Showing 41 - 50 of 78
Durian for the heart in far South
News, Supapohn Kanwerayotin, Published on 14/07/2020
» 'From Bannang Sata Yala," along with PromptPay details for contactless payment, read the sign at the back of a pickup truck parked across the street from the mosque next to Thong Lor Metropolitan Police Station. This is a find on my neighbourhood roaming day. Because at this time of year I would usually have set myself up in Pattani as a launchpad for the annual durian eating season in three southern border provinces. In my pre-corona blueprint, the imagined highlight would be an-all durian day along multiple stalls lining the roadside of Ton Sai, a spot in Narathiwat where a work trip in July 2019 placed me in the divine durian abode. A large fruit picked, weighed and cut open by a lady vendor produced the prettiest plump golden mounds -- the most delicious durian I have ever wrapped my taste buds around. Amid oohs and aahs from Thai colleagues who had actually just finished another fruit before our arrival, plus the expression on my face while relishing that mouthful, must have boosted the courage in a foreign expert I was interpreting for to brave an encounter. Still, that pile of terrifying spiky fruit apparently overwhelmed his other colleagues who opted out. A globetrotting development expert, he nodded his approval as he finished his piece with no trace of aversion.
Forestalling second wave of Covid-19
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 25/04/2020
» If things go as planned, we will see parts of the country reopened in less than a week after the continuing diminution of coronavirus cases.
Battle rages to cut coronavirus off at the pass
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 11/04/2020
» The steady decline of Covid-19 cases in recent weeks has raised hopes that the country may eventually curb the outbreak that has ravaged the world.
No quick fix to army image
News, Editorial, Published on 06/02/2020
» The Royal Thai Army was quick to dismiss reports which went viral on social media and some mainstream media outlets on Tuesday about six "prohibited postures" for men in uniform; among them sitting with legs crossed, standing with arms folded, and having their hands in their pockets.
Wage hike offers only small relief
News, Editorial, Published on 29/12/2019
» The new minimum daily wage rate, with a few baht increase depending on location, will take effect as of Wednesday in what is dubbed a tiny new year's gift for labourers.
Army must come clean
News, Editorial, Published on 24/12/2019
» The extrajudicial killings of three unarmed villagers in Narathiwat's Rangae district is a real tragedy.
Negotiating the end of cross-border insurgency
News, Ong Weichong, Published on 02/12/2019
» Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Hat Yai Peace accords that ended the Communist Party of Malaya's (CPM) 41-year insurgency. This historical episode resonates with present day insurgencies where cross-border linkages can often allow insurgencies to persist and "good neighbourly" relations can open up possibilities for an enduring peace.
'Billy' case in the balance
News, Editorial, Published on 19/11/2019
» The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment yesterday made a U-turn on its decision to take action against Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn, former chief of Kaeng Krachan national park chief, who together with his team is charged with murdering Karen activist Porlajee "Billy" Rakchongcharoen.
Change tack in far South
News, Editorial, Published on 09/11/2019
» The government and army's responses to this week's deadly attack at a civil defence volunteer checkpoint in Yala province in the deep South are deeply worrying, largely because of their insistence on sticking with numerous failed and questionable means of tackling violence in the restive region.
Don't let Tak Bai justice die
News, Editorial, Published on 25/10/2019
» Fifteen years ago today, 85 Muslim men died as a direct result of what appeared to be atrocities committed by security officers against protesters in Tak Bai, Narathiwat. It was a horrific tragedy. Sadly, no one has been brought to justice yet, and the statute of limitations for prosecution will expire in five years.