Showing 1 - 10 of 12
Tapping a neighbour's energy
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 23/03/2014
» As Asean nations continue to grow, they are becoming more integrated by relying upon other members to help fuel and sustain that growth. Previously we examined Thailand’s energy relationship with Laos, and outlined the way in which Thailand is investing in Laos to help satisfy its own energy needs. This week we turn our focus from the northern border to the west, and take a look at the energy relationship between Thailand and its rapidly evolving neighbour, Myanmar.
Breathing easier in bangkok _ Part I
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 19/01/2014
» Long-time Bangkok residents and tourists returning to Bangkok after a few decades will have noticed that the city's air quality has significantly improved. Although considerably more progress needs to be made, even now one hears of people moving to Bangkok from other Asian cities in order to escape air pollution.
Breathing easier in bangkok _ Part III
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 02/02/2014
» Over the past couple of weeks we have been examining the legislative and public policy changes from the early 1990s to today that have together resulted in the improvement in Bangkok's air quality. However, more still needs to be done to bring Bangkok's air quality up to par with the rest of Thailand and to reach the standards being set by cities like Tokyo and Singapore.
How much is that slow loris in the window?
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 17/11/2013
» Feeling confident in my ability to navigate Bangkok's largest capitalistic labyrinth, recently I ventured to Chatuchak Weekend Market. Shuffling among a sea of locals peppered with gaggles of tourists, I was reminded that if you can't find it at Chatuchak, it probably doesn't exist.
High returns for snakes on a plane
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 24/11/2013
» Wildlife trafficking is a global multibillion-dollar industry that is primarily orchestrated by well-funded and powerful international criminal syndicates. Although much media attention has been paid to the plight of exotic and endangered animals as they are transported to and from Thailand, which has become a global hub for animal trafficking, little has been done to change the status quo.
Flying with furry friends
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 01/12/2013
» Moving to a new country can be difficult; moving to a new country without a family pet can be downright traumatic. Though there is no shortage of soi dogs and cats in need of a good home, if you already have a furry friend with whom you would like to share your Thai adventure you are free to have them join you. You will, however, have to complete some paperwork and follow certain procedures related to their health.
Your car is not a barstool
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 06/10/2013
» Last week we outlined the possible scenarios a person might face under the Road Traffic Act BE 2522 (1979) if they are found to be over the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit while operating a motor vehicle.
WAGERING YOUR FREEDOM _ Part three
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 03/11/2013
» To wrap up our series of articles on gambling, this week we will look at the law in practise, and see how it is applied to real-world situations. Regular readers will recall that gambling in Thailand is regulated by the Gambling Act and its implementing legislation. The act prohibits betting on games of chance or skill unless the organiser possesses a licence or an exemption has been made where a licence is not required. It is not required for promoters to display their licence when hosting an event. However, most organisers do so as the knowledge that a gambling event is sanctioned by the government and is therefore legal, and would be an obvious marketing drawcard for participants. In practice, if you don't see a licence prominently displayed, it would be wise to check with the organiser as to the legal status of the event.
Cooped up with chickens
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 10/11/2013
» As the cost of living continues to rise, and eco-consciousness is beginning to bloom in the developed world, urban farming, whereby residents of cities are using free space on their property to build gardens and raise farm animals, is emerging as a trendy alternative to supermarkets. In North America it isn't just ageing hippies and new hipsters that are mucking out their backyard chicken coop _ the investment banker, civil servant or taxi driver may be getting their hands dirty as well. Urban farming can also be seen in Bangkok, where people may use their limited land to raise a few chickens, a goat or even a pig. However, before you go out and build a pen to raise fresh bacon and eggs, it is important to know what national and municipal regulations exist governing this type of urban farming.
Smells like teen spirit
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 01/09/2013
» Though the current crop of teenagers is faced with many new illicit or merely unproductive temptations, some of the historic ones remain. These include alcohol. A drink might be offered at a party, nicked from a parent's drinks cabinet, served at a bar with a nearsighted doorman or purchased from an accommodating corner shop; the sources haven't changed in decades ... and neither have the effects.