History is repeating itself In the Sulu Sea The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday September 8, 2026 First published in the New Straits Times Wednesday September 2, 2026

History is repeating itself in the Sulu Sea, proving that while geopolitical actors change, strategic geography remains permanent.
In the 18th century, Western colonial empires contested these same waters, seeking to partition the region into exclusive spheres of influence.
Today, the maritime chessboard looks identical, but the pieces have shifted: the fear of a rising China has replaced the old colonial powers at the centre of this modern power play.
Long before Balabac became a concern for Putrajaya, its surrounding waters, notably the Sulu Sea and the Celebes Sea, had attracted competing maritime powers.
In the 18th century, Alexander Dalrymple of British East India Company recognised the strategic-commercial value of Balambangan across from the Balabac strait which Malaysia shares with the Philippines.
Dalrymple built a small trading outpost at Balambangan for the East India Company to expand the Company's political and commercial influence. The trading post was abandoned in 1775 after local forces believed to be aligned with the Sultan of Sulu razed it.
Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's recent remarks on US miliary presence at Balabac are significant.
He is concerned the US military build-up near Sabah could reopen old political wounds between Manila and Putrajaya.
He is also worried that the US-Sino rivalry moving too close to Malaysia for our comfort and the geopolitical tensions could undermine Malaysia's neutral position.
To counter the growing US-Philippine military footprint at Balabac and nine other sites across the Philippines under the Extended Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) Putrajaya must act swiftly.
Building a dedicated naval base on Pulau Balambangan is now a matter of national urgency.

B.A. Hamzah,
Former lecturer.
National Defence University Malaysia (UPNM),
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia

Call For Papua New Guinea parliament not to approve Bougainville's secession as a separate sovereign state The Southeast Asian Times Monday September 7, 2026 First published in The National Friday September 4, 2026

Papua New Guinea is approaching one of the most consequential decisions in our national history: determining how Parliament should respond to the 2019 Bougainville Referendum.
The overwhelming vote for independence must be acknowledged and respected.
Bougainvilleans have expressed their aspirations clearly, and their history, sacrifices, and desire for greater self-determination deserve dignity, seriousness and respect.
However, respecting the referendum does not mean Parliament must automatically approve Bougainville's separation from Papua New Guinea.
The referendum was conducted within a constitutional framework requiring consultation and parliamentary consideration.
Parliament must therefore consider Bougainville's aspirations alongside the long-term sovereignty, security, stability, and prosperity of the nation as a whole.
Prime Minister James Marape, our parliamentary position should be clear: Parliament should not approve Bougainville's secession as a separate sovereign state.
This is not an argument against Bougainville.
It is an argument for a stronger Bougainville within a stronger and united Papua New Guinea.
National unity is also a matter of national security.
Papua New Guinea's strategic location, maritime territory, natural resources, and international borders make fragmentation a serious consideration.
A separate Bougainville would raise complex questions concerning borders, citizenship, immigration, customs, maritime security, fisheries, defence, and foreign relations.
However, unity must not mean excessive centralisation.
If Bougainville is to remain within Papua New Guinea, it must be offered meaningful autonomy, equitable resource benefits, accelerated development, stronger institutions, and genuine political partnership.
Let us respect the referendum, protect the peace process, strengthen Bougainville, reform Papua New Guinea, and preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation.

Colonel Reginald Renagi (Rtd.)
Strategic Leadership and Governance Adviser-Advocate,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea must address Security, governance, and education The Southeast Asian Times Sunday September 6, 2026 First published in The National Friday September 4, 2026

As Papua New Guinea enters September, three national debates stand out, the firearms amnesty deadline, the Bougainville independence ratification, and the literacy crisis.
Each touches the foundation of our nation's future.
First, the firearms amnesty ending on September 16 must be taken seriously.
Tribal conflicts and lawlessness have long undermined peace in our communities.
Surrendering illegal weapons is not simply about compliance it is about saving lives and restoring trust in law and order.
After Independence Day, enforcement must be firm, but the Government must also invest in reconciliation and community policing to secure lasting peace.
Second, Bougainville's independence question remains unresolved.
Parliament's delay in ratifying the 2019 referendum result risks weakening confidence in the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
While leaders debate whether a two-thirds or simple majority is required, ordinary citizens see only indecision.
The Government must act with clarity and fairness, respecting the overwhelming will of Bougainvilleans while protecting national unity
Third, National Literacy Week reminds us of a sobering reality 37 percent of our people remain illiterate.
Without literacy, citizens cannot fully participate in democracy or access opportunities in the modern economy.
Education is not a luxury; it is the backbone of development.
The Government must prioritise literacy programmes, teacher training, and community learning centres to unlock the potential of our people.
Security, governance, and education are pillars of a strong nation.
We must address all three with urgency, courage, and vision if Papua New Guinea is to build a safer, more united, and prosperous future.

Stan Inford Ijimba,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea

Debt funding under the IMF programme Has contributed to Papua New Guinea's public debt The Southeast Asian Times Saturday September 5, 2026 First published in the National Tuesday September 1, 2026

The economic growth forecast for Papua New Guinea in 2026 is not the result of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reform programme, which began in 2024.
Rather, growth is mainly being driven by improvements in international commodity prices – factors Papua New Guinea does not control.
The IMF programme has failed on two critical economic measures.
First, it has failed to contain public spending by reducing the overall budget to a sustainable level.
While the budget deficit has declined, the size of the overall budget has increased significantly.
Consequently, debt funding under the IMF programme has contributed to Papua New Guinea's public debt, now around K60 billion, an increasingly unsustainable burden for taxpayers and ordinary citizens.
Second, the programme has failed to increase domestic production and exports sufficiently to generate foreign exchange, meet import demand and strengthen international reserves.
It has not addressed the structural constraints preventing agriculture, forestry and fisheries from reaching their productive and export potential.
Instead, the IMF reforms have increased the cost of doing business for the private and public sectors, individuals and households.
The crawling exchange-rate mechanism, effectively a depreciation of the kina, has contributed to higher import costs and inflation.
Meanwhile, ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran have further increased the costs of living, borrowing and doing business through higher oil, food and transportation prices.
These pressures are likely to worsen with the adverse effects of El Nino.
In my view, the IMF reform programme has failed to deliver the sustainable economic transformation Papua New Guinea needs.

