Showing 1 - 10 of 27
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.
Thais 'yet to recover' from bloodshed, says Abhisit
News, Nattaya Chetchotiros, Published on 17/05/2020
» Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says he always feels a deep sadness whenever the May 19 anniversary of the 2010 protest crackdown rolls around, as it marks the culmination of one of the darkest chapters in the country's political history; a chapter that fuels bitter divisions in society to this day.
Eyes wide open
Life, Kong Rithdee, Published on 08/05/2020
» The literature about modern Thai politics is not abundant, and by this I mean a narrative that grounds its characters in the double-whammy of coup d'etat and street protest that characterised the mid-2000s to mid-2010s. The period, plus a few years earlier when Thaksin Shinawatra rose to power, contains some of the most convulsive and era-defining moments that continue to shape the visible and invisible dimensions of Thai society in the present time, and it's astonishing that not more writers find it a rich wellspring of artistic expression (on the contrary, visual artists and theatre artists seem more responsive to the political currents of the same period).
Army unwilling to yield to democracy
News, Erich Parpart, Published on 31/07/2019
» For the country like Thailand where the military staged two putsches within the past 13 years, a coup d'état should no longer be necessary.
Activist: 'Prayut as democracy hero' book a lie
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 19/04/2018
» Firebrand activist Srisuwan Janya has vowed to sue the Fine Arts Department if it fails to recalls a book called the History of Thailand, which depicts coup maker and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as a patron of democracy.
A kerbside view of Thai politics
Spectrum, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 16/07/2017
» On the day the doors of Phitsanulok Mansion were opened for Chalerm Changthongmadan, he felt his existence was recognised for the first time in his life.
Our top 10 stories in a year that will be hard to forget
Spectrum, Published on 25/12/2016
» Over the past year 'Spectrum' has reported a wide range of issues to give readers valuable insights. Our reporter ambushed the monk who helped Leicester City to their shock English Premier League title to get an exclusive. Another reporter blended in with Chinese yuppies in the new business district of Bangkok to find out why they decided to migrate to Thailand. Two reporters did a series of stories on the Tiger Temple by hanging out with the veterinarian, monks and national park officers to listen to all sides. We were determined to find the truth. Last month we also went up to Chiang Mai to talk to Hmong girls wrongly accused of stealing a British tourist's watch. Here are the top 10 stories in another exciting year of reporting.
Photojournalist in the eye of the storm no more
News, Nanchanok Wongsamuth, Published on 09/10/2016
» The horrible traffic jams, the disgusting air and the "sh*tty" place at Khao San Road were the reasons that German photojournalist Nick Nostitz hated Bangkok when he first arrived in 1989. Arriving as a backpacker carrying a surfboard, the 21-year-old wrote in his diary that "I will never come back to this awful place".
Mind the generation gap
Spectrum, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 17/07/2016
» They wear deep red lipstick modelled after their idol, Taylor Swift. They worship the Apple and Visa brands, and enjoy music ranging from One Direction, DJ Calvin Harris and The 1975, as well as lesser-known performers with niche followings.
The civilian factor
News, Postbag, Published on 04/04/2016
» Thank you for publishing my keynote address on "Democratic Governance: Striving for Thailand's New Normal" to the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand on March 23.