Showing 1 - 10 of 12
Safety failures cost lives
Oped, Editorial, Published on 16/01/2026
» First and foremost, this newspaper extends its condolences to the families of the victims of two deadly crane collapses -- one on Wednesday at a railway construction site in Nakhon Ratchasima province, and another yesterday on a section of Rama II Highway in Samut Sakhon. We join the public in praying for those injured and receiving treatment in hospital, hoping for their full recovery.
Rare earths are definitely China's trump card
Oped, Angela Huyue Zhang, Published on 15/08/2025
» China's weaponisation of rare earths has emerged as a major flash point in US-China trade negotiations. These critical materials, especially the high-performance magnets they make possible, are vital components in electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, industrial robotics, and advanced defence systems. In response to China's strict rare-earths export controls, the United States has quietly lowered tariffs, relaxed export controls on AI chips, and even softened visa restrictions for Chinese students.
Why is North Korea courting Russian tourists?
Oped, Saahil Menon, Published on 13/08/2025
» Hoping to replenish state coffers with much-needed foreign exchange reserves and offset the sharp post-Covid decline in Chinese tour groups, the Hermit Kingdom has set its sights on inquisitive holiday-makers from an ideologically aligned Russia.
Ability to pay key to debt restructuring
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 03/04/2025
» Last week's earthquake has provided Thais with two valuable lessons. First, Thailand has no national disaster management plan. No government agency seems to have had carefully thought-out plans and procedures to manage the situation. All measures were carried out on an ad-hoc basis. Worse, there appears to be no coordination among various agencies. Thais were left to rely on their own two feet as thousands of Bangkokians had no choice but to walk for hours to their homes when the mass transit railways were shutdown.
Debt buyback carries risks
Oped, Editorial, Published on 03/04/2025
» The country's household debt is a critical issue that must be addressed, and the idea of a debt buyback is undeniably appealing. However, authorities must approach the proposal with extreme caution. The debt relief measure gained attention after former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra raised the idea at a mayoral election rally in Phitsanulok last week.
Govt fails safety test
Oped, Editorial, Published on 19/03/2025
» The collapse of a concrete beam at an expressway construction site near Rama II Road on Saturday, which killed six workers and injured 20, is further proof that the government has failed to address the repeat issue of onsite accidents effectively.
Neutral safety body needed
Oped, Editorial, Published on 02/04/2024
» Another accident on Wednesday is a reminder for drivers in Bangkok that they have a new risk to heed. On top of Rama II Road's reputation for multiple accidents caused by construction sites, drivers must now watch out for danger from above as they drive below the structure of the Yellow Line monorail service.
The fight against drugs
Oped, Editorial, Published on 19/09/2023
» It should be good news that the Srettha government will make the fight against narcotics part of the national agenda. Announced on Sunday by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, the news has garnered mixed reactions, especially among human rights activists, which is understandable.
Govt supplied guns
Oped, Postbag, Published on 15/09/2023
» Re: "Mafia blitz spurs gun amnesty", (BP, Sept 14).
Cranes are a constant pain
Oped, Editorial, Published on 11/03/2023
» In the past fortnight, two construction accidents involving cranes have occurred, with one crane collapsing onto Rama II Road, one of the country's busiest arterial roads.