Showing 1 - 10 of 1,431
Surviving the collapse of the population
Oped, Gwynne Dyer, Published on 13/02/2026
» 'To them that hath shall [more] be given" is generally a reliable guide, especially in economic matters, but it doesn't work if the beneficiaries are too stupid to take advantage of the gift. The scarce and precious commodity in this case being people, who are in increasingly short supply.
A fond farewell to the poster people
Oped, Roger Crutchley, Published on 08/02/2026
» For a couple of months the streets in Bangkok and throughout Thailand have been decorated with posters of political candidates. But now the Big Day has arrived and soon the posters will disappear. In a strange sort of way, I will miss their presence as they were at least something to look at when stuck in the traffic. They generally appeared to be a cheerful lot, beaming at us with big cheesy grins as one would expect in the Land of Smiles.
Hedgehoppers in search of good news
Roger Crutchley, Published on 01/02/2026
» Being the very first day of February it would have been nice if there was some good news worth celebrating, but unfortunately nothing immediately springs to mind. Cheerful news is an increasingly rare commodity these days. It all seems to be gloom and doom and hardly portends a joyful 2026. It can get a bit wearying grappling with news reports featuring contradictions, cover-ups and cock-ups, often accompanied by half-truths, prevarications and porky pies. But this is the world we now live in.
Nose for business: Smell, sell, repeat in Thai laundry culture
Nonthawat Phakham, Published on 28/01/2026
» Have you ever felt confused buying fabric softener or detergent in Thailand? I have. Choosing these products is no longer just about scent. They now offer features like UV protection, night-dry and indoor-dry formulas, quick or expert wash options, fast-wash, anti–colour-transfer technology and multiple scent variations for each formula.
A missing item in the rural soundtrack
Roger Crutchley, Published on 18/01/2026
» As usual at this time of the year I have been enjoying life in the Northeastern province of Chaiyaphum for several weeks. However on this visit there was something slightly different which I couldn't immediately put my finger on. It took a few days before realising I was not being woken up by the usual early morning chorus of roosters or chickens of any sort.
Who runs Red Line?
Oped, Postbag, Published on 16/01/2026
» Re: "Red Line B40 daily fare cap starts", (BP, Dec 2, 2025). I'm just curious whether the Red Line commuter trains are under the jurisdiction of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) or the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).
America's new age of empire dawns
Oped, Joseph E Stiglitz, Published on 13/01/2026
» US President Donald Trump has drawn a wave of criticism for his actions in Venezuela, violations of international law, disdain for longstanding norms, and threats against other countries -- not least allies like Denmark and Canada. Around the world, there is a palpable sense of uncertainty and foreboding. But it should already be obvious that things will not end well, neither for the United States nor the rest of the world.
Greenland enjoys a taste of Thailand
Roger Crutchley, Published on 11/01/2026
» We are only 11 days into 2026 and I am already worn out trying to keep up with what's going on in this crazy old world. In addition to Venezuela, countries which must be a wee bit nervous about what lies in store include Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Iran and Greenland. However, we will leave the heavy news to the experts.
Trump's Greenland logic rattles Europe, Nato
News, Sara Sjolin & Andrea Palasciano & Sanne Wass, Published on 08/01/2026
» Donald Trump's rationale for decapitating Venezuela's government is fuelling concerns among European officials that they could soon face an existential dilemma over Greenland.
