I read the news that most Thai workers are unaware of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) and I worry desperately about being able to get a job in Thailand in the next three years.
I am studying at Chiang Mai University's Faculty of Humanities, a career path which is not included in the eight occupational groups that will be liberalised under the AEC.
My speaking skill in English is intermediate and I guarantee there are plenty of other graduates at this level as well.
Sadly, I need to compete with tonnes of Thais and foreigners who are expert in English speaking. Do I have to get away from Thailand to have a better life?
It is a big deal for students all over the country now. My friends in different universities are quite concerned about this issue.
We have discussed it many times and most of them have decided to take courses in language institutes.
When I see the heart of my future, I become concerned about other Thai workers, our relatives or friends who are poor in English. How will they live?
The economy of the country should be a concern. So should the wellbeing of the citizens.
KORAWAN PUTTHIKANOK
Chiang Mai University
Get the message!
I refer to two letters in PostBag last week, Ron Martin's ''Hoping cooler heads prevail'' (Nov 30) and Jack Gilliad's ''Cut out the noise'' (Dec 1).
Both are right in what they say, but both fail to identify the major contributor to the noise pollution coming from these songthaews with loud speakers.
I will identify them. It's politicians who hire these guys by the dozens during elections, of which Thailand suffers an overdose, to run around promising all they will do for you if you vote for them.
Oh, and let me add, one of these promises always includes their promise to cut down on noise pollution. Ha, ha!
FARANG OBSERVER
Pattaya
Call girls numbered
I get many calls on my mobile phone from advertisers because someone sold my number.
All of the callers are female and speak Thai and I don't, so the last caller I asked if she would like to stay the night. She paused in her spiel and said, in English: ''Hmm, maybe.''
I stopped any further conversation realising that the advertising callers might sell something else altogether, if offered the right incentive.
If anyone is interested, here are the numbers: 0872905593, 0835513243, 022719000, 086079175, 029331996. I figure if anyone can sell my number, I can give away those numbers.
Maybe the advertisers have something you want to buy.
UPS&DOWNIE
OIC comments wrong
The front page headline ''Govt bristles at OIC resolution'' (BP, Nov 30) is perfectly understandable as the arrogant temerity of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation would be unacceptable by any sovereign state.
For cooperation, read domination. No country of any stature would cooperate with terrorists set on denying children an education by murdering teachers and razing schools.
The first thing the OIC should do is condemn those perpetrating horrendous crimes in the South.
There is a strong military presence in the South by necessity. If the insurgents in the name of their religion stop murdering innocent people and destroying schools, the military could retire to their barracks.
It is a fact that Muslims protest and riot worldwide when their beliefs are questioned or criticised, but when atrocities are committed in the name of Islam, they are nowhere to be seen or heard.
If the perpetrators are an extremist minority as claimed, why do the majority who claim to be peaceful not condemn the actions of these extremists?
Islam has a perfect right to exist as a peaceful religion in Thailand or any other country, as does Christianity or Judaism or any other religion, but political terrorists claiming to be Islamic do not.
J C WILCOX
CONTACT: BANGKOK POST BUILDING
136 Na Ranong Road Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110
Fax: +02 2403666 email: postbag@bangkokpost.co.th
All letter writers must provide full name and address.
All published correspondence is subject to editing at our discretion.