OPINION

Immigration rethink

Re: "PM aims high for airport: Premier outlines aviation ambitions", (BP, March 2) & "Srettha orders faster immigration, baggage claim at Suvarnabhumi", (BP, Feb 5).

PM Srettha Thavisin's unannounced checks at Suvarnabhumi airport revealed that clearing immigration has been a choke point for the arrivals we sorely need to resurrect our stagnant economy. The Immigration Bureau should follow the lead of the Passport Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which outsourced the entire passport renewal process years ago while staying in overall charge to maintain quality.

Over a decade ago, it took me several hours and a two-week wait to renew my passport at the Passport Office at Central Mall, Bang Na, Bangkok. But recently, when I went to the Passport Office's new branch on Srinakarin Road, Bang Na, it took me just 20 minutes in-office and two days for my new passport to arrive.

Question is, what is the difference? The proactive Ministry of Foreign Affairs had outsourced the procedure -- with compensation evidently based on output. The sole MFA person on-site was the supervisor, who efficiently ensured that all went smoothly and quality was maintained.

Applied to immigration, an outsourced supplier might require that prospective immigrants email proof of return ticket, in-country accommodation and fund availability a week or so in advance instead of reviewing the actual documents on arrival -- saving cost, time and tempers.

Nice one, neighbour

Re: "PM impressed by Singapore's Swift deal", (BP, Mar 6).

The exclusive deal for Taylor Swift to play only in Singapore may not be unfriendly, but it is clever. However it is more of self-interest and lack of empathy. This may be hanging on to the political treatise of Nicola Machiavelli of the end justifying the means but likely hurtful to neighbouring cities.

Generally, there is a stigma in being Machiavellian for anyone associated with that standard and it is monumental and not erasable.

Soft power challenge

Re: "PM impressed by Singapore's Swift deal", (BP, Mar 6).

There is no better place or occasion for the Singaporean prime minister to make a joint press conference with the Australian prime minister that the Singapore government had hired Swift to perform exclusively in Singapore alone and not in other Southeast Asian countries.

This flexing of economic muscles with the Australian PM as a witness is a warning to other nations not to mess with the well-being of Singapore, especially the Thai government with its Land Bridge megaproject.

Take heed, our PM.

Songkran plan

Re: "AI, more cameras mulled to boost revellers' safety", (BP, Mar 6).

With regard to the extended Songkran festival and currently, the government has again created a quandary through ill-conceived promotions and a lack of transparency.

According to late 2023 reports from the Thai Met office, the nation could expect to face a long-lasting drought in 2024 because of the effects of El Nino and major dams facing sub-optimal capacity.

Ergo, instead of encouraging the wastage of prodigious quantities of water by countless tourists and their thoughtless Thai counterparts in a time of potential crisis, the focus should be on the immediate conservation of these vital resources while we still have them.

However, I can't imagine soapy massage parlours complying eagerly. Who will be held accountable if/when the tap runs dry?

Correction

The final sentence in the fourth paragraph on "Political 'privilege' ", the editorial for March 7, should read: The court ruled on Yingluck's case last December, but then-national security council secretary general Thawil appealed.

We apologise for the mistake.

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