Showing 1 - 10 of 11
Seniors not a burden
Oped, Editorial, Published on 23/04/2024
» The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security's host family programme deserves a big round of applause, as it is an example of a proactive social welfare policy. The only problem with it is that the budget earmarked for the programme, at just 39.8 million baht annually, is far too small.
Mafia pull alive and well
News, Editorial, Published on 05/12/2022
» Over the past two weeks, police have launched a series of crackdowns on "grey businesses" in several provinces allegedly linked to the Chinese businessman and alleged triad boss known as "Tuhao".
Don't limit monks
Oped, Editorial, Published on 16/10/2021
» A recent order by the Supreme Sangha Council prohibiting Buddhist monks and novices from studying non-dhamma subjects is a step backwards in the development of clerical society.
Hun Sen must compromise
Oped, Editorial, Published on 26/10/2019
» As a result of his brutal political purge against the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) and its senior members over the past few years, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has got what he wanted. His ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) won a “fake”, uncontested election last year and he has prolonged his stay in power. But he has left the future of his country and its people in disarray.
Police reform a vital task
News, Editorial, Published on 12/07/2017
» Word has it that many policemen including several influential commanders on the force are upset. The reason stems from the decision by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha last week to appoint a panel to recommend police reform. The dissenters are reportedly upset that not only are some on the panel not members of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), but they seem to intensely dislike the fact that the head of the reform committee is an ex-military commander.
Banks must be accountable
News, Editorial, Published on 17/05/2017
» Last month, the hunt was on for an elderly embezzler who scammed at least 1.4 billion baht from a respectable savings group. When tracked down, Assoc Prof Sawad Saengbangpla, 79, shrugged and admitted that for the past several years he had run the Chulalongkorn University Savings Cooperative for personal gain. He had lured members of the cooperative to invest in his "government lottery cooperative" and transferred about 1.4 billion baht to himself since 2010. He then paid off debts and took long holidays to gamble on Singapore's Sentosa island casino until the scam was discovered. Police told depositors in effect, "too bad", they had lost all their savings.
A plan to age with grace
News, Editorial, Published on 10/01/2017
» The cabinet last week agreed to amend the Labour Protection Act to improve benefits for workers and the elderly. The law, once enacted, will compensate retired employees according to the duration of their employment.
Sanit's boozy hangover
News, Editorial, Published on 14/12/2016
» The people of Bangkok should be both disappointed and concerned at the latest news from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). City police chief Sanit Mahathavorn, in reporting his financial status as required, revealed he collects 50,000 baht a month in return for "advising" Thai Beverage Plc. This is disappointing because Pol Lt Gen Sanit, a top policemen, should not be moonlighting at all. It causes concern over possible conflicts of interest.
Injustice of death penalty
News, Editorial, Published on 03/08/2016
» Indonesia is right to make examples of foreign drug runners and smugglers. These pernicious criminals have tried to exploit Indonesian hospitality and turn an illegal profit. The government in Jakarta takes drug smuggling extra seriously, and steps to deter traffickers are welcome. But if the country is right to pursue the smugglers, it is wrong in applying the death penalty as it is currently doing.
Army should open its ears
News, Editorial, Published on 06/04/2016
» The government has ignored public input on its policies, programmes, projects and, now, the draft constitution. This disregard for citizens' opinions is creating a dangerous atmosphere. Far from "returning happiness to the Thai people" as promised 23 months ago, the military regime since the power putsch has widened the rifts in society. Now, it is also creating rifts where none existed.