Showing 1 - 10 of 17
Real barriers to temple reform
Editorial, Published on 01/02/2026
» After a year of temple scandals, Thailand's top monks have promised a great clean-up. The orders sound bold. The question is whether a feudal system built on censorship, obedience and patronage can truly reform itself.
Charter bill still afloat
Oped, Editorial, Published on 04/12/2025
» The month of December commences amid considerable political uncertainty. As parliament is set to convene its extraordinary session on Dec 10-11 to deliberate the proposed changes to the charter, to be followed by a regular session the day after, speculation mounts that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul may attempt to dissolve the House early -- in a bid to counter the Pheu Thai Party's threatened no-confidence motion.
Reform clergy with your wallet
Editorial, Published on 03/08/2025
» The recent sex scandal involving high-ranking monks has shaken public faith to the core. But the responses from the clergy, the state, and the public all miss the point. This crisis in Thai Buddhism is not about monks and sex -- it's about monks and money. Address the problem incorrectly, and the sex scandals and temple corruption will never end.
Clergy in need of control, not reform
Editorial, Published on 20/07/2025
» After a long silence during Thailand's biggest sex scandal in the clergy, the Ecclesiastical Council and the National Office of Buddhism (NOB) have finally spoken out. Their big idea? A new law to imprison the offending monks and women involved in the scandal.
No place for dams in parks
Oped, Editorial, Published on 25/01/2025
» The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry's plan to allow dam projects in conservation areas, such as national parks, has triggered concerns over potential adverse impacts.
Bitter pill for Thailand
Oped, Editorial, Published on 21/08/2024
» The recent decision by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to cancel Thailand's hosting of the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (Aimag) is a blow to the country's international reputation.
Neutral safety body needed
Oped, Editorial, Published on 02/04/2024
» Another accident on Wednesday is a reminder for drivers in Bangkok that they have a new risk to heed. On top of Rama II Road's reputation for multiple accidents caused by construction sites, drivers must now watch out for danger from above as they drive below the structure of the Yellow Line monorail service.
Loy Krathong challenges
Oped, Editorial, Published on 09/11/2023
» The Srettha Thavisin government, together with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and local administration agencies, are hoping the forthcoming Loy Krathong festival will help stimulate the economy ahead of the New Year.
Flood ritual dies hard
Oped, Editorial, Published on 02/08/2022
» Fears of flooding have returned again with news the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) will discharge more water from the Chao Phraya dam in Chai Nat to accommodate run-off from the North.
EC must take more care
Oped, Editorial, Published on 23/04/2022
» The court's ruling on Wednesday that ordered the Election Commission (EC) to pay out 64 million baht in compensation to a politician it removed from office is a warning sign of tough times ahead for the agency.