Concerned Citizen.
Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea

Comprehensive School Safety Act, Senate Bill Seeks stronger security emergency response The Southeast Asian Times Friday September 4, 2026 First published in the Philippine Inquirer Monday August 28, 2026

On June 16, 2026, a 14-year-old Grade 8 student armed with a kitchen knife attacked a Grade 5 classroom at a private school in General Trias City, Cavite, injuring seven pupils.
On June 22, three students were killed in a shooting at a public high school in Tacloban City. A 12-year-old Grade 7 student later surrendered to police after stabbing a 14-year-old Grade 8 student outside a public school in Bacolod City. On July 31, a 13-year-old boy was fatally stabbed by his 14-year-old schoolmate inside a public high school in Las Pinas City.
Most recently, on August 18, two students iincluding the alleged gunman died in a shooting inside the Junior High School building of Ateneo de Zamboanga University.
Can we still call our schools havens of peace and security?
How can parents be assured that children who leave home to study will return safely after dismissal?
These incidents cannot be dismissed as isolated cases.
Their recurrence exposes gaps in threat detection, firearm and weapon control, mental health services, anti-bullying mechanisms, and coordination among schools, families, communities, and law enforcement agencies.
The Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education must therefore intensify—not merely reiterate—their safety and security protocols.
First, every school must maintain a regularly updated safety plan covering controlled entry, confidential reporting channels, threat assessment, evacuation, lockdown, and reunification procedures.
Drills must be trauma-sensitive and supported by trained personnel.
Second, the government must urgently fill vacant guidance counselor and guidance associate positions and establish accessible referral systems for learners showing distress, aggression, isolation, or exposure to bullying.
Intervention must be preventive, confidential, and compassionate not punitive or stigmatizing.
Third, schools, barangays, local governments, and police must establish coordinated safety networks.
Police assistance should be available without turning campuses into intimidating spaces.
Stronger safeguards against minors access to firearms and other deadly weapons are equally essential.
Parents must also maintain constant, open communication with their children. ''Kumusta ang araw mo, nak?'' may sound ordinary, but an attentive conversation can reveal bullying, fear, anger, or desperation before these erupt into violence.
I join the Second Congressional Commission on Education in supporting the passage of Sen. Bam Aquino's proposed Comprehensive School Safety Act, Senate Bill No. 2390, which seeks stronger security, emergency response, psychosocial support, and interagency coordination.
Meanwhile, the public must respect grieving families and exercise prudence when sharing information, particularly unverified claims and graphic content.
This must end. It must never be normalized.
This disturbing violence is not and must never become the face of Philippine schools.

Danilo V. Rogayan Jr.,
Manila,
Philippines

 

Respect the wishes of Bougainvilleans And make their dream for independence a reality The Southeast Asian Times Thursday September 3, 2026 First published in the National Tuesday September 2, 2026

As fellow Papua New Guineans and elected leaders, we should put ourselves in their shoes and recognise that, if we were Bougainvilleans, we would likely desire the same.
Therefore, we must act in line with the interests, aspirations and wishes of our Bougainville brothers and sisters.
Doing so would help bring closure to the prolonged Bougainville issue and allow the nation to move forward.
Saying ''no'' or creating excuses will only deepen frustration, anger and division.
I appeal to all elected leaders to do the right thing, respect the wishes of Bougainvilleans and help make their dream a reality.
As parents, we naturally want to give our children what they genuinely need and desire, rather than impose something they do not want.
Likewise, we must listen to Bougainville and respond with understanding, respect and compassion.
Their aspirations deserve to be heard, respected and honoured.
Let's do it right

Paul Minga,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea

Singapore Airlines investment in Air India Should rightly be scrutinised The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday September 2, 2026 First published in the Straits Times, Tuesday September 1, 2026

I have been struck by the almost gleeful tone of comments about Singapore Airlines (SIA) losses arising from its investment in Air India.
There is legitimate room to question any investment, and its valuation, execution and eventual return.
But some of the comments seem to have acquired a distinctly different flavour, as though the difficulties are somehow evidence of the folly of investing in an Indian company.
A little perspective may be useful.
In 2000, Singtel invested US$400 million in India's Bharti Group. Bharti Airtel has since become one of Singtel's most valuable overseas investments.
Not every overseas investment has followed that trajectory. Singtel's acquisition of Optus in 2001 valued the Australian company at roughly A$15 billion.
Optus has subsequently experienced both successful and extremely difficult periods.
Singapore's experience with China offers another lesson.
The much-heralded Suzhou Industrial Park accumulated substantial losses in its early years, prompting Singapore to reduce its stake and relinquish management control.
Yet the park subsequently prospered and became an important platform for Singapore businesses in China.
Temasek, too, has had investments that failed, including its US$275 million (S$350 million) investment in cryptocurrency exchange FTX, alongside many enormously successful investments.
That is investing. Some investments succeed spectacularly. Some disappoint. Some require restructuring. Some take decades for their original thesis to be vindicated; others never are.
SIA's investment in Air India should rightly be scrutinised.
But it should be scrutinised as an investment, using the same standards and time horizons applied to investments in Australia, China, America or anywhere else.
What is troubling is when criticism slips from examining commercial performance into sweeping assumptions about India, Indian companies or their ability to be professionally managed.
Air India is undertaking an ambitious turnaround. It is too early to know if it will succeed.
But its nationality should be neither a defence nor an indictment. Singapore’s investment history should have taught us that.

