Showing 1 - 10 of 11
Land reform long overdue
Oped, Editorial, Published on 18/10/2023
» Agriculture Minister Captain Thamanat Prompow scored some political points recently. He got the front-page treatment from local media after he publicly announced his "New Year gifts" to millions of farmers. That translates as the new Sor Por Kor land policy, which will permit Sor Por Kor 4-01 holders to turn their land reform papers into title deeds.
Give peace a chance
Oped, Editorial, Published on 14/10/2023
» A week has passed with the world community watching in horror at the revelations of the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas against Israel, which now risk triggering a humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Hamas militants launched a surprise airborne and rare ground onslaught on Israel last Saturday, which gave Israeli forces no choice but to retaliate against them in the Gaza Strip.
Breaking the cycle of land inequality
News, Editorial, Published on 02/04/2023
» Thailand's land ownership disparity is one of the worst in the world. As such, land reform should be a crucial campaign policy for the upcoming general election. Unfortunately, it is not.
Land rules need rejig
Oped, Editorial, Published on 15/11/2022
» Foreign land ownership isn't a novel issue in Thailand. During the Ayutthaya period between 1351-1767 AD, a handful of foreigners who were deemed to have made valuable contributions to the kingdom were awarded large plots of land -- among whom were Constantine Phaulkon, a Greek adventurer who became a counsellor to King Narai and received the noble title of Chao Phraya, and the Japanese samurai Yamada Nagamasa, who also received the title of Phraya.
Land a very sensitive issue
Oped, Editorial, Published on 05/11/2022
» The government has had its fair share of complaints recently over its foreign land ownership policy with accusations that they are "selling off" the country to foreigners.
Keys to the kingdom?
Oped, Editorial, Published on 16/07/2022
» A bold initiative by Deputy Interior Minister Niphon Bunyamanee to allow rich foreigners to purchase plots of land and property requires a serious review.
Stop vicious land grab cycle
Oped, Editorial, Published on 19/09/2020
» Four years ago, Phu Thap Boek -- a popular mountainous attraction in Phetchabun province -- became synonymous with the success of the military regime in reclaiming forest land, or the Tuang Kuen Phuen Pa campaign when the state took back forest land from illegal occupants.
Govt railroading Chana complex
News, Editorial, Published on 12/07/2020
» It's a big relief that yesterday's forum on the Chana industrial complex in the province of Songkhla passed without confrontation or incident. Yet, it would be a big mistake for the state to use a forum that was riddled with irregularities to justify its push for the controversial scheme.
Don't let rich snatch land
Oped, Editorial, Published on 20/06/2020
» An initiative of Deputy Agriculture Minister Thamanat Prompow on land reform which will see the Agricultural Land Reform Office (Alro) "repossess" Sor Por Kor land illegally occupied by resorts and hotels, and then rent the land back to them is so outrageous that it should be dropped immediately if the government is serious about tackling landlessness among poor farmers.
Surakiart has a tough task
News, Editorial, Published on 05/02/2018
» The Myanmar government continues to dig itself into deeper trouble over the crisis it created with the Rohingya. Worse, it is rapidly creating an atmosphere of belligerence. There seems plenty of means available to discuss and solve the situation via talks with neighbours and the international community. Instead, Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the nation's military have only become more isolated.