Showing 21 - 30 of 169
Heritage is not soft power
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 02/05/2022
» Harvard University Professor Joseph Nye coined the term "soft power", or the ability to obtain preferred outcomes by attraction, rather than coercion or payment, in his book Bound To Lead in 1990. However, he has since seen his brainchild, scribbled out on his kitchen table, grow in scope of application and distance.
Let's make babies
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 04/03/2022
» Thailand's record lowest birth rate in 50 years has prompted the authorities to encourage the public to procreate more. As part of a long-term campaign, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Sathit Pitutecha, recently suggested the Thai Health Promotion Organization ask social media influencers to share their stories about having a loving family when they are ready, how much fun they have raising kids and to basically set a good example.
The bigger picture
Life, Tatat Bunnag, Published on 21/02/2022
» By now, everyone is probably aware of OnlyFans, an online social media platform known for allowing anyone to share 18+ content in order to make money. It's a platform that has generated many controversies, especially in Thailand in the past few months, whether it be criticism in society or headline news involving arrests of several young women believed to be so-called "sex creators".
Don't let it be a train in vain
Oped, Editorial, Published on 12/02/2022
» The affordability, usability and efficiency of Bangkok's mass-transit system leaves much to be desired.
Migrating giant honey bees need their rest stops
News, Published on 07/02/2022
» I'll bet you this, from this remote ranch 13,000km from Thailand: there's no buzz filling my favourite Thai mango orchard now.
Thai Conversation Starters That Should Be Cancelled
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 04/02/2022
» At the risk of sounding like a social justice warrior and woke snowflake, I find various casual lines in Thai conversation to be problematic. They may sound innocent upon first hearing but if you really dissect them you may find them to be verbal putdown focused on perceived flaws and laced with micro-aggressions. Think I may be overreacting? Check them out below and reasons why I think they are offensive. Most importantly, I have also come up with sassy retorts for your entertainment.
Euthanasia a service not a sin for the elderly
Oped, Thana Boonlert, Published on 04/02/2022
» Have you ever imagined how you might die in old age? I remember once telling a close friend that I would use a "sleeping pod" -- if euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide were legal. But in Thailand, it is only terminally ill patients who have the right to forgo treatment in such a way that allows them to die "naturally". Under Section 12 of the Public Health Act, they can make a will denying the use of public health services that would prolong the end stage of their illness.
Fertility rate too low
News, Editorial, Published on 31/01/2022
» An extremely low fertility rate has become a critical issue in Thailand but the government has yet to address the problem.
Signs of integration with the freedom of the veil
Oped, Published on 23/12/2021
» The latest controversy over the hijab, the headscarf worn by Muslim women, erupted at the end of October. Ironically, the trigger was an anti-discrimination campaign launched by the Council of Europe.
Age-old nature of the 'New Cold War'
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 19/11/2021
» History is back with a vengeance. Contrary to what proponents of the "end of history" theory said a few decades ago, the ideological struggle of the 20th century between the "free world" versus "the socialist-communist" camp is still ongoing, despite the Cold War ending over three decades ago. The struggle now features the United States-led Western alliance versus the China-centric global network of nations with authoritarian tendencies.