Showing 1 - 10 of 34
Songs for life as it's no longer lived
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 17/04/2023
» Ad Carabao's new song Prachathipatung revives the myth of vote-buying and ignorance in rural society. The title is a coinage blending prachathipatai (democracy) and tung (money). On the track, parents ask children to return to their home village to vote for local politicians who give them money. It puts into song from the political discourse of an urban middle class that expresses disdain for villagers along with antipathy for one type of money politics as well as full-fledged democracy.
The future of Thailand hangs in the balance
News, Published on 20/10/2020
» When General Prayut Chan-o-cha and his allies seized power in 2014, they promised to bring about national reconciliation, but the divisions in society have become worse. They promised to combat corruption, but nothing has really changed. They promised to eradicate any remaining poverty, but the number of people living below the poverty line actually increased for the first time in decades before the pandemic. They promised to drive economic growth, but Thailand continues to lag behind its neighbours. They promised to restore happiness to the Thai people but few are smiling now. The constitution they made is a national headache.
Demonopolise, decentralise to recover
Oped, Published on 17/06/2020
» Thailand is staggering back to life. The public health system has done a superb job. But the rest of the world is still in a mess. And that affects us.
It's time to test and track in earnest
News, Published on 21/04/2020
» In late January, Thailand was tipped to be worst hit by Covid-19 after China and Hong Kong. Today, Thailand accounts for only 0.03% of recorded deaths worldwide from the pandemic. New cases are on a declining trend.
A new harvest of play people
Life, Arusa Pisuthipan, Published on 09/10/2019
» When asked who his role model is, Japanese playwright and stage director Makoto Sato gave a really long pause.
Climate change comes to SE Asia
News, Published on 26/09/2019
» Climate change is a low priority in Southeast Asia. The region's climate always changes, from year to year, with the unreliable monsoon. It's hot already. The ice sheets may be melting but they are a long way away. Only in the Philippines did Greta Thunberg's call for international protest gain much response. But maybe this complacency is due to change.
Laureates urge govt to tackle inequality
News, Arusa Pisuthipan, Published on 12/09/2019
» Eminent scholars and Fukuoka Prize laureates, Pasuk Phongpaichit and Chris Baker, addressed the country's growing social inequality at a symposium held to mark the 30th Fukuoka Prize on Tuesday.
Landless poor bear brunt of failed policy
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 08/07/2019
» Last week, five villagers accused of encroachment on Saithong National Park in Chaiyaphum province were taken straight to jail after the Appeal Court upheld a ruling given previously by a lower court. The decision brought tears to their families and community members.
Feted economist Pasuk offers tips to curb inequality
News, Patpon Sabpaitoon, Published on 24/10/2018
» In her longstanding career, celebrated Thai economist Pasuk Phongpaichit has been advocating on behalf of social justice and the fair distribution of land.
Pigs at the trough
News, Postbag, Published on 17/03/2018
» Re: "Hollow promises", (PostBag, March 15). I share Burin Kantabutra's frustration over the lack of progress in dealing with entrenched graft and corruption in Thailand.