Showing 1 - 10 of 255
Sea people still wait for justice
Editorial, Published on 26/05/2024
» Against a background in which the government refuses to recognise indigenous peoples, two recent landmark court verdicts have acknowledged the rights of Urak Lawoi, or Chao Lay in Thai (sea people) to live and earn a living in their traditional homes. Efforts to give them justice must not stop here. Their fight for their traditional rights are far from over.
Taking on Bangkok's punishing heat
Oped, Danny Marks, Published on 03/05/2024
» As scorching temperatures blanket Thailand, setting new records in several regions, Bangkok and its outskirts are enduring the full force of the relentless heatwave. Bangkok sizzled under a heat index exceeding 52C on Tuesday, a measure that combines temperature and humidity to reflect how hot it actually feels. Tragically, heat-related fatalities in the country have reached 30 this year alone. A recent study reveals the unequal impact of urban heat intensity on Bangkok's residents, with lower-income individuals facing heightened heat stress during daily activities and rest.
Hidden realities of carbon credits
Editorial, Published on 31/03/2024
» Thai governments -- be they Prayut Chan-o-cha's or Srettha Thavisin's -- have hailed carbon credit programmes as vital to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, they can become wolves in sheep's clothing if they favour businesses, leaving local communities and nature vulnerable to exploitation. Despite promises to mitigate greenhouse gases, carbon credit programmes often sideline local communities and worsen social and environmental injustices.
Wild jumbos not the issue
Oped, Editorial, Published on 16/03/2024
» To mark National Elephant Day -- which is celebrated every year on March 13 -- the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has rolled out a conservation plan to protect elephants. The highlight of this year's celebrations was a scheme by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife to develop "training centres" to tame "angry elephants", according to Attapon Charoenchansa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).
Graft sours land reform
Oped, Editorial, Published on 12/03/2024
» The issue of Sor Por Kor plots in Khao Yai National Park has devolved into a conflict between the Agricultural Land Reform Office (Alro) and the Department of National Parks over the map that the government uses to define which plots are Sor Por Kor and which are not.
Keep beaches public
Oped, Editorial, Published on 05/03/2024
» The public's reaction to a foreigner accused of kicking a female doctor who sat stargazing in front of his swanky Phuket villa is a reflection of the deep frustration over the unchecked tourism and land development on the tourist island.
The rise of consumer cryptocurrency
News, Published on 26/02/2024
» Since its inception with the launch of Bitcoin in 2008, blockchain technology has gone through numerous cycles of public attention. Over time, growing interest and investment in the best-known cryptocurrencies has led to greater acceptance, as highlighted by the US Securities and Exchange Commission's approval of a spot Bitcoin ETF (exchange-traded fund) in January. While blockchains and their associated "crypto" assets have yet to be adopted by a truly broad base of consumers, that is starting to change, owing to a shift in how these technologies are being used.
Deep roots to land row
Oped, Editorial, Published on 22/02/2024
» The dispute concerning approximately 2,900 rai of forest land within Khao Yai National Park involving the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation and the Nakhon Ratchasima Agricultural Land Reform Office (Alro), highlights concerns regarding a land reform policy aimed at upgrading Sor Por Kor land -- formerly non-transferrable plots allocated to impoverished farmers -- into title deeds.
Wild animals are not pets
Oped, Editorial, Published on 27/01/2024
» The report about a wealthy foreigner driving along a crowded street in Pattaya this week with a lion cub in the back of his Bentley convertible is not just another gaudy display of excessive richness.
Needless forest evictions persist
Oped, Editorial, Published on 21/01/2024
» Amid the biological richness of Kaeng Krachan National Park, while forest authorities celebrate the importance of wildlife, a troubling practice of forcibly evicting native forest dwellers in the name of wildlife and biodiversity protection continues unabated. This violation of the forest dweller's rights must cease.