Showing 1 - 9 of 9
Cute posts, cruel trade
Oped, Editorial, Published on 04/11/2025
» For years, CITES -- the United Nations' multilateral treaty aimed at protecting endangered plants and animals from threats posed by international trade -- has focused on combating wildlife trafficking networks that smuggle exotic animals from forests and breeding centres to meet demand from private zoos and the traditional medicine trade.
Patronage at work
Oped, Editorial, Published on 29/09/2025
» The appointment of Pol Capt Atitaya Benjapak, better known as "Captain Cat" as deputy district chief officer in Si Sa Ket has sparked an uproar, not only because of her meteoric rise through the civil service but also because of what her case reveals about the chronic flaws in the bureaucratic system.
The perils of too much democracy
Editorial, Published on 11/02/2024
» This is a big week for democracy in Asia, with two nations of almost half a billion people going to the polls in the space of a couple of days.
Root out rogue cabbies
Oped, Editorial, Published on 19/07/2022
» Whether you're a local or tourist in Bangkok, hailing a meter taxi is a game of cat and mouse. Will you get an honest cabbie who goes by the meter? Will the driver return your full change at journey's end?
Honour activist Billy's memory
News, Editorial, Published on 24/04/2022
» On April 17, eight years ago, indigenous rights activist Porlajee "Billy" Rakchongcharoen disappeared after being arrested by Kaeng Krachan National Park officials. Justice has yet to be served.
Rights record needs scrutiny
News, Editorial, Published on 07/12/2021
» Next Wednesday, Thailand will commemorate its 75th year of engagement with the United Nations. There are a number of reasons for the country, which was the organisation's 55th member, to be proud, particularly the army's contribution to peace keeping, health care and humanitarian missions. However, the present celebration comes at a less than favourable time amid the news that Thai authorities deported four Cambodian activists in the past month.
Clues scarce in the South
News, Editorial, Published on 02/01/2019
» Police, the Royal Thai Armed Forces and various security agencies have brought a huge credibility gap to the new upsurge of violence in the deep South. As of now, depending on which official has taken the podium, the bombings including the severing of Songkhla's iconic mermaid are political and non-political, either the work of separatist bandits or not, and have either a national or local motive -- but not both. Over the weekend, the Fourth Army commander said it might be local politicians, which seems a head-shaker.
Keep your powder dry
News, Editorial, Published on 29/03/2018
» Conservationists and citizens have good reason for the current outrage over the recent poaching case at Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary. The shooting of the extremely rare black leopard in itself was a despicable act. Skinning and eating the big cat, as well as killing a deer and pheasant, showed a contempt for the law, nature and sheer decency. Worried about a whitewash, the country's best-known conservationist wants to organise a major public demonstration of concern.
Give wildlife right of way
News, Editorial, Published on 05/01/2018
» Record numbers of visitors at Khao Yai National Park, especially during the New Year holidays, would not be a reason for concern if tourists had not increased the hazards for wild animals. The most pressing danger comes with personal car use which has resulted in crashes which have killed and injured many wild animals over the past decade.