Showing 1 - 10 of 11
Why Hong Kong matters
Asia focus, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 03/07/2017
» Twenty years ago on the evening of June 30, all eyes turned to Hong Kong as the tiny territory, known as a regional financial hub, global toy manufacturer and epitome of a free society, was returned to mainland China after 155 years of British rule. As a fan of the city and a regular visitor, I still remember that emotionally charged day.
Myanmar deserves our patience
Asia focus, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 17/04/2017
» What a difference a year makes. In the same hot summer last year, Myanmar was the rosy-cheeked debutante of the democratic world after the National League for Democracy (NLD) won a landslide victory in the 2015 election, paving the way for the first civilian-led government in 54 years. Foreign investors were rushing in, lured by economic growth that hit 8.5% in 2014, an emerging market of more than 50 million consumers in a resource-rich land with seemingly endless potential.
Obama says tolerance is the key to prosperity
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 08/09/2016
» LUANG PRABANG: US President Barack Obama yesterday used a forum with Southeast Asian youth leaders to stress the importance of human rights and tolerance of different cultures, races and beliefs to achieve prosperity and sustainable development in the region.
Myanmar races ahead as we back-pedal
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 17/03/2016
» All eyes have been on Myanmar this week as it finally voted a new president, Htin Kyaw, into office, in so doing becoming the latest debutante into the democratic club. A close aide (for many he is a proxy) of democracy icon Aug San Suu Kyi, who is blocked from taking up the role due to constitutional hurdles, Htin Kyaw is the first civilian leader of the country since 1962.
Feng shui no match for Section 44
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 03/03/2016
» You may think I am drunk, or have gone mad, when I say Thailand, as a country, no longer follows feng shui, or space management in accordance with the Chinese-originated art or practice of creating harmonious surroundings that enhance the balance of yin and yang for one particular place.
An environment for change
Life, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 04/12/2014
» What does Dec 4 mean to you? Is it just another day in the week?
A golden opportunity for change
Life, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 04/06/2014
» Everything that glitters is gold, but not for villagers at Ban Na Nong Bong, who live at the edge of a gold mine in Loei province. Since Thung Kham arrived to extract gold in 2003, villagers have complained that the company is poisoning its water source and farmland and harming their health.
No shark fins please!
Life, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 19/07/2012
» Once in a blue moon, the Chinese government gets it right when it chooses to ban something.
U-tapao!Wehave a problem
Life, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 05/07/2012
» Suddenly we're talking about clouds and weather. Our society, politicians mostly, have become curious and highly concerned about the issue of climate change, and the complex data that is part and parcel of atmospheric study. Such attention is a big departure from the lukewarm interest Thailand and our policy makers have shown in the past.
Would Orwellian tactics keep MPs in line?
Life, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 27/04/2012
» We know many of our MPs are not above cheating and lying. We know they regularly squander our tax money. We know that more than a few of them doze off during parliamentary sessions or skip them altogether, pretending that they are ill or undergoing some medical procedure or taking care of some unspecified or very hush-hush official business.