Showing 1 - 10 of 13
Deliver us from apathy
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 10/12/2018
» It became the talk of the town when social-media posts last week unveiled a sign saying: "Using the postal service of Thailand Post means repaying the debts of gratitude that you owe to your country". The message led to widespread negative criticism. Many people were upset and complained the state enterprise should not have demanded people's gratefulness when it offers a poor service.
A dream to live sufficiently
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 02/01/2017
» From Oct 29 last year on, almost everyone who has paid respect to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the Grand Palace has received a photo of the royal urn and a small packet of rice grains as tokens of his memory. What is special about the rice is the label saying "sufficiency", specially designed from the King's handwriting. Most recipients keep the rice grains on altars at home in loving memory of King Rama IX. Many farmers keep them for their rice farming while some want to grow rice and follow his sufficiency-economy principles. As a frequent palace visitor, I keep one packet for myself and give the other to my housemaid to plant in her rice field in Si Sa Ket province.
Conserving history
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 27/10/2016
» To disseminate knowledge of archaeology for conserving historic sites and to ensure the fine mutual existence of humans and ancient sites, the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre and the French School of Asian Studies (EFEO) will host a photo exhibition and academic seminar entitled "People And Ancient Sites" at the centre in Taling Chan district, Bangkok, Nov 3-23.
Flagging up respect for the nation
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 15/02/2016
» Sometimes, our daily routine turns out to be an extraordinary thing for other people. So is the Thai people's daily practice to stand still and respect the national flag twice a day. Thai students must stand in front of the raised flag and sing the national anthem at 8am sharp every day. Whenever we hear the national anthem in public places, especially outdoors, we stop walking or doing other things and stand still to show our respect.
River Kwai Fair
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 03/12/2015
» The annual River Kwai Bridge and Red Cross Fair runs until Dec 7 at the River Kwai Bridge and Klib Bua Field in Muang district, Kanchanaburi. The event is held under the concept of "70 Years Of Peace in Kanchanaburi". A highlight is a light and sound show depicting the history of the bridge and the "Death Railway", which were constructed by POWs during World War II. Also, there are the Provincial Red Cross Council's shops, government agencies and public enterprises' exhibitions, concerts by famous singers and bands, a mini motor show and amusement park.
For biosafety or business?
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 27/11/2015
» Questions about food safety and stability in Thailand have arisen after the Cabinet on Tuesday approved the draft law on biosafety to legalise and regulate genetically modified organisms (GMOs). If endorsed by the National Legislative Assembly, this draft will become effective a year after being published in the Royal Gazette.
Roads are a dammed hindrance
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 25/09/2015
» Earlier this month, I visited the Thai-Danish Dairy Farm and Training Centre in Saraburi province and heard some terrible news. A guide told me that the farm's Burmese Rosewood (Pterocarpus macrocarpus) forest, home to over 10,000 naturally grown trees would soon be gone as it has been marked for land expropriation under a motorway project.
Whale watch
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 14/08/2015
» Campaigners and government agencies are determined to add the mesmerising Bryde's whale to the conserved species list
Our ageing society is on creaky foundations
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 19/06/2015
» My increasing grey hair and fine lines and referring to the young generation as "people these days" are among signs that I am ageing. Although I have long admitted I am old and must prepare myself for a lonely retirement, I am not quite ready for it and the latest news made me feel pessimistic about the future.
A matter of land and rights
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 08/08/2014
» Last month, I received a letter from a representative of more than 700 residents of five villages in Non Dindaeng district, Buri Ram province, complaining about being evicted from their homes without compensation. According to the letter, the villagers have been living on degraded forestland of Dong Yai Forest for more than four decades and have an official document permitting them to stay on it. They say a number of state officials have been trying to evict them, destroying their crops, cutting their rubber trees and threatening to destroy their rice plants and demolish their houses. The group later petitioned for royal assistance and is awaiting a response.