• OPINION

  Deliver us from apathy

  Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 10/12/2018

  » It became the talk of the town when social-media posts last week unveiled a sign saying: "Using the postal service of Thailand Post means repaying the debts of gratitude that you owe to your country". The message led to widespread negative criticism. Many people were upset and complained the state enterprise should not have demanded people's gratefulness when it offers a poor service.

• OPINION

  A modest, model life

  Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 16/10/2017

  » When I was a little girl, I loved fairy tales about a handsome prince and a beautiful princess falling in love and living happily ever after. In fairy tales, kings and queens live luxury lives in castles. That didn't happen in Thailand throughout the 89-year lifetime of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away last year.

• OPINION

  Flagging up respect for the nation

  Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 15/02/2016

  » Sometimes, our daily routine turns out to be an extraordinary thing for other people. So is the Thai people's daily practice to stand still and respect the national flag twice a day. Thai students must stand in front of the raised flag and sing the national anthem at 8am sharp every day. Whenever we hear the national anthem in public places, especially outdoors, we stop walking or doing other things and stand still to show our respect.

• OPINION

  For biosafety or business?

  Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 27/11/2015

  » Questions about food safety and stability in Thailand have arisen after the Cabinet on Tuesday approved the draft law on biosafety to legalise and regulate genetically modified organisms (GMOs). If endorsed by the National Legislative Assembly, this draft will become effective a year after being published in the Royal Gazette.

• OPINION

  Roads are a dammed hindrance

  Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 25/09/2015

  » Earlier this month, I visited the Thai-Danish Dairy Farm and Training Centre in Saraburi province and heard some terrible news. A guide told me that the farm's Burmese Rosewood (Pterocarpus macrocarpus) forest, home to over 10,000 naturally grown trees would soon be gone as it has been marked for land expropriation under a motorway project.

• OPINION

  Our ageing society is on creaky foundations

  Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 19/06/2015

  » My increasing grey hair and fine lines and referring to the young generation as "people these days" are among signs that I am ageing. Although I have long admitted I am old and must prepare myself for a lonely retirement, I am not quite ready for it and the latest news made me feel pessimistic about the future.

• OPINION

  Friends across the border

  Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 21/05/2015

  » Last week was the third time I have visited Myanmar in the last three years. There have been a few changes caused by the influence of materialism and capitalism, but things seem fine, in general.

• OPINION

  Travelling towards neighbourly understanding

  Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 06/03/2015

  » In December, I expressed concerns about the bad reputation of Chinese tourists in Thailand and other countries. Unfortunately, problems caused by them have persisted and many Thais have started to react. Last month, Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai imposed a temporary ban on Chinese tourists after some of them dirtied the temple's toilets. Days later, a picture showed a Chinese tourist kicking sacred bells at a temple in Chiang Mai. Many Thais were understandably outraged.

• OPINION

  Time for action against 'troublemaking' Chinese

  Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 18/12/2014

  » The series of troubles and embarrassments caused by Chinese tourists over the past few years has continued, but never fails to take me by surprise.

• OPINION

  Animal rights should be human instinct

  Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 18/11/2014

  » Day after day, I hear sad stories about tortured or abandoned animals and shed tears. With a weary heart, I have long hoped Thailand would pass a law to combat animal torture and ensure proper care for animals. Fortunately, the long fight for animal rights is almost over, as the draft law on animal protection passed all three readings by the National Legislative Assembly last week.

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