OPINION

Focus on real issues

Re: "PM defends weapons budget", (BP, July 2).

To get the most value for taxpayers' hard-earned money, we should follow one of Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, which goes, "Begin with the end [goal] in mind". That is, before we start any task, consider what's needed to reach the desired objective. For the military, as PM Prayut notes, "[The military's] mission is to protect the nation's sovereignty along the borders, and we have to be prepared for any skirmishes or fights, no matter if they will happen or not."

So, our first job is to determine which of our borders might be endangered, the type of danger, and what's needed to suppress the foe.

Historically, we've fought only Burma and Japan, and nobody thinks we'll do so again over at least the next decade, nor are there any other potential adversaries on the horizon.

That leaves only our southern unrest and seaborne smuggling, which is where we should focus our efforts and spending. The southern violence is a guerrilla action, relying mainly on intelligence from the locals -- not conventional warfare.

So, we don't need F-16s, but more work to win hearts and minds. Tanks are worthless to fight roadside bombs -- but we must be more attentive to local needs in education and agriculture, putting locals in charge at the provincial level.

To combat smuggling, we need coastal patrol ships and aircraft, not submarines or landing craft -- so that's where funds should go.

PM Prayut, begin with the end in mind.

Save the Scala

Re: "Cinema grande dame fades but will Scala go on?", (BP, July 2).

Aficionados of cinema and architecture are lamenting the closure of the venerable Scala cinema this weekend. Many are worried about the future of this grand structure, first opened to the public more than 50 years ago. It was virtually impossible for anyone entering the Scala not to exclaim over the fabulous lobby and fixtures, and the structure's "coolness".

While the Scala is not as old as some other architectural gems in Thailand, such as the recently destroyed forestry building in Phrae, it is no less treasurable.

Thailand has carelessly demolished far too much of its architectural heritage in recent decades. Hopefully, Chulalongkorn will be responsible in conserving and promoting this small piece of cultural heritage rather than succumbing to the lure of greed.

There are many wonderful potential cultural uses the Scala could be adapted for -- not the least of which could be the host for a global film festival to rival the famous annual Cannes Film Festival. If the Scala is torn down, everyone will be worse off. Thailand already has more than enough commercial malls, but there is only one Scala remaining!

Road, rail plan off track

It looks like our transport minister, Saksayam Chidchob, is going all out to convince us to try to cover as much of Thailand with roads and railways as possible. I preferred it when all he wanted to do was raise the speed limit so he could get back to Buri Ram faster, presumably.

Since we are entering a prolonged economic downturn with most of the rest of the world, and need to be in survival mode, I am wondering what he thinks we are going to need these motorways built next to railway tracks for -- cars or trucks racing trains?

As I recall Mr Saksayam's brother, Newin, once boasted of having read the complete Tripitaka. I wish Mr Saksayam would put his mind to doing that too instead of coming up with grandiose ideas to waste what little money we are going to need for our children's future.

PM makes Thaksin shine

Re: "'Care' already being taken for next poll", (BP, July 4). Khun Chairith, since even Thaksin Shinawatra is an angel compared to the Palang Pracharath Party which is a minion of the "little dictator" (the current prime minister), why would it matter that a party is suspected of ties to Thaksin?

That is surely better than having known ties to the man who overthrew Thailand's supreme rule of law and smashed the nation's form of government in his lust to make himself PM and profit his allies against Thais.

The most impressive achievement of Gen Prayut and those colluding with him is to make Thaksin shine in comparison.