Showing 1 - 10 of 507
Heed charter draft gripes
News, Editorial, Published on 05/02/2016
» The government on Wednesday launched a special television programme to "educate" the public on the draft charter. It is a useful move considering the public finds legal-speak very difficult to understand. But it risks being self-defeating if it turns out to be an attempt to shoot down criticisms in a one-sided manner.
PM must act on lawsuits
News, Editorial, Published on 02/08/2016
» Authorities moved ahead on lawsuits last week that never should have been accepted. Three of the country's leading human and civil rights defenders have been charged with criminally defaming the armed forces, specifically the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc). Coincidentally, a similar case saw the formal arrest of a determined young woman protesting against the brutal killing of her uncle during army training.
Grave danger in Cambodia
News, Editorial, Published on 07/09/2017
» After operating for more than 24 years, the English-language The Cambodia Daily faced its final curtain call this week, with the last edition hitting newsstands on Monday. Observers believe the closure, which stemmed from a tax dispute between the Daily and Prime Minister Hun Sen's government, is a threat to the freedoms of the media in the country.
Biodiversity gains await
News, Editorial, Published on 10/07/2015
» Thailand's rich biodiversity has been largely untapped. To blame is a consistent lack of policy support for research and development into Thai plants and herbs for their medicinal values. Such R&D could yield huge economic benefits for the country.
Liu's legacy will live on
News, Editorial, Published on 15/07/2017
» Even though the totalitarian rulers of China might have succeeded in preventing Chinese Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo from living longer, they will find it hard to prevent people in China and elsewhere from keeping the legacy of the human rights and democracy advocate alive.
Suu Kyi's sad neglect
News, Editorial, Published on 28/11/2016
» It takes a unique grievance to inspire linked demonstrations across Southeast Asia and beyond. But last Friday, in half a dozen cities including Bangkok, protests occurred at the embassies of neighbour and fellow Asean member Myanmar. The focus was the recent escalation of violence against Rohingya people in the western state of Rakhine. The peaceful protesters, mostly from Muslim groups, were outraged at Myanmar's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.
ICC's leap in the dark
Oped, Editorial, Published on 10/09/2018
» The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has issued a clear and compelling case against Myanmar -- both its armed forces and its leaders. A UN-ordered investigation of the Rohingya tragedy is described unequivocally and credibly as genocidal. The UNHRC says government and army then tried to cover up crimes by multiple fabrications. It specifically names Sen Gen Min Aung Hlaing, the commander of the armed forces (tatmadaw) and the national leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Mayor's reaction doubles his disgrace
News, Editorial, Published on 31/07/2016
» Ban Phai district municipality mayor Premsak Piayura should have explained what was happening in the photograph that led to questions over his suitability to hold public office, if the circumstances are as innocent as he says. Instead, his harassment of the reporters giving him a chance to explain himself has only deepened doubts about whether he is fit to hold his job.
Reforestation rethink required
News, Editorial, Published on 24/07/2022
» The military was given an earful early this month for using invasive alien species in their aerial reforestation mission, and rightly so. The blunder, however, is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Thailand's reforestation policy, which puts dictatorship and money before ecological health. To save the forest, this self-serving mindset must end.
Delay torture law no more
Oped, Editorial, Published on 19/05/2023
» After a long waiting game, the police and other law enforcement agencies must fully implement the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act after the Constitutional Court on Thursday ruled 8-1 against an executive decree postponing the enforcement of sections 22-25 of the Act until October this year, calling it unconstitutional.