Dipa Swaminathan,
Singapore

China argues that Batanes is a natural Geographical extension of Taiwan The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday September 1, 2026 First published in the Philippine Inquirer Thursday August 27, 2026

The recent assertions by some Chinese scholars that Batanes is part of Taiwan and, therefore, belongs to China should not be dismissed as merely an eccentric academic theory.
Nor should they be mistaken for official Chinese policy.
But given Batanes's strategic location and the growing possibility of a Taiwan contingency, the claim deserves far greater scrutiny than it has so far received.
At a June 30 symposium at Jinan University in Guangzhou, Chinese scholars reportedly argued that Batanes is a natural geographical extension of Taiwan and invoked alleged historical links between the islands and Taiwan during the Ming and Qing periods.
But prominent Philippine historians have rejected these historical arguments, pointing to the absence of credible evidence that Batanes was ever governed by China and emphasizing its long history of Spanish and subsequently Philippine administration.
There is no doubt that Batanes has never been part of Taiwan.
The claims made by some Chinese scholars may have less to do with history and more to do with geography and strategy.
Batanes is only about 160 kilometers south of Taiwan and sits near the Bashi Channel, an important maritime passage connecting the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and Luzon Strait.
This strategic dimension is what makes the Chinese scholars’ claims particularly troubling.
If Batanes is portrayed as an extension of Taiwan, China could eventually use this narrative to question the Philippine's lawful activities in the area or justify challenging our military presence and access to the waters around Luzon.
An important distinction, however, must be made.
The claim by the Chinese scholars does not, at present, constitute an official territorial claim by China over Batanes.
This is also the position of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.
That distinction is important because it prevents our country from being alarmist. But it should not be an excuse for complacency.

Raul B. Leyritana,
Manila,
Philippines

Filipino women are having 1.7 children 2.1 children needed for one generation The Southeast Asian Times Monday Austust 31, 2026 Frist published in the Philippine Inquirer Wednesday August 26, 2026

August is Family Planning Month.
This year, the observance comes at an interesting point, as the latest National Demographic and Health Survey puts the country’s total fertility rate at 1.7.
Filipino women are now having an average of 1.7 children over their lifetime, below the roughly 2.1 children needed for one generation to replace itself.
Many Filipinos are marrying later, delaying parenthood, or choosing to have fewer children.
Young couples doting on ''fur babies'' have become part of conversations about attitudes toward parenthood.
Behind these choices are changing aspirations, as well as concerns about jobs, childcare, and the cost of raising a family.
If Filipinos are already having fewer children, do we still need family planning?
Yes.
But perhaps we need to think about it differently.
The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Act was never simply about reducing the number of children.
At its heart is something more basic: enabling people to decide freely and responsibly whether, when, and how many children to have.
A fertility rate of 1.7 does not mean we have achieved that goal.
National averages can hide very different realities.
Women from the wealthiest households have an average of only 1.1 children, compared with 2.8 among the poorest.
The fertility rate is 1.5 in urban areas and 2.0 in rural communities.
When Philippine fertility is already low, we should ask: Low for whom?
Many women who want to delay or avoid pregnancy are still not using any family planning method.
This is what experts call unmet need for family planning, and it remains important among poorer women, adolescents, and underserved communities.
Access to modern contraceptive methods has improved, but many Filipinos who want to prevent or delay pregnancy still do not have their need met.

Dr. Anthony Rosendo “Tonyboy” Faraon,
Manila,
Philippines

You slap me I return with my relatives or friends The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday August 30, 2026 First published in The National Tuesday August 25, 2026

The ''an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth'' approach is already becoming a standard form of compensation in Papua New Guinea society.
The principal meaning is that if you believe someone does something wrong, that person should be punished by having the same thing done to them.
A Biblical perspective is fixed in the principle of revenge.
Punishment is deserved in proportion to the seriousness of an offence.
Our ancestors have taught us to treat others as we would like to be treated, as well as the justice system.
It is unfair to commit a crime without a consequence.
Therefore, the term an eye for an eye, if you choose to steal something you will be required to deal with the consequence.
It is the only way to teach and learn lessons.
But today in society, it is like, you slap me, I return with my relatives or friends and we bash you, even to the extent of sending one to the hospital.
We have come off the primitive and by now should lean towards allowing the law to take its course and let those who wrong feel the full brunt of it.
Punishment is a universal phenomenon.
No human society confronted with violations of its laws or customs leaves itself powerless to impose sanctions.
For all this accrued experience of dealing with offenders, punishment remains a problematic matter under constant debate.

Blocki,
Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea

National Rugby League Clubs in PNG Increase costs to counter tax free offer The Southeast Asian Times Saturday August 29, 2026 First published in the National Wednesday August 26, 2026

I write to discuss the issue and debates on the Papua New Guinea tax-free offer that is currently going on in the media circles.
The National Rugby League clubs are complaining about this in their efforts to gain player retention in clubs while controlling their costs on their club expenditures.
The effect on the Papua New Guinea tax free on players is having a greater effect on National Rugby League clubs by forcing them to increase their costs to match the Chiefs tax free offer to retain their players.
The players benefit is that the Chiefs tax free offer is increasing the player costs and it’s good for the players while the club’s costs are increasing so the club coaches are bitterly complaining.
All the club costs are the same right across the whole rugby league including PNG but the only reason I see why this complaint are coming to Papua New Guinea because they are forced to pay increase costs to their players whom they want to retain.
They are not very clearly expressing the main reasons on this but they are using all sorts of other excuse reasons for this issue.

P. E. Kokoani Taurama,
National Capital District
Papua New Guinea

Call for a Unity Government Within Papua New Guinea Parliament The Southeast Asian Times, Friday August 28, 2026 First published in the National Tuesday August 25, 2026

As we move towards the General Election 2027, our political leaders must ask: Are we prepared to continue governing as we always have, or are we ready to unite and reform the way our country is led?
I call on Members of Parliament from Papua, the Southern Region, the Highlands, Momase, New Guinea Islands and Bougainville, and all leaders who genuinely place the national interest above personal and political interests, to consider a Unity Government within Parliament.
This should not be an alliance based on region, ethnicity or personality, but a national partnership built around a clear development agenda.
Our people need reliable health and education services, better roads and infrastructure, employment opportunities, support for small businesses, responsible management of natural resources and greater accountability in the use of public funds.
These are not merely election promises.
They are national responsibilities.
A united Government could provide greater political stability to pursue long-term reforms beyond individual party interests and electoral cycles.
Leaders should agree on clear priorities, measurable targets and transparent reporting so citizens can judge their performance.
Unity must never mean abandoning democratic accountability.
Any united Government must remain answerable to Parliament and, ultimately, the people.
Our diversity is not our weakness.
It can become our greatest strength if our leaders work together for a common purpose.
The time for political maturity is now.
The time for national unity is now.
The time for action is now.
In the national interest.

