Showing 1 - 10 of 23
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.
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.
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.
Not how I recall it
Oped, Postbag, Published on 16/01/2024
» Re: "Call to end alcohol ban", (BP, Jan 15). Is history being rewritten? 1972? In happier and somewhat simpler times, I was drinking or purchasing beer cheerfully during the afternoon back in the early 1980s and subsequently anywhere in Thailand.
Give opportunities
Oped, Postbag, Published on 21/11/2023
» Re: "Myanmar still a ticking time bomb", (Editorial, Nov 19).
The Israel-Gaza crisis: A question of numbers
Oped, Gwynne Dyer, Published on 08/11/2023
» Being the heritage minister is not the summit of achievement in Israeli politics, but it is a cabinet position, and Amihai Eliyahu, the current occupant, really should watch what he says. When Radio Kol Berama asked him whether an atomic bomb should be dropped on Gaza, he should not have replied "This is one of the possibilities."
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).