Showing 1 - 10 of 17
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.
Verdict cause for cheer
Oped, Editorial, Published on 10/12/2021
» On Wednesday, Thais witnessed justice being served fair and square. In a trial that will be remembered as a landmark environmental case, the Supreme Court handed down jail terms of about three years to construction tycoon Premchai Karnasutra and two accomplices for poaching in Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary.
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.
Justice in wildlife saga
News, Editorial, Published on 20/03/2019
» More than a year after construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta was arrested at a camping site inside Thungyai Naresuan wildlife sanctuary with a firearm and the carcasses of rare endangered animals including a pheasant and black leopard, justice has been served -- partially.
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.
New year, fresh hope
News, Editorial, Published on 01/01/2019
» Another year, another promise of an election -- only this time the promise appears to be real. The fourth year and part of the fifth under the military regime were hardly noteworthy. The nation survived but did not prosper, economically or morally. There is almost universal hope in every corner of the country that 2019 will be different.