Showing 1 - 5 of 5
Thailand's tale told via 'The Nation'
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 28/06/2019
» Nearly five decades ago, The Nation newspaper started out as a pro-democracy, anti-military news organisation. It was fiercely independent and invariably hard-hitting vis-à-vis the powers-that-be. An English-language newspaper owned by Thais from the outset, it prided itself for having neither fear nor favour. Its lamentable expiry as a print newspaper today -- an online version will continue -- provides multiple parallels for Thailand's contemporary political history, ongoing polarisation and the changing nature of the business of journalism worldwide.
City clean-up is becoming a waste of space
News, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 25/05/2017
» In just three years, a number of pavements and public areas in Bangkok have been reclaimed and tidied up, thanks to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's (BMA) "clean-up campaign", which was backed by the military regime. But whether these spots really serve the needs of Bangkok residents remains in doubt.
Budget Rethink?
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 21/04/2017
» Our dear cabinet recently approved a budget to buy 10 made-in-China tanks worth two billion baht while key members also seem keen on a plan proposed by the Royal Thai Navy to buy three submarines worth 36 billion baht. While I'm sure these dear sirs exercised their sound rationale before agreeing to such big purchases for the sake of Thailand's security, IMHO, with utmost respect, I would like to point out that there are other more beneficial ways the money could be used too.
Street-food plan starves poor of choice
News, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 20/04/2017
» Soon after being hailed as the city with the world's best street food by CNN, and with the Michelin Guide announcing it will visit Thailand this year, City Hall which is known to have a love-hate relationship with street vendors, yesterday decided to keep street food in certain spots in the capital -- to serve tourists, not residents.
Strangling the life out of Bangkok streets
News, Mark Hughes, Published on 27/03/2017
» Great cities have a way of defining themselves in often quirky ways. Beijing, for example, has rows of tiny shops selling identical items right next to each other, if you can spot them through the smog. The Left Bank in Paris is home to cultural, art and fashion street riches. Hong Kong has its roadside fishball sellers. London has its pub closing-time street fights, Brussels has its open-air chocolate markets and Zurich, well Zurich has its ultra-cleanliness.