Showing 1 - 9 of 9
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.
Reform, or repeat monk scandals
Editorial, Published on 27/10/2024
» A senior monk promoting what is alleged to be a pyramid scheme disguised as an online direct sales company reveals just how far the clergy has strayed from Buddha's teachings.
Stars must show integrity
News, Editorial, Published on 16/10/2024
» The controversy surrounding The iCon Group's alleged pyramid scheme has reignited the debate about the responsibility of celebrities in product endorsement and where the boundaries of ethical conduct should be drawn.
Sea people still wait for justice
Editorial, Published on 26/05/2024
» Against a background in which the government refuses to recognise indigenous peoples, two recent landmark court verdicts have acknowledged the rights of Urak Lawoi, or Chao Lay in Thai (sea people) to live and earn a living in their traditional homes. Efforts to give them justice must not stop here. Their fight for their traditional rights are far from over.
Better way to boost morale
Oped, Editorial, Published on 24/05/2024
» The new "Cops Combat" martial arts competition of the Royal Thai Police may have drawn criticism for potentially undermining the chain of command. Yet, the competition, which promises to be a "test of valour beyond the badge", is a good start as the RTP is acknowledging problems of morale on the ground.
Deeds fair and foul
Oped, Editorial, Published on 23/03/2024
» The decision to visit Phuket this week by the Lower House's committee on business development is timely as the issue of fierce competition brought on by illegal foreign businesses in tourist towns is grabbing headlines.
Forest dwellers get raw deal
News, Editorial, Published on 16/10/2022
» Two lawsuits on forest encroachment made headlines late last month. One involved a powerful family charged with encroaching over 6,200 rai of national forest. The other was a landless peasant charged with encroaching on 10 rai of forest land. The legal outcomes highlighted yet again the gross disparity, legal double standards and injustice involved in such cases.
Battle for 5G is failing
News, Editorial, Published on 27/08/2018
» Almost from the moment they seized power, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and allies in the National Council for Peace and Order have spent time and treasure promoting their vision of the future. The two top meme titles are "Thailand 4.0" and "Digital Thailand". As defined, both are excellent and worthy goals. Lack of planning, absent government supervision and poor performance make both elusive.
P-Move close in on dream
News, Editorial, Published on 16/05/2018
» The government did the right thing to reverse Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's remarks and speak in good faith with P-Move representatives. Gen Prayut was wrong and unnecessarily abusive when he accused them of protesting in order to demand handouts. The People's Movement for a Just Society, to use P-Move's full name, is once again trying to right old wrongs. Now, thanks to clearer thinking, it may be possible.