Showing 1 - 10 of 11
Lanna Buddhist legend merits revival
Oped, Suddan Wisudthiluck, Published on 19/12/2024
» When religious pilgrims trek to sacred sites, they reaffirm not only their faith but also their own culture and communities. One example is Spain's ancient route of Santiago de Compostela, which leads to the tomb of St James the Greater, one of the apostles who spread Christianity. It was established more than a thousand years ago, yet this route attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists today. Unesco recognised it as a World Heritage Site in 1985.
Buddhism is always oddly political
Oped, Guanxiong Qi, Published on 16/03/2024
» This year, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua is turning 72. Following the sexagenary cycle, the Thai government organised a month-long royal procession of the Buddha's relics from Feb 24 to this coming Monday including tours of four major Thai cities -- Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani and Krabi.
Needless forest evictions persist
Oped, Editorial, Published on 21/01/2024
» Amid the biological richness of Kaeng Krachan National Park, while forest authorities celebrate the importance of wildlife, a troubling practice of forcibly evicting native forest dwellers in the name of wildlife and biodiversity protection continues unabated. This violation of the forest dweller's rights must cease.
DNA tests a good start
Oped, Editorial, Published on 29/09/2023
» The Criminal Court's decision to jail the former director of Kaeng Krachan National Park should have made Pinnapa Prueksapan, the widow of missing activist Porlajee "Billy" Rakchongcharoen, feel vindicated after years spent seeking justice for her husband.
The precarious life of gorillas
Oped, Assaf Levy, Published on 27/09/2023
» Have you ever wondered what it is like to stand face to face with a creature so powerful yet so achingly human in its gaze? Imagine, for a moment, to be in the heart of Africa's mystical forests, surrounded by towering trees and the ethereal sounds of nature. And there, in that sacred realm, you find yourself in the presence of gorillas -- these gentle giants, our kin in the animal kingdom, who hold a mirror to our own humanity.
No justice in sight for Billy or his people
Oped, Paskorn Jumlongrach, Published on 19/04/2023
» The eldest child of missing Karen rights activist Porlajee "Billy" Rakchongcharoen enrolled in university this year, while her younger siblings are school students, some with financial help from kind-hearted donors. The youngest remains at home in Phetchaburi with his mum and Billy's widow Pinnapa "Mueno" Prueksapan.
Keep schools open
Oped, Postbag, Published on 07/01/2022
» Re:. "Schools set to move back online amid virus threat," (BP, Jan 4). Although Omicron is spreading, I suggest moving to on-site classes rather than online, with precautions.
Can Thailand's vibrant media be self-regulated?
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 06/07/2021
» Exactly 24 years ago this week, some 40-plus publishers and editors from all over Thailand came together to form the National Press Council to challenge the government of the day, which was trying to control them through regulatory measures. The council has since then used "social and peer pressure" and its code of ethics to maintain media professionalism. It has also served as a pillar for the Thai media to preserve freedom of expression.
Forest dictatorship at Kaeng Krachan
Oped, Sanitsuda Ekachai, Published on 03/03/2021
» Enough is enough. When the meek indigenous forest dwellers fearlessly walked out of the meeting with the forest authorities in Kaeng Krachan National Park last week, their message was clear: Enough of your lies, cheating and violence. Enough of our hunger and loss of dignity from forced resettlement. Enough of threats and intimidation. We are going home for good.
Peace, security in Asia is possible if the will is there
Oped, Surakiart Sathirathai, Published on 25/06/2020
» As the world approaches the post–pandemic era, I have some observations with regard to Asia–Pacific security.