Stop abusing air con

I was pleased to see the recommendations advertised by the Metropolitan Electricity Authority for the wise use of electricity to lower energy bills. These included setting the temperature of air conditioners at 26C.

As anyone who has visited a Bangkok cinema or shopping mall knows, the temperatures usually seem to be set at near freezing. Working in Thai offices, it is not unusual to see the staff wearing coats and scarves because it is so cold; in fact, in Japan the office temperature is by regulation set at 28C.

In a Silom restaurant recently, I and my friends were forced to leave as we were literally shivering. When we pointed this out to the staff we were laughed at. Until the managers of buildings in Thailand get their act together, electricity will continue to be wasted on a vast scale and its occupants suffer ill-health as a result. MARTIN R