Showing 101 - 110 of 187
Thai politics' murky tunnel to nowhere
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 07/01/2022
» Starting out a new year should engender a sense of hope and optimism that tomorrow can be better than yesterday. But the reality in Thailand suggests otherwise. A sense of prolonged malaise and discontent pervades the scene, where politics will likely prove murky with an economy persistently in the doldrums, underpinned by continuing societal divisions and broad-based unhappiness. Unless drastic changes and reforms take place very soon, this year is likely to further solidify the onset of a decade of decay and stagnation.
Why do we even count down to the New Year?
Oped, Published on 29/12/2021
» Few people counted down to anything until the 1960s -- and yes, that included the new year. Celebrations and midnight kisses on Dec 31, of course. Countdowns, no. How, then, did the countdown go from almost non-existent to ubiquitous in the latter half of the 20th century? And why are we so drawn to them now, especially to mark one year's end and another's beginning?
Toxic leaders
Oped, Postbag, Published on 16/12/2021
» Re: "Village chief's fruitless fight for justice", (Opinion, Dec 15).
K-pop singer's past fuels Thai political divide
News, Published on 07/12/2021
» The #BANSITALA hashtag targeting the daughter of a former pro-coup supporter who is debuting as a girl group member in South Korea could be a moment of reckoning for conservative elites. The scandal, raging mostly on Twitter, is a minuscule version of the bind that the groups which now hold the power in Thailand will have to face up, sooner or later.
Covid carousel
Oped, Postbag, Published on 04/12/2021
» Re: "B1 trillion to beat Omicron", (BP, Dec 3).
Twilight for the Kims? Time is not on their side
Oped, Kent Harrington, Published on 20/11/2021
» Nearly three years after his failed bromance with Donald Trump, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un is once again angling for US attention. North Korea has tested a new, high-tech missile and hinted that it may agree to restart talks with South Korea, where President Moon Jae-in desperately wants to resuscitate his moribund outreach to the North. But if Mr Kim is expecting a positive reaction from US President Joe Biden, he shouldn't hold his breath. With issues like China and the rebuilding of US alliances topping Mr Biden's agenda, overtures to Mr Kim are unlikely.
Support Boy's Love and expand our soft power
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 15/11/2021
» Whenever Korean music, TV dramas and films become a global phenomenon, especially gaining popularity among American audiences, Thai people usually talk about Korean soft power strategies and what we should do to accomplish what they have done.
Becoming Long John Silver just for a day
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 19/09/2021
» Important news. Today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day, on which everyone is encouraged to speak in the manner of a buccaneer, sea dog, corsair, picaroon or whatever you wish to call them. If you are desperate Captain Jack Sparrow impersonations will suffice.
20 years without a musical legend
Oped, Published on 03/09/2021
» Tomorrow will mark the twentieth anniversary of the passing of Jaran Manophet, the famous folk song singer and much loved native of Chiang Mai.
Peru on edge after Castillo's election victory
Oped, Gwynne Dyer, Published on 04/08/2021
» Peru holds the current record for revolving presidents -- three came and went in a month last November; for coronavirus deaths -- almost 6,000 per million, and for the youngest-looking president -- seen from afar, under his trademark straw hat, he looks like a 13-year-old boy. But appearances are deceiving.