Showing 1 - 10 of 31
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?
Green buildings in an urban jungle
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 13/04/2014
» Is it possible to live green in a concrete jungle like Bangkok? Does Thailand have policies to stimulate sustainable development? The UN World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987 defined sustainable development as development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Here comes the sun
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 30/03/2014
» Over the past few weeks, we have been looking at the institutional and regulatory structure of the energy sector in Thailand, as well as at its main sources of electricity. This week, we focus on energy derived from the source of all life: the sun.
Tapping a neighbour's energy
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 23/03/2014
» As Asean nations continue to grow, they are becoming more integrated by relying upon other members to help fuel and sustain that growth. Previously we examined Thailand’s energy relationship with Laos, and outlined the way in which Thailand is investing in Laos to help satisfy its own energy needs. This week we turn our focus from the northern border to the west, and take a look at the energy relationship between Thailand and its rapidly evolving neighbour, Myanmar.
Exporting megawatts — Part III
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 16/03/2014
» Last time we reviewed the sources of Thailand’s electricity, and noted that some of the supply comes from its neighbour to the north, Lao PDR. Almost all of Lao power projects are hydroelectric projects, often sponsored (ie funded and organised) by Thai developers and Thai banks. Thailand’s thirst for electricity has been a boon to the Lao economy, and the supply of that electricity by Laos has helped fuel Thailand’s rapid growth; a classic symbiotic relationship in many respects. Yet the cross-border supply of electricity is a legally and politically complex enterprise. Let’s look at how it is done between Laos and Thailand.
Let there be light−Part:I
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 23/02/2014
» We often take for granted the fact that when we walk into a room we can simply flip a switch and the darkness becomes light. However, have you ever stopped to consider how the electricity got to that light bulb, from where and through what method it was generated, or who regulates the sale and distribution of electric power? Over the next few weeks we are going to answer all of these questions and more as we explore Thailand’s electrical industry.
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.
Bathing in the Chao Phraya
Spectrum, Angus Mitchell, Published on 09/02/2014
» Anyone who has taken a ferry up the Chao Phraya river, perhaps en route to the Grand Palace, or taxied across to one of the scenic riverside dining locations, knows that it appears to be full of pollution. Even worse are the canals, where getting splashed by the seemingly near-toxic liquid could not only gross you out but also ruin whatever it is you are wearing. In keeping with our series on pollution, for the next few weeks we will dive into water pollution by taking a look at the current state of Bangkok's waterways and the regulations in place to combat further contamination.
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.