Showing 1 - 10 of 135
Efficiency over pomp
Oped, Editorial, Published on 04/02/2026
» The video of Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt opening the new Phran Nok-Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road lasts only a few seconds, yet it has gone viral for that exact reason. In an era of elaborate ceremonies, the footage is a testament to bureaucratic restraint -- proving that when leaders prioritise pragmatism over pageantry, the public wins.
Flat fare a good start
Oped, Editorial, Published on 17/07/2025
» The 20-baht flat fare for electric trains that will run from Oct 1 this year to Sept 30 next year is a welcome move to ease the cost of living for city commuters.
PM2.5 crisis still lingers
News, Editorial, Published on 27/01/2025
» The government of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has come under fire from both opposition parties and the public for its handling of the PM2.5 air pollution crisis, particularly in Bangkok. During her attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the PM issued directives online urging ministries to urgently address the issue.
Bangkok bus reform plan a big letdown
Editorial, Published on 15/12/2024
» The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority's (BMTA) city bus service reform, which allows the private sector to manage city routes, has drawn widespread criticism.
How China and Japan's values 'differ'
Oped, Philip J Cunningham, Published on 05/12/2024
» Malaysia's former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad famously saluted "Asian values" citing "diffidence" as one of the characteristics that ostensibly made Asians different, though he did so in an arrogant, attention-grabbing kind of way. More successful was his "Look East Policy", (which, from the geographic confines of Malaysia is actually the Philippines) and there was no mistaking that it was Japan that Mr Mahathir had in mind, with China hovering somewhere out of focus in the background.
The day Sukhumvit almost sunk
Roger Crutchley, Published on 29/09/2024
» Reading about the extensive flooding in the North and Northeast got me thinking about the worst inundations experienced in Bangkok. It was probably back in 1983 when much of the city was underwater for several weeks. However one that really affected me was a few years later in 1986 after a huge storm had left the eastern part of Bangkok awash.
Train plan needs detail
News, Editorial, Published on 26/08/2024
» Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has floated an idea for the government to take over private electric train projects in the country and set a flat fare of 20 baht across all routes, a plan which aligns with a Pheu Thai Party campaign promise.
Grace under fire
Postbag, Published on 16/08/2024
» Re: "Laments of former PM Srettha Thavisin", (InQuote, Aug 15).
Paris Olympics can help unify a fractured city
News, Lionel Laurent, Published on 26/07/2024
» Paris faces the test this week of launching the Olympic Games safely and affordably at a time of war, political polarisation and social unrest. It's not a done deal. Heavy-handed security barriers and Covid-style QR codes are already infuriating residents and tourists trying to navigate a River Seine that's been cleaned at great expense.
Prepare for a future of heat waves
Oped, Renzo R Guinto, Published on 23/07/2024
» People across Asia have eagerly awaited the end of heat-wave season, which now appears to be drawing to a close. In my home country, the Philippines, the first typhoon of the year arrived in late May, lowering temperatures that had climbed to nearly 50° Celsius (122° Fahrenheit). Over the previous few months, the record-breaking heat led to school closures, a spike in emergency room visits, reduced productivity, and a return to remote work.