Showing 21 - 30 of 32
Regime's extreme laws won't cure problems
News, Surasak Glahan, Published on 03/08/2017
» Living in Thailand nowadays requires that we keep ourselves updated on new laws and new (and double?) standards of law enforcement, otherwise we may find ourselves in trouble.
It's enough to make you turn to drink
News, Surasak Glahan, Published on 26/06/2017
» As Buddhist Lent approaches, the puritan ethic of alcohol abstinence is being brushed-up and preached again. As if the many insensible laws curbing alcohol consumption in the nanny state of Thailand are not enough, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) is spending tax money on its annual campaign pursuing unrealistic goals with a laughable strategy.
Activist celebrates rights award ... in jail
News, Surasak Glahan, Published on 18/05/2017
» As our dear military government busily prepares itself to boast next Monday about its achievements during the past three years on the anniversary of its seizing power, the parents of jailed student activist Jatupat "Pai Dao Din" Boonpattararaksa will today pick up the prestigious 2017 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights award on behalf of their son in South Korea.
Petty drug users should not be pariahs
News, Surasak Glahan, Published on 17/03/2017
» After losing her final court battle on Wednesday, former model Chachchaya "Yuyee" Cuesta Ramos will spend the next 15 years in a cell for possessing and smuggling 251 milligrammes of cocaine into the country -- a charge she has denied.
'Heroes' must stick to their principles
News, Surasak Glahan, Published on 22/02/2017
» At a time when "people from the same camp" broke a principle he said he once believed in, Wanchai Sornsiri, a member of the National Reform Steering Assembly, seems to believe that silence is golden.
We can't all be starry eyed in busting graft
News, Surasak Glahan, Published on 27/01/2017
» Afriend of mine recently posted a message on Facebook asking why a contractor, which had made the lives of Bangkok commuters miserable for years as it repeatedly missed many deadlines in a road tunnel project, had been chosen by the government for another lucrative road construction deal. My answer? We don't know.
The need for justice to be accountable
News, Surasak Glahan, Published on 19/01/2017
» Wrongfully imprisoned? Rejected bail unreasonably? Ask a question and risk being held in contempt of court? That's the universal perception inherited by a majority of Thais, including the media. It discourages us from commenting on any particular questionable court rulings.
Let's bite the bullet and end conscription
News, Surasak Glahan, Published on 21/11/2016
» Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva last Friday made another safe escape after dodging military conscription. More than 100,000 men drafted every year are not so lucky. Thailand has retained its conscription law against growing opposition, and has ruled out the possibility of replacing it with voluntary recruitment.
Shifting beyond CSR to some real good deeds
News, Surasak Glahan, Published on 20/10/2016
» Let's be honest. Many of us can work from home (and want to do it), instead of wasting time and fuel driving to work. If only our employers let it happen. That could reduce urban traffic congestion (notably in Bangkok's rush hours) and cut some carbon footprints. Great for us. Good for both society and the environment. And still profitable for the businesses we work for.
Impunity breeds political violence
News, Surasak Glahan, Published on 11/10/2016
» Forty years after the student massacre at Thammasat University, it seems as if our political leaders have learned nothing from it. The same vicious cycle of state-sponsored violence has persisted, letting those in power get away with their crimes.