Showing 1 - 10 of 19
Army abuse still with us
Oped, Editorial, Published on 22/06/2024
» The latest scandal involving salary deductions for conscripts in the Thai army is a distressing reminder of the persistent abuse and exploitation within our military ranks. What is more worrying is the response from the Ministry of Defence, which only addresses the problem superficially.
A rice old business
Oped, Editorial, Published on 10/05/2024
» The government's plan to sell old rice that has been kept in warehouses in northeastern Thailand for a decade has stunned the public, with fears growing over the potentially adverse impact on people's health and also the domestic rice market if traders export it.
End hazing peril, reform military
Editorial, Published on 03/09/2023
» Army conscript Wichian Phueksom was tortured to death in an army camp over 12 years ago. Today, justice has still not been served.
Soldiers are not servants
Oped, Editorial, Published on 06/05/2023
» The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has done the country and the Thai armed forces a great service in recommending that the military brings to an end the use of conscripts as personal employees of higher-ranking officers within 90 days. Rights commissioners made a loud and clear official statement last week that the practice is a human rights violation.
Conscription needs to go
Oped, Editorial, Published on 12/04/2023
» The Thai military is facing increasing pressure to change its conscription system to a voluntary one.
Conscription's days numbered
News, Editorial, Published on 11/12/2022
» Late last month, 23 high school students in Narathiwat were rushed to hospital after harsh military training. Eight needed dialysis due to life-threatening dehydration and kidney failure.
No quick fix to army image
News, Editorial, Published on 06/02/2020
» The Royal Thai Army was quick to dismiss reports which went viral on social media and some mainstream media outlets on Tuesday about six "prohibited postures" for men in uniform; among them sitting with legs crossed, standing with arms folded, and having their hands in their pockets.
Don't let Tak Bai justice die
News, Editorial, Published on 25/10/2019
» Fifteen years ago today, 85 Muslim men died as a direct result of what appeared to be atrocities committed by security officers against protesters in Tak Bai, Narathiwat. It was a horrific tragedy. Sadly, no one has been brought to justice yet, and the statute of limitations for prosecution will expire in five years.
Army budget out of control
News, Editorial, Published on 06/07/2019
» With Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha's return to power as prime minister and him being tipped to also become the defence minister, the downsizing of the military and defence budget and repealing the military conscription rule -- which were electoral campaign pledges of key opposition parties -- are unlikely to take place.
Military jumps the gun
News, Editorial, Published on 22/02/2019
» With key political parties vowing to downsize the military and defence spending as part of their campaign policies, the junta this week has tried to safeguard its interests by claiming transparency in its budget proposals and citing possible adverse effects if the country lacks an adequate defence.