Commentary

Opinion: What is ‘Soft Power’, Really?

I swear, if I have to hear this government say “soft power” one more time!Yes, we’ve all seen and heard them use the term “soft power” at practically every opportunity. We get it; it’s one of your big projects....

Tik Tok’s role in the Hamas conflict serves as an important reminder for Thailand

The potential of platforms like TikTok to shape the perceptions and opinions of young people has become a pressing concern for nations across the globe. Thailand, with its unique geopolitical position and societal values, is not immune to these...

It is time to abolish the death penalty in Thailand

In Thailand, the issue of the death penalty has long been a topic that sparks intense debate, provoking passionate arguments from both its proponents and detractors.Abolishing the death penalty is not a matter of being "soft" on crime, but...

We can do better as a society when it comes to mental health

Earlier this month, Bangkok experienced a harrowing event that sent shockwaves through the entire nation. In the bustling Siam Paragon, located in the heart of the city center, a 14-year-old boy pulled out a gun and began shooting random...

After the Paragon shooting, hard questions must be asked in this Banana Republic

There are dark corners in every person's heart where the worst thoughts lay undisturbed. No one can foresee when these demons can take over and what happens when they do. Seemingly normal people can be driven to do extreme...

Opinion: Making me pay tax is fine but where does it go?

In 1789, American statesman Benjamin Franklin recorded in a letter, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes".And boy, will the new income tax law starting Jan 1, 2024 will make us feel...

From Backstreet Boys to bombs over Baghdad, a loss of innocence after 9/11

When the Twin Towers fell on the morning of September 11, 2001, it wasn't just the skyline of New York City that changed forever—so too did the worldview of an entire generation of millennials. A generation that came of...

Eighteen Months of War in Ukraine: Thai humanitarian worker reports from the war

by Nattasuda A. Kaplin, Head of Communications, Plan International Ukraine Humanitarian ResponseAir-raid sirens clash with the sound of laughter in playgrounds. Bomb shelters stand in stark contrast to ballet performances in opera houses, lit by generators. Cafés and restaurants...

Free Expression: Philosophies, Boundaries, and Historical Perspectives

In the annals of human history, few ideals have been as cherished and contested as the right to free expression. But as with all freedoms, the boundaries of this right remain a subject of perennial debate, shaped by ever-evolving...

What is a paternal autocracy and why is it important in the Thai context

Paternal Autocracy, seen across various historical and societal contexts, represents a governance style where a single leader or a ruling elite embodies a paternalistic role, possessing concentrated power and authority. A deep respect for order, traditional hierarchies, and authoritative...

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