Showing 1 - 10 of 17
The power of boycotts
Thana Boonlert, Published on 24/07/2023
» Soon after Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat failed to gather enough support for the premiership, some voters launched retaliatory campaigns with the hashtag #senatorbusiness to boycott business networks of handpicked junta senators who rejected him or abstained. Senators then took legal action against those who they believe harass them and their families. Voters are not only cutting off social relations but also punishing senators for committing crimes against democracy.
The elusive objects of truth
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 06/03/2023
» The recent shooting down of flying objects, identified and otherwise, over the US and Canada has spurred interest in extra-terrestrial life further afield. Here in Thailand, ufologists have taken to social media and presented evidence of sightings while describing their personal experiences as well as theories about alien lifeforms.
Thailand's Big Brother is upping the ante
Oped, Thana Boonlert, Published on 06/08/2022
» In the late 18th century, British philosopher Jeremy Bentham visited his younger brother, Samuel, in Russia, who arranged unskilled factory workers in a circle so that he could supervise them. Inspired by this principle, Bentham developed "the panopticon", an inspection tower surrounded by cells. Its uniqueness was that it enabled a watchman to monitor prisoners without them knowing they were being watched.
Preserving traditions
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 16/05/2022
» Hidden in an alley near a train station, Kongleechongsun School had been out of use for years. For outsiders, it could easily go unnoticed. Founded over a century ago by merchants of Chinese descent, the school experienced many interruptions including state control. It was not until the end of World War II that descendants rebuilt the now-defunct school.
Gender bias a root cause of recidivist abuse
Oped, Thana Boonlert, Published on 04/03/2022
» 'If I were to come across him, I would ask whether he knows what I'm going through," said a woman in her 30s. How hard is it to carry a sense of helplessness for years? How difficult is it to build a new relationship after your trust has been broken? Can the attacker understand such feelings? I know the victim would rather not ask these questions than let her struggle out.
Euthanasia a service not a sin for the elderly
Oped, Thana Boonlert, Published on 04/02/2022
» Have you ever imagined how you might die in old age? I remember once telling a close friend that I would use a "sleeping pod" -- if euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide were legal. But in Thailand, it is only terminally ill patients who have the right to forgo treatment in such a way that allows them to die "naturally". Under Section 12 of the Public Health Act, they can make a will denying the use of public health services that would prolong the end stage of their illness.
Exhibition explores the impact of air pollution
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 07/01/2022
» From open burning to toxic emissions, clouds of smoke curl and drift before entering our bodies. Thai artist Supmanee Chaisansuk has launched her new exhibition of semi-abstract paintings to explore the impact of air pollution.
Bangkok struggles to keep head above water
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 01/10/2021
» Rainy weeks have sparked fears that Bangkok will be submerged, prompting authorities to implement flood measures ranging from unclogging the dilapidated drainage system to monitoring water levels around the clock.
Tackling vaccine hesitancy
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 01/06/2021
» The fate of 4.3 million patients suffering from seven chronic diseases hangs in the balance as shortages loom over the nation's vaccine rollout scheme starting next Monday.
Joy amid hardship
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 10/05/2021
» Rusty tin shacks sprawl under high-rises and billboards. Rubbish scatters and floats down the foul-smelling river. Last year, fire broke out near a local mosque. With the third wave of the coronavirus outbreak, the Klong Toey neighbourhood is hanging by a thread.