What K-pop can teach us about politics
What K-pop can teach us about politicsIn this file photo, a group of tuk-tuk drivers joins a pro-democracy rally on Sept 19. The K-pop fans sarcastically commented over the loss of advert income for mass transit operators as they turn to tuk-tuks. This is one of many occasions that Thai K-pop fans have shown their prowess and influence in Thai society. Much more has been raised since then, as many K-pop fans are known for having high purchasing power (since they can buy concert tickets, albums and merchandise). These young people, including K-pop fans, want self-determination and to make their own political choices, all while dreaming of a free society.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 06, 2020 20:37 UTC
Record US virus cases as Russia starts vaccinating: world update
Record US virus cases as Russia starts vaccinating: world updateBritain on Wednesday gave emergency approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine. - Vaccine for queen -In Britain, it was reported that the 94-year-old monarch will receive the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine within weeks after UK regulators granted emergency approval. Britain has pre-ordered 40 million doses of the vaccine in total, and is set to receive an initial batch of 800,000 to begin next week's rollout. - Moscow jab rollout -The World Health Organization has warned that vaccines are no magic bullet for the coronavirus crisis, as Russia started vaccinating its high-risk workers and other countries geared up for similar programs. Health officials in Moscow said they had opened 70 coronavirus vaccine centers in the Russian capital that would initially offer jabs for health, education and social workers.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 06, 2020 06:33 UTC
When steamrollers saved the day
When steamrollers saved the dayIn recent street confrontations in Bangkok the police have regularly used buses as barricades against the protesters, hopefully letting any dozing passengers off first. Back in 2009 when protesters threatened Government House, police commandeered several steamrollers that were being used for nearby roadworks. The steamrollers proved quite effective at keeping the demonstrators at bay, although admittedly they didn't have any rubber ducks to deal with. Later when things calmed down, the protesters took over the steamrollers, which they used to help prop up a stage for their speeches and singers. Once again they knew a lot more than me about the origin of the old rocks so I kept quiet.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 05, 2020 23:47 UTC
Farm chemical ban lacks support
Farm chemical ban lacks supportPeople who have optimistically thought the ban on toxic farm chemicals, like paraquat and chlorpyrifos, that took effect in the middle of this year should make vegetables and fruits safer to consume should think again. The latest findings bring into question the effectiveness of the farm chemical ban and risks to consumer health. Campaigning for farm chemical bans has never been easy, as attested in the case of chlorpyrifos and paraquat, a target of advocacy networks together with glyphosate. The ban on chlorpyrifos and paraquat was enforced on June 1 while the government made a U-turn on glyphosate. The Guide's projection shows that there is also an increasing demand for generally healthier, but not necessarily organic products.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 05, 2020 23:37 UTC
Sufficiency economy a bedrock legacy
(Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)The sufficiency economy philosophy conceived by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great is one of his most famous and enduring legacies. "Sufficiency economy does not mean one has to economise or tighten one's belt all the time. He said sufficiency economy was a "new theory" which offered guidelines for families and communities to be self-sufficient and self-reliant. "The sufficiency economy philosophy also teaches us to be diligent and persevering. He said: "Your Majesty's sufficiency economy philosophy -- emphasising moderation, responsible consumption and resilience to external shocks -- is of great relevance to communities everywhere during these times of rapid globalisation."
Source:Bangkok Post
December 04, 2020 21:30 UTC
Cages are not for tigers
The law classifies tigers as protected wildlife, but the state permits zoo operators to import tigers or breed them in captivity. This policy opens the doors for smugglers to supply wild tigers to zoos in Thailand. Tigers that end up in cages of private zoos will spend 20 years living in captivity. Indeed, the country has done remarkable work in increasing the numbers of wild tigers living in forests from 50 to 180, while the number of such tigers in each neighbouring country is less than 10. After making strides in saving wild tigers, the country now needs to protect those in captivity too.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 04, 2020 21:11 UTC
Medical upgrades urged
Thailand needs to step up efforts in using research and smart technologies to support healthcare businesses to better compete with foreign countries if the country wants to become a medical hub in Asean. The country should use the pandemic as an opportunity to catch up on trends in healthcare, said Naritcha Torsutkanok, vice-president of the Medical and Health Device Manufacturers Industry Club. Medical experts and businessmen have called on the government to strengthen the Thai medical industry. China can produce medical equipment at relatively low cost, which fuels price competition in the global market. A joint survey by the NBTC and the Bank of Thailand shows the healthcare segment has gained substantial benefits from 5G technology.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 04, 2020 21:11 UTC
Haier Model Research Institute (HMI) creates a Global Strategic Partnership
