• OPINION

  Let debate be candid

  News, Editorial, Published on 13/07/2015

  » The chance to hear key political figures discuss current issues on the National Council for Peace and Order's (NCPO) weekly television programme on reform is a welcome one. But to make this opportunity more beneficial to the public interest, the NCPO should give them the freedom to speak their minds without fear of repercussion. If the military regime refuses to relax its grip on freedom of expression, the NCPO's plan will end up being nothing more than just another pointless publicity stunt.

• OPINION

  Farmers lose, city folk win

  News, Editorial, Published on 16/07/2015

  » On April 1, California governor Jerry Brown announced the first ever state-wide water use restrictions, issuing an executive decree mandating a 25% reduction of urban water use. At the time of the imposition of the restrictions, California was in the middle of severe drought with snowpack, the source of water in the state, reduced to about 6% of what is normally available. 

• OPINION

  Children's futures at risk

  News, Editorial, Published on 17/07/2015

  » All children in Thailand are entitled to free universal education. This national policy applies to both Thai and non-Thai children, with or without legal status. The Education Ministry must explain why it has allowed the Office of the Private Education Commission (Opec) to violate this policy.  

• OPINION

  Crackdown shows enforcement woes

  News, Editorial, Published on 26/07/2015

  » Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha late last week invoked his special powers under Section 44 to suppress illegal street racing — a move that would have been unnecessary if police had done their job of enforcing the laws.

• OPINION

  Maternal deaths shock

  News, Editorial, Published on 28/08/2015

  » The number of mothers dying during childbirth is one of the most important indicators of a country's development. The latest findings by the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) showing the country's actual maternal mortality rate is many times higher than the official statistics are therefore shocking.

• OPINION

  Schools need overhaul

  News, Editorial, Published on 04/09/2015

  » The Education Ministry's decision to cut class hours in state schools is a move in the right direction. But this policy alone cannot bring significant changes to the distressing state of the education system.

• OPINION

  Education in dismal state

  News, Editorial, Published on 17/09/2015

  » In July this year, 16 Thai primary students brought fame to the country when they won 18 prizes and 33 medals, including four gold medals in the individual category and three prizes in the team category, from the Po Leung Kuk Primary Mathematics World Contest 2015 in Hong Kong. China won the highest overall score.

• OPINION

  Call halt to mining bill

  News, Editorial, Published on 18/09/2015

  » The Industry Ministry's recent decision to expand gold mining surveys and concessions in 12 provinces is facing fierce protests from locals, and rightly so. Unless the plan is halted, the country is set to experience many tragedies from deadly pollution. 

• OPINION

  Forest policy off track

  News, Editorial, Published on 02/10/2015

  » Natural Resources and Environment Ministry deputy permanent secretary Supoj Towichakchaikul has described his ministry's mission to expand forest areas as an uphill task. He is right about this.He blamed the difficulties on a lack of resources and personnel, local resistance, and a lack of inter-agency co-ordination. This is where Mr Supoj went wrong.

• OPINION

  No reason to join TPP

  News, Editorial, Published on 13/10/2015

  » There's a curious symmetry between US and Thai actions over the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). The TPP became a treaty last week when 12 trade ministers ended years of negotiations and signed the final deal.

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