The Bangkok Post
Dams a threat to Mekong
Almost a decade ago, Vietnam was the most vocal neighbour in opposing Laos’ first dam on the Mekong River. Now, it has become a partner in the Lao government’s Luang Prabang dam project — its fifth on the mighty river. This new partnership is worrying, ...
Toxic wait must end
The change in the composition of the National Hazardous Substances Committee (NHSC), which regulates use of three harmful farm chemicals — paraquat, glyphosate and chlorpyrifos — could add complications to a move to have the trio banned. The new composition under the Industry Ministry permanent secretary ...
Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge to open Oct 30
The second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge across the Moei River in Tak’s Mae Sot district will be officially opened on Oct 30, according to a press release from the Highways Department. The opening ceremony will be co-chaired by Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob and Myanmar’s Minister of Construction ...
Assawin Pinitwong
Cabinet set to deliberate on EEC land-use, development plans
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee will soon submit plans to the Cabinet for the use of land and the development of utilities infrastructure in the EEC. Kanit Sangsubhan, secretary-general of the EEC Office, said the plans will cover the development of the EEC zone ...
Vietnam is powering full steam towards the future
These days, I get nostalgic every time I make a trip to Hanoi. This time around, it was about Vietnam’s street food scene. When I first came to Hanoi in 1986, my favourite eating place was at the corner of Ly Thuong Kiet and Pham ...
Kavi Chongkittavorn
Indigenous people hold climate key
Tackle the climate crisis. Support indigenous rights. When religious and spiritual leaders from all major traditions begin to make these demands, we should listen. Not out of respect. But for our own survival. Some 900 faith leaders from 125 countries recently convened in Lindau, Germany, for ...
Sanitsuda Ekachai
New bridge boosts Thai-Myanmar ties
Bilateral border trade between Thailand and Myanmar is expected to flourish after the second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge becomes fully operational, starting from Oct 30. Niyom Wairatpanich, vice-chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the bridge is vital to boost border trade between the two countries, ...
Phusadee Arunmas
Politics of regional trade liberalisation
As multilateral trade negotiations have become unworkable, regional and bilateral alternatives are on the rise. In Thailand’s neighbourhood, the most consequential of these trade vehicles is the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). As it missed the boat on the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), ...
Thitinan Pongsudhirak
Grassroots solutions to deadly problems
Local empowerment has become the best prevention measure against diseases and accidents in two Chiang Mai communities, who have learned firsthand how collective grassroots action can keep them safe. Dengue fever has terrorised the communities in tambon Ban Luang in Chom Thong district for years. Locals ...
Onnucha Hutasingh
'Safari tours' to cut conflict with wildlife
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has unveiled plans to develop “safari tourism” on the edge of the world-heritage Huai Kha Kheng Wildlife Sanctuary to reduce growing conflict there between humans and wildlife. Department spokesman Sompoch Maneerat said locally run safari tourism is ...
Apinya Wipatayotin