Showing 1 - 10 of 34
Paper bags, patriotism and mushy peas
Roger Crutchley, Published on 10/08/2025
» One of the more thought-provoking stories of the week was an unnamed Thai hospital being fined after it was discovered private files on patients were being used to make paper bags for popular street snacks. Apparently some people at the business entrusted with destroying the files instead took them home and made paper bags out of them.
A magical weekend at Yasgur's Farm
Roger Crutchley, Published on 18/08/2024
» Every year there are anniversaries marking significant events from the past and they always serve as uncomfortable reminders that I am getting a bit old. A classic example is this weekend with the 55th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival. Now that's scary. Surely it couldn't have been that long ago?
PM takes page from Thaksin's playbook
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 06/05/2024
» The cabinet reshuffle may trigger speculation about cracks in the Pheu Thai Party, owing to the departure of prominent figures like Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara. The shift indicates that ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra is taking the reins of the party.
It's known as extinction
Postbag, Published on 10/03/2024
» Re: "Wild monkey assault sparks debate", (BP, March 9).
Cue another erratic new leader
News, Karishma Vaswani, Published on 16/02/2024
» In a closely watched contest, the unofficial quick count results are now out and strongly suggest a landslide victory for the man who is poised to be Indonesia's next president: former fiery special forces commander Prabowo Subianto, who was also, for a time, the son-in-law of the archipelago's ex-dictator Suharto.
Time for panda rethink
Oped, Editorial, Published on 02/02/2024
» Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was thrilled that his request for another panda was well received by Beijing. It's understood the animal will be leased like its predecessors, Lin Hui and Xuang Xuang, formerly the star attractions of Chiang Mai Zoo. The duo arrived in Thailand in 2003, triggering "panda fever" in the tropical country. More than 7.4 million people visited the zoo over the course of 19 years, from 2003 to 2022.
Glimmer of hope for foot soldiers
Roger Crutchley, Published on 16/07/2023
» There was encouraging news for Bangkok's pedestrians last week when the city governor announced that during the coming year there would be a major upgrade of pavements in the Big Mango. It was promised that some pavements might even become "walkable". Well, best of luck with that.
Somsak, Suriya deal blow to PPRP
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 20/03/2023
» The defection of two key figures of the Sam Mitr faction, Suriya Juangroongruangkit and Somsak Thepsutin, from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) to the Pheu Thai Party has dealt a blow to the ruling party.
Equality still a dream
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 09/01/2023
» In the lead-up to its second reading, the civil partnership draft bill marks a decade since its inception, dating back to a gay couple who were denied legal recognition in 2012 because the law limits marriage to a man and a woman. Given the conservatism of earlier decades, civil partnership was "the first brick" at a time when marriage equality was almost inconceivable. However, history is often ignored. Despite its long journey in conjunction with the new bill, the uphill push for marriage rights will remain an unfinished business under the current government.
Cambodia and Laos in the regional mix
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 30/09/2022
» As geopolitical tensions from Russian aggression in Ukraine and the ongoing United States-China rivalry intensify, Southeast Asia will be hard-pressed to maintain peace and security. Despite their relatively small size, Cambodia and Laos are two countries whose political trajectories will shape regional outcomes. While Cambodia has consolidated domestic political power with dynamic economic expansion, Laos is looking like a regional laggard facing a deep debt crisis. As Cambodia moves forward, Laos is at risk of being left behind.