OPINION

Chance to lead

Re: " 'Game of Thrones', the Thai edition", (Opinion, Dec 28) & "Proactive politics", (PostBag, Dec 28).

I wholeheartedly agree with Jayut Jayanandana's comment on the People's Party's weak and strong points. The party suffers from lacking a charismatic leader such as Pita Limjaroenrat. I understand the party's pondering its future as the court ruling on the 44 party executives who proposed abolishing Section 112 -- the lese majeste law -- might hold back many party initiatives.

However, I would like to cite a key part of Chairith Yonpiam's opinion on Dec 28, saying: "As the three blocs strive to maintain their political triumvirate, the alliance is vulnerable to change".

Such political observation indicates that if the People's Party insists on its 3-D political platforms: de-centralisation, de-militarisation, and de-monopolisation while also focusing on more progressive and real tangible long-term economic (not populist policy) reforms, the people, especially the young working class, will throw their support behind them.

Some party policies, such as the liberalisation of alcoholic production and same-sex marriage initiated by the People's Party, which are already passed into law, should be an encouragement.

The mistake made in the past in touching on sensitive political issues should be a lesson, as now it is evident that the "lawfare" tactics by the conservatives and elite are in full gear.

In short, the current main parties have many flaws in managing the country, and the people are aware of it. Now, it is up to the People's Party to rise to the occasion.

Safety over speed

Re: "Grab revealed its year-end statistics for 2024, covering the company's on-demand transport and delivery services in Thailand", (Business, Dec 20).

I believe most private vehicle drivers and pedestrians are fed up with rash delivery riders. I suggest that delivery apps should have an option where the customer can choose the "Safe Driving" option in exchange for a slightly longer delivery waiting time.

My idea is not for the customer to pay extra. Rather, they can wait longer so the driver is not in any rush to deliver within the allocated time. I understand this may have financial consequences for the rider because he will do fewer tasks during his work hours. It's up to the apps to figure out how to compensate the drivers.

Plastic waste crisis

Re: "Treaty a chance to solve plastic crisis", (Opinion, Nov 21).

A 2018 study analysed the amount of plastic waste dumped into the oceans annually by country, with India, China, and Indonesia being the top three microplastics polluters, followed by Brazil, with Thailand in the number five spot. But when divided by its national population, Thailand ranked by far the worst of all countries. The top five were: Thailand, 345 g/person, Indonesia 209 g/person, Brazil, 178 g/person, India, 90 g/person, China, 51g/person.

Micro and nano plastics pollution is a global problem and needs a global solution. That solution lies first in switching to biodegradable packaging and biodegradable textile products. Plastic recycling and the international trade in plastic waste have proven entirely ineffective and, when viewed comprehensively, have been reported to have a net negative effect.

We urgently need biodegradable plastics innovation in this country. Thailand should consider actively recruiting commercially viable solutions from other nations, such as the UK and the US, so that they can set up operations here with all of the Board of Investment benefits possible and generous credit facilities guaranteed by the government.