Showing 1 - 10 of 21
Soft power left idle
News, Editorial, Published on 04/10/2025
» A change in government can create a sense of renewal and excitement. New faces in the cabinet and new policies give the public hope for improved public administration and service.
Artist award saga leaves sour taste
Editorial, Published on 07/09/2025
» For the sake of its own honour and the prestige in safeguarding the National Artist Award, the Department of Cultural Promotion must break its silence. It needs to clarify whether veteran writer Sri Daoruang was pulled off the list of national artists at the last minute.
Art freedom under fire
Oped, Editorial, Published on 13/08/2025
» The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) is in hot water after it succumbed to pressure from the Chinese embassy by censoring an art exhibition on its premises.
Time to blitz fraudsters
Oped, Editorial, Published on 30/11/2024
» There have been two high-profile economic or financial crime cases in the press of late -- one implicating at least three entertainment celebrities and the other involving a well-known medical doctor.
Lessons from Senate race
Oped, Editorial, Published on 28/06/2024
» The nation's complicated Senate election ended yesterday with a bunch of surprises. Several big names in politics failed to make the cut, while many unfamiliar faces look set to take the final step towards the Upper House of parliament.
Talk show must be more than PR
Editorial, Published on 19/05/2024
» With the government stumbling from one controversy to another, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's proposal to revive the premier-meets-the-people talk show is a promising idea, if it is honestly and effectively implemented.
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.
Journo arrests hike tensions
Oped, Editorial, Published on 14/02/2024
» As fears grow that the furore over royal motorcades and the fierce reaction from royalist groups might become the catalyst for further polarisation in Thai society, our policemen's storm-in-a-tea cup arrest of two journalists over their coverage of the campaign for reform of the monarchy has only heightened tensions.
The seeds of soft power
Oped, Editorial, Published on 27/10/2023
» 'Soft power" is becoming a new catchphrase in Thai society. Once seen as political jargon describing a nation's diplomatic prowess at winning friends and influencing others rather than relying on coercion, this new sound bite is being used to describe cultural and creative commodities such as movies, literature, art, traditional Thai sports and food, to name just a few.
Keeping the faiths
Oped, Editorial, Published on 19/08/2023
» A large black gargoyle-like statue situated near a hotel by Huai Khwang-Ratchadaphisek Intersection is courting more controversy with some Buddhist groups requesting the that the effigy, known as Khru Kai Kaeo be relocated.