Showing 1 - 10 of 70
Asean needs a Middle Path
Asia focus, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 17/01/2022
» Despite the economic downturn during the Covid-19 pandemic, China-sponsored infrastructure, trade and cooperation initiatives with Southeast Asian nations have been moving forward consistently -- amplifying the presence of Beijing in one of the world's fastest growing regions.
Time for govt to show Karen some heart
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 12/04/2021
» After struggling for survival on an empty stomach for days, Karen villagers who fled the war atrocities in Myanmar, from an area under the control of the Karen National Union, took shelter along the Salween River. They received some food and medicine, supplied largely by non-profit organisations, temples, Thais, and fellow ethnic people.
Thailand must lend a hand to the Karen
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 05/04/2021
» Pictures of Karen people, including children and the elderly, crowded on the banks of Myanmar's Salween River while attempting to flee the country as their communities were targeted by air strikes launched by the Tatmadaw, and taking refuge on Thai soil triggered sympathy among many Thais. Criticism has also been deafening over allegations made by human rights groups that Thai authorities pushed back the Karen into the war zone.
Sharing the Mekong
Asia focus, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 29/03/2021
» "The Mekong River is the source of prosperity," an old saying goes, and it was once true for Pongsak Saitongmart. The 69-year-old former fisherman and his family of five largely depended on income from fishing and a vegetable farm fed by water from the Mekong.
The unseen human cost of cheap power
Oped, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 29/07/2020
» On July 23, 2018, the villagers of Attapeu, a sleepy town in southern Laos, suffered their worst nightmare when the Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy hydropower dam suddenly burst, unleashing massive torrents of water that swallowed local villages, killing 71. More than 7,000 were made homeless.
Keep missing activists in public memory
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 15/06/2020
» Nearly two weeks into what is believed to be the forced disappearance of self-exiled activist Wanchalearm Satsaksit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the investigation into the case seems to be going nowhere.
Military 'efficiency' will torpedo EEC
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 21/08/2019
» Since being initiated by technocrats and the previous government in 2015, the government's flagship Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) has been touted as a new special economic zone that will transform Thailand into a high-tech economy.
Lust for power drying up local communities
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 22/07/2019
» Some fishermen in Loei province once told me that Buddhist Lent Day was a mark for the rainy season and the time to enjoy high water on the Mekong River. But last week gave a starkly different picture. Water levels on the river were at their lowest in 57 years.
Region's businesses lag on rights issues
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 24/06/2019
» Even though economic development was one the key agenda items at the 34th Asean Summit held in Bangkok last week, human rights protection in the context of business operations seemed to not get sufficient attention from Asean leaders.
Govt paying lip service to human rights
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 27/08/2018
» At a glance, the drafting of the National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights appears to be good news for many.