Reginald Renagi,
Strategic leadership and governance adviser-advocate,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea

What good is political independence Without economic independence? The Southeast Asian Times Thursday August 27, 2026 First published in The National Wednesday August 26, 2026

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape's call for a new era of economic partnership between Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands is timely, strategic and firmly in the national interest.
Our two Melanesian nations share geography, history, culture and strong people-to-people connections.
This relationship should now move beyond political friendship into practical economic cooperation that creates jobs, strengthens businesses, expands trade and delivers measurable benefits.
The Prime Minister's question "What good is political independence without economic independence?“ deserves serious reflection.
Economic independence means more than reducing aid dependence.
It means building the capacity of our people, institutions, entrepreneurs and businesses to participate meaningfully in our economic development.
Opportunities exist across fisheries, agriculture, mining, energy, tourism, infrastructure, telecommunications, financial services and downstream processing.
Fisheries, in particular, should move beyond exporting raw products towards local processing, cold-chain infrastructure, maritime skills and manufacturing.
Foreign investment remains important, but agreements must be transparent and fair, ensuring governments, landowners, local businesses and citizens receive equitable benefits.
The private sector must also drive investment, innovation, employment and local supply chains.
Ultimately, the forum must be judged by results: investment agreements, joint ventures, stronger SMEs, jobs and greater local value-adding.
Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands should move ''step by step, side by side'' not merely as neighbours, but as equal Melanesian economic partners.
The vision is right.
Now must come implementation, accountability and results.

RR,
Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea

When 90 per cent of critical inputs come from one country You do not have a supply chain you have a hostage chain The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday August 26, 2026 First published in the New Straits Times Monday August 24, 2026

Two ASEAN countries, the Philippines and Singapore, had signed the US-led Pax Silica Declaration, which set up a cartel in critical minerals.
Aimed at securing a new supply value chain for AI models and semiconductors for Western countries and US allies in Asia, China is likely to square up to the challenge by ramping up its refining capacity and buying more rare earth deposits from friendly countries in need of hard cash like Myanmar, for example.
To date, 25 countries have signed the Pax Silica Declaration (Pax Silica is Latin for Silicon Peace).
ASEAN countries with known deposits of rare earth include Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia and Thailand.
These countries have stayed away from the cartel designed to block cheaper Chinese refined components in critical minerals from entering Western markets that depend on the US for advanced military hardware and for everyday commercial electronics, green energy systems, and medical devices, etc.
By restricting supply, the Pax Silica cartel is likely to start a tech war with China that has the world's largest reserves of rare earth - nearly 48 per cent of the global total and controls over 90 per cent of the world's refining and processing capacity.
Incidentally, China's grip over rare earth did not happen by accident, despite US pressure to restrict ASML - Advanced Semiconductor Materials Lithography - a semiconductor company based in the Netherlands.
ASML was prohibited from sharing the advanced chip-making lithography technology with China. However, Chinese scientists succeeded in leapfrogging the hurdle by improving their own photolithography machines.
The US plans to ban any defence product containing Chinese-derived rare earth magnets from entering its markets and those of those who signed the Pax Silica Declaration.
The fear of security breaches from using China-made magnets, for example, was amplified by an incident in the British Royal Navy, which claimed the cameras on its surveillance system drones were sending signals to an IP address in China!
One nation that is assisting Pax Silica is the Philippines, the current Asean Chair. Manila has earmarked a site of over 1,600 hectares in New Clark City as a major manufacturing and data centre in semiconductors, AI hardware, and critical minerals.
Speaking in Manila during a site visit, Jacob Helberg, US Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, reminded the Filipinos that "when 90 per cent of critical inputs come from one country, you do not have a supply chain. You have a hostage chain".
Thus, he called for a solution to break up China's control over the supply value chain in critical minerals. Pax Silica, therefore, is an asymmetric containment strategy.
Since the West cannot match China's raw refining capacity overnight, it is trying to use legal and financial walls to choke off China's access to global markets and raw materials. Thus, the contest for rare earth deposits has also begun in Asean.

B.A. Hamzah,
Former lecturer,
National Defence University Malaysia (UPNM),
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia,

Malayasia's coopertion with China and United States Is not an alliance The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday August 25, 2026 First published in the New Straits Times Thursday August 20, 2026

