Showing 1 - 10 of 56
Cheap import challenge
Oped, Editorial, Published on 10/08/2024
» The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and police inspected 11 supermarkets and drugstores selling cheap imported goods in Bangkok earlier this month. The search found more than 1,600 imported items, such as instant noodles, drinks, vitamins, and medical supplies, that did not have the required FDA seals.
Dealing with Myanmar
Oped, Editorial, Published on 10/04/2024
» As the civil war between Myanmar junta forces and ethnic rebel groups builds, Thailand will be a focal point for providing humanitarian support to large numbers of refugees expected to flee across the border. Thailand -- as an Asean member and Myanmar neighbour -- is also expected to play a role in fostering negotiations and helping Myanmar return to peace.
An ethical fisheries law
Oped, Editorial, Published on 29/03/2024
» This week, the Lower House MPs are beginning their second reading of a new Thai fisheries law that, if passed, would replace the Royal Ordinance on Fisheries (2015) -- a heavy-handed law prescribed by the junta government in 2015.
Eras Tour a wake-up call
News, Editorial, Published on 11/03/2024
» In the brouhaha surrounding Taylor Swift's exclusive concert deal with Singapore, the Thai government -- instead of trying to emulate our nice neighbour's shrewd stratagem in paying artists not to play in neighbouring nations -- should focus on the fundamental problem that Thailand, despite being a preferred tourist destination, is not a priority choice for acclaimed concerts.
VAT hikes just a Band-Aid
News, Editorial, Published on 19/02/2024
» A recent government initiative to curb the influx of low-priced goods from China may provide temporary respite for domestic producers. Nevertheless, removing the waiver on value-added tax for such goods will not solve the problem at its core nor in a sustainable manner.
A lesson in geopolitics
News, Editorial, Published on 29/01/2024
» The hiccup in the planned salvage operations for the US-built HTMS Sukhothai of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) serves as a stark lesson for Thailand. It underscores the need for greater prudence in navigating security issues, especially amid escalating geopolitical conflicts and power struggles among superpowers.
Which way for the Social Security Fund?
Oped, Editorial, Published on 23/12/2023
» Tomorrow, almost a million Social Security Fund (SSF) members will elect board members to help oversee the largest fund in the country, which amounts to 2.3 trillion baht. The election is a first for the 33-year-old fund. Previously, 14 of 20 board members were recruited, while the other six represent the government and SSF.
Risk vs reward
News, Editorial, Published on 20/11/2023
» In the stock market, emotions often take over, and recent events that have affected the Thai bourse exemplify this.
Casino plans need rethink
Oped, Editorial, Published on 11/11/2023
» The plight of the 160-plus Thais who were duped to work in call centres and casinos in Myanmar's Shan state reminds us of the alarming reality that Thailand is becoming a major transit route for human trafficking and money laundering for casino businesses and online scams in the lower Mekong region.
Longer hours welcome
News, Editorial, Published on 16/10/2023
» The government's plan to extend the opening hours of nightspots nationwide is welcome. If implemented, the move will be a tonic that revitalises the country's tourism sector. Downstream operators in tourism, such as taxi drivers, transporters and food vendors, will also benefit from the extension, creating benefits for the wider economy.