March 27 - April 3, 2008
Be more positive
I AM writing to complain about the newsstory regarding an unfortunate Canadian who was killed in Ranong by his girlfriend (“Slain Canadian met killer wife on Samui,†p. 1, Feb. 22-March 6).
The only relevance (of the story) to Samui was that they met here five years ago while she was working in a bar, yet you made a mountain out of a molehill, making the story even the banner news for a local Samui newspaper.
I am not saying you should sweep any bad news under the carpet, but I would have thought that as a local paper relying on local advertising revenue, you may just once in a while run a positive story on Samui. Maybe you could start with the charity function at Coco Blues on the 23rd February, which raised around Bt600,000.
Let’s be a little more positive.—ADAM KEATING
Unwanted noise
I RECENTLY spent three weeks on Koh Samui. I had looked forward to a relaxing holiday, but the noise pollution from places like Chaweng, Thai Boxing Stadium (“Tonight, tonight!â€) and the nightclub at the north end of Chaweng Lake called Escape will make me think twice about a return to the island.
As I understand the law, it says that ALL bars and nightclubs must close at 2 a.m., yet Escape appears to think that it is above the law and carries on till at least 6 a.m., playing hip-hop music so loudly that you can hear it all over Chaweng and beyond. Depending on which way the wind is blowing, as the club is right on the side of the lake, there is nothing to stop the sound from traveling across the water.              Â
People come to Samui for all kinds of pursuits, even nightlife, but many families and couples on honeymoon also come; they do not expect to be kept awake all night for the benefit of a few people at a nightclub. Why is this club allowed to break the law? Why don’t the police do something about this continual nuisance? Maybe the Tourism Authority of Thailand can do something to ensure that tourists, and residents— who must be driven crazy night after night—get a decent night’s sleep. You have a beautiful island that is being spoilt by unwanted noise pollution. Please, please do something about it or risk tourists like myself going somewhere else.—SHEILA BEESLEY
I love Lamai but…
I HAVE been a regular visitor to Lamai for the last four years.
There has been a great deal of construction work carried out in this time but the pavements remain the worst I have experienced anywhere in the world. I love Lamai and am saddened that nothing appears to have been done.
Also why is it that such a beautiful beach cannot be cleaned.--BARRY G
Agree without reservation
I heartily agree with Stewart Humble’s letter regarding the strong American flavor of the Express. As a long-time resident of the island, and a European, I can tell you, without a shadow of doubt, that Europeans and other nationalities heavily outnumber the Yanks. I believe I speak for the potential readers when I say cut back on the US news and make the paper more interesting, even (with) more adverts! My previous letter on the same subject was not published, so I’m not holding my breath.—JOHN COOPER
The owner of a local health resort which boasts a healthy vegetarian restaurant has taken the concept of "Reduce, Re-use, Recycle" to new levels, being seen recently scavenging through the rubbish bins outside Nathon's fruit market and collecting the best of the spoiled produce, later observed sitting on the ground outside her resort cutting away the rotten bits, scraping away the cigarette butts and whatever else may have been thrown on top of it then storing it in the restaurant refrigerator.
Now, to be fair, I cannot say whether it was used in that night's "Chef's Special Thai green curry" which the guests paid for, or whether it became ingredients for the free broth soup which is served to guests on a cleansing health program throughout the day... but I am sure they would all be glad to know of their contribution to saving the environment.