On July 21, eight Democratic members of the US Congress wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the suspension of International Military Education and Training funding to Malaysia unless Putrajaya reversed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's directive to deport Israeli nationals holding dual citizenship.
Three weeks later, on August 13, a White House report on transhipment placed Malaysia in its second tier of economies accused of laundering Chinese exports to evade US tariffs.
Both arrived against the backdrop of a 19 per cent US reciprocal tariff on Malaysian imports, a rate subsequently retained under the Malaysia-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade signed in October 2025, with exemptions for 1,711 tariff lines.
None of these severed the relationship. Malaysian exports to the United States rose by 17.2 per cent in 2025 to RM233.1 billion, driven largely by electrical and electronic products; the two military forces continued to train together; and officials from both capitals remained at the table.
Historically, Washington recognised the Federation of Malaya on August 31, 1957. Sixty-nine years later, the durability of the relationship does not depend on Malaysia choosing the United States over China.
It depends on accepting that Malaysia will hedge its bets between the two superpowers.
The United States and China are not rivals to be ranked but two ends of one production line: sever either, and it stops.
This is why the demand for Malaysia to choose an economic side misreads the country.
Putrajaya ensures that no single partner becomes indispensable because a supplier that cannot be replaced can dictate the terms.
Diversification is not neutral.
This is how a middle power preserves its bargaining position.
At the Asia-Pacific Roundtable on July 2, Anwar said Malaysia's foreign policy would remain fiercely independent and non-aligned, yet insisted the country could not be neutral on Palestine, Islamophobia, or its own sovereignty, "even when it comes to powerful partners like China and the United States".
Washington may find this uncomfortable; a relationship with institutional depth can absorb disagreement in its rhetoric without passing it on to its strategy.
The same logic applies to security.
In October 2025, Malaysia and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation and renewed their Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, deepening a defence relationship that has developed over more than four decades; importantly, the arrangement did not establish a permanent American military presence.
That same month, Malaysia and China conducted the Aman Youyi 2025 exercise, including maritime-security activities in the Strait of Malacca.
Read as design, it is precisely what Malaysia wants: several major powers contributing to regional stability, none dictating the order of things. Cooperation is not an alliance, and Malaysia guards this distinction.
As great-power competition intensifies, the space for ambiguity narrows.
The answer is to anchor the strategy, not abandon it: Anwar's insistence that some areas are non-negotiable gives both partners red lines that they can read in advance.
The recent frictions were not symptoms of a failing relationship but the ordinary weather of a mature one.

Rizal Hamdan,
Senior Programme Officer
Merdeka Centre,
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia

Call for random drug checks For airline crew before a flight The Southeast Asian Times Monday August 24, 2026 First published in the New Straits Times Tuesday August 18, 2026

The recent incidents of pilots who tested positive for drug abuse should prompt airlines to raise their bar in regional screening to maintain public trust and aviation safety standards.
The recent two incidents in Asia have highlighted that human factors remain a critical vulnerability in safe aviation operations.
The first, on July 28 at Jakarta's Soekarno Hatta International Airport, involved a co-pilot after a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta on a 737-800, who tested positive for methamphetamine.
He had about 26kg of ecstasy pills in his checked luggage, according to reports.
Then, in India, an airline pilot with the rank of captain on an Airbus A320 was involved in a serious mid-air incident on a flight from Phuket to Delhi.
He tested positive for marijuana after arrival on August 11.
It is of paramount importance that random checks be carried out before a flight by the authorities concerned.
Should the need arise, the reporting time for the operating crew can be extended for the test to be done.
The recent cases within two weeks may seem isolated. It, however, raises concern with regard to safety as pilots need to be fit and alert at all times during flight.
Therefore, random breathalyser tests should not be ruled out as a check.
As an example, a foreign airline Airbus A350 captain failed a random pre-flight alcohol breath test carried out by the local aviation authority in Melbourne on September 15, 2018.
He was immediately grounded. The captain was ordered by the airline to return to base as a passenger.
In that incident, more than 200 passengers on the international flight were stranded.
Nevertheless, the safety of the aircraft, crew and passengers is of paramount importance at all times of the flight.
Such checks should also be extended to cabin crew. They act as a safety tool to arrest abuse of prohibited substances to ensure safety for all.

William Dennis,
Subang Jaya,
Selangor
Malaysia

 

ASEAN's prosperity Depends on open sea lanes The Southeast Asian Times Sunday August 23, 2026 First published in the New Straits Times Tuesday August 11, 2026

In an increasingly uncertain world, prudence - not power - is likely to be the region's greatest strategic asset besides robust domestic economic and security fundamentals.
The Association of South East Asian Nations ASEAN has survived well by not getting entangled in big power politics.
However, the geopolitical environment in the region has shifted and lured some member states to err on the wrong side.
The rivalry between China and the United States for primacy in the South China Sea and over Taiwan has lately taken dangerous turns after emerging powers like Japan and Australia made separate defence deals with the Philippines, whose president is at odds with China.
The late Singaporean diplomat S. Rajaratnam once argued that Southeast Asia should avoid becoming an arena where major powers settle their rivalries.
That insight remains remarkably relevant today.
While a united ASEAN possesses greater diplomatic leverage and centrality, a divided Asean becomes vulnerable to external pressures.
The maritime conflict in the Hormuz Strait can be replicated in Southeast Asia.
The region has several strategic straits used for international navigation that can be easily exploited by predatory powers.
Foremost are the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, which carry almost 30 per cent of global trade in oil, annually outpacing other energy corridors like the Hormuz Strait and Bab el-Mandeb.
Over 120,000 vessels pass through the Straits of Malacca and Singapore annually, making it the largest maritime oil transit chokepoint in the world.
The entire economic and security environment in the Indo-Pacific region can be devastated if access to both straits is blocked by predatory powers.
Apart from the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, there are other vital sea lanes in the region critical to international maritime navigation through the archipelagos of Indonesia and the Philippines that can be choked by unfriendly parties.
They include the Lombok Strait, Sunda Strait and Makassar Strait in Indonesia and the Philippines' three designated routes in the Philippines' archipelagic waters for international navigation, i.e., Balintang Channel, Sibutu Passage and Basilan Strait.
While serving as a lifeline for regional and global trade, the Straits of Malacca and Singapore are governed by a legal regime that permits unimpeded transit passage under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Unlike Iran, all three littoral states — Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore — have ratified UNCLOS and have the obligation to ensure unimpeded free transit passage through the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.
Asean's prosperity depends on open sea lanes, stable energy markets, predictable trade, and a rules-based international environment.
Asean's economic power comes as one market of nearly 700 million people and a US$3.9 trillion economy.
While the ASEAN single market is attractive, they invest in member countries that give them the best returns on their investment and meet their specific strategic goals.
While each member brings unique resources, skills, and geographic advantages that make the entire regional group resilient, balanced, and globally influential, the FDI is not spread equally in the region.
Between 50 and 70 per cent of capital flows in Asean go to Singapore.
This situation has created an element of inequality whose vulnerability can be exploited by predatory powers.

