Showing 1 - 10 of 28
Grasping the VAT nettle
Oped, Editorial, Published on 24/11/2025
» The proposal to raise value-added tax from 7% to 8.5% in 2028, and to 10% in 2030, by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas is a display of political courage rarely seen in a political landscape where politicians are quick to spend money in the name of "economic stimulus" but stay mum when asked how to finance the schemes.
The time I really put my foot in it
Oped, Roger Crutchley, Published on 19/10/2025
» A half-hearted spring-cleaning session at home during the week came to a welcome halt when I unearthed a couple of my father's wartime RAF books under a pile of disintegrating paperbacks. The Air Ministry books, published more than 80 years ago, always serve as a reminder of when as a kid I made a faux pas of embarrassing proportions.
Tech-free zones are required to save humanity
Oped, Mariano Miguel Carrera, Published on 24/07/2025
» Several recent interactions and observations have led me to believe that humanity needs technology-free zones where people can interact and be themselves. Ironically, better human contact leads to better technology. The purpose of technology is to serve humans, whereas the reverse appears to be happening now!
Border panel needs review
Oped, Editorial, Published on 27/06/2025
» More than a week after the establishment of the Thai-Cambodian Border Situation Administration Centre, the Thai government must now evaluate the centre's operation, outcomes and direction to ensure its success.
Do you know what kids do at school?
Oped, Mariano Miguel Carrera, Published on 09/05/2025
» In the 1970s and 1980s, regular public service announcements (PSAs) went along: "It's 9pm. Do you know where your children are?" These announcements contributed to a major pendulum shift in parenting (positively and negatively). Having PSAs in the 2020s is required to create the required major shift in education to put the focus on parents' role in learning rather than just making sure their kids attend school. "Do you know what your child is doing at school?" should be the new announcement.
Don't rush State Audit Office probe
Oped, Editorial, Published on 29/04/2025
» Yesterday marked one month since one of the worst earthquakes in Thailand's history shook the capital. The tremor mostly caused minor damage to thousands of properties nationwide, but one building -- the under-construction State Audit Office (SAO) building in Chatuchak district -- completely collapsed during the quake.
Cell death a wake-up call
Oped, Editorial, Published on 11/03/2025
» The recent death of Pol Col Thitisan "Joe Ferrari" Utthanapon, who was serving a life sentence at Klongprem Central Prison in Bangkok, casts more doubt over the integrity of the country's corrections system.
Communication blame lies with the parents
Oped, Mariano Carrera, Published on 25/02/2025
» A recent parade of mothers and grandmothers in my neighbourhood showing off babies, seemingly as status accessories and symbols, highlights a problem with communication that should concern many adults.
Stadium must live on
Oped, Editorial, Published on 23/11/2024
» Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong's new plan to turn the Supachalasai National Stadium into a concert and sports venue has sparked hope that the ageing structure -- which will mark its 84th anniversary next year -- will be properly preserved.
Court image in the dock
Oped, Editorial, Published on 24/08/2024
» It is unusual for Thais to criticise courts and jurists. But such anxiety comes with good reason. Thai law levies hefty penalties on those found to be in contempt of court -- imprisonment of one to seven years and fines of 2,000-14,000 baht.