Showing 141 - 150 of 165
Alcohol crusade has gone too far
News, Editorial, Published on 08/10/2017
» Despite Thailand's tough regulations against alcohol advertising, sales and consumption, anti-booze advocates still find reason to demand more restrictions. This time, on Friday, an alcohol business watchdog group went against the latest attempt of the 7-Eleven convenience store chain to sell draught beer on tap at selected stores. Even though the pilot project is not a praiseworthy sales strategy, it is not illegal. But the anti-alcohol group temporarily won the fight as the chain decided to suspend its sales at 18 pilot branches in Bangkok and other provinces for now.
Let the public have unity say
News, Editorial, Published on 23/06/2017
» While members of the military regime's national reconciliation panel eagerly await the moment its draft reconciliation agreement will be unveiled, most members of the public have no idea what kind of a social contract for national unity will be offered.
Health system in need of reform
News, Editorial, Published on 28/05/2017
» Thailand's healthcare system is in need of reform to ensure its sustainability. In the past month, medical care became a social debate after a series of incidents exposing the weaknesses in Thailand's health system. From the financial crisis at state hospitals, the employment of professional nurses to the death of two young doctors in provincial hospitals, these issues exposed the weakness in the system.
Section 44 for EEC a worry
News, Editorial, Published on 27/05/2017
» In a bid to speed up investment in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the Prayut Chan-o-cha government has invoked the powerful Section 44 of the interim charter, a move that has sparked public concern.
Put health before hospital profits
News, Editorial, Published on 30/04/2017
» Negative remarks time and again by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha about the Universal Healthcare Coverage (UC) scheme seem to signify its uncertain future. He has complained that the scheme, which provides free health access to more than 48 million Thais, is a huge financial burden for the administration.
Care system sadly in an unhealthy state
News, Editorial, Published on 16/04/2017
» Less than 10 days after the Prayut Chan-o-cha government implemented the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (Ucep) scheme which requires private hospitals to accept emergency patients within 72 hours, Natee Sarawaree suffered a cerebral haemorrhage after a fall. Without consciousness, he was rushed to the nearest private hospital, which admitted him presumably as a patient under the so-called "red category", meaning his condition was critical and required immediate treatment. A transfer to the state hospital he was registered with was ruled out as it was deemed too risky. And under the new scheme the hospital is prohibited from rejecting a patient in the red category.
Pak Bara hearings must be impartial
News, Editorial, Published on 19/03/2017
» The blockade of the first environmental and health public hearing for the planned Pak Bara deep-sea port in Satun that prompted the organisers to postpone the process is understandable. It's apparent that the state, the Marine Department, has failed to win trust from the villagers who are to be affected by the long-suspended project, which was dusted off by the military government shortly after the coup on May 22, 2014, together with other controversial development projects in a bid to boost the economy.
S44 won't help patents
News, Editorial, Published on 06/03/2017
» If further proof were needed after the Dhammakaya fiasco that the abuse of the interim charter's Section 44 is becoming excessive, last week's decree will suffice. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha signed the 138th edict to target intellectual property. The order aims to cut red tape and clear some 12,000 pending patents. While this will undoubtedly bring smiles in the US Trade Representative's office, the prime minister's staff should reconsider this hasty move that creates more problems than it solves.
Failing the graft battle
News, Editorial, Published on 28/02/2017
» From all evidence, corruption is flourishing at high levels, and for the corrupt, their crime pays, even when it is exposed. The country's top two graftbusters raised questions recently whether they deserve the description. The official anti-corruption agency operating under the constitution for 20 years admitted it is poorly organised. The unofficial but respected agency funded by Big Business displayed appalling lack of awareness.
'Magic' won't make babies
News, Editorial, Published on 11/02/2017
» Giving out "magic vitamins" and pamphlets encouraging women at reproductive age to eat well and exercise does not sound like a very good way to boost the country's declining birth rate.