Showing 161 - 170 of 171
Action, not words, will cut the road toll
News, Editorial, Published on 29/11/2015
» The announcement was as ambitious as it was overshadowed: the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation last week set the goal of reducing Thailand’s road toll by 80% in the next five years. It is a bold and worthy goal and would save thousands of lives annually if it ever becomes reality. For now, however, the words are just that: a promise that threatens to ring hollow without significant action to support it.
Transparency key to restoring trust
News, Editorial, Published on 22/11/2015
» Rajabhakti Park was unveiled in September with pomp, circumstance and fireworks. It is an impressive place: a 222-rai area dominated by monuments to seven great monarchs of the past, from Ramkhamhaeng to Chulalongkorn, who played vital roles in history and were instrumental in establishing and protecting Thailand over the centuries. While some critics may call it the army’s overcompensating answer to Nay Pyi Taw, with seven 14-metre high kings compared with the Myanmar capital’s three 10m statues, the park was welcomed with a high degree of goodwill. The public was interested in the project and prominent figures and businesses donated a billion baht to the army to see the park become a reality.
Clear up park questions
News, Editorial, Published on 14/11/2015
» Army chief Gen Theerachai Nakwanich has made the right decision in asking for comprehensive checks into the construction of Rajabhakti Park before the army takes over its administration.
Early days in Myanmar
News, Editorial, Published on 11/11/2015
» There is excellent news still coming from our neighbour to the west. Myanmar held an election on Sunday that has been described by neutral outsiders as generally fair; certainly credible. The voting was orderly and peaceful. Similarly, the post-election celebrations have been huge, but free of violence and retribution. It has been a rare time in Myanmar. The country as a whole has been not just free to vote, but free from fear.
Democracy still a dream for Myanmar
News, Editorial, Published on 08/11/2015
» There is a perverse irony in watching Myanmar go to the polls today from Thailand. The country which has endured more than half a century of oppression under military rule is inching further towards democracy, while the country which has long been perceived as a liberal part of the modern world is being ruled by diktat. It is tempting, if over-simplistic, to view this as the moment Myanmar overtook Thailand among the ranks of democratic nations.
Police must net 'big fish' too
News, Editorial, Published on 05/11/2015
» Former national police spokesman Pol Gen Prawut Thavornsiri has already resigned from the police service. This was confirmed by Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda who said the ex-spokesman tendered his resignation on Oct 29 to the office personnel registrar. He added that the resignation was not connected with the ongoing investigation into a gang of suspected lese majeste offenders who allegedly cited the monarchy for financial gain.
Bomb probe cannot stop
News, Editorial, Published on 26/10/2015
» Police, and presumably other authorities including the government and the military, have made a poor decision to create an exit strategy for the Erawan shrine bombing investigation. It must be hoped this decision does not come back to haunt them in the form of more violence.
Summonses divide society
News, Editorial, Published on 12/09/2015
» It is impossible to create an atmosphere of reconciliation as long as the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) maintains its policy of summoning people who disagree with its policies for so-called attitude adjustment sessions.
PM should lend an ear
News, Editorial, Published on 22/07/2015
» Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha went travelling on Monday, to Rayong province. He visited a fruit processing centre, was photographed with local people, and spoke to them instead of giving them an attentive ear. This is a key mistake also made by ministers and officials.
Let debate be candid
News, Editorial, Published on 13/07/2015
» The chance to hear key political figures discuss current issues on the National Council for Peace and Order's (NCPO) weekly television programme on reform is a welcome one. But to make this opportunity more beneficial to the public interest, the NCPO should give them the freedom to speak their minds without fear of repercussion. If the military regime refuses to relax its grip on freedom of expression, the NCPO's plan will end up being nothing more than just another pointless publicity stunt.