Showing 81 - 90 of 170
Drug reform gets a push
News, Editorial, Published on 24/04/2018
» New plans for treatment of drug addicts and abusers are a welcome step on the way to badly needed drug reform. The steps announced last week by the chief of the prime ministers Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) may make it possible to begin rehabilitation instead of criminal treatment. As welcome as the new programme is, it is still only a tentative step towards what is needed. It is time for bold steps and a new outlook on the problem.
Lady Mondegreen and electric boobs
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 15/04/2018
» In a futile attempt to escape the Songkran madness, I have holed up at home this week, soaking in lots of music and in doing so have rediscovered the wonderful world of "aural malapropisms". This is not an obscure medical condition, but involves mishearing something, as in song lyrics.
NACC fails major test
News, Editorial, Published on 02/04/2018
» The National Anti-Corruption Commission has often dropped the ball over the past few years. But its failure both to press the investigation of Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon's wristwatches and inform the public plumbs new depths. The public have rightly responded to last week's statements in both a disappointed and angry manner. It is now a question of whether the current NACC can survive the disdain it has caused.
Back to the war on drugs
News, Editorial, Published on 04/12/2017
» For a while there, it appeared that Thailand and the military regime were preparing to take new steps to update the worn and losing campaign against illicit drugs. Instead, the people in charge of reforming and modifying policies have largely doubled down on the old ones. The losing ways of the country's war on drugs will remain in place and dominate the amended and now patchwork Narcotics Control Bill.
China isn't quite ready to take over the world just yet
News, Christopher Balding, Published on 05/12/2017
» Almost daily, newspapers in the US, Europe and China release eye-catching headlines about China's technological advances and economic prowess. The accomplishments are real. But they're not necessarily evidence of Western failure or Chinese invincibility.
Out of touch with reality
News, Editorial, Published on 30/09/2017
» The Ministry of Labour's recent review of the 1979 royal decree that bans foreigners in Thailand from 39 types of jobs appears to be a promising step. Seen as a protectionist measure, the law is not just out of touch with reality but also not sensible.
Ivory trade still thriving
News, Editorial, Published on 25/09/2017
» One of the achievements of the military regime has been a crackdown on the Bangkok end of the international trade in ivory. The government, wildlife officials and especially the Customs Department have taken badly needed action to combat this terrible trade. At the same time, it is clear there is much more to do. Yet another major seizure of ivory last week makes this clear: Thailand is still a major player in international wildlife trafficking, specifically poached ivory.
Consumers made to pay for government sins
News, Surasak Glahan, Published on 14/09/2017
» Is this government becoming broke and hatching a new "sin tax" plan to force allegedly sinful consumers like us to pay more? I couldn't help but raise this speculation with a friend over possible price hikes in alcohol, cigarettes and coffee, when new excise tax rates take effect this Saturday.
Customs not up to speed on supercar scam
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 21/09/2017
» Bangkok shouldn't be an ideal city for high-powered supercars. Given the city's notorious traffic congestion, it is hard to imagine how people can maximise their supercars' engine capacity by driving them at high speed. Yet, luxury cars are still one of the key items possessed by millionaires here.
Food exports in a pickle
News, Editorial, Published on 29/07/2017
» Nearly 30,000 tins of canned pineapple were removed from market shelves in Taiwan this week and sent back to Thailand after traces of saccharin, an artificial sweetener, were found in the product, local media reported.