Showing 1 - 10 of 19
More graft than ever
Oped, Editorial, Published on 02/06/2023
» A high-profile scandal involving kickback payments for overloaded lorries is just the tip of the corruption iceberg.
Quick-fix political remedies set us back years
Oped, Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 14/05/2018
» News media described it as a "shock", an "upset" and a "political earthquake" among other things. Few, if any, predicted it or expected it. But alas, the seemingly invincible populist regime with the mass working class as its support base is defeated in the national election. The victor? An opposition that's historically backed by the traditional establishment and urban elite.
Beauties and the beasts of coup regime
News, Kong Rithdee, Published on 28/04/2018
» It's just too rich to pass up, too weird and symbolic to ignore. The summit of the week between members of the girl group BNK48 and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was the moment when politics met pop-culture, when new met old, when cuties met coupmaker, when teens met tank, when beauty met … whatever.
Pyongyang's charm offensive
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 19/02/2018
» A budget of US$2.6 million to ensure red-carpet treatment for North Koreans at the Winter Olympics is just one sign of South Korea's eagerness to revive dialogue with its dangerous neighbour. The North appears equally keen, based on the high-profile visit to Pyeongchang by Kim Yo-jong, the Supreme Leader's sister and Pyongyang's PR queen.
Junta needs to provide more than promises
Life, Apipar Norapoompipat, Published on 04/12/2017
» It's been a few rough weeks for the junta.
Fond memories of Brazil's coffee culture
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 07/08/2016
» With the Rio Olympics finally under way, I can't get out of my head the old Frank Sinatra song that starts: "Way down among Brazilians/Coffee beans grow by the billions …" It was entitled The Coffee Song and a big hit when I was a kid back in the Stone Age. In fact, that song just about summed up my knowledge of Brazil in those days.
The 'marriage of convenience'
News, Published on 07/01/2016
» For decades, Iraq's landscape was dotted with heroic portraits of Saddam Hussein: He appeared as a Bedouin riding a white horse, a revolutionary in a black beret, or a devout Muslim with his head bowed in prayer. But the most iconic image, which hung on buildings, schools, airports and highways, was that of a smiling Hussein, wearing a fedora and firing an assault rifle into the air. In the more than 30 years he ruled Iraq, Hussein tirelessly cultivated the persona that photograph embodied: An urbane, modern and, above all, strong leader.
Need for transparency
News, Postbag, Published on 31/12/2015
» Re: “Cops’ image taints ruling”, (Editorial, Dec 30).
Lion City must adapt again
News, Editorial, Published on 11/08/2015
» Singapore celebrated its 50th anniversary on Sunday in a manner befitting a proud, ageing person. While the young people danced, sang and paid honour, the smiling, beneficent maestro was seated calmly, waving benignly to the masses. Just like the rich grandparents who spent their lifetimes in hard work and long, ultimately successful hours, Singapore itself starts a journey towards 60 years of age and beyond and questions will emerge about who will take over and what changes are likely to occur.
A lesson from Oscars democracy
News, Kong Rithdee, Published on 04/01/2015
» The United States is a model of modern democracy. Just look at the Oscars. After the tearful speeches and crumpled handkerchiefs, the pizzas, the history-making selfie, the crisp tuxes and plunging necklines, the self-congratulatory parties, the Slave who defies gravity, the umpteenth heartbreak of Leonardo DiCaprio and the star-making moment of Lupita Nyong’o — after the drum roll, it’s worth looking back to see how the model of modern democracy decides its "best" movies. Of course, by voting.