Showing 1 - 10 of 49
Is Takaichi Sanae the 'Iron Lady' of Japan?
Oped, Koichi Hamada, Published on 10/11/2025
» For the first time in its history, Japan's parliament has selected a woman, Takaichi Sanae of the Liberal Democratic Party, to be prime minister. In this sense, Ms Takaichi has already followed in the footsteps of her political idol, Margaret Thatcher -- the UK's first female PM. But whether she is remembered as Japan's own "Iron Lady" will depend on her ability to manage three key challenges: inflation, low female labour-force participation and a fraught geopolitical environment.
Cute posts, cruel trade
Oped, Editorial, Published on 04/11/2025
» For years, CITES -- the United Nations' multilateral treaty aimed at protecting endangered plants and animals from threats posed by international trade -- has focused on combating wildlife trafficking networks that smuggle exotic animals from forests and breeding centres to meet demand from private zoos and the traditional medicine trade.
Trump returns to Asean with a bang
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 28/10/2025
» The Asean chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, said it all. Acknowledging US President Donald Trump's presence during the signing ceremony on Thailand-Cambodia relations on Sunday, he stated: "We, of course, admire your tenacity and courage because the world needs leaders who promote peace strongly."
Defusing a battery waste time bomb
Oped, Nattaphorn Buayam & Pitnaree Polsomboon, Published on 22/10/2025
» A mountain of dead batteries is piling up. If Thailand does nothing, these seemingly innocuous yet toxic batteries will become a national crisis. Properly managed, they can fuel a new economic future.
Quakes jolt old fears
Oped, Editorial, Published on 08/07/2025
» Although geologists are urging calm and caution against panic, a recent series of tremors detected in the Nicobar Islands, located off the coast of Phuket and Phangnga provinces, as well as the northern province of Lampang, has been a powerful reminder of the need to ensure the country's tsunami warning system remains fully functional.
Be wary of Border Guard Force pledges
Oped, Editorial, Published on 18/02/2025
» After Thailand moved to cut electricity supply and internet access to several areas along the Myanmar border to curb the activities of Chinese scam syndicates in Myawaddy township, the Border Guard Force (BGF) -- an ethnic Karen militia allied with the Myanmar junta, led by Colonel Saw Chit Thu -- finally agreed to take action.
Dystopia of slavery
Oped, Editorial, Published on 12/02/2025
» The government is moving in the right direction in terms of tackling online scam gangs that operate near the country's borders.
Beef up plastic waste ban
Oped, Editorial, Published on 03/01/2025
» The new Commerce Ministry rule banning the import of plastic waste is welcome news for the environment. The regulation has been in force since Dec 17. However, it should have been mandated as early as 2021. The responsible ministries delayed its implementation for three years to allow recycling businesses that rely on imported plastic scrap to prepare, arguing these businesses require certain types of plastic waste to sustain operations.
Hotel safety no PR joke
Oped, Editorial, Published on 02/01/2025
» An accidental fire at a hotel near the tourist magnet of Khao San Road that claimed three lives and injured seven lowered people's spirits on the cusp of New Year and raised questions about how officials handle building safety inspections.
Safer roads or just talk?
Oped, Editorial, Published on 31/12/2024
» Lower speed limits on roads in Bangkok's urban areas come as welcome news. Imposed to reduce road accidents, the rules passed by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) have been in place and enforced since Dec 23.