Showing 1 - 10 of 263
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.
It's the economic history, stupid
Oped, Iker Saitua, Published on 14/01/2026
» Every year, I walk into a first-year lecture hall in Bilbao at the University of the Basque Country (EHU) and watch shoulders slump. The title of the course I'm teaching -- "Economic History" -- draws a similarly dejected reaction from my students: "Meh." "Boooring." "What's this even for?" Some call it "the history class", as if it belonged to another century.
How a bad Trump edit became a global controversy
Oped, Gwynne Dyer, Published on 14/11/2025
» I have spent thousands of hours sitting alongside video editors working on productions quite similar to the Panorama documentary that has landed the British Broadcasting Corporation with the threat of a billion-dollar libel suit by Donald Trump. I think I know what happened.
When 'cute' takes on another meaning
Thana Boonlert, Published on 25/09/2025
» Polcasan captivates fans with his playfulness. In a video, despite his gibberish rapping, the youngest star earns a big cheer. He dispenses touches, hugs, and waves. When he bounces, shakes his butt, and caresses his belly, his movement arouses an irresistible urge to cuddle. He appears in a wide range of activities, from shows and fan meetings to advertisements. In only a year and a half, he has drawn a huge following, with over 222,000 followers on Instagram.
Reform clergy with your wallet
Editorial, Published on 03/08/2025
» The recent sex scandal involving high-ranking monks has shaken public faith to the core. But the responses from the clergy, the state, and the public all miss the point. This crisis in Thai Buddhism is not about monks and sex -- it's about monks and money. Address the problem incorrectly, and the sex scandals and temple corruption will never end.
Rethink condom access in schools
Editorial, Published on 13/07/2025
» An initiative to give away free condoms in schools has always been a flashpoint for controversy, igniting fervent debate across society.
Unite for safer roads in Thailand
News, Jean Todt & Michaela Friberg-Storey, Published on 20/06/2025
» Thailand has recently taken a decisive step to protect lives on the road: since the beginning of June 2025, authorities have stepped up enforcement of the helmet law for both motorcycle riders and passengers, with fines of up to 2,000 baht per person for non-compliance. By enforcing helmet-wearing laws, the Royal Thai Police is sending a clear message: wearing a helmet is not a suggestion -- it is the law, and laws are meant to be followed. This one, in particular, saves lives.
The 1970 visa run into a war zone
Roger Crutchley, Published on 15/06/2025
» The Thai/Cambodian border has been in the news lately and let's hope everything is sorted out quickly and amicably. It sparked memories of the first time I crossed into Cambodia from Thailand back in October 1970. Now that's a long time ago.
Watch your step these stormy nights
Roger Crutchley, Published on 18/05/2025
» The rainstorms during the past week have been really refreshing. They've cooled things down a bit which is quite a relief after perspiring my way through April. I also appreciate the accompanying rolling thunder which provides a stirring theatrical soundtrack for the rain sloshing down. It's just another reminder of how powerful Mother Nature can be.
Please don't blame it on the penguins
Roger Crutchley, Published on 13/04/2025
» There has been quite a fallout from Mr Trump's Tariffs, from which even penguins and seals were not spared. So much for Happy Feet. As one American commentator observed with tongue firmly in cheek "the penguins have been ripping us off for years."