Showing 71 - 80 of 974
Brave fight to save local landmark
News, Editorial, Published on 28/05/2023
» Visitors to Kanchanaburi City rarely fail to notice a sprawling complex of gigantic old buildings that have served as the municipality's landmark for almost a century. This awe-inspiring site is Thailand's first paper mill, and the Kanchanaburi people have been rallying around it to preserve their local history and heritage.
The remarkable lady from Nutbush
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 28/05/2023
» Tributes have poured in for Tina Turner who sadly passed away at the age of 83 this week in Switzerland. I would like to add a small, if inadequate thank you to this wonderful performer who brought such joy to millions. In addition to having a great talent she was also a lovely lady and her Buddhist faith played a strong role in her life. Tina had soul.
Laos' heritage town needs preservation
News, Tom Fawthrop, Published on 27/05/2023
» Few sites anywhere in Asia can match the charm and cultural importance of Luang Prabang, the old royal capital of Laos situated on the Mekong River. With a legacy dating back some 800 years, the town and its verdant riverside surroundings were inscribed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1995.
Different strokes for different folks
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 21/05/2023
» It was a bit alarming to learn the Eurovision Song Contest is still going strong, having celebrated its 67th year in Liverpool last weekend. The event had already looked the worse for wear back in the 1960s, but somehow it just won't go away. In fact it's got bigger and more brassy than ever -- an uninhibited celebration of kitsch.
Japan's giant of central banking
Oped, Koichi Hamada, Published on 16/05/2023
» Haruhiko Kuroda's ten-year tenure at the helm of the Bank of Japan was the most consequential in the central bank's history. Following his departure last month, it is worth reflecting on his record.
Himalayas key to climate battle
News, Published on 15/05/2023
» In our collective imagination, the Himalayas -- the roof of the world -- are an archetype: glistening white, distant, even otherworldly. Climbing them is proof of humanity's daring, courage and drive. And yet, despite rising 6,993 metres above sea level, the summit of Mount Machapuchare in central Nepal resembled a black rock pyramid this winter, devoid of ice and snow. Glaciers near Mount Everest have turned into large lakes.
The growing challenge of plastic for Thailand
Oped, Published on 13/05/2023
» The first synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was patented in 1907 by Belgian chemist, Leo Baekeland. Bakelite was used in a variety of iconic products in the first half of the 20th century, but the overall use of plastic was then inconsequential in comparison to what followed.
Sudan: Death on the Nile and contagion risk
Oped, Published on 05/05/2023
» There's blood in the Nile. The mighty river separating Sudan's capital city Khartoum has seen fighting erupt between two rival factions of the army. What could have been a quick internal flash-up between the main military factions, which have tenuously ruled this vast land since the 2021 military coup, has morphed into a bitter fight for power on the streets of the capital. More than 500 civilians have been killed in the crossfire, and foreign diplomatic, humanitarian workers and business people have been trying to flee the country.
Prioritising Kanchanaburi conservation
Oped, Published on 27/04/2023
» 'If you build it, they will come." That's often the thinking behind big projects like amusement parks, shopping malls, tourism venues and sports arenas. Sometimes a new facility attracts many visitors, investors make a profit, or a government agency delivers substantial benefits to the public. Sometimes not.
Power bill boost unfair
News, Editorial, Published on 17/04/2023
» The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) decided recently to impose a single electricity bill rate during May to August.