Showing 1 - 10 of 13
China takes aim at democracy
News, Adam Nelson and May Butoy, Published on 06/01/2025
» In April 2024, a spokesman for former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte suggested that the Philippines and China had entered into an undisclosed "gentleman's agreement" between 2016 and 2022. China would not challenge the status quo in the West Philippine Sea, and the Philippines would send only basic supplies to its personnel and facilities on the Ayungin Shoal. But now, the Philippines is emerging as an essential player in resisting China's strategic ambitions in the region, with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr's administration asserting Philippine maritime claims through naval confrontations and new legislation.
UN rights body picks again raises eyebrows
News, John J Metzler, Published on 16/10/2024
» The UN General Assembly held its annual elections for the Human Rights Council last week.
Disney's 'Shogun' has a lot to teach the West
News, Gearoid Reidy, Published on 28/02/2024
» One of the most famous tales ever set in Japan is back. Walt Disney Co is spending millions on a glossy new adaptation of the James Clavell saga Shogun, the story of the Englishman who arrives in 1600s Japan and goes on to become a samurai.
Muay Thai enthusiasts welcome 90-day visas, but want more
News, Achadthaya Chuenniran and Sukanya Pongpaew, Published on 21/01/2024
» Muay Thai gym operators and foreign Muay Thai enthusiasts in Phuket and Bangkok have welcomed the government's decision to grant a 90-day special visa for foreigners who want to visit Thailand to practise Muay Thai.
Will the new industrial policy work?
News, Keun Lee, Published on 27/02/2023
» Industrial policy has returned to government agendas across the developed and developing world. While the US Inflation Reduction Act has shocked America's Asian and European trading partners, the Biden administration's signature climate-change legislation is just the latest in a series of recent policies that seemingly fly in the face of World Trade Organization rules.
Mushrooms make their presence felt
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 16/10/2022
» The most exciting news of the week is that mushrooms were found growing on a seat of an active Bangkok bus. In addition to carrying passengers on the No 82 route from Phra Pradaeng to Phahurat, the bus featured a battered seat covered in newly sprouted mushrooms. Alas, the seat has now been replaced by spoilsport officials following complaints from passengers unimpressed by sitting next to a seat covered in fast-growing fungi.
Putin can't deny child casualties
News, Olena Zelenska, Published on 14/03/2022
» Recently, an overwhelming number of media outlets from around the world have reached out with requests for interviews. This letter serves as my answer to these requests and is my testimony from Ukraine.
There's no excuse to be lost for words
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 06/06/2021
» It is always nice to come across new words and last week I discovered a tiny treasure trove of fancy locution thanks to the Grandiloquent website which specialises in flowery, but genuine language. Grandiloquent means a "pompous or extravagant style of language" and there is plenty of that about.
Unearthing the true meaning of tea money
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 23/05/2021
» Thanks to readers for their entertaining comments and emails on last week's PostScript concerning the delights of drinking tea. There were assorted inspiring tales of eccentric tea ladies, quirky tea-time habits and important song lyrics I had overlooked.
It's time for 'cautious cuddling' in the UK
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 16/05/2021
» PostScript recently discussed how the month of May is looked upon fondly in Britain, partly because it heralds warmer weather. Admittedly summer in the UK can be rather brief, especially if the occluded fronts start misbehaving. It's no coincidence that the most common forecast in the British summer is "outlook changeable".