Showing 1 - 10 of 16
‘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".
Safeguarding peace after border conflict
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 06/01/2026
» 2026 began with good news: Thai–Cambodian ties showed signs of improvement following the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers on the final day of 2025. The fighting has stopped, but the wounds have left deep scars that are highly visible and difficult to heal. Worse, public trust across the border remains low, while anguished emotions remain high.
Driving them away
Oped, Postbag, Published on 01/01/2026
» Re: "Airport tax to rise 53% for international flights", (BP, Dec 4).
Medals abound
Postbag, Published on 30/12/2025
» Re: "Medals to millions as stars hit jackpot", (Sport, Dec 27).
Not even the penguins were spared
Roger Crutchley, Published on 28/12/2025
» Well, we've just about slithered our way through the Year of the Snake. Suffice to say, 2025 wasn't much fun. At least the previous year we had the "Happy Hippo" which kept us vaguely amused in a daft sort of way.
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?
Policy options for an overvalued baht
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 25/12/2025
» This is the last article of 2025. I have to thank readers for following my articles throughout the years. I believe I wrote my first article for the Bangkok Post in January 2020. So, it has been a five-year collaboration with the paper. Thank you, Bangkok Post.
What happens when Christmas loses its soul to AI?
News, Timothy Snyder, Published on 23/12/2025
» While trying to work at a café the other day, I experienced the real war on Christmas. Hoping for the familiar hum of conversation and music, I was surprised upon entering that no one was talking. Still, I sat down with my notebook and attempted to focus my thoughts, but something was playing havoc with my concentration. The music seemed eerie. I lifted my head, listened, and became disturbed.
Re-energising higher education in Asean
News, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 22/12/2025
» Higher education, implying the tertiary level associated with universities and parallel institutions, is at an inflexion point in Southeast Asia, where the trajectory of socio-political, economic and cultural development is changing rapidly.
How to help the world's poor most effectively
News, Bjorn Lomborg, Published on 22/12/2025
» As 2025 draws to a close, it's natural to turn our thoughts to the good we can do in the coming year -- not just for our families and communities, but for the world at large. The holidays are a moment not just for personal resolutions but for asking a bigger question: how can we help the world's poor as effectively as possible?