Showing 71 - 80 of 217
More data, more problems
Life, James Hein, Published on 01/01/2020
» It's time to make some predictions for 2020. A number were made by others a while back, most of which did not eventuate, like a Japanese base on the Moon, flying cars and a Beijing to London rail link. I'll try for a bit more realism.
Mekong 'cash machine' needs an overhaul
News, Wasant Techawongtham, Published on 30/11/2019
» Just over a week ago, many people in Thailand, particularly those in highrises, were thrown into panic when their buildings were swaying. They didn't know at the time that a strong earthquake had just hit inside Lao borders near Nan's district of Chaloem Phrakiat.
A win-win for nature and the economy
News, Published on 13/11/2019
» The Nobel Prize in Chemistry this year went to three visionary scientists for "creating a rechargeable world". Their works can help recharge the Thai economy too if the government does the right thing to support the lithium-ion industry.
How Asean can avoid Mekong 'water war'
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 31/10/2019
» The Xayaburi Dam, the first dam built across the lower Mekong River, came on stream at an interesting time -- just a few days before Thailand hosts the 35th Asean Summit this weekend.
Fuzzy Thai logic
News, Postbag, Published on 19/10/2019
» Historically, fear of communist regimes has been used by politicians to keep them alive, strive and win elections. In the USA, politicians always create a hostile enemy and introduce a powerful fear factor to get elected. For most of the last century, the USA treated China, the Soviet Union, Cuba and Sandinistas as a threat to democracy and the whole world. First, it was Soviets, later China, and in this new century, al-Qaeda and the Islamic State became the new threat. And now they have a new enemy -- immigrants from across the border from Mexico and South America. A whole generation of Americans grew up dreaming about communists taking away their freedom and democracy. Sadly, even today a big lobby of Cuban immigrants in Florida keeps those fears alive.
Cheaper EVs, cleaner air
News, Editorial, Published on 18/10/2019
» Let's admit it. The car culture of Thai commuters will not go away anytime soon, even though Bangkok's electric rail networks will see a lot of improvements in the coming years.
Dams a threat to Mekong
News, Editorial, Published on 16/10/2019
» Almost a decade ago, Vietnam was the most vocal neighbour in opposing Laos' first dam on the Mekong River. Now, it has become a partner in the Lao government's Luang Prabang dam project -- its fifth on the mighty river. This new partnership is worrying, as is the rapid pace of overall Mekong hydropower development.
How to make EV viable within Asean
News, Published on 07/10/2019
» If there is a region that could use a mobility revolution, it is Southeast Asia. Much of the area grapples with persistent congestion, expanding environmental concerns, and surging oil demand to serve transit needs.
None more black
Life, James Hein, Published on 25/09/2019
» Accidental discoveries have been responsible for many useful items like rubber and penicillin. A couple of science types at MIT in the US wanted to see if they could grow carbon nanotubes on aluminium to increase its conductance properties. Instead they found they had made the blackest substance yet known to man. It absorbs 99.96% of the light from any angle making it 10 times blacker than the current options. Potential uses include telescopes, optical blinders and art. Carbon nanotubes, is there anything they can't do, eventually?
Dark Ages, be gone
News, Postbag, Published on 06/09/2019
» Corporal punishment, eg, spanking, is common in Thai primary schools -- despite it being against Ministry of Education regulations and counter-productive to creating a love of learning.