Showing 1 - 10 of 45
Efficiency over pomp
Oped, Editorial, Published on 04/02/2026
» The video of Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt opening the new Phran Nok-Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road lasts only a few seconds, yet it has gone viral for that exact reason. In an era of elaborate ceremonies, the footage is a testament to bureaucratic restraint -- proving that when leaders prioritise pragmatism over pageantry, the public wins.
New debate format
Oped, Postbag, Published on 23/01/2026
» Re: "Academics sound alarm ahead of poll", (BP, Jan 14). A one-on-one debate format between political parties would greatly help us decide who we want to solve basic structural problems in our economy, society and justice system -- and the media should play a key role in arranging such a debate and setting the theme.
Hun Sen's war is his last gasps
News, Patee Sarasin, Published on 22/12/2025
» The artillery shells raining down along the Thai-Cambodian border are not the result of a territorial dispute. Rather, they are the desperate thunder of a dynasty trying to drown out the noise of its own collapse.
Power politics
Oped, Editorial, Published on 14/05/2025
» A recent row that saw a policeman beaten for warning a politician not to take photos inside a polling booth confirms that local politics still wields significant influence over law enforcers.
Those pesky pigeons and a plastic owl
Roger Crutchley, Published on 21/07/2024
» Fond as I am of our feathered friends I admit to getting in a bit of a flap over the rapidly increasing number of pigeons (nok pilab) that have been descending on our residence in recent times. Some people call pigeons "rats with wings", others more generously "doves without the PR". I must confess to be leaning towards the first of those opinions.
Lorry graft setback
Oped, Editorial, Published on 02/07/2024
» The ugly conflict between national police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol and his deputy Surachate Hakparn has diverted public attention from serious corruption and other problems at the Royal Thai Police.
Kingdom's top cops set poor example
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 24/06/2024
» The handling of the bitter feud between two heavyweights of the Royal Thai Police, Torsak Sukivimol and Surachate Hakparn, aka Big Joke, by a prime minister-appointed committee led by Chatchai Promlert is typical of a Thai style of conflict resolution that reflects the "mai pen rai" and "forget about it" attitude, despite the core issue being the integrity and honesty of the two officers.
'Big Joke' awaits another miracle
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 29/04/2024
» Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, widely known as Big Joke, is among a handful of officers whose meteoric rise in the force should lead them to being tapped as the next police commissioner-general. Pol Gen Surachate became a police general at about 40 years old but his career journey could be abruptly cut short.
Sick stock market
Postbag, Published on 19/11/2023
» Re: "SET seeks to rebalance stock market trading", (Business, Nov 16).
Si Thep counters 'Thai' history
Editorial, Published on 01/10/2023
» Thailand rejoiced last week as the ancient town of Si Thep in Phetchabun province secured the esteemed Unesco World Heritage Site status. Si Thep, however, is more than just an archaeological treasure. It is a window into Thailand's multicultural society before the emergence of kingdoms and nation states. Si Thep is reshaping Thailand's history, and it should be incorporated into the country's history textbooks.