B.A. Hamzah,
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia

Call for PNG government to explain why foreign national Appointed provincial police commander The Southeast Asian Times Saturday August 22, 2026 First published in The National Wednesday August 19, 2026

The appointment of a foreign national as the provincial police commander (PPC) of New Ireland is concerning.
Chief Superintendent Siaosi Fanamanu has reportedly been appointed to the position.
This is not intended to question his experience or capabilities, but it raises serious concerns about why a foreign officer has been chosen when Papua New Guinea has many experienced senior police officers who have served the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) for 20 or 30 years.
After 50 years of independence, it is difficult to understand why Papua New Guinea would still lack suitably qualified national officers to lead provincial police commands.
Such appointments are also discouraging to hardworking Papua New Guinea police officers who have dedicated much of their careers to serving the country.
If there is a genuine shortage of specialised expertise, bringing in foreign officers as advisers or technical specialists may be understandable.
However, appointing a foreigner to head a provincial police command raises questions about the development and promotion of our own senior officers.
What has happened to leadership development within the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC)?
Have we failed to adequately train and prepare senior national officers for positions such as provincial police commander (PPC)?
The Government should explain the reasons behind this appointment and assure the public that national officers are being given fair opportunities to progress.
Papua New Guinea must continue building its own leadership capacity and have confidence in its people.

Papua New Guinea Man,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea

Religious knowledge can improve critical thinking And cultural competency The Southeast Asian Times, Friday 21 August 2026 First published in The Straits Times Wednesday August 5, 2026

The benefits of educating students in the tenets, beliefs, and practices of the religions of Singapore extend beyond directly combating misconceptions about religion that lead to radicalisation.
(Forum: Radicalised individuals are not ignorant of their faith, Straits Times July 31, 2026).
Religious knowledge can improve students critical thinking and cultural competencies through discussing the beliefs of various faith traditions, while also strengthening our religious harmony.
As a Singaporean student, I have seen how misunderstandings about other religions can spark conflict and disagreement, while also limiting true interreligious understanding.
Of course, this necessitates that we move beyond the religious knowledge curriculum of yesteryear, and cover a diverse set of religions in the curriculum, as opposed to looking into individual faiths on their own.
I trust that my fellow Singaporean students, upon being exposed to the various religions and beliefs of their peers, will be more open to coexisting in our multicultural and multi-religious society.
Comparing the religious beliefs of world religions, while engaging in respectful discussion, is sure to improve students perspective-taking and critical thinking. Having a knowledge base of the religious sensitivities of others will also raise our cultural quotient and cohesion as a society.
The mitigatory effect against religious radicalisation is a nice side effect.

Adwin Lau Yu Tan, 17
Junior college year 2 student,
Singapore

Appointment of new PNG Minister for Livestock Necessary intervention to rescue stagnant sector The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday 20 August 2026 First published in The National Saturday August 15, 2026

Prime Minister James Marape's decision to appoint Agena Gamai as the new Minister for Livestock should not be viewed as a routine Cabinet reshuffle.
It was a necessary intervention to rescue a sector that has endured four years of stagnation despite having the potential to transform Papua New Guinea's rural economy.
The statistics tell a sobering story.
Papua New Guinea spends almost K1 billion every year importing meat, even though the country has abundant grazing land, favourable climatic conditions and thousands of farmers ready to expand livestock production.
This is not simply an agricultural problem — it is a failure of leadership, governance and implementation.
The contrast with the coffee industry could not be clearer.
Under proactive ministerial leadership, the coffee sector moved swiftly from policy to action.
Within approximately two years, the Government successfully delivered both the National Coffee Policy and the legislation establishing the National Coffee Industry Authority.
That achievement demonstrated what is possible when there is vision, urgency and political commitment.
The livestock sector, however, travelled the opposite path.
Since August 2022, the Ministry responsible for Livestock had the opportunity to deliver the National Livestock Policy, establish the proposed Livestock Industry Authority and implement reforms aimed at reducing the nation's dependence on imported meat.
Instead, four years passed with little measurable progress while policy implementation stalled and farmers continued waiting.
The Prime Minister was therefore right to make a change.
Changing the Minister, however, is only half the solution.
Replacing political leadership while retaining the same institutional culture and governance structure risks producing the very same outcome.
The performance of the Livestock Development Corporation (LDC) Board has come under increasing criticism from industry stakeholders, who argue that it has failed to provide the strategic leadership necessary to drive reform.
Those concerns warrant a thorough and independent review.
If the Board is found to have failed in its mandate, the Government should not hesitate to appoint a leadership team capable of delivering results.
The saying often attributed to Albert Einstein defines insanity as doing the same thing repeatedly while expecting different results.
Whether or not the quotation originated with him, the principle is widely understood.
Prime Minister Marape deserves credit for recognising that continuing with the same ministerial leadership after years of limited progress was unlikely to produce a different outcome.
His decision has interrupted that cycle.
The new Minister now has an opportunity to complete the task by ensuring that the institutions responsible for implementing livestock reform are also capable of delivering.
Minister Agena Gamai inherits a sector rich in opportunity but burdened by years of delay.
He should move quickly to progress legislation establishing the Livestock Industry Authority, implement the National Livestock Policy, strengthen breeding and pasture development, expand livestock research and invest in domestic meat processing to reduce the country’s growing import bill.
Papua New Guinea cannot continue sending almost K1 billion overseas every year while its own livestock industry remains underdeveloped.
Farmers are ready.
The land is available.
The market already exists.
What has been missing is competent leadership and decisive execution.
If this reshuffle is to have real meaning, it must mark not only the beginning of a new Minister, but the beginning of a new era for livestock development in Papua New Guinea.

