Showing 1 - 10 of 13
'Soft power' plans need more work
Editorial, Published on 17/12/2023
» Thai rapper Milli, mango sticky rice, and moo krata. These are among the things which the previous and current governments have proclaimed as examples of Thailand's "soft power". Confused? So are those who are in charge of developing and promoting the idea.
The seeds of soft power
Oped, Editorial, Published on 27/10/2023
» 'Soft power" is becoming a new catchphrase in Thai society. Once seen as political jargon describing a nation's diplomatic prowess at winning friends and influencing others rather than relying on coercion, this new sound bite is being used to describe cultural and creative commodities such as movies, literature, art, traditional Thai sports and food, to name just a few.
End hazing peril, reform military
Editorial, Published on 03/09/2023
» Army conscript Wichian Phueksom was tortured to death in an army camp over 12 years ago. Today, justice has still not been served.
Kidnap cases alive and well
Oped, Editorial, Published on 17/12/2022
» On Thursday, activists gathered in front of the Lao Embassy in Bangkok to mark the 10th year of the disappearance of Sombath Somphone, the award-winning Lao social activist. Every year, activists have launched campaigns to keep the memory of his mysterious vanishing alive.
Quiet or loud diplomacy?
Oped, Editorial, Published on 14/10/2022
» Russia's invasion of Ukraine has forced countries around the world to make tough economic and diplomatic decisions. But in the latest vote on Wednesday at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on a resolution to condemn Russia's recent annexation bids in eastern Ukraine, Thailand abstained, a move that raises questions about the kingdom's stance.
Will justice serve 'Billy'?
Oped, Editorial, Published on 20/08/2022
» The decision of the Office of the Attorney-General to press charges of premeditated murder, illegal confinement, coercion and concealing a human's body against former chief of Kaeng Krachan national park, Chaiwat Limlikhit-aksorn and his three subordinates represents the first major step in the right direction to bring justice to the late Karen activist Porlajee "Billy" Rakchongcharoen and his family.
Govt trips up with activist
News, Editorial, Published on 07/11/2019
» It would have been a satisfactory outcome for the Prayut Chan-o-cha government had there been no reports about Ekachai Hongkawan, a political activist, being taken on a "trip" by police to Chon Buri and Pattaya to "prevent him staging a protest" during the Asean Summit.
Collar bombers not scapegoats
News, Editorial, Published on 04/08/2019
» The series of bombings in Bangkok and Nonthaburi, which injured four people last week, is a challenge to the new Prayut Chan-o-cha administration and those in charge of security affairs.
Criminalise state torture
News, Editorial, Published on 17/04/2019
» As long as Thailand does not criminalise enforced disappearances and torture committed by state officials, anyone could become a victim of state actors' extrajudicial acts without getting justice -- such as in the case of Karen human rights activist Porlajee "Billy" Rakchongcharoen.
One-party Cambodia
News, Editorial, Published on 31/07/2018
» The Cambodian election is over except for some vote-counting in remote areas. There was no shock. Prime Minister Hun Sen and his ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) won easily, and will apparently rule legally for yet another five years. Thais must hope and work to ensure that this country does not go the lamentable direction of Cambodia.