Showing 1 - 10 of 32
Future utopias stumble over governance
Oped, Joe Mathews, Published on 20/08/2025
» In 2020, the rapper Akon declared he would build his own eponymous city on the site of the coastal village of Mbodiène, Senegal.
In the 'kingdom of silence', the caged bird raps
Oped, Mohammad Abu Hajar, Published on 18/07/2025
» In Syria, the caged bird raps. On my first night imprisoned, I began to write:
'Soft power' plans need more work
Editorial, Published on 17/12/2023
» Thai rapper Milli, mango sticky rice, and moo krata. These are among the things which the previous and current governments have proclaimed as examples of Thailand's "soft power". Confused? So are those who are in charge of developing and promoting the idea.
Soft power sells best when not force-fed
Arusa Pisuthipan, Published on 07/08/2023
» South Korea knows how to sell its products. Apart from K-entertainment, the country has also popularised K-merchandise through pop culture. From fried chicken and ramyeon cup noodles to egg drop sandwiches and soju, instant coffee and dietary supplements, we have seen countless products from South Korea in series and movies successfully create a huge customer base in Thailand.
PM2.5 nightmares
Oped, Postbag, Published on 18/03/2023
» Re: "PM2.5: Endless deja vu in Thailand", (Opinion, March 12).
Thai soft power, or a soft sales job?
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 31/01/2023
» Last week Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-cha issued a new soft power policy to promote Thai culture as part of efforts to attract international visitors. Upon close scrutiny, what the government is trying to do is actually raise revenue. In a nutshell, it is a sales pitch, nothing more.
A grim year rescued by Paddington Bear
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 25/12/2022
» It is customary at this time of the year to take a not-too-serious look back at the events of the past 12 months. It is not that easy because it's been a pretty miserable year highlighted by the madness of the war in Ukraine.
No need for blows in martial arts row
News, Nisit Intamano, Montakarn Suvanatap and Kittipaisalsilp, Published on 19/12/2022
» Khmer traditional martial arts, or "Kun Lbokator", was among this year's 22 new inscriptions to Unesco's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (ICH), as announced at the 17th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage, which was convened from Nov 28 to Dec 3 2022, in Rabat, Morocco.
Bid for UNHRC seat needs care
Oped, Yawee Butrkrawee, Published on 13/10/2022
» In late September 2022, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai announced Thailand's bid to be a member of the United Nation Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2025 cycle. While this is a bold, welcome move, self-reflection is much needed.