Showing 81 - 90 of 202
Pitfalls on the path toward enlightenment
Life, Patcharawalai Sanyanusin, Published on 18/06/2018
» Money is a tantalising thing, coveted by many. But worldly goods can pose a threat to those who are called to a higher order. The seven ex-monks from three famous Bangkok temples who were in the media limelight over the weeks are no exception.
Blitz on monk graft hits right note
News, Anucha Charoenpo, Published on 03/06/2018
» The arrest late last month of five former senior monks in Bangkok who were charged with temple fund embezzlement and money laundering has triggered strong public perceptions that the problem of corruption remains widespread in Thailand. To deal with it, all stakeholders need to work on addressing the issue.
Arrests not enough to reform Thai Sangha
News, Khemthong Tonsakulrungruang, Published on 31/05/2018
» The early morning of May 24 was the morning of the long knives for the Thai Sangha. Commandos stormed Wat Or Noi in Nakhon Pathom to arrest the abbot, then Phra Buddha Isara, a staunch supporter of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). In an unrelated case, five of seven other senior monks accused of embezzlement and money laundering were arrested from three famous temples in Bangkok. The other two remain on the run.
Amend the Sangha Act
News, Published on 26/05/2018
» If three senior ministers are charged with corruption simultaneously, the government they serve must be suffering a crisis of credibility. It is the same for the country's highest governing body of monastic affairs, the Sangha Supreme Council (SSC), whose three "cabinet" members, along with other two monks, are accused of siphoning and laundering temple money to enrich themselves.
Regulate innovation but don't kill it
Asia focus, Tanyatorn Tongwaranan, Published on 23/04/2018
» It's been an exhausting few weeks for Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, who stands accused of failing to prevent major data breaches and malign interference in the political process in the US and elsewhere. The CEO of the world's largest social network was roasted by US lawmakers in 10 hours of hearings for failing to protect Facebook users' private data.
Justice system fails nation
News, Editorial, Published on 11/04/2018
» Brazil has just imprisoned for corruption the most popular politician ever elected as the country's president. South Korea has just convicted and jailed the history-making first woman president in its history -- for corruption. Thais have every right to be impressed and depressed by these cases. Here, the justice system has been unable to conclude a simple corruption investigation of Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.
Journalist murders are a major problem in the EU
News, Leonid Bershidsky, Published on 01/03/2018
» The time has come to ask whether membership in the European Union (EU) is still a quality assurance seal for democracy and the rule of law among member states. The bloc has clearly failed to enforce its stated values on its periphery. Any additional expansion can only dilute them further.
‘Russiagate' guppy caught in Pattaya sex class dragnet
Published on 28/02/2018
» What ties the “Russiagate” election hacking conspiracy to the recent sex class bust in the City of Sin? Vladimir Putin’s bette noir, Paul Manafort’s “patron” and a "former" lady of the night cum accidental spy, it seems.
Are SE Asian leaders using 'fake news' to tighten grip?
News, Published on 23/01/2018
» Governments across Southeast Asia have a history of using laws and the judiciary to curb press freedoms -- now they have found a handy crutch to lean on as they intensify clampdowns: US President Donald Trump's "fake news" mantra.
About politics
News, Published on 09/12/2017
» Sceptics see 'arms cache' as another ruse to delay the election v Thaksin's son claims clan are done with politics but uncle still galvanising the Pheu Thai Party v Pundits believe fraternal bonds played a key role in saving interior minister's neck