Showing 21 - 30 of 232
When the Streetlights Go On
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 18/06/2021
» Lampposts have posed a lot of questions since last week. If you've been around Thailand, you're bound to spot fancy lampposts that are equipped with sculptures at the top. These sculptures represent something unique about their locality like what a province is known for or simply are mythical creatures. They are nothing new in Thailand but become the new talk of Thai town after people raise questions, rightfully so, about their costs and necessity. Some suspect good old corruption and collusion between local govt officials and the contractors who built them. They are paid for by the taxpayers' money, after all.
Thainess and surf-skating, a safe match?
Oped, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 01/04/2021
» The "Rattana Go Surf" surf-skating group, with the presence of a woman politician and luminaries who showcased their surf-skating skills on the city streets last Sunday caused a stir. It's no surprise. In contrast to the latest trend of surf-skating in Thailand, Sunday's crowd turned up in traditional Thai attire, while some women also showed up in Thai-style strapless tops and other participants put on royal-patterned shirts. I can only imagine how suffocating it would have been wearing costumes which are obviously not appropriate for sports. Not to mention, several joined the risky sport without protective gear, such as helmets, all while trying to balance themselves on a skateboard, side by side with moving cars and other motorised vehicles.
Rail projects need reform
Oped, Editorial, Published on 13/03/2021
» The legal dispute between the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and the BTS Group over the bidding for the western extension of the Orange Line is getting nasty to the point that the government needs to step in to bolster trust in the state project.
Timebombs lie in wait
Oped, Editorial, Published on 02/03/2021
» Clashes between police and activists on Sunday night left many injuries on both sides. It's tragic that one policeman died from a heart attack during the operation.
Lese majeste law takes centre stage
News, Published on 15/02/2021
» The infamous lese majeste law, or Section 112 of the Criminal Code, appears to have taken centre stage in the escalating political conflict since the Feb 9 indictment of four leading members of the pro-reform Ratsadon group by public prosecutors and the four's detention at the Bangkok Remand Prison on the same day after the Criminal Court rejected their bail requests.
Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine will never find peace
News, Published on 30/01/2021
» The Yasukuni Shrine is an island of calm in an otherwise bustling city. Mature pines and cypress trees surround it, screening it from Tokyo's relentless traffic noise. Shady walkways, sacred ponds and dozens of cherry trees make it a public haven for the many Japanese people who come here to honour their ancestors.
Light at end of tunnel for unity panel?
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 07/11/2020
» At first glance, it seems the formation of the reconciliation committee has hit a snag as the idea is opposed by some opposition parties, and the anti-dictatorship movement. But there are signs that those opposed to it may get back to the negotiating table, signalling light at the end of the tunnel.
New rules needed as endgame nears
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 24/10/2020
» Society is holding its breath as today marks the deadline of the anti-dictatorship movement's demand for embattled Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to resign. Will there be a confrontation? How will it end?
Against all odds, young demonstrators persevere
News, Published on 20/10/2020
» Youthful demonstrators across Thailand loosely linked by smartphones and smart-aleck attitudes have found a way to gather, taunt and disperse with subterfuge and speed.
Not time to get tough or stage another coup
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 19/10/2020
» The crackdown on peaceful, unarmed protesters last Friday signalled the government's intention to get tough with pro-democracy groups. Such a stance prompts condemnation as well as concerns over violent confrontation.