mail should be more circumspect in its editing of such articles. Drawing up such stereotypes for many nationalities is childish and offensive. I hope the Pattaya Mail will take the time to apologise. I am an Australian who regularly visits Thailand and I intend to visit in 10 days time to Pattaya. I support various charities in Thailand and I may consider withdrawing my funds and cite your unwelcome article as the reason.

Regards,
Lawrence T Dargan

Save the pedestrians

Dear Editor,

I just wonder if it would be possible to construct a crossing bridge in front of the Lotus Pattaya? Many shoppers, laden with plastic shopping bags, are daily trying to reach the other side of the road where cars at high speed are heading to God knows where.

Concerned authorities or even the management from the Lotus kindly consider please...

Filip L. Corneillie

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Updated by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek.