Showing 1 - 10 of 12
Violence hampers Unesco park quest
Oped, Sanitsuda Ekachai, Published on 17/06/2021
» Thailand's effort to turn the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex into a Unesco World Heritage Site has been made in vain for the past six years. Will it have succeeded by the time the annual World Heritage Convention convenes in July?
Opening minds with an ancient 'mandala'
News, Sanitsuda Ekachai, Published on 28/09/2019
» Travelling around Thailand is a good way to learn about local history and culture. The challenge, however, is how to understand the country's ancient past beyond the usual nationalistic fervour.
Sangha Council's rigid control must ease
News, Sanitsuda Ekachai, Published on 19/01/2017
» The newly amended Sangha Act may effectively put an end to the supreme patriarch nomination row, but it cannot restore public faith in the corruption-ridden clergy. Nor can it stop the popularity of the controversial Dhammakaya temple.
Grim future for bhikkhuni under CDC draft
News, Sanitsuda Ekachai, Published on 20/04/2016
» A case of arson at a bhikkhuni centre in Rayong is shocking. Although it is yet to be determined what caused it -- land conflicts, gender discrimination, or both -- it is clear that it is not easy being a female monk. And the next charter -- if it passes the referendum -- will not make it any easier.
Land rights the key to forest conservation
News, Sanitsuda Ekachai, Published on 30/03/2016
» Agro-giant CP has finally admitted to "being part" of deforestation in the mountainous North and has promised to stop buying corn grown in forest areas. So the forest should soon regain its health and the conglomerate will be off the hook, right? Not so fast.
Clipping civil society's wings spells peril
News, Sanitsuda Ekachai, Published on 13/01/2016
» The good news first: Buddhism will not be enshrined as Thailand's national religion in the draft charter. Now the bad news: the protection for human dignity, freedoms, rights and equality for everyone in the country -- a principle recognised in previous charters -- will now be no more.
Toeing state line no way to ensure reform
News, Sanitsuda Ekachai, Published on 21/10/2015
» When top-down control is holding the country back on all fronts, reform is only possible when state abuse can be contained by civil society, grassroots groups and the media.
Dhammakaya is only a symptom
News, Sanitsuda Ekachai, Published on 25/02/2015
» The Supreme Sangha Council has paid a high price for protecting the controversial Dhammakaya abbot and his empire. Now the tsunami of public anger is on the archaic body with roaring calls from all around for Sangha reform. It is about time.
Mae Jaem dam suicide threat must be heard
News, Sanitsuda Ekachai, Published on 02/10/2013
» The name Mae Jaem evokes a romantic Shangri-La like image in many Thais' minds.
Back to buddhism's basics in sri lanka
B Magazine, Sanitsuda Ekachai, Published on 19/05/2013
» 'Ayu Bowan! May you live a long life!" When you hear this greeting, which is often accompanied by a gesture similar to a Thai wai, you know you are in Sri Lanka, a lush green tropical island with an ancient culture.