Showing 1 - 10 of 17
Equality still a dream
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 09/01/2023
» In the lead-up to its second reading, the civil partnership draft bill marks a decade since its inception, dating back to a gay couple who were denied legal recognition in 2012 because the law limits marriage to a man and a woman. Given the conservatism of earlier decades, civil partnership was "the first brick" at a time when marriage equality was almost inconceivable. However, history is often ignored. Despite its long journey in conjunction with the new bill, the uphill push for marriage rights will remain an unfinished business under the current government.
Regulate in moderation
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 14/03/2022
» 'Section 32 has been very painful to me," said Wichian Inkraidee, an owner of Kacha Kacha, a Japanese restaurant. He was blacklisted and faced a hefty fine for breaking the draconian alcohol law. In the last hour of 2014, an inspector on patrol found an image of a glass of beer on the menu, which was claimed to promote drinking.
Bangkok struggles to keep head above water
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 01/10/2021
» Rainy weeks have sparked fears that Bangkok will be submerged, prompting authorities to implement flood measures ranging from unclogging the dilapidated drainage system to monitoring water levels around the clock.
A cult of nothingness
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 06/09/2021
» Last week, coup-installed senators convened in the corridors of power. When one senator tabled a motion for the virtuous council, I felt like we had travelled back in time to the Second World War. In 1939, the government of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram issued cultural mandates to strengthen Siam in the context of the global war.
Passport to prosperity
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 17/03/2021
» May I see your vaccine passport? You will be asked to demonstrate proof of shots everywhere -- be it airports, shops or events -- until the coronavirus outbreak is kept at bay. If you leaf through history, you will find their predecessors. In the past, travellers carried international certificates of vaccination to show at the port of entry when they visited yellow fever risk areas such as Africa and Latin America.
Tourists will trickle back 'once a virus cure is found'
News, Thana Boonlert, Published on 17/07/2020
» The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) is predicting the hard-hit tourism sector will start to recover once a Covid-19 vaccine is rolled out late next year.
Govt asked to sell Thai expertise
News, Thana Boonlert, Published on 04/07/2020
» The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday said the financial sector is urging the government to promote Thailand's medical industry and expertise in the Greater Mekong Subregion in the aftermath of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic.
Govt to give grants to boost R&D
News, Thana Boonlert, Published on 19/06/2020
» The government will provide grants and tax exemptions to private companies in a bid to promote research and development (R&D), especially for projects that serve the public interest.
Genomics hub plan mooted by webinar
News, Thana Boonlert, Published on 06/06/2020
» The government is moving to stimulate growth in the medical industry as the coronavirus outbreak has stoked public demand for healthcare products and services, a forum was told this week.
Yuam River dam diverts more than just flow
News, Thana Boonlert, Published on 07/04/2020
» Flowing freely along the Salween Basin, the Yuam River has been home to Karen villagers for many generations. From cradle to grave, they live off the land and the river, and for years they have been passing down the wisdom of their traditional ways to their descendants.