Showing 71 - 80 of 2,280
Cheers to savings!
Postbag, Published on 10/01/2024
» Re: "Booze tax cut approved to boost tourism", (BP, Jan 5).
Tackling populism at its roots
News, Published on 10/01/2024
» As Western democracies become increasingly polarised, rural and small-town voters are regularly pitted against their counterparts in larger urban centres. While this is not a new phenomenon -- and certainly not the only factor affecting voting patterns -- the rural-urban divide is a significant driver of today's culture wars. This dynamic, which economist Andres Rodriguez-Pose evocatively described as the "revenge of the places that don't matter", suggests that the ongoing populist surge largely reflects geographic disparities.
Braving hurdles for green transport
News, Sumet Ongkittikul, Published on 10/01/2024
» 'Match your words with your actions." That was the message from teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg when she sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in 2019 instead of flying to attend the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York.
The killing of innocents in Israel and Gaza
News, Peter Singer, Published on 09/01/2024
» Last month, I was invited to join other Princeton University academics in viewing a compilation of raw footage from GoPro cameras carried by Hamas gunmen killing civilians in Israel on Oct 7. Additional video and audio material came from dashboard cameras, traffic cameras, phone intercepts, and victims' phones. The invitation carried a warning that the footage would show horrific violence and murder.
Thailand through the looking glass
Roger Crutchley, Published on 07/01/2024
» It's that time of the year when newspaper columnists predict what's in store for the next 12 months. Hopefully it will be an improvement on last year. We have just about scraped through the Year of the Rabbit but I haven't got too much faith in what the Year of the Dragon has to offer. We cannot rule out another annus horribilis.
Prospects at home and abroad in 2024
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 05/01/2024
» Overlooked but deeply consequential, 2024 will be the first time in a decade that Thailand is ruled by a civilian-led government. Whatever frustration and disenchantment that arise this year, memories must not run short. Thailand suffered deeply under the coup-backed regime of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. Seeing his back is politically good riddance, and having Srettha Thavisin as a thoroughly civilian and pro-business prime minister bodes well for the country. Yet Mr Srettha has his work cut out to boost the economy, address constitutional reform, restore Thailand's international standing, and stay in office into next year amid the global economic slowdown.
Why are so many young Chinese people depressed?
Oped, Published on 04/01/2024
» China's high youth unemployment rate and increasingly disillusioned young people -- many of whom are "giving up" on work -- have attracted much attention from media outlets and Chinese policymakers. The narrative is to associate the problem with the country's recent growth slowdown. In fact, the issue goes much deeper.
Short-term thinking
Oped, Postbag, Published on 04/01/2024
» Re: "Govt vows cut in energy prices", (BP, Jan 2). Instead of temporarily cutting energy prices, PM Srettha should heed Lao Tzu's wise words: "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime." For example, Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga is mulling subsidising oil for farmers. But when the handout ends, farmers will revert to their old ways.
Too hot for some
Oped, Postbag, Published on 03/01/2024
» Re: "SET credibility crisis", (PostBag, Jan 2). Neither "Unfairly treated", nor Paul Renaud need any pity. After all, "Unfairly treated" remarks himself in his contribution that denial of equal rights to foreign investors has been the established practice for years. So if you know this and can't stand the heat, don't stay in the kitchen.
Fashion's plastics problem isn't about packaging
News, David Fickling, Published on 03/01/2024
» Until the rise of online retail, you might have been forgiven for thinking that all apparel was shipped in burlap sacks. Those wanting their garment spending to be sustainable these days can take comfort in reusable wooden hangers, paper shopping bags, and recycled fibres. The only glimpse of plastic in many fashion stores is the electronic equipment at the checkout.