Showing 1,071 - 1,080 of 1,108
Pioneering advocate for worker health says battle still uphill
Spectrum, Tunya Sukpanich, Published on 15/04/2012
» In 1993 when Somboon Sikhamdokkae discovered she was suffering from an occupational lung disease caused by working in a textile factory, she decided to establish a group to help other sick workers.
Russian invasion Revs up Phuket rental market
Spectrum, Nattha Keenapan, Published on 15/04/2012
» Despite the impact of the sluggish European economy on some of its core tourist source markets, Phuket continues to attract international visitors and remains a popular choice for holiday-makers. In recent years a new trend has emerged with more visitors choosing to rent private villas instead of staying in hotels.
Enterprising collectors find trash means cash
Spectrum, Published on 15/04/2012
» 'Junk is gold," Somthai Wongcharoen says.
In his own words: the rise and fall of Khin Nyunt
Spectrum, Published on 08/04/2012
» The quiet narrow street leading to our destination is lined with big houses and mansions once inhabited by some of Myanmar's former ruling military elite. Most of them, including the now officially retired Senior General Than Shwe, have moved to new homes in the capital city of Nay Pyi Taw, many with new civilian jobs. However, one formerly very high-ranking member of the old military regime, former prime minister General Khin Nyunt, is still living in Yangon. No new house has been built for him in Nay Pyi Taw; in fact until recently he was under house arrest at his home in Yangon.
Women's fund will result in more debt than development, say critics
Spectrum, Tunya Sukpanich, Published on 01/04/2012
» It was one of the Pheu Thai Party's flagship policies _ a massive 7.7 billion baht National Development Fund for Women, ostensibly to redress gender inequality. In practice, however, the fund has become a lightning rod for controversy with critics contending that its aims are too vague, its management not transparent, registration requirements too onerous and that it is more likely to result in crippling debt for women than greater opportunities. They also question whether the move is merely a Pheu Thai tactic to reward and bolster support in rural areas.
Dealing with the taxman after death
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 01/04/2012
» Last week, we addressed trusts and how they can be useful to many expats. They preclude unwanted prying eyes and predators from viewing and attacking our assets during our lifetimes and after we pass and ensure that we have provided a future for loved ones.
Nominee use in property market a national headache
Spectrum, Kanana Katharangsiporn, Published on 25/03/2012
» When government ombudsman Siracha Charoenpanij claimed that one third of all land in Thailand, or about 100 million rai, is in the hands of foreigners through proxy ownership made possible by legal loopholes and corruption, it created uproar and claims of racism and xenophobia. But an important underlying issue is the question of nominee ownership itself.
Govt 'holds vulnerable underwater to keep big business afloat'
Spectrum, Supara Janchitfah, Published on 18/03/2012
» Those whose homes and farms were ravaged by last year's floods are fuming over government compensation plans that they say unfairly favour big business at their expense. About 2.23 billion baht will go to build a 77km floodwall around Rojana Industrial Park and 728 million baht and 700 million baht, respectively, has been earmarked to build floodwalls around Bang Pa-in and Nava Nakorn industrial estates. Many of society's most vulnerable who lost nearly everything in the floods _ including labourers, small farmers, slum dwellers and home-based workers _ are entitled to a mere 5,000 baht in compensation.
Dawei feeling pains of development and displacement
Spectrum, Published on 18/03/2012
» Thi Cho had been having sleepless nights since a small fishing community not far from her home was relocated a week earlier to make way for the multi-billion-baht Dawei development project.
Phuket looks beyond wealthy westerners
Spectrum, Published on 18/03/2012
» Phuket in recent years has become known as the playground of the West's rich and famous, attracting pop stars, celebrities, supermodels and run-of-the-mill millionaires. Some of these visitors spend time checking out property in the area, which spawned a healthy market for villas costing 30 million baht or more.