Showing 1 - 10 of 23
A Faustian bargain for the Global South
Oped, Jayati Ghosh, Published on 05/08/2025
» US President Donald Trump's tariff policies have unleashed global economic turmoil and a wave of protectionist measures. While many of his frequently changing tariffs may prove short-lived, their use as geopolitical weapons is poised to reshape international trade for years to come.
Building infrastructure for the AI age
Oped, Diane Coyle, Published on 22/07/2025
» The London Underground, the world's oldest subway system, opened in 1863. Around the same time, London's modern sewage system was designed by civil engineer Joseph Bazalgette in response to the Great Stink of 1858, which brought parliament to a standstill. Planning far ahead, Bazalgette built the system to last 150 years. Only now, with the Thames Tideway project, is it being significantly expanded.
UK setbacks dent soft power push
Oped, Nopporn Wong-Anan, Published on 08/07/2025
» As Thailand hosts the Splash Soft Power Forum from today to Friday, showcasing the country's ambitions across 14 soft power industries -- from Muay Thai and fashion to wellness and cuisine -- two recent developments in the UK threaten to undermine the credibility and momentum of this strategic initiative.
Time to rethink Thailand's soft power
Oped, Peerasit Kamnuansilpa, Published on 09/04/2025
» For years, Thailand has marketed itself to the world through golden temples, glittering beaches, street food, and warm hospitality. The "Land of Smiles" has become a global brand, but soft power is not a marketing campaign -- it's a long game of developing and nourishing values, trust, and strategic diplomacy. In that game, Thailand is falling behind.
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.
Trump to challenge global order
Oped, Kantathi Suphamongkhon, Published on 22/11/2024
» With President Donald Trump back in the White House, the fate of the liberal international order created by the US at the end of World War II is at risk.
Laws must guard all ethnic rights
Oped, Apinan Thammasena, Published on 24/10/2024
» One of the most important yet neglected issues in Thailand is the need to protect our indigenous peoples and their remarkable cultures. Over 60 ethnic groups contribute to the rich diversity of our society.
Defusing heritage rows
Oped, Editorial, Published on 18/04/2024
» As the Songkran water-splashing festival draws to a close in Thailand and Cambodia, the war of words among netizens -- sparked by a Thai influencer who made sarcastic comments about the Khmer New Year -- drags on.
Climate action needs cultural wisdom
Oped, Moe Moe, Published on 29/01/2024
» The recent COP28 marked the first COP meeting at which culture and cultural heritage were on the global agenda as forces to be mobilised for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Asean civil society participation in COP was key to gaining this recognition.
Ripe time for culture-based action
Oped, Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi & Margareth Menezes, Published on 14/12/2023
» Climate change affects every aspect of our lives, from the food we produce and our health to global peace and security. But the climate crisis is transforming not only our natural ecosystems but also our social and cultural landscapes, eroding our tangible and intangible heritage and practices, and depriving us of precious sources of resilience, meaning, identity, and knowledge.