Showing 1 - 10 of 22
Scams grow, as laws lag
Oped, Editorial, Published on 30/10/2025
» Last week, police in Chiang Rai province arrested a 35-year-old Chinese national as he went from one ATM to a multitude of others to withdraw cash. A subsequent search of his rented room showed he had in his possession 2,057 ATM cards, 537,900 baht in cash, 35 bank books, and 39 SIM cards. He was initially charged with illegally possessing ATM cards belonging to others in a manner that may cause damage, a charge carrying a maximum sentence of five years' imprisonment.
Fraud sweep causes fallout
Oped, Editorial, Published on 18/09/2025
» In principle, any government deserves praise for efforts to tackle online fraud and mule accounts. However, the latest attempt by the Bank of Thailand (BoT), the cyber police under the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, the police, and commercial banks has drawn condemnation, rather than praise.
Bad monks erode trust
News, Editorial, Published on 19/05/2025
» The recent scandal involving a former abbot of the renowned Wat Rai Khing, accused of embezzling over 300 million baht to fund an online gambling addiction, is deeply disturbing but not surprising. It will not be the last blow to public faith in the Thai Sangha unless meaningful and fundamental reform is made.
Bad habits on full display
News, Editorial, Published on 25/03/2024
» The primary duties of MPs are vetting laws and scrutinising fiscal budget legislation. However, a recent incident involving a member of the Pheu Thai Party sparked criticism and raised concerns over the ethical conduct of elected representatives.
VAT hikes just a Band-Aid
News, Editorial, Published on 19/02/2024
» A recent government initiative to curb the influx of low-priced goods from China may provide temporary respite for domestic producers. Nevertheless, removing the waiver on value-added tax for such goods will not solve the problem at its core nor in a sustainable manner.
Govt must plug its leaks
Oped, Editorial, Published on 18/01/2024
» The ambition of the Srettha government is not limited to megaprojects such as the Land Bridge or promoting the value of so-called "soft power".
Living with elephants
Oped, Editorial, Published on 08/07/2023
» The safe return to Thailand from Sri Lanka of the ailing Thai elephant, Sak Surin, which is known in Sri Lanka as Muthu Raja, on July 2 would not have been possible without the collective efforts of several individuals and agencies.
Police lockup no safe space
Oped, Editorial, Published on 12/05/2023
» The Royal Thai Police (RTP) are trying to convince the public that a police inspector's right-hand man, allegedly involved in online gambling and money laundering, simply committed suicide. It is no surprise that only a few people, if any, believe this.
Tourism fee has promise
Oped, Editorial, Published on 21/04/2023
» Despite taking considerable flak for floating the policy, Tourism and Sport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has made it clear the Thailand Tourism Fee will be levied from September.
Get tough on footy betting
Oped, Editorial, Published on 22/11/2022
» As the World Cup 2022 kicked off in an air-conditioned Qatar stadium on Sunday, so did football betting across Thailand -- which, despite being illegal, has unfortunately become a part of the country's football culture.