Showing 1 - 10 of 142
Trump goes off-script, US gone rogue
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 27/03/2026
» It was not supposed to work like this. "America First" and "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) were supposed to be about an inward turn to repair, replenish and rebuild an externally overstretched and internally weakened country, weighed down by unnecessary global entanglements, unsustainable national debt, and unimpeded mass migration. It seemed for a time that the MAGA movement to prioritise America above and beyond the international system and its constituent parts had found its final prophet in President Donald J Trump. But now, somehow, President Trump has betrayed the movement that has carried him to office by waging a disastrous war on Iran in cooperation with Israel.
Echoes ignored
Oped, Postbag, Published on 13/03/2026
» Re: "With Iran war, US is alone", (World, March 6). The Deputy Director of the German Marshall Fund, Kristina Kausch, is upset that US President Donald Trump has not sought the world's approval in his quest to destroy Iran's military abilities and for the removal of its genocidal dictatorship. One which screams daily: "Death to Israel" and "Death to America". (Time Off, Bangkok Post, March 8).
Phuket stands at a tourism crossroads
Oped, Ajaree Tavornmas, Published on 12/03/2026
» Phuket has long stood as one of Asia's most celebrated destinations. Framed by the Andaman Sea, its turquoise waters, rich cultural fabric and globally recognised hospitality have attracted millions of visitors for decades. Tourism accounts for approximately 95% of the province's economy, generating more than 500 billion baht annually from over 14 million Thai and international travellers. With around 1,500 registered hotels and more than 100,000 rooms, the island is undeniably a cornerstone of Thailand's tourism industry.
Heat back on State Audit Office
Oped, Editorial, Published on 27/02/2026
» A music video released by the State Audit Office (SAO) came at just the right time. Without this house track, the harrowing collapse of its under-construction building might have begun to fade from public attention.
New debate format
Oped, Postbag, Published on 23/01/2026
» Re: "Academics sound alarm ahead of poll", (BP, Jan 14). A one-on-one debate format between political parties would greatly help us decide who we want to solve basic structural problems in our economy, society and justice system -- and the media should play a key role in arranging such a debate and setting the theme.
The politics of taste in our election season
Oped, Kong Rithdee, Published on 26/12/2025
» Hell is other people's tastes. Hell is when we passionately hate what people unconditionally love. Hell is when we can't fathom how anyone on the face of the earth can like someone or something we find revolting -- a food, a film, a style, an opening ceremony, a politician, a president.
Govts need to balance ethics, AI innovation
Oped, J. P. Singh, Published on 27/10/2025
» The biggest governance dilemma in AI is setting guidelines for the technology's ethical use without unduly weakening the incentive to innovate.
Digitisation needed
Oped, Postbag, Published on 02/10/2025
» Re: "New DES minister urged to prioritise AI", (Business, Sept 23). My son, who completed a BBA, has just joined an MBA programme at a local university. For this, he had to cancel his existing visa from his college and apply for a fresh one through his new university. He reached the immigration office at 8am and was given token 78 for cancellation and 900 for issuance of a new visa. With each applicant's process taking about 10 minutes, he would easily be spending over 12 hours there. The officials work beyond 4.30pm and until 9pm to issue or reject every visa.
Jail stay could be short
Oped, Editorial, Published on 11/09/2025
» As the public welcomed the Supreme Court ruling against Thaksin Shinawatra on Tuesday for violating the terms of his incarceration, the question remains as to whether the spiritual leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party would benefit from a home detention programme that could see his one-year prison term cut short.
Jakarta's crisis is Asean's problem
Oped, Simon Hutagalung, Published on 08/09/2025
» The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has relied on the domestic stability of its member states to achieve regional unity, and Indonesia, as the largest and most populous nation in the bloc, has served as the primary stabilising force.