Ships of fools

Re: “Ministry touts benefits of national shipping line”, (BP, Sept 28).

Is there anyone outside of government bureaucracies and potential board members who honestly think it would be a good idea for Thailand to establish a government-run shipping line? If ever there was a sector best left to the private sector, it is the shipping industry, which is highly competitive and long dominated by private investors. I predict if this venture moves forward, it will quickly rival the money-losing records of Thailand’s failed government attempts at entrepreneurship in the airline and railway sectors. And, once again, Thai taxpayers will be left holding the empty money bag. SAMANEA SAMAN