Showing 1 - 8 of 8
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.
Divided cabinet faces tough tests
Published on 03/09/2023
» Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has completed his first task of putting together a cabinet which received royal endorsement on Saturday but questions remain as to whether he is putting the right people in the right jobs.
Life through the lens of a batik maker
News, Karnjana Karnjanatawe, Published on 03/01/2023
» Jantima Sukmetta, 52, gradually unfolds a batik fabric. It has distinguished colours of golden yellow and brown, the naturally dyed colours from turmeric and leaves of khonthi (beach vitex). The khonthi plant is easily found along beaches in tambon Na Thap of Chana district in the southern province of Songkhla, where her Me-D Na Thap Batik Group is located.
Sudarat's 'third way' in politics
News, Nattaya Chetchotiros, Published on 19/09/2022
» Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan has announced the Thai Sang Thai Party (TST) to be a "third force" in politics whose policy platforms will highlight the country's priorities for the next general election expected early next year.
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.
Are the knives out for Sudarat?
News, Nattaya Chetchotiros, Published on 13/01/2020
» Rifts have deepened within the Pheu Thai Party in the wake of false claims that its chief strategist had quit, and threaten to undermine the main opposition party's performance in the no-confidence debate against the government and the Bangkok governor election, according to political experts.
Flair for debate wins praise for Sutin
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 11/11/2019
» Due to its failure to form and lead the new coalition government despite pulling in the most votes in this year's general election, the former ruling Pheu Thai Party has seen its profile dim during its time in opposition.