Showing 91 - 100 of 145
Lust for power drying up local communities
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 22/07/2019
» Some fishermen in Loei province once told me that Buddhist Lent Day was a mark for the rainy season and the time to enjoy high water on the Mekong River. But last week gave a starkly different picture. Water levels on the river were at their lowest in 57 years.
Landless poor bear brunt of failed policy
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 08/07/2019
» Last week, five villagers accused of encroachment on Saithong National Park in Chaiyaphum province were taken straight to jail after the Appeal Court upheld a ruling given previously by a lower court. The decision brought tears to their families and community members.
Apathy fuelling renewed culture of violence
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 01/07/2019
» 'He deserves it." That was the response -- with apparent satisfaction -- from netizens regarding a brutal physical attack on pro-democracy activist Sirawith "Ja New" Seritiwat by four unidentified men on Friday who hit him with baseball bats. The comments were made after pictures surfaced on social media showing Mr Sirawith unconscious and covered in blood.
Region's businesses lag on rights issues
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 24/06/2019
» Even though economic development was one the key agenda items at the 34th Asean Summit held in Bangkok last week, human rights protection in the context of business operations seemed to not get sufficient attention from Asean leaders.
Prayut's many critics are just warming up
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 10/06/2019
» Despite his political triumph in becoming the country's 30th prime minister, Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha on June 5 experienced a challenge he has not encountered before in more than five years of his regime rule.
Gender equity push must start in the House
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 03/06/2019
» The status of women in Thai parliament has long been compared to that of an "ornamental plant", or mere decorative object.
Seat selections see political ethics hit nadir
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 13/05/2019
» The country's political ethics reached a new low after the Election Commission (EC) and the military government chose, respectively, to award MP and Senate seats to people who may not be qualified.
Abandoned houses a bad sign in Dawei
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 06/05/2019
» During my trip last week to the Bawah relocation area where nearly 500 houses have been newly built to accommodate over 1,000 people affected by the development of the Dawei Special Economic Zone (DSEZ) in Myanmar, it caught me by surprise that most of the houses are unoccupied.
Political 'cobras' are poisoning our democracy
News, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 01/04/2019
» People who are familiar with Thai politics must know the metaphor ngu hao, literally cobra, which implies betrayal, dirty political games and bargaining.
Will ‘welfare state’ promises be honoured?
Oped, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 25/03/2019
» Following the general election yesterday, elected politicians will be closely watched how and whether they will keep the many promises made during their poll campaigns. One is their pledge to make Thailand a “welfare state”. Pheu Thai vows to improve the existing Universal Healthcare Coverage scheme, initiated by its precursor Thai Rak Thai. It also came up with a fresh idea of a “lottery savings” scheme that will encourage personal savings through the purchase of a lottery ticket.