Showing 1 - 10 of 24
Thin buyer guide
Oped, Postbag, Published on 11/02/2026
» Re: "Choosing the right air purifier for Thailand's rising air pollution", (Life, Feb 8).
Bad for democracy
Oped, Editorial, Published on 04/09/2025
» A House dissolution is meant to be a democratic coup de grâce -- a final option when governments can no longer govern and lawmakers cannot form a new coalition or find a leader to continue running the country. Once the House is dissolved, the nation must quickly hold a new general election.
Betting on the wrong horse
Oped, Editorial, Published on 11/08/2025
» In times of economic challenge and amid simmering border tensions with Cambodia, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who doubles as interior minister, has quietly overturned a 67-year-old ban on poker, reclassifying it from gambling to a recognised sport. The sudden move, which happened without public consultation, has sparked criticism and fuelled suspicion about the government's true priorities.
Singapore turns 60 with much to show
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 08/08/2025
» No country turns 60 like Singapore. In a neighbourhood of political dynasties and varying shades of autocracies and flawed democracies, the little island state of six million got lucky with its strongman rule. When he died in 2015, Singapore's patriarchal founder Lee Kuan Yew left a great country behind. This weekend, Singaporeans can take stock of what's gone by and rightly celebrate its milestone with much to show for.
Myanmar's 'my way' vs Asean norms
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 08/07/2025
» It appeared to be a done deal. During their summit on May 26, Asean leaders agreed to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the regional bloc. Since then, Nay Pyi Taw has raised an unexpected objection, with the junta issuing an official statement that could potentially embarrass Asean and its current chair, Malaysia.
Travel scheme farce
Oped, Editorial, Published on 07/07/2025
» The rollout of the "Tiew Thai Khon La Krung" campaign, or Thailand Travel Co-pay scheme, last week has proved to be unmitigated disaster, with no resolution in sight. This embarrassing episode reflects not only gross incompetence, but entrenched political pettiness among policy-makers.
Tariff man Trump vs united Asean
Oped, Kishore Mahbubani, Published on 09/06/2025
» US President Donald Trump's tariffs -- especially the ultra-high "reciprocal tariffs" that he says will be reintroduced on July 8 for any country that has not struck a trade deal with his administration -- have sent countries around the world scrambling to respond, adapt and limit the fallout. Asean's 10 members -- Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam -- have been among the most proactive.
Govt policies lack foresight
Oped, Editorial, Published on 25/03/2025
» Conflicting statements from the Ministry of Sport and Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the recent visa-free policy for some groups of tourists have only contributed to confusion over the matter.
India, US ties to be enhanced by Trump 2.0?
Oped, John J Metzler, Published on 30/01/2025
» Already close and cordial India/US political ties surged in the early hours of the new Trump administration. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was honoured with rare front row seating at the Inauguration of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the Washington ceremony.
Transport tops clean air tasks
Oped, Editorial, Published on 16/11/2024
» This week, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) launched a walking-cycling promotion to tackle the city's notorious traffic congestion. Quite an ambition.