Showing 141 - 150 of 675
Next poll brings highest stakes, risks
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 09/12/2022
» In the face of the myriad of questions and issues that beset Thai politics in the lead-up to the general election, which must be held by May 7, the biggest facts and dilemmas are not being raised. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is now headed to complete nine years in office, the first five of which were under a military government after he and his cohorts seized power by force in May 2014, and the last four under an elected coalition government enabled by the 2017 constitution crafted by a committee the ruling generals had set up. Moving forward, Thailand risks settling into a prolonged period of economic stagnation and political decay unless there is a qualitative change of government after the poll.
Time to invest in global health
News, Published on 28/11/2022
» No one could have predicted the extent to which Covid-19 would erode decades of progress in public health. And the world is still reeling from the shock. But we have the opportunity -- and the duty -- to learn the right lessons to mitigate the ongoing pandemic, while minimising the risk of similar events in the future.
PPRP's break-up all part of the 'plan'
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 19/11/2022
» When all the Apec summit formalities are over, it's likely Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha will make the uncertainty about his political future clearer, particularly over whether he will cut links with the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) and align with the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party (RTSCP), recently set up by his close aides. One thing is clear, he has no plan to leave politics.
Investing in early childhood crucial
News, Editorial, Published on 13/11/2022
» In 2020, the Prayut administration declared its commitment to early childhood development and promised to give the caregivers of all preschool children a monthly stipend of 600 baht the following year. The policy, if implemented, will be a sound investment in human resources.
Vote kindles charter hope
Oped, Editorial, Published on 10/11/2022
» In a conspicuous move, the House of Representatives has renewed efforts to ditch the military-sponsored constitution. Earlier this month, the House unanimously approved by 323:0 votes a motion calling for a referendum on the drafting of a new constitution.
What defines a hero?
Life, Patcharawalai Sanyanusin, Published on 07/11/2022
» Thailand has embraced one more hero who made big headlines in the media last month.
Don't rule out Pheu Thai-PPRP coalition
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 05/11/2022
» Attempts by the Pheu Thai Party to flirt with the ruling Palang Pracharath demonstrate the long-standing bond between fugitive ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.
Vaping ban fails to do its job
News, Editorial, Published on 30/10/2022
» Despite Thailand's ban on e-cigarettes, they are easily available online. Worse, consumers are subject to heavy lobbying from the vaping industry, which spreads disinformation in its bid to end the ban. The government must put a stop to this dirty business.
The naked Ayatollah: A detour from Islamic theology
Oped, Published on 22/10/2022
» The nationwide protests in Iran over women's rights and abuses by the religious morality police have once again shone a light on the country's ruling clerical class and the seemingly limitless powers of the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The global leadership India needs
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 21/10/2022
» India, like China, takes enormous pride in its civilisation's scale and antiquity -- and rightly so. But such pride can also lead to a complacent and sometimes dangerous insularity. Since gaining independence from the British Empire 75 years ago, India has mostly looked inward, focusing on improving the welfare of its population by building a strong democracy and a healthy economy.