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Published on April 14, 2008

Why not reduce Songkran to what is was before politicians got their hands on it: a one-day festival, which involved the sprinkling of water instead of the water wars of the last 10 years or so, and far fewer victims of traffic accidents?

Sam Munich

Bangkok

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Ill-conceived traffic plans await drivers after holiday

With the beginning of a very long Songkran holiday it is that time of year for all of us to keep our fingers crossed yet again and just hope that the road carnage will not be any worse than it was last year. At least this government was sensible enough not to put a number on its goal of fewer casualties this year as if this sorry state of affair was in the same league as that of the national GDP.

And not long after this annual affair is over, Thai motorists will be faced with yet another expensive idea thought up by the police: the installation of cameras at traffic lights at 30 intersections throughout Bangkok.

The cameras were installed so that photos can be used as evidence to convict all those who run red lights, without consideration of the fact that the licence plates on many vehicles, particularly pickup trucks, are hidden behind big fenders and are difficult to see even from a metre away.

Another great idea awaiting Thai motorists is the plan to offer up-to-the minute traffic information to all motorists via their mobile phones.

This notwithstanding the fact that it will be against the law to use mobile phones while driving! Have a happy and safe Songkran!

Vic Phanumphai

Bangkok

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Once delightful celebration now a dangerous water war

Long gone is the true celebration of Songkran. It is now purely war - a water throwing war. I now stay indoors for the duration, as I cannot cope with the stupidity exhibited.

I wear glasses. On Thursday, while driving home, water was thrown at me, hitting my glasses and eyes, so that I could not see and leading to my nearly having an accident. Total stupidity.

I am so sad that the original Songkran, which was a delightful celebration, has now been so despoiled.

Bill Robinson

Buri Ram

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Some early field research for 'Mr Happy Toilet'

I recommend that Wan Yoobamrung visit Wat Prasing's toilet in Chiang Mai. All visitors must take their shoes off upon entry; thongs are provided. It is very clean and free of charge. On the other hand, public toilets in Bang Lamphu and around Victory Monument and Hua Lampong Railway Station are in a sad state. The attendant just collects fees and let you inhale the foul smell until you are done and have to rush out to get some fresh air. I hope Wan doesn't just pass the buck to the governor.

Surasak Piputtana

Bangkok

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