Opinion pieces and commentary on Thailand's current affairs, in English, from Thai PBS World contributors.
The US government has previously acknowledged the part Thailand played in getting arms dealer Viktor Bout before a US court, thus making him available for the latest swap between the US and Russia, involving basketball star and double Olympian Brittney Griner. Since Griner was arrested earlier this year and charged with possession of cannabis oil,
APEC is necessary, but it needs to be rethought, made more binding and take more action to make it more relevant, according to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aat Pisanwanich, Director, Centre for International Trade Studies, University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. “APEC is necessary, but it has been 30 years. We need to rethink. Should
Suddenly, the China-US tension eased a little, sending good vibrations across the world. Just three hours of talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and American President Joe Biden miraculously produced this positive outcome. Of course, there is a long and winding road to be negotiated before ties return to where they were prior to Trump.
US President Joe Biden has benefitted from good Karma, because the outcome of the midterm elections on 8th November, which are still being counted, show that he has fared better than expected. Republican politicians, in particular the election deniers, have not won as much as pollsters had predicted. Biden can now board Air Force One
The world’s population will reach 8 billion in the middle of November – a testament to scientific breakthroughs and improvements in nutrition, public health and sanitation. But as our human family grows larger, it is also growing more divided. Billions of people are struggling; hundreds of millions are facing hunger and even famine. Record numbers
Although Thai law was changed last year to allow the termination of a pregnancy up to 12 weeks and again this year with some conditions to up to 20 weeks, it remains difficult for women in Thailand to get a free and safe abortion. “If you think abortion services have become available for all pregnant women who want to
Civic groups are demanding that leaders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), who will meet in Bangkok in November, address the problems faced by society at the root, rather than focusing only on the interests of the business sector. Non-governmental and civic organizations across the country are planning to hold meetings and workshops in
Speculation is rife that property tycoon Srettha Thavisin will be one of three prime ministerial candidates put forward by the Pheu Thai Party at the next general election. Sources from the biggest opposition party hinted that Srettha, president and chief executive of Thailand’s leading real estate developer, Sansiri Plc, is being “seriously considered” by Pheu
A little-known activist and self-declared red shirt earned media headlines – as well as praise from some government critics – by assaulting Thailand’s “complainer-in-chief”, Srisuwan Janya, last week. The incident also triggered a heated debate on social media over whether it was justified to physically attack someone for their “annoying habit” of lodging frequent complaints
“We found that the more you see the less you know and, every time I travel, I see that India is always something new. I thought I had learned and knew India, but when I travel to other states, it’s something new and I wonder, is this India?” said Her Excellency Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador of
Stand-up comedian Udom “Nose” Taepanich is under the spotlight after jokes in his latest show drew criticism and ignited an online clash between supporters and opponents of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Some observers see the drama as proof that the deep and long-standing divide in Thai society is no closer to being healed. The two
Thailand’s decision to abstain from voting on a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution that rejected Russia’s annexation of four eastern regions in Ukraine, far from proving its neutrality, is actually counterproductive and severely dents its international credibility, many experts believe. A direct instruction went from the government in Bangkok to the Thai permanent
