Showing 1 - 10 of 109
‘Mai pen rai’ paradox: from kindness to toxic silence
Juranan Soranet, Published on 07/01/2026
» "Mai pen rai" (It’s okay/never mind) is perhaps the most classic Thai phrase, symbolising kindness, compromise and a go-with-the-flow attitude. It is the hallmark of Thai charm. However, in a modern world driven by consumer rights and accountability, the harmless phrase is becoming a double-edged sword. We are witnessing the rise of "Toxic kreng jai" — an excessive form of considerateness where we suppress our own rights just to avoid being labelled "demanding".
Misplaced focus
Postbag, Published on 04/01/2026
» Re: 145 killed in first three 'dangerous days', (BP, Jan 2).
Buddhism and war
Postbag, Published on 29/12/2025
» Re: "When Buddhism falls silent during war", (Opinion, Dec 27).
When Buddhism falls silent during war
News, Sanitsuda Ekachai, Published on 27/12/2025
» The Buddha once stopped a water war between relatives by asking a simple question: What is more valuable: water or human life?
Down with casinos
Postbag, Published on 08/06/2025
» Re: "Govt tips 0.8 growth boost from casino complex", (BP, June 5).
Hope dies in Thailand's broken system
Oped, Sanitsuda Ekachai, Published on 28/02/2025
» A woman, stunned, her husband holding her hand as she walks down the courthouse stairs. Prof Pirongrong Ramasoota, a respected scholar and commissioner of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), has been sentenced to two years in jail. Her crime? Having a dispute with a corporate giant during her work as a state media regulator.
Border disputes need a smarter path
News, Sally Tyler, Published on 27/02/2025
» Though I live in Washington, DC, I generally spend some time each year in Thailand. When I visited recently, I was interested in noting the renewed controversy around the MOU 44 with Cambodia concerning Koh Kut and the overlapping claims area. While there are obvious parallels with the Preah Vihear conflict, using the dispute surrounding the celebrated temple complex as a guide for an effective resolution in Koh Kut will prove unsatisfactory for all parties.
'Amazing Thailand' just won't go away
Roger Crutchley, Published on 13/10/2024
» I must confess to groaning just a little this week upon seeing the headline "Amazing Thailand is back". I am not sure it ever went away. We were informed that next year we are in for "Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism Year" with the aim to attract more than 40 million visitors to these sunny shores. That's all a bit scary.