Showing 1 - 10 of 16
Getting soft power right
Life, Published on 08/01/2024
» After three months in office, the Srettha Thavisin government has raved on about populist policies in the guise of digital wallets and soft power projects that will create income to boost our declining economy. With optimism, we learned that Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Pheu Thai party leader and head of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee (NSPSC), has drafted a budget of 5.1 billion baht to boost festivals and creative industries. It is welcoming news to hear this government is priortising art, music, literature, design, fashion, film, food, games, sports and festivals as essential sources for the creative economy. Where this enormous chunk of budget will come from, like digital wallets, remains to be seen.
And we're off again
Oped, Postbag, Published on 06/12/2023
» Re: "Festival wins Unesco recognition", (BP, Dec 2).
New government forms, but at what cost?
News, Published on 23/08/2023
» Thai politics is entering a new chapter as the colour-coded political divide which has polarised the country for several years is expected to end after Pheu Thai Party's prime ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin won parliament's endorsement to become the country's 30th prime minister on Tuesday.
Calling on the red shirts: Pheu Thai needs you to beat the dope vote!
News, Published on 26/06/2022
» The Pheu Thai Party has welcomed former red-shirt stalwart Nattawut Saikuar back to the fold, hoping his oratorical skills will help win support in the Northeast that has been tapped by the Bhumjaithai Party, political scientists say.
No one benefits as old regime drags out its end
Oped, Thana Boonlert, Published on 01/10/2021
» Standing together in a space demarcated as a forbidden area, two actors began to spread red paint over their bodies and create flags out of ropes and twigs. When they ran wild and cried out "Long live the people!" the message could not be clearer. Performed by the Layyim Theatre group, the gig was a part of the rally held by the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration (UFTD) to commemorate the first year of the movement. It was held in front of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre on Sunday.
Nattawut active as 'Tony' itches to return
News, Published on 08/08/2021
» Anti-government activists are back on the streets despite a surge in Covid-19 cases and a virus lockdown.
Crisis of faith is reaching a crescendo
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 31/07/2021
» The harsh words by MC Chulcherm Yugala, a staunch royalist, against the Prayut Chan-o-cha government, denouncing its poor handling of the Covid-19 outbreak, have stunned political observers and supporters of the prime minister. Given his senior royal status, the prince's criticism has triggered wild speculation over a possible new prime minister endorsed by the palace.
Wake Up And Smell the Durian
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 21/05/2021
» You know it's summer when boob/moob sweat stains appear on your clothes when you go out for a quick lunch. You know it's summer when khao chae floods your newsfeed and 7-Eleven feels like a sanctuary from the sunlight. You also know the hottest time of the year has arrived when you smell the durian.
Straying from the course
News, Thana Boonlert, Published on 02/12/2020
» Learning history from new sources has led to the "political awakening" underlying the youth-led movement's stance against "royalist nationalism", academics say.
Vaccine no panacea
News, Postbag, Published on 24/11/2020
» In "Will vaccines end our economic slump?" Chartchai Parasuk reveals a sobering economist's view of Thailand's future prospects (Opinion, Nov 19).