Farmers are ready,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea

Call for PNG customary landowners To receive fairer share under Oil and Gas Act 1998 The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday August 19, 2026 First published in The National, Monday August 17, 2026

With Papua LNG and Pa'anyang advancing, the next National Government and Parliament should review the Oil and Gas Act 1998 and the Benefit Sharing Agreement (BSA) framework.
This review should not undermine investment certainty.
But customary landowners should also receive a fairer share of the long-term value created on their land.
A review should look at better land rental arrangements, stronger equity opportunities, improved governance of landowner companies and greater transparency in benefit distribution.
These changes would support community development and long-term wealth.
The next Government should establish an independent review with government, companies, landowners, experts and civil society.
The goal should be to modernise Papua New Guinea’s petroleum laws while ensuring fairer outcomes for all.
Papua New Guinea's resources belong to the nation, but the land supporting them belongs to its people.
A stronger partnership between the State, investors and landowners will build a stronger Papua New Guinea.

Reginald Renagi,
Strategic leadership and governance adviser-advocate,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea

Call for PNG Land Titles Commissioner To return land to original customary landowners The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday August 18, 2026 First published in The National, Thursday August 13, 2026

We write to urgently bring to public attention a matter of profound importance regarding customary land rights, justice, and economic self-determination for the people of Abau, Central.
During a hearing in 2025, the Land Titles Commissioner made a landmark and reassuring statement that the next crucial step of the Land Titles Commission (LTC) would be to facilitate the return of plantation land to its original customary landowners.
We strongly reiterate the importance of this commitment and call on the LTC to honour it.
This matter has now reached a critical point. With major economic projects underway, including the ongoing Mailu oil drilling and prospecting activities, the return of these plantation lands is more urgent than ever.
For decades, vast areas of plantation land have remained idle and undeveloped.
Our concern is that further administrative delays could allow absentee title holders to claim ownership or seek financial benefits from the current resource boom despite contributing nothing to the land’s development.
Such an outcome would be a grave injustice to the original customary owners.
We, therefore, urgently appeal to the Land Titles Commissioner and the LTC to expedite the process and ensure the legal return of these plantation lands to their rightful customary owners is finalised before 2027.
Justice delayed is justice denied. Our people must not be marginalised on their own ancestral land.

Vagi Koneubau & Ravu Koneubau,
Chief and deputy chief of Gao'una Clan, Lalaura village,
Abau,
Port Moresby,
Papua News Guinea

Filipino defeats world top-10 tennis champions Breaks into the world's top 20 The Southeast Asian Times Monday August 17, 2026 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Friday August 14, 2026

The foreign sports media have spent recent weeks struggling to find the appropriate language for the Alex Eala phenomenon.
In broadcast booths from London to Washington, commentators speak with an unfiltered amazement that goes far beyond standard athletic praise.
Watching a 21-year-old Filipino defeat world top-10 champions, claim Women's Tennis Association titles, and break into the world's elite top 20, the international press exhibits a distinct sense of disorientation.
To understand why international observers are so captivated by her rise, one must first understand the unspoken social architecture of global sports.
Tennis is not a game of simple talent; it is an elite, high-barrier endeavor historically governed by capital, privilege, and Western infrastructure.
For generations, it has functioned as a primary ''country club sport”a domain largely reserved for affluent societies capable of funding early, specialized instruction, private coaching, and continuous international travel.
For decades, the global perception of the Philippine nation has been defined by labor export and structural economic migration.
The world has grown accustomed to seeing Filipinos through a lens of subordination as domestic helpers, seafarers, nurses, and service workers.
While these roles represent honest work and undeniable fortitude, they have allowed the outside world to view our people as permanently consigned to the socioeconomic periphery: a third-world population ill-equipped to compete in spaces reserved for global privilege.
Eala's emergence fundamentally dismantles that quiet prejudice.
Her trajectory invites a necessary parallel to the late Arthur Ashe.
When Ashe broke through the racial barriers of elite tennis in the 1960s, his presence was more than athletic; it was an explicit disruption of institutional exclusion.
He proved that composure, tactical intelligence, and sustained excellence could dismantle the deeply held assumption that certain spaces belonged exclusively to certain people.

Atty. James D. Lansang,
Manila,
Philippines

A haus krai funeral can generate economic activity Leaving the bereaved family financially weaker The Southeast Asian Times Sunday August 15, 2026 First published in the National Thursday August 13, 2026

Over the past decade, we have witnessed increasingly elaborate haus krai processions to funeral homes, churches, airports and villages across Papua New Guinea.
We experience this both as grieving families and as contributors supporting others.
Too often, I have seen bereaved families emerge financially devastated.
The haus krai is fundamentally about people.
Relatives, wantoks, friends, colleagues, businesses, leaders and communities come together, contributing money, food, labour, transport and other assistance.
No family should face the burden of death alone.
But there is another dimension we seldom discuss: compassion capitalism.
Compassion mobilises capital.
Through cultural obligation, solidarity and reciprocity, money, goods and labour are mobilised and circulated.
Funeral homes, airlines, transport operators, caterers, hotels, retailers and others earn income.
The haus krai also functions like an informal community insurance system, helping families absorb the sudden financial shock of death.
The problem arises when compassion is overtaken by excessive expenditure.
Families may spend on coffins, repatriation, food, accommodation, transport and ceremonies, sometimes using savings, selling assets or borrowing money.
This creates a paradox: A haus krai can generate significant economic activity while leaving the bereaved family financially weaker.
So the question is not whether we should spend.
It is who ultimately benefits from the capital our compassion mobilises?
If K200,000 is raised, must all of it be consumed by funeral activities?
Could part of it honour the deceased while the balance supports their children, spouse, education, livelihood or future needs?
Our collective compassion is one of PNG’s greatest strengths.
We should honour the dead while also protecting the living.
What does our compassion leave behind?

