Showing 1 - 10 of 4,410
Impacts of Iran war on Southeast Asia
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 20/03/2026
» For the most part, Southeast Asia as a region has taken a neutral stance toward the joint attack between the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Even the Philippines and Thailand, two formal US treaty allies, have distanced themselves, calling for restraint and de-escalation.
Freedoms fall once more
Oped, Editorial, Published on 20/03/2026
» Thailand's score on Freedom House's latest "Freedom in the World" report dropped by two points, from 36 to 34. While a two-point slip may seem insignificant, the grade effectively placed the country in the "not free" category -- down from "partly free" in 2024.
Global travel erases places we love
News, Richard Florida and Carlo Ratti, Published on 17/03/2026
» Venice is drowning -- not just in rising waters but also in tourists. The city is charging a day-tripper fee and has banned large tour groups and loudspeakers in an effort to curb the crush. Barcelona residents march with squirt guns and "Tourists go home" signs to protest rising rents and crowds. Amsterdam is moving to cap and eventually ban ocean-going cruise ships to reduce pollution and visitor pressure.
Another NACC debacle
News, Editorial, Published on 17/03/2026
» Last week, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) dismissed a petition accusing former transport minister Saksayam Chidchob of deliberately filing a false asset declaration.
Ireland ready to lead EU amid global challenges
News, Patrick Bourne, Published on 17/03/2026
» In a world as fast-moving and unpredictable as the one we are navigating right now, it is good to know there are reliable lighthouses on the horizon and at least a few certainties upon which we can depend. One of those is that St Patrick's Day, every March 17, is an occasion that Irish people, and people of Irish heritage, and friends of Ireland, will be keen to celebrate all over the world, including here in Thailand. And for our small island, from which so many people emigrated throughout our history, this really is a global celebration of our history, culture, connections and shared values.
No child should learn hungry
Editorial, Published on 15/03/2026
» A teacher in a remote mountain school was charged with corruption for letting hungry students share lunch. He has now been cleared, but the policy that put him on trial needs to change.
Stepping up against discrimination
News, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 14/03/2026
» Amidst the global turmoil happening today, it is easy to yield to a sense of despair and despondency. Yet, there are positive changes at the national-local level which seem incremental at first glance, but which are, in reality, monumental; they act as a gentle palliative projecting hope. On this front, Thailand experienced a sense of elation a year ago, when the possibility of same-sex marriage became the norm in the country due to reform of the Thai Civil Code.
War on Iran is one 'Taco' too far
News, Jamie McGeever, Published on 14/03/2026
» The "Trump always chickens out" (Taco) investment strategy -- buying beaten-down stocks on the assumption that the US president will ultimately back down from his more extreme policies -- has, for the most part, been a profitable one. But the Iran war may change that.
Deadly deception
Postbag, Published on 14/03/2026
» Re: "US investigation points to likely US responsibility in Iran school strike", (World, March 6).
Echoes ignored
Oped, Postbag, Published on 13/03/2026
» Re: "With Iran war, US is alone", (World, March 6). The Deputy Director of the German Marshall Fund, Kristina Kausch, is upset that US President Donald Trump has not sought the world's approval in his quest to destroy Iran's military abilities and for the removal of its genocidal dictatorship. One which screams daily: "Death to Israel" and "Death to America". (Time Off, Bangkok Post, March 8).