Showing 111 - 120 of 171
A failure to protect
News, Editorial, Published on 10/05/2018
» The past week has seen extremely troubling revelations about the huge trade in two harmful items. These are cosmetics made from sub-standard or even deadly materials, and so-called dietary and "health" tablets with shady origins. This issue grew out of a probe into celebrity endorsements of questionable products. It is now an important criminal case involving hundreds of possible felons and the four known deaths their products probably has caused.
Time for a free media
Oped, Editorial, Published on 07/05/2018
» Not long ago, Thailand was praised around the world for the freedom and independence of its media. It never was perfect, but in the days that the nation was truly aspiring to be a democracy, newspapers and broadcasters spoke truth to power. Foreign journalists set up regional headquarters in Thailand because it was so much more tolerant of a free press than any neighbour. Last week came yet another of the constant reminders that Thai press freedom has halted, if only temporarily.
Optimism for Rohingya
News, Editorial, Published on 16/04/2018
» After months of a mix of cruelty and ineptitude, the Myanmar government has taken a small but possibly significant step on the Rohingya crisis. The Aung San Suu Kyi government has sent its minister of social welfare to Bangladesh. It was noteworthy that during the visit, Win Myat Aye spoke directly with Rohingya refugees and told them they could return to Rakhine state.
A Rohingya crisis redux
News, Editorial, Published on 04/04/2018
» A seemingly simple refugee boat stopover has set off alarm bells among authorities. Last week's Krabi sojourn by 56 Rohingya has revived memories of past atrocities, as well as human trafficking. Police chief Chakthip Chaijinda suspects that the stop at Koh Ha and Koh Lanta by the Rohingya could mark a resurgence of the vicious, murderous trafficking of this minority people.
PM must calm public fears
News, Editorial, Published on 28/03/2018
» The capricious responses by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha about the general election, now expected next February, have sown confusion and caused consternation among the public.
Justice due for slain activist
News, Editorial, Published on 17/03/2018
» It is exactly 12 months since young Lahu rights activist and artist Chaiyaphum Pasae was shot dead at a military-run checkpoint near the Thai-Myanmar border in Chiang Mai's Chiang Dao district. His premature death -- he was only 17 at the time -- is still shrouded in mystery.
Credibility of NACC on line
News, Editorial, Published on 09/12/2017
» The stakes are high and the public has high expectations for the anti-graft agency's probe into how Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon acquired a luxury watch and expensive diamond ring and whether he concealed those items in previous asset declarations.
Weapons tactic doesn't wash
News, Editorial, Published on 07/12/2017
» Violence or terrorist attacks have not prevented other countries from holding elections. The United Kingdom, for instance, proceeded with its poll following a terrorist attack in June. But the mere discovery of a weapons cache is being used to jeopardise Thailand's roadmap to a general election.
Leave politics to the pros
News, Editorial, Published on 08/11/2017
» The military regime has started to come out and say what many have been suspecting for years -- that there could be a chance of them setting up or possibly propping up a political party or parties.
Twisting the facts
News, Editorial, Published on 31/10/2017
» The latest advice and warning on fake and distorted news comes from a strange place. The chief spokesman of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) advised that photos being forwarded on social media of last week's royal cremation ceremony are not all what they seem. Maj Gen Pirawat Saengthong said some netizens have been sharing photos of a different ceremony, with only superficial resemblance to last week's emotional sendoff of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. He suggested this could constitute lese majeste.