• OPINION

  A lesson in geopolitics

  News, Editorial, Published on 29/01/2024

  » The hiccup in the planned salvage operations for the US-built HTMS Sukhothai of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) serves as a stark lesson for Thailand. It underscores the need for greater prudence in navigating security issues, especially amid escalating geopolitical conflicts and power struggles among superpowers.

• OPINION

  River safety needs action

  Oped, Editorial, Published on 29/03/2022

  » In just one month, there have been two explosions aboard oil tankers on the Chao Phraya River -- which flows through Bangkok and then into the Gulf of Thailand. The accidents claimed two lives, and injured a number of others, as well as alarming river community residents and users of the river. However, the reaction of the Marine Department leaves much to be desired.

• OPINION

  Tackling plastic waste

  News, Editorial, Published on 29/01/2018

  » A study of Thai and neighbouring underseas life, published last week, proves beyond doubt that people are killing coral. Specifically, the plastic items that wind up in the area of Thai reefs is literally the death of coral. Ocean currents, sand and rocks bash and cut bags, bottles and trash to tiny bits. The coral, living animals, eat the plastic, choke and die.

• OPINION

  Navy's 'toys' indefensible

  Oped, Editorial, Published on 20/02/2017

  » Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, the minister for defence, has confirmed the Royal Thai Navy will spend 13.5 billion baht for one Chinese-made submarine, delivery guaranteed in 2017. Plans to spend 27 billion baht for two additional subs have been approved in principle. It is a disappointing rejection of both public and expert opinion that opposes the long drawn-out plan to equip the navy with submarines on every conceivable ground imaginable.

• OPINION

  Sink the sub proposal

  News, Editorial, Published on 05/07/2016

  » The Royal Thai Navy is once again pressing to buy three submarines from China. The defence minister, not at all surprisingly, supports this new military upgrade. It would be a terrible mistake and misuse of 36 billion baht, or possibly more, of the public's money. Realistically, the only thing preventing an almost instant purchase is Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. He has put off this scheme before, and should do so again, but more forcefully.

• OPINION

  Sinking reputation

  Oped, Editorial, Published on 12/04/2024

  » The outcome of the Royal Thai Navy's (RTN) internal investigation into the sinking of the HTMS Sukhothai may draw the final curtain on one of the country's worst maritime tragedies.

• OPINION

  Border talks a test for PM

  Oped, Editorial, Published on 06/02/2024

  » The arrest of two Cambodian activists and a political prisoner who had been granted refugee status last week does not bode well for a Thai government determined to improve its human rights standing as it once again competes for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council.

• OPINION

  Klity Creek revisited

  Oped, Editorial, Published on 24/01/2024

  » Despite a court victory for cleanup efforts and an investment of over 800 million baht of taxpayers' money to rid Klity Creek of toxic lead sediment, the creek remains as polluted as ever.

• OPINION

  Land bridge needs rethink

  Oped, Editorial, Published on 25/10/2023

  » The government deserves praise for its quick work to promote investments in Thailand. That said, speed is not always of the essence when the project in question has a considerable impact on the country.

• OPINION

  Care vital for energy deal

  Oped, Editorial, Published on 20/09/2022

  » The recent move of Thailand and Cambodia in agreeing to reopen talks on an overlapping claims area (OCA) in the Gulf of Thailand is a good sign for the energy security of both countries amid the global energy crisis.

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