Showing 1 - 10 of 220
‘Mai pen rai’ paradox: from kindness to toxic silence
Juranan Soranet, Published on 07/01/2026
» "Mai pen rai" (It’s okay/never mind) is perhaps the most classic Thai phrase, symbolising kindness, compromise and a go-with-the-flow attitude. It is the hallmark of Thai charm. However, in a modern world driven by consumer rights and accountability, the harmless phrase is becoming a double-edged sword. We are witnessing the rise of "Toxic kreng jai" — an excessive form of considerateness where we suppress our own rights just to avoid being labelled "demanding".
Bangkok's clean streets, empty souls
Oped, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 10/11/2025
» Banthat Thong used to be a neighbourhood, not a concept. You could live here and find everything: restaurants, bookstores, hardware shops, clinics, banks -- even a place to have your shirts made. It was one of those streets where life unfolded upstairs and business happened downstairs. Today, it is something else entirely.
Lottery retirement savings plan risky
Oped, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 23/10/2025
» Lotteries are among the oldest forms of betting. Yet in modern times, various governments have used this popular form of gambling to encourage financial savings among citizens and even retirees.
Lumpini gets a facelift
Oped, Editorial, Published on 05/09/2025
» Lumpini Park in the heart of Bangkok is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, with a much-needed facelift.
Paper bags, patriotism and mushy peas
Roger Crutchley, Published on 10/08/2025
» One of the more thought-provoking stories of the week was an unnamed Thai hospital being fined after it was discovered private files on patients were being used to make paper bags for popular street snacks. Apparently some people at the business entrusted with destroying the files instead took them home and made paper bags out of them.
Strange choices of pets in Thailand
Roger Crutchley, Published on 03/08/2025
» There was a report in last Monday's Post that lions are becoming popular pets in Thailand. It is believed there are about 500 captive lions mainly in Thailand's zoos, breeding farms and petting cafes, but more disturbingly, some in private homes. It doesn't need spelling out why this is not a good idea.
Help must be city-wide
Oped, Editorial, Published on 31/07/2025
» The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in conjunction with the Interior Ministry, recently launched the "Sukhumvit model," an initiative to improve safety, public order and quality of life in the key central business district of the city, covering Watthana and Klong Toey districts.
Not above the law
Postbag, Published on 26/07/2025
» Re: "PP backs public criticism of ruling in cadet's death", (BP, July 24).
It's a bit on the warm side in the UK
Roger Crutchley, Published on 06/07/2025
» It seems a trifle strange to be sitting in Bangkok and reading about a heatwave in London, but at times last week it's been hotter in Britain than Thailand, while the rest of Europe has also been sizzling. You know something is wrong when at Wimbledon the umbrellas have been going up not for the rain but to protect spectators from the sun.
Behaviour shift key to ending plastic use
News, Celine Kusnadi, Published on 12/05/2025
» Southeast Asia is no stranger to the plastic crisis. Despite growing awareness and countless"reduce, reuse, recycle" campaigns, single-use plastic consumption remains stubbornly high.