Showing 141 - 149 of 149
Raising the bar for bangkok's High-Rises
Spectrum, Suphin Mechuchep, Published on 10/03/2013
» One of the promises made by MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra during his re-election campaign for Bangkok governor was to prepare the city for the opening of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) in late 2015. The policy makes good sense because Bangkok has many advantages that could help position it as a hub of Southeast Asia. It was also welcomed by the Bangkok property industry as the city's property markets are expected to enjoy stronger demand when the AEC takes effect.
Government flood 'master plan' faces deluge of criticism
Spectrum, Piyaporn Wongruang, Published on 14/10/2012
» Vichian Phumlamjiak, chairman of the newly formed Thai Rice Farmers and Farm Folks Association, is hesitant to meet with his fellow farmers and tell them that he has not had any confirmation from the government on how much it will compensate them for the use of their rice fields to help take excess floodwater running down from the North.
Is Bangkok in for a 'water world' sequel?
Spectrum, Piyaporn Wongruang, Published on 07/10/2012
» Since last year's floods inundated Bangkok, city and government officials have set about the task of dredging close to 1,000 canals to try and prevent a repeat of the catastrophe in the capital.
Left to wander and wonder who will give them shelter
Spectrum, Published on 22/07/2012
» Kaek isn't quite sure how old she is. She could be 41 as her temporary ID card indicates, or, she could be a decade older as her hangdog demeanour seems to reflect. Despite being middle-aged, she has never had a place to call her own. Kaek was born near Sra Ket Temple on Bangkok's Rattanakosin Island some time in the 1960s or early 1970s, she says. Her parents left her in the care of the only nun at the temple, who raised her until she was forced to leave at the age of six.
Flood aid refusal 'was self defeating'
Spectrum, Parista Yuthamanop, Published on 29/04/2012
» British ambassador Asif Ahmad has offered a forthright critique of the government's handling of last year's flood crisis, saying it should have asked for international help and better communicated information to the public.
Enterprising collectors find trash means cash
Spectrum, Published on 15/04/2012
» 'Junk is gold," Somthai Wongcharoen says.
Grime and punishment: deluge victims still bailing out battered homes
Spectrum, Published on 04/03/2012
» There is a line scarring almost every building, post and fence along the northern and western outskirts of Bangkok. Brown, filthy and marinated in mould _ it jumps across highways and canals, staining walls, poles, pillars and fences, stretching across 30 of the capital's districts. It is the water mark of last year's floods, and often the only physical reminder of the fears continuing to reverberate throughout affected communities.
Shuffling deck chairs with debt
Spectrum, Parista Yuthamanop, Published on 08/01/2012
» The 1997 financial crisis was rooted in speculative excess and financial alchemy through the boom years of the 1990s. During a bubble, money comes fast and easy. And when the bubble bursts, it's those who are last to leave that are saddled with the costs.
Living over troubled waters
Spectrum, Tunya Sukpanich, Published on 01/01/2012
» Obstructions along canals in Bangkok and nearby provinces are commonly cited as a major factor behind this year's flood disaster. However, clearing them has proved a thorny issue for authorities as it means not only removing debris and sediment, but also tearing down people's makeshift homes.