Showing 1 - 10 of 159
Real barriers to temple reform
Editorial, Published on 01/02/2026
» After a year of temple scandals, Thailand's top monks have promised a great clean-up. The orders sound bold. The question is whether a feudal system built on censorship, obedience and patronage can truly reform itself.
Is a return to gold standard possible?
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 11/12/2025
» We are now in the middle of the holiday season. Therefore, I will refrain from writing about heavy and depressing issues like the Thai economy and the outlook for 2026 and beyond. In this moment of joy, I will write about the possibility of returning to the gold standard, which some supporters say can be seen in central banks aggressively buying gold bullion to replace the dubious US dollar. The last article of the year will be about the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).
Cheers for the absurd rules
Oped, Editorial, Published on 12/11/2025
» The amended alcohol control legislation that imposes fines on individuals who continue drinking alcoholic beverages during restricted hours -- particularly between 2pm and 5pm -- has left the government in hot water.
Is Takaichi Sanae the 'Iron Lady' of Japan?
Oped, Koichi Hamada, Published on 10/11/2025
» For the first time in its history, Japan's parliament has selected a woman, Takaichi Sanae of the Liberal Democratic Party, to be prime minister. In this sense, Ms Takaichi has already followed in the footsteps of her political idol, Margaret Thatcher -- the UK's first female PM. But whether she is remembered as Japan's own "Iron Lady" will depend on her ability to manage three key challenges: inflation, low female labour-force participation and a fraught geopolitical environment.
Southern scars
Oped, Postbag, Published on 18/10/2025
» Re: "Beneath Tak Bai's calm, scars remain", (Opinion, Oct 15). The Bangkok Post deserves praise for having columnist Kong Rithdee remind the nation of the scars and injustices experienced in the South during the Thaksin regime under Gen Pisal Wattanawongkrit, the Fourth Army regional commander in 2004. He also wrote about notorious cases of impunity and the rise of southern youth in joining secessionist groups.
Pheu Thai must move on
Oped, Editorial, Published on 25/09/2025
» Weeks have passed since the People's Party (PP) threw its support behind Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul's premiership bid.
Alcohol plans baffle industry
Editorial, Published on 21/09/2025
» The revised alcohol control law, while keeping strict restrictions on alcohol sales intact, is creating confusion among citizens and business operators -- particularly those in the advertising sector.
Why aid workers need protection
Oped, Pio Smith, Published on 20/08/2025
» From flood-hit villages in Nepal to conflict-affected areas in Myanmar, midwives, doctors and community responders save lives. These humanitarians are the first to arrive and the last to leave when a crisis strikes. They work in conflict zones, climate disaster areas and displacement camps, often with scarce resources and under constant threat of violence.
Reform clergy with your wallet
Editorial, Published on 03/08/2025
» The recent sex scandal involving high-ranking monks has shaken public faith to the core. But the responses from the clergy, the state, and the public all miss the point. This crisis in Thai Buddhism is not about monks and sex -- it's about monks and money. Address the problem incorrectly, and the sex scandals and temple corruption will never end.
Shopping for oil
Oped, Postbag, Published on 03/07/2025
» Re: "Adding fuel to the fire", (Business, June 30).