Showing 1 - 9 of 9
Efficiency over pomp
Oped, Editorial, Published on 04/02/2026
» The video of Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt opening the new Phran Nok-Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road lasts only a few seconds, yet it has gone viral for that exact reason. In an era of elaborate ceremonies, the footage is a testament to bureaucratic restraint -- proving that when leaders prioritise pragmatism over pageantry, the public wins.
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.
Honest monks hung out to dry
Editorial, Published on 28/09/2025
» A series of monk scandals and temple corruption cases in recent months has prompted the Ecclesiastical Council to order all temples to make their accounts transparent. But good intentions are not enough. Without systemic support, the order may prove hollow.
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.
End student hazing rituals
Oped, Editorial, Published on 16/03/2022
» Freshman year should be a highlight of teenage life but for many first-year students hazing rituals -- a "rite of passage" at Thai universities -- is a nightmarish experience.
'Rap nong' still too brutal
Oped, Editorial, Published on 11/06/2021
» It is hard to believe in this day and age that a university student could find his life snuffed out by a hazing prank, given the publicity surrounding such ceremonies and repeated efforts by universities to stamp out the violent and degrading treatment which is often involved.
Freaking out over art
News, Editorial, Published on 12/09/2019
» The Ultraman/Buddha controversy seems to be spreading as a group of people calling themselves Chao Buddha Palang Phaen Din, or the Force of Buddhism, filed charges against the student who painted Lord Buddha as the 1970s-era superhero.
Dress code a non-issue
News, Editorial, Published on 12/07/2019
» The matter of what to wear and what not to wear in parliament brought to the fore by Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) MPs this week reflects their inability to get their priorities right on what to debate and what not to debate in the Lower House.
Some rules need breaking
News, Editorial, Published on 10/01/2019
» While the Bangkok Christian College (BCC) "casual Tuesday" policy may have brought about friction between those who support and oppose the idea of letting secondary students dress down once a week, it deserves credit for challenging and questioning one of the country's draconian school rules and rituals.