Showing 1 - 10 of 20
Abbot's dramatic fall from grace
Oped, Sanitsuda Ekachai, Published on 01/09/2025
» Faith built his empire. Fraud destroyed it. Luang Por Alongkot's fall from grace leaves Thai Buddhism reeling, demanding long-overdue reform.
Monastic discipline in the digital age
Oped, Watcharin Ariyaprakai, Published on 23/07/2025
» At a time when Thai society is reeling from scandals in the monastic community -- from leaked audio clips of money transfers via apps to secret relationships with women -- we are not merely shocked that "monks have done wrong", but rather at how swiftly the "image of purity" we've long upheld has collapsed.
Myanmar kids need 'rights for all'
Oped, Puttanee Kangkun and Patrick Phongsathorn, Published on 19/06/2025
» When armed conflict breaks out, it is the innocent and helpless, especially children, who suffer the most. Therefore, as we approach World Refugee Day tomorrow, Thai authorities must make a substantial effort to grant refugee children, and the parents who support them, equal rights and dignity in law and practice.
Bad monks erode trust
News, Editorial, Published on 19/05/2025
» The recent scandal involving a former abbot of the renowned Wat Rai Khing, accused of embezzling over 300 million baht to fund an online gambling addiction, is deeply disturbing but not surprising. It will not be the last blow to public faith in the Thai Sangha unless meaningful and fundamental reform is made.
Why don't Japanese give to charity?
Oped, Koichi Hamada, Published on 06/04/2024
» On Jan 1, as Japan celebrated the new year, a 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula, causing buildings to crumble, forcing mass evacuations, and leading to more than 200 deaths. But in the wake of the tragedy, something beautiful happened: an outpouring of support by philanthropic organisations and individuals, including support from beyond Japan's borders. More than 140,000 people donated US$5 million (183.7 million baht) through the Nippon Foundation alone.
City of smoke
Oped, Postbag, Published on 25/01/2024
» While the haze is the main cause of Thailand's air pollution, vehicle emissions, particularly in Bangkok, are multiplying the toxic, poisonous mess that people breathe daily.
A political stunt?
Oped, Postbag, Published on 26/08/2023
» Re: "10,000 Buddhist monks in Hat Yai for mass alms offerings", (BP, Aug 20).
Big steps for our 'expanding' nation
News, Editorial, Published on 12/03/2023
» Two years ago, the Public Health Ministry changed its guidelines to confirm that the average Thai child was, in fact, getting taller. To mark World Obesity Day on March 4, the Department of Health released a report saying that not only are they taller, but they are also much bigger -- with one in 10 children aged under 15 found to be clinically obese.
Food subsidies perpetuate hunger
News, David Fickling, Published on 17/08/2022
» If you want an image of subsidised food in the world, you might think of Egypt, where the price of flatbread is fixed and more than half the population lives on loaves costing just 0.05 Egyptian pounds (8 baht) thanks to heavy government support.
The Chadchart Effect
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 27/05/2022
» It's only fitting that when Chadchart Sittipunt, the most meme-able political figure in Thailand, has been named the next Bangkok governor, it should be commemorated with, well, more memes. Let's take a look at some of the most viral moments inspired by his run and eventual landslide win for the post of Bangkok governor.