Showing 61 - 70 of 104
Police chief owes us an explanation
News, Editorial, Published on 14/05/2017
» While anyone who launched the bomb blasts targeting civilians at a Big C Supercenter in Pattani province that resulted in at least 61 injuries last Tuesday must be condemned, security officers have to be held responsible over what seemed to be their lax operations.
Fingerprint plan flawed
News, Editorial, Published on 01/03/2017
» The well-intentioned, indeed necessary military campaign to prevent bomb attacks in the deep South has taken a curious turn. The 4th Army for years has taken a variety of steps, some more effective than others, to stop separatist bombs. The most common terrorist-type bomb is one detonated from a distance by a mobile phone call.
Unacceptably North Korean
News, Editorial, Published on 21/02/2017
» Once again North Korean agents have triggered tensions and outrage in Southeast Asia, this time spilling blood in Malaysia. The killing of Kim Jong-nam last week at Kuala Lumpur International Airport was far beyond the description of a "diplomatic incident".
Navy's 'toys' indefensible
Oped, Editorial, Published on 20/02/2017
» Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, the minister for defence, has confirmed the Royal Thai Navy will spend 13.5 billion baht for one Chinese-made submarine, delivery guaranteed in 2017. Plans to spend 27 billion baht for two additional subs have been approved in principle. It is a disappointing rejection of both public and expert opinion that opposes the long drawn-out plan to equip the navy with submarines on every conceivable ground imaginable.
Bad defence by Facebook
News, Editorial, Published on 29/12/2016
» An "algorithm glitch" by social media giant Facebook on Tuesday night that triggered a false security alert based on a year-old article about a bomb blast in Bangkok, caused unnecessary panic among many. The incident invites the question of how much we should rely on social media channels as sources of such critical information.
Still waiting on reform
News, Editorial, Published on 23/11/2016
» A recent criminal case has put a harsh spotlight on the police in Bangkok and security rules in general. A police colonel and four lieutenant colonels have been transferred to inactive posts after a military-led raid last week exposed a large, illegal casino in their Lat Krabang precinct.
Don't let panic seize the day
News, Editorial, Published on 05/11/2016
» The government must take care to maintain a balance between keeping the public adequately informed in the face of clear and present danger and ensuring they are not engulfed in a state of panic.
The South's deep pain
News, Editorial, Published on 01/11/2016
» It is time for the military regime to admit its deep and tragic failings in the deep South. Most notably, it must be acknowledged that nearly 12 years of counter-insurgency strategy by the Royal Thai Armed Forces have failed, abysmally, to halt the killings or advance to a peace accord.
Case lost in translation
News, Editorial, Published on 27/10/2016
» At a glance, the postponement of a court trial for two suspects in connection with the deadly bombing at the Erawan shrine due to the lack of an interpreter sparks suspicion there may be foul play in the case which has been long delayed.
Bomb threat clarity needed
News, Editorial, Published on 25/10/2016
» The government and security forces have not been straight about their response to intelligence reports of a bomb threat in the Bangkok area. Police, the defence minister and the national spokesman all have made statements which have turned out to be less than forthcoming. The security threats supposedly involve Muslims from the deep South, and the allegations are swirling on the very eve of the anniversary of the acutely sensitive Tak Bai "incident" and its 85 senseless deaths.