Haier Model Research Institute (HMI) creates a Global Strategic PartnershipWith SEAC through the establishment of the Southeast Asia Innovation Management Research CenterHaier Model Research Institute (HMI) is joining forces with SEAC (Southeast Asia Center) to create the Southeast Asia Innovation Management Research Center. This partnership creates a regional leader in organizational innovation and applied learning, which will benefit all stakeholders. “Following consultations with our clients, we have identified multiple opportunities for the new Southeast Asia Innovation Management Research Center. About the Haier Model Research Institute (HMI)HMI is a think tank of the Haier Group that focuses on the research and promotion of the Rendanheyi Model. Innovation management and the principles of Rendanheyi are fundamental to Haier’s overall strategy, and HMI is central to the research of its ecosystem platforms and practices.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 03, 2020 03:00 UTC
Stop Aids tests in workplace
Stop Aids tests in workplaceThailand has joined global campaigners in marking World Aids Day this week with encouraging news: new cases are on a steady decline. According to the Foundation for Aids Rights (FAR), about 470,000 people are living with HIV/Aids in Thailand. The Labour Ministry this week appealed to businesses to stop HIV/Aids testing, which is considered a discriminatory practice in the workplace that must be eliminated. The DLPW's pledge to fight against discrimination this week coincided with World Aids Day on Dec 1. The underlying message of this year's campaign was to ensure HIV/Aids sufferers can live in society without suffering discrimination.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 02, 2020 22:30 UTC
Protesters return to Lat Phrao intersection after court's ruling
Protesters return to Lat Phrao intersection after court's rulingProtesters occupy Lat Phrao intersection on Wednesday after the Constitutional Court ruled Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha did not break any laws when he continued to stay at an army house after he retired as the army chief. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)Anti-government protesters have gathered Lat Phrao intersection in Bangkok after the Constitutional Court cleared Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of wrongdoing for his occupancy of an army house. Protesters occupied the intersection again in a plan arranged in advance before the court's ruling on the prime minister's case. A speaker stands on the stage erected the People's Court similar to the Constitutional Court bench during a rally at Lat Phrao Intersection. Atthapol Buapat, a co-leader, said he was disappointed with the ruling on the army housing case although he was not surprised.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 02, 2020 12:36 UTC
Movie Preview: The Con-Heartist | Bangkok Post: learning
Directed by Mez Tharatorn from I Fine, Thank You, Love You, the romantic comedy The Con-Heartist is GDH’s latest movie. Tower, a con artist, fails to trick Ina, a banker. Ina proposes a deal to Tower that she will not report him to police if he agrees to use his skills to con Petch. Tower teams up with Ina’s high school teacher who has to be a businesswoman in the plan, and Jone, his brother. Vocabulary:con : a dishonest plan or method for making someone give you money - การโกหก, การหลองลวงcon artist : con man; a man who tricks others into giving him money, etc.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 02, 2020 04:30 UTC
Uniform fuss can't be tackled uniformly
Uniform fuss can't be tackled uniformlyStudent activists on Tuesday stage a symbolic protest demanding that uniforms should no longer be compulsory. Interestingly, supporters and opponents of school uniforms cite equality to support their argument. Student activists point out that 3.5 million underprivileged students can't afford a uniform and many have missed school. While school uniforms may make every student look the same, school emblems don't. Do children in remote villages or at the borders, who can't afford a uniform, have virtue growing inside them as much as those in a crisp uniform in Bangkok?
Source:Bangkok Post
December 01, 2020 22:41 UTC
Sudarat strikes back with new party
Sudarat: Will talk with colleaguesKhunying Sudarat Keyuraphan has confirmed she is looking to establish a new political party after quitting the main opposition Pheu Thai Party on Monday. A source in Pheu Thai said she had relinquished her membership because she did not get along with the new group of Pheu Thai executives over how to run the party. A political affairs panel was also named under Chaikasem Nitisiri, the former justice minister and a party key member, which supplanted the strategy committee previously chaired by Khunying Sudarat. Meanwhile, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dismissed speculation he plans to approach Khunying Sudarat to join the coalition Bhumjaithai Party which he leads. But I can say that the strong ties between Khunying Sudarat and I go back a long way.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 01, 2020 22:30 UTC
PM's fate hangs in the balance
(Photo: Nutthawat Wicheanbut)The future of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha hangs in the balance pending Wednesday's Constitutional Court ruling on the legality of his continued occupancy of an army residence since his retirement from the military. A ruling against the prime minister would spell the end of his premiership, and also end the term of his current cabinet. He remained prime minister and was returned to office following last year's general election. "If interpretation is based on the law, the prime minister would find it hard to survive. However, Mr Phichai said that Mr Chuan is also the favourite as he has gained recognition for his role in trying to foster reconciliation.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 01, 2020 22:18 UTC
Fourth woman who sneaked back from Myanmar infected | Bangkok Post: learning
Senior health officials announce the new Covid-19 infection in Chiang Mai, as another woman who crossed the border illegally from Myanmar to Mae Sai district tests positive. (Photo: Disease Control Department's Facebook page)Another Thai woman who crossed the border illegally from Myanmar to Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai province has been found to be infected with the coronavirus disease. She is the fourth woman recently diagnosed with Covid-19 after sneaking back into Thailand after working in Myanmar. "On Nov 24, she and the two friends crossed the border via a natural border pass to Mae Sai district. Between Nov 24 and 27, she stayed at a hotel in Mae Sai and did not leave the room.
Source:Bangkok Post
December 01, 2020 09:33 UTC