Showing 1 - 10 of 12
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:
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.
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.
Making change via K-Pop and Thai-Y
Oped, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 04/05/2022
» K-Pop and artistic ripples through films and other forms of entertainment from South Korea have been conquering the world in recent years, as part of soft power and smart power.
'Soft power' goal proves a tough nut to crack
Oped, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 03/05/2022
» The government's plan to harness "soft power" to propel Thailand into becoming a leading country of the world may sound impressive.
The local politics of Thai soft power
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 29/04/2022
» It was yet another passing storm in Thailand's overflowing teacup. The overnight sensation of 19-year-old rapper Danupha "Milli" Khanatheerakul at the recent Coachella Music Festival in the United States has shaken Thailand to its core foundations and revealed much that is still right and all that is wrong with this country. At issue are the ramifications from her global showcase of Thailand's sticky rice and ripe mango on the Coachella stage in view of her talent and political standing against the local conservative establishment.
'Soft power' is not built upon sweet music
Oped, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 19/04/2022
» The buzz over #khaonieomamuang and #MILLILiveatCoachella seems to have an ironic twist with Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha jumping on the bandwagon and claiming he was the one who nudged Thailand to develop its "soft power" to attract the world's attention.
Fuel for change
Oped, Postbag, Published on 30/10/2021
» Re: "Ratch approves plan to acquire 2 plants from PE," (Business, Oct 23).