Friends vanish when things go wrong

Editor;

(Re: Thank you City Hall, Mailbag, Jan. 13) Koto, why would you need to remove the staples if they are not doing any harm to the trees? If (as I suspect) they are harming the trees on the beach then the Solution Pollution Group should immediately tear down the posters and remove the staples. I am sure you will have no shortage of volunteers for this if you name a time and place.

On a more serious note, I have no idea of the corporate structure of S.P. but I am sure you have taken out valid public liability insurance, etc., just in case. Would hate for you to be surprised how fast your “friends” vanish when things go wrong.

Andy Black

How long before there is a bad accident?

Editor;

(Re: “Police volunteers raise Jomtien profile during peak period,” Jan. 27) Perhaps the good volunteers would like to visit another night, not in uniform, without telling anyone and observe the crazy fireworks going off on the beach from 6-7 p.m. until 3- 4 a.m. every night.

These fireworks are horrendous and a danger to all. Last night I observed a Thai man lighting a huge firework in a tube with a 12 month baby under his arm. Apart from disturbing everyone’s sleep I wonder of the effect on the poor local soi dogs.

I notice (but perhaps the volunteers did not) that huge explosions go off right outside the Dong Tan Police station. How long before there is a bad accident like that one at Suphan Buri last week?

Karon Blinquist

Laser pointer hazard statistics indicated are misleading

Editor;

(Re: “Stop use of green laser as a toy” Mailbag, Jan. 6) Yes, laser pointers have been misused to cause annoyances in beach towns (Ocean City, NJ, USA) and sporting events. In general, youths should not be permitted to play with them.

However, the hazard statistics indicated are misleading. The Nominal Ocular Hazard Zone of a 5 milliwatt green laser pointer (the most powerful allowed as a pointer in the USA) is 52 feet, not 5 km. And, the NOHD includes a safety factor; at 16 feet there is a 50/50 chance of the smallest medically detectable retinal lesion under optimal conditions where the person does not blink. At 52 feet it is essentially impossible to cause an injury.

It is true that lasers should never be aimed at cars or aircraft. This is more because of the bright light causing temporary flash-blindness or distraction. A 5 milliwatt green pointer can be a distraction to a pilot up to 2.2 miles away. There are many cases in countries worldwide of persons being arrested, fined and jailed for aiming lasers at aircraft.

Yes, the child’s parents were wrong to allow laser misuse. It was rude, could cause eye discomfort, and had a very small chance of causing an injury.

However, the public should not unduly fear eye damage. It is actually very hard for consumer laser pointers to cause eye damage unless a person deliberately stares into them. The number of cases, worldwide, where a consumer laser accidentally injures the eye of a bystander or innocent person is very low - around 2-3 per year. Such injuries are low grade and heal without adverse effect. Only deliberate self-infliction causes more severe eye injuries.

Patrick Murphy

No plan or strategy

Editor;

I was shocked to be walking through the harbour recently to see the trees being ripped out of the last green area in the entire area, adjacent to the harbour building. On exiting the area I stopped to read a sign apologising for the construction and landscaping activities!

Does no one have any plan or strategy to preserve the last few bits of beauty, tranquillity and nature in the city?

I walk the park and hill every day and do sometimes find some unspoilt beauty and tranquillity. My personal hate in the park is the totally useless activity of leaf blowing carried out very noisily every day. At least ensure that the operative is wearing ear protection. I estimate that considerable portion of the most tranquil part of the day is destroyed by this totally ineffective activity. The effort would be much more valued if it was directed at something more useful like removing plastic refuse from the undergrowth.

Every morning I reflect on the efforts of Pattaya to become a family beach resort as I observe the ever increasing amounts of filth and debris in the sea and beach. The low tide filth and debris display is disgraceful.

I would like to become involved in a campaign to improve the situation. Any advice or help will be greatly appreciated.

Trevor Witts

Police should have regular beats

Editor;

Police, tourist volunteers, regular or otherwise should have “walking beats” year round all thru Pattaya and Jomtien. Walking and presence of police at unscheduled times and places have proven to be one of the most effective crime prevention programs everywhere. Police boxes announce where the police are to the bad guys and they go do naughty things elsewhere!

Don Aleman

When in Thailand…

Editor;

I am a senior citizen farang who rides a motorbike as I find it convenient. Also, parking a car can be a challenge and baht buses on my main artery, S. Pattaya Rd, are usually full. Cars intentionally drive dangerously close to bully bike riders. Also, if you stop at pedestrian crossings, you will be rear ended for sure.

What to do? Do as the Thais and follow other drivers / riders for protection. The police do nothing about young reckless riders who feel ‘bullet proof’ on their bikes.

Also, bike taxi’s take great delight in scaring h*ll out of you when overtaking. Answer: Drive slowly and watch out; they ARE out to get you.

Jerry S.

The nerve

Editor;

(Re: “Tourist Police chief says Pattaya ‘completely safe’ from terrorist attack” Jan. 27) How would any police know that Pattaya is safe from terrorists? It sure is not safe from gun packing Thais, robbers, etc. Any country in the world has the right to protect their citizens from harm with travel alerts and who is Thailand to say otherwise? The nerve!

Iain

Friends vanish when things go wrong

How long before there is a bad accident?

Laser pointer hazard statistics indicated are misleading

No plan or strategy

Police should have regular beats

When in Thailand…

The nerve