Showing 1 - 10 of 12
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.
Tiny Vanuatu steps up to protect the climate
Oped, Antara Haldar, Published on 28/08/2025
» Although the International Court of Justice (ICJ) turned 80 this year, there is a sense in which it has never felt younger. In a David-versus-Goliath moment, the tiny Pacific Island state of Vanuatu recently changed international law forever by bringing the world's most important issue before its highest court. The result is an ICJ advisory opinion on "the legal obligations of states in respect of climate change", as requested -- at Vanuatu's urging -- by the UN General Assembly (with 132 states co-sponsoring the resolution).
Tech-free zones are required to save humanity
Oped, Mariano Miguel Carrera, Published on 24/07/2025
» Several recent interactions and observations have led me to believe that humanity needs technology-free zones where people can interact and be themselves. Ironically, better human contact leads to better technology. The purpose of technology is to serve humans, whereas the reverse appears to be happening now!
Thailand to navigate a shifting world
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 29/04/2025
» The Thai negotiating delegation's failure to meet with their American counterparts last week in Washington, DC, confirmed that Thailand is a low-priority country for the US. That should be a wake-up call for the Paetongtarn government -- the relationship between Thailand and the US is no longer what it used to be.
Thai-Korea ties: From K-pop to policy
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 06/08/2024
» Thai singer Lalisa "Lisa" Manobal, a member of the phenomenal yet now defunct Blackpink, epitomises the modern Thai-South Korean relationship thanks to her popularity and global appeal.
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 brighter future for Thailand's past
Oped, Bilaibhan Sampatsiri, Published on 21/07/2022
» Every year brings Thailand a new buzz phrase that academics, officials and the news media chant like a mantra hoping that it will unlock a better future. Digital hub. Smart city. The metaverse.
'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.
City train row still in need of a solution
Oped, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 23/12/2021
» After displaying bravado for the past two months, Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob appears to have caved in to mounting public pressure against his plan to close Hua Lamphong station.
'Soft power' just a dream?
Oped, Editorial, Published on 15/09/2021
» Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha is not the first leader to latch onto Thai nationals who have "made it" in the international arena before taking the opportunity to train the light on themselves by talking about Thailand's "soft power" and "creative economy".