OPINION

Asean needs Thailand

Re: "Time for Thailand to step in and lead Asean (again)," (Opinion, Aug 7).

Asean cannot be thought of as a separate entity from Thailand given the diplomatic contribution the country has made up until now and its key role in the foundation, consolidation and transformation of the group.

In the future, Thailand will have the opportunity to further contribute to the strengthening of Asean by promoting and developing the bloc.

Asean diplomacy is an essential component of global diplomacy in dealing with a raft of complex issues such as those affecting our planet.

Thai diplomacy has the capacity to build bridges between the region and the rest of the world.

Re: "PM turns screws over airport queues," (BP, Aug 9).

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was quoted as saying passengers arriving at the airport normally spend "three to five minutes" to clear immigration.

I immediately thought to myself, what country does this guy live in? Then I thought the better question would be, what planet does this guy live on? For his comment is so far from the truth as to be risible. I know from experience as a frequent traveller overseas that what the prime minister says is not the case .

It may well be, Mr Prime Minister, that when returning to Thailand from overseas visits, you are met by a chauffeur driven limousine and a police escort on the tarmac and whisked straight through the airport, which only takes three to five minutes.

But I can assure you that we mere mortals returning to Thailand are happy if it doesn't take much longer than an hour -- and that is on good days -- and I am talking about both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi International Airports. They are as bad as each other.

If the latest immigration issue at Don Mueang isn't enough, there is also much confusion over the latest required TM.30 immigration form.

The form simply asks where an arriving foreign national is staying (living).

However, according to immigration rules in Chiang Mai, if the foreigner does not register the form at immigration within 24 hours, they are fined 1,600 baht. There are several questions that come into play, not least of which is, Doesn't the TM 6 arrival card already ask the same question?

Also, the TM 30 must be filled out by the owner of the residence where the foreigner is staying. What if the owner is away on holiday or worse, simply refuses to cooperate?

There are also rumours that not many immigration offices in Thailand are asking for the TM 30. Mostly it is said to be enforced in Chiang Mai to help fund a new immigration office.

If the TM 6 is not enough, then why not fill out the TM 30 on the arriving plane and hand it in at the airport? Too easy? No chance of getting 1,600 baht fines?

It's all a mystery to this logical observer.

Boozing it up at KFC

Re: "Beer Chang maker buys up KFC Thailand restaurants," (BP, August 9).

Will KFC start serving beer? I don't oppose people drinking alcohol, but I'm afraid KFC will become a drinking joint, not a family restaurant as it is currently.

I bought an ice cream for 25 baht at the airport duty free. I was asked to present my passport, boarding pass and sign a customs receipt.

This country will drown in a sea of waste paper and bureaucracy unless someone seriously looks into triviality.