Showing 1 - 10 of 10
Cheap import challenge
Oped, Editorial, Published on 10/08/2024
» The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and police inspected 11 supermarkets and drugstores selling cheap imported goods in Bangkok earlier this month. The search found more than 1,600 imported items, such as instant noodles, drinks, vitamins, and medical supplies, that did not have the required FDA seals.
Hemp's potential goes up in smoke
Editorial, Published on 23/06/2024
» Since the legalisation of marijuana, or ganja, in 2022, the total lack of regulatory control has sparked a public outcry, prompting the Srettha administration to criminalise ganja again. The move to make hemp illegal, too, is a major mistake.
Keep hemp free of cannabis law
Editorial, Published on 12/11/2023
» The controversial bill to regulate the use and production of marijuana and hemp is back on the parliamentary agenda. However, the Hmong hill tribe people want the law to leave hemp out, fearing it would jeopardise the age-old use of hemp in their culture and traditions. The government should listen to their concerns.
Hun Sen must take heed
News, Editorial, Published on 14/02/2020
» In his quest for absolute control and to prolong his stay in power, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has turned the country into a de facto one-party state and prepared his eldest son for a dynastic succession. This quest has been pursued at the cost of his people's political and civil rights.
Media law badly misused
News, Editorial, Published on 27/11/2019
» Since the current constitution took effect in April 2017, its provision prohibiting "newspaper or media company owners/shareholders" from contesting for votes has largely failed to serve its original purpose -- ensuring a level playing field. So far, politicians have been subjected to this law mainly due to technicalities, not because they own an influential media empire.
Proof before prosecution
News, Editorial, Published on 22/11/2019
» After the Constitutional Court stripped Future Forward Party (FFP) leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit of his MP status on Wednesday, the plaintiff in the case, the Election Commission (EC), raised the prospect of taking an even harsher step -- laying criminal charges against him.
Don't fight fire with fire
News, Editorial, Published on 14/06/2019
» The rule of law in this country has reached another defining moment, as the fate of 41 MPs now hangs in the balance after House Speaker Chuan Leekpai forwarded petitions to the Constitutional Court this week, seeking a ruling on whether they breached the charter's rule on media shareholdings.
Keep pressure on N Korea
News, Editorial, Published on 08/08/2018
» The harsh words and wavering debate about North Korea that emerged from the Asean Regional Forum (ARF) are disconcerting. The foreign ministers of the US and Japan urged members of the Forum it is vital to keep tight sanctions on Pyongyang until there is clear progress towards what now is generally called denuclearisation. One voice, North Korea's Ri Yong-ho, demanded relief from sanctions. But the forum quite properly decided his argument that Pyongyang deserves relief for showing good faith was unconvincing and invalid.
Laos dam disaster a warning for Thailand
News, Editorial, Published on 05/08/2018
» The breach of Xe Pian Xe Namnoy dam in southern Laos that killed dozens of villagers, with several still missing, should be a wake-up call for Thai authorities who this week issued disaster warnings while rolling up their sleeves for possible incidents.
Marijuana high jinks
News, Editorial, Published on 24/01/2018
» The government is still unable to articulate a coherent policy on currently illicit drugs. While there obviously is some support inside the cabinet to liberalise laws, no rational programme has yet emerged. Senior ministers up to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha refuse to touch the subject. And the same situation holds within the Royal Thai Police. Police departments concerned support a new policy of liberalisation but at headquarters, the police chief still can't get past the failed war on drugs.