Showing 1 - 10 of 2,893
The dawn of a new year
News, Editorial, Published on 01/01/2018
» With a single exception, the past year for Thailand has felt like a quiet period. The nation hopes it was not the lull before the storm. The leader of the military regime, after more than three years of ordering one delay after another, has promised in writing to take the first step towards resuming democratic principles before this new year is out. The country expects Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to meet that promise within 11 months from today.
Stop press intimidation
News, Editorial, Published on 02/01/2018
» The Thai Journalists Association wound up the year by issuing a depressing statement. It rated 2017 as yet another year where the free press was regulated and intimidated by the military government. The TJA said the regime hinders the media by restricting freedom of expression. And it says this causes public harm by not allowing examination and by barring criticism of the junta, collectively and individually.
Criminal crackdown
News, Editorial, Published on 03/01/2018
» It's encouraging to hear the New Year's resolution from the Central Investigation Bureau bigwigs about stepping up their battle against crime. The CIB deals specifically with fraud, scams and online tricksters. Last year, such crimes became bigger than ever. Thousands of people admitted falling victim to fraud schemes. CIB chief Pol Lt Gen Thitirat Nongharnpitak says he intends to put those crimes at the centre of his 2018 investigations, and he has outlined positive steps to do it.
E-pay glitch a bad omen
News, Editorial, Published on 04/01/2018
» When the clocks rolled over to the year 2000, most companies and organisations around the world survived the anticipated Y2K computer bug related to formatting and storage of calendar data. But as Thailand was saying goodbye to 2017 on Dec 31, the country's national e-payment system, PromptPay, failed to handle a similar foreseeable computer problem -- the calendar changing to 2018.
Give wildlife right of way
News, Editorial, Published on 05/01/2018
» Record numbers of visitors at Khao Yai National Park, especially during the New Year holidays, would not be a reason for concern if tourists had not increased the hazards for wild animals. The most pressing danger comes with personal car use which has resulted in crashes which have killed and injured many wild animals over the past decade.
EC walks fine media line
News, Editorial, Published on 06/01/2018
» Once political campaigning for a general election, tentatively set for November, kicks off, social media will likely become an even more powerful tool, not just for vote canvassing but also manipulation.
Gift-giving must be put out to pasture
News, Editorial, Published on 07/01/2018
» The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) must reconsider its plan to raise the gift allowance for cabinet ministers and senior officers which is currently capped at 3,000 baht.
Toll still worst in the world
News, Editorial, Published on 08/01/2018
» At the end of the New Year's holiday, the government boffins once again provided the bad news. During the "seven dangerous days" of Dec 28 to Jan 3, there were 3,841 serious traffic accidents. These killed 423 drivers and passengers, and sent 4,005 to hospitals and clinics. For this, the government spokesman suggested the public should praise hard work by policy-makers.
PM must step in to crisis
News, Editorial, Published on 09/01/2018
» Just days after he claimed he had become a politician, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is letting down the country. He's not alone in refusing to approach the important scandal involving the watches and jewellery of Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon. Others also are battling to avoid any accountability. Most notably, the junta-appointed National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has acted so poorly, it should stand aside and turn the issue over to a trustworthy person or group.
Developing the Mekong
News, Editorial, Published on 10/01/2018
» Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is in Phnom Penh for the two-day Mekong River summit that begins this morning. The second of its kind, the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Summit involves the leaders of all six countries touched by the mighty Mekong. The prime agenda item is what Beijing calls The Five-Year Plan of Action, a Chinese-dictated guideline for "development" of the river. One of the prime minister's most important tasks will be careful monitoring of how this plan impacts Thais.