Showing 1 - 10 of 13
Abortion law still failing adolescents
Oped, Published on 04/11/2022
» Twelve years ago this month, people in Thailand and around the world were shocked to learn that 2,002 foetuses had been discovered at Wat Pai Ngern in Bangkok's Bang Kho-laem district.
Can the World Bank ever redeem itself?
News, Published on 05/12/2018
» In recent years, as the World Bank's financing role has been eclipsed by the rise of private capital and a surge in money from China, its leaders have been desperately seeking a new mission. And interminable reorganisations, politicised appointments and the changing priorities of successive presidents have contributed to the perception that the institution is less than functional. But can that change?
Sino rail deal nothing to be proud about
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 30/06/2017
» When Chinese engineers lay the foundation work for the Thai-Chinese railway project later this year, I can imagine a flurry of applause, and some celebrations. Our leaders may feel pride in the project that is aimed at boosting the country's economy.
US IP report makes a point
News, Editorial, Published on 02/05/2017
» The US government last week released its annual opinion of how every country on Earth handles intellectual property. It was barely news that, for the 10th year in a row, Thailand was among the "dirty dozen" nations in the 2017 Special 301 Report. Named for a section of US law, the report is a relic of the 20th century, bringing momentary interest only. However, the issues it raises are important.
S44 won't help patents
News, Editorial, Published on 06/03/2017
» If further proof were needed after the Dhammakaya fiasco that the abuse of the interim charter's Section 44 is becoming excessive, last week's decree will suffice. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha signed the 138th edict to target intellectual property. The order aims to cut red tape and clear some 12,000 pending patents. While this will undoubtedly bring smiles in the US Trade Representative's office, the prime minister's staff should reconsider this hasty move that creates more problems than it solves.
Trump's IP actions unfair
News, Editorial, Published on 15/02/2017
» US President Donald Trump last week issued a new directive on transnational crime. Its preamble stated that cross-border crime, especially drug cartels, have spread, "threatening the safety of the United States and its citizens". But in the meaty part of the executive order he slipped in something else. In addition to a crackdown on human, drug and arms trafficking, Mr Trump ordered new and strong actions against corruption, cybercrime -- and theft of intellectual property (IP).
Beating piracy no easy task
News, Editorial, Published on 10/08/2016
» Bangkok's best-known technology market has reopened for business -- and for high-stakes criticism. Pantip Plaza's five mind-boggling floors are a virtual display of the technology revolution. It is a little better known locally and worldwide as one of the world's handiest shopping areas for pirated software, movies, music and much more. This schizophrenia has brought the attention of the owner and authorities at home and abroad.
The big issue: 301 hypocrites
Alan Dawson, Published on 01/05/2016
» Thailand got on the United States list of the "dirty dozen" worst pirates in the explored galaxy for the ninth consecutive year. By doing that, it stayed off the list of worst hypocrites.
TIP shows a Thai-US alliance under strain
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 31/07/2015
» That Thailand has remained on the United States' Tier 3 in Trafficking in Persons list is unsurprising. Even the government of Gen Prayut Chan-ocha has accepted the Tier 3 designation with resignation in the hope of an upgrade in future. What is more interesting is the trend in Thai-US relations over the past decade.
Piracy report is hypocritical
News, Published on 06/05/2015
» The United States has published its annual list of intellectual property pirates. To no one's surprise, Thailand is grouped with a dozen others as the worst offenders. The report goes through the usual and obvious litany of pirated movies and software, and it accuses Thai officials of ennui over the issue. It also gets to the real reason Thailand is on the "Section 301 priority watch list": hypocrisy.