Showing 1 - 10 of 21
Keeping goods at the inn
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 01/06/2014
» As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Thailand hosted more than 26 million visitors last year, according to the Department of Tourism. Each of those travellers required a place to sleep, be it a 5-star hotel or a bungalow on the beach. Hotel owners undertake certain legal responsibilities when providing their guests with a room in which to leave their belongings. On occasion a guest’s property is either damaged or lost (stolen) when left in their room, in which case it becomes a question of liability. Who is responsible for those lost or damaged goods and to what extent?
Righting the waterway wrongs
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 16/02/2014
» Last week, we began wading into the issue of water pollution in Bangkok by taking a look at the laws and government agencies that regulate the waterways. After defining the different factors that are tested for when determining the level of water pollution in a given area, we compared the statistics found by the Pollution Control Department (PCD) to the standards set forth by the US EPA. This week, we will try to trace that pollution back to its source and discover why the waterways are as filthy as they are, as well as look at a couple of high-profile cases of citizens fighting back against the polluters that illegally dump toxins where fishermen fish and swimmers swim.
Breathing easier in bangkok _ Part III
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 02/02/2014
» Over the past couple of weeks we have been examining the legislative and public policy changes from the early 1990s to today that have together resulted in the improvement in Bangkok's air quality. However, more still needs to be done to bring Bangkok's air quality up to par with the rest of Thailand and to reach the standards being set by cities like Tokyo and Singapore.
Breathing easier in bangkok _ Part II
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 26/01/2014
» Last week we began our series on the reasons for the dramatic improvement in Bangkok's air quality in the past 20 years. The capital serves as a model for other mega cities throughout the region because it has taken a multi-pronged approach to tackling air pollution; an approach rooted in the adoption of the increasingly stringent emissions standards set forth by the European Union for its own citizens.
Children in the workforce
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 12/01/2014
» While cycling through the outskirts of Bangkok recently, I passed a construction crew working very early on a holiday morning. What piqued my interest was the apparent youth of some of the workers.
No work and all play
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 05/01/2014
» Those of us who live and work in Thailand or many who just come to the Land of Smiles for a holiday often dream about retiring here. It may be on the Southern beaches with a coconut in hand or perhaps it means being surrounded by nature and rolling hills in the elevated northern provinces. Though Thailand does not have a formal campaign to attract retirees, such as Malaysia's ''Malyasia My Second Home'' programme, an increasing number of expats are deciding to sample the luxuries of retired life in Thailand.
Aliens have landed _ Part 2
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 29/12/2013
» Last week we introduced the Alien Working Act and outlined the requirements for an employer that wants to hire foreign labour and the steps for that foreigner to obtain a valid work permit. Today, we will take a look at the application of the work permit rules in real life, how they can affect those of us who are employed or just want to do a bit of maintenance around the house, and the penalties one could face if caught in violation.
Aliens have Landed: Part 1
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 22/12/2013
» Thailand is one of the most desirable countries in the world in which to live, in part because the cost of living is relatively low. Yet unless they are with an employed partner or are drawing upon savings, pensions, lottery winnings or the largesse of indulgent parents, any foreigner who wants to stay in Thailand needs to work to sustain their lifestyle.
Choose your words wisely
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 15/12/2013
» These days there is an almost constant stream of invective being hurled by protest leaders against certain government officials. In some other countries defamation cases brought by sitting government officials or politicians, with potentially ruinous damages or even criminal sanctions, have arguably had the effect of limiting vibrant political debate and probing press coverage. Is this possible in Thailand; or is it already the case? A simple Google search will yield numerous examples of the increase of defamation charges in Thailand's political arena. Yet to better understand what all the fuss is about, let's look at what defamation is and the relevant Thai laws.
High returns for snakes on a plane
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 24/11/2013
» Wildlife trafficking is a global multibillion-dollar industry that is primarily orchestrated by well-funded and powerful international criminal syndicates. Although much media attention has been paid to the plight of exotic and endangered animals as they are transported to and from Thailand, which has become a global hub for animal trafficking, little has been done to change the status quo.