G Bopi,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea

Corruption remains a major barrier to development In Papua New Guinea The Southeast Asian Times Saturday August 15, 2025 First published in The National August 13, 2025

As Papua New Guinea approaches General Election 2027 (GE27), our nation faces a defining moment.
Fifty years after Independence, corruption remains a major barrier to development, weakening institutions, eroding public confidence and diverting resources from the schools, hospitals, roads and services our people deserve.
This is not a challenge for one political party; it is a national challenge requiring a united response.
I call on the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, Members of Parliament, constitutional office holders and senior public servants to put the national interest above political differences and make the fight against corruption a national priority before GE27.
Public funds must be managed responsibly, procurement must be transparent, audit findings acted upon, and credible allegations of corruption independently investigated.
No individual, regardless of position or influence, should be above the law.
GE27 should mark more than a change of government.
It should begin a renewed commitment to integrity, accountability and responsible leadership.
Papua New Guinea has enormous resources and potential.
Realising that potential requires stronger institutions and restored public trust.
History will judge this generation by the reforms it delivers.
The time to act is now.

Reginald Renagi,
Strategic Leadership and Governance Adviser-Advocate
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea

The PNG Public Service Code of Business Ethics and Conduct Undermined by ''zig-zag game'' of corruption The Southeast Asian Times Friday August 14, 2025 First published in The National August 13, 2025

Government offices exist to serve the public interest and must be guided by accountability, integrity and transparency.
In Papua New Guinea, the Public Service Code of Business Ethics and Conduct requires officials to perform their duties honestly, fairly and without bias.
Yet, across West Sepik, a deeply entrenched ''zig-zag game'' of corruption is undermining these principles and turning public institutions into avenues for personal gain.
Sandaun people have traditionally valued peace, honesty, reliability and transparency.
Today, however, elders and communities increasingly lament the rise of practices that were once considered unacceptable.
Citizens across Telefomin-Oksapmin, Nuku, Aitape-Lumi and Vanimo-Green are demanding the public services they are legally entitled to receive.
Two practices are particularly concerning.
First is the growing expectation of "cola money" payments demanded simply to process files, applications or routine administrative requests.
Second is the alleged practice of adding a hidden 10 per cent to project submissions, with the extra amount intended as a personal kickback when funds are released.
Nepotism and cronyism further weaken institutional integrity, with positions sometimes influenced by family connections, tribal relationships or political loyalty rather than merit and competence.
This undermines public confidence, denies qualified citizens opportunities and contributes to the misuse of scarce public resources.
Sandaun cannot afford to normalise corruption.
Public officials and political leaders must uphold their responsibilities, enforce the public service code and restore accountability.
The people of Sandaun are peaceful and law-abiding, but they deserve honest leadership, transparent institutions and reliable services.
Urgent reform is needed to protect the province's future.

Barnabas Yenowi,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea

 

 

Recovery of funds at Development Bank of Singapore Depends on recipients willingness to return them The Southeast Asian Times Thursday August 13, 2026 First published in the Straits Times Thursday August 6, 2026

Recently, my colleagues and I were transferring funds to a co-worker using her mobile number.
Some of us used PayLah!, not knowing she did not have a The Development Bank of Singapore (DBS) Bank account and therefore, no PayLah!
Yet, the mobile number was still recognised and our funds were successfully transferred to someone else.
When we made the transfer, a name had appeared in small caps and we did not realise it did not belong to our co-worker.
It was not a familiar name, and we assumed it was a nickname or a middle name that we did not know she had.
Each of us had to report the matter separately to DBS.
But ​even after speaking to the bank, we were not able to determine conclusively what happened.
We can only guess that the person the money went to had either registered the wrong mobile number, or used to hold my co-workers phone number before it was recycled or reassigned.
We were also taken aback to learn that any recovery of funds depends on the recipients willingness to return them.
Thankfully, we eventually got the money back.
We had always regarded PayLah! as a convenient and secure mode of transaction. But we have now learnt that the bank does not check when mobile numbers are recycled or reassigned to another user.
The bank explained that mobile-number recycling is beyond its control.
While this may be true from a telecommunications perspective, it should not absolve financial institutions of the responsibility to ensure their systems are secure.

Pamela Ng,
Singapore

Singapore's Council for Estate Agencies Has cited consumer expectations The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday August 12, 2026 First published in the Straits Times Thursday August 6, 2026

As a licensed real estate salesperson, I welcome the Government's efforts to strengthen professionalism within Singapor's real estate industry in ''Refresher exam for property agents with fewer than 3 deals in 3 years amid industry review,'' July 28, 2026.
Consumers deserve competent, ethical and well-informed property agents.
One aspect of the licence renewal framework deserves further discussion. Salespersons who do not meet the minimum number of recognised transactions within each three-year registration period will have to pass a refresher examination before renewing their registration.
Regular practice may help practitioners remain familiar with current regulations and market conditions.
But are transaction numbers the best measure of professional readiness, and does evidence support this approach?
The Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) has cited consumer expectations that agents should transact regularly.
While that is important, is there evidence that agents with fewer transactions are more likely to provide poorer service or face disciplinary action?
If CEA has conducted analyses demonstrating such a link, publishing them would help practitioners and consumers better understand the rationale behind this policy.
I am also concerned about the wider implications for Singapore's workforce.
Real estate has long provided opportunities for people rebuilding their careers after retrenchment, parents returning to work after raising children, and older Singaporeans who wish to remain economically active.
These people have already shown their commitment by passing the Real Estate Salesperson examination, maintaining their registration, and completing mandatory Continuing Professional Development every year.
Professionalism should be judged primarily by competence, ethical conduct, regulatory compliance and continuous learning, not transaction numbers alone.
If the objective is simply to keep practitioners current, enhanced refresher training may achieve that goal more effectively than introducing another pass-or-fail examination, which could create unnecessary barriers and anxiety for mature workers and those pursuing second careers.

Lisa Khoo Wei Soon,
Singapore

Happy National Day Singapore The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday August 11, 2026 First published in the Straits Times Friday August 7, 2027

Students around Singapore commemorate National Day in schools as an integral part of our National Education curriculum.
We celebrate the Singapore national identity, integrate with society, and discuss what it means to be Singaporean.
Upon reflecting on this year's National Day theme, ''Go Beyond'', I am reminded of how we should strive to move past such general understanding.
How might we instead inspire others to be proud of being Singaporean?
Schools are already a place for the formation of national identity, and students are an integral part of that, welcoming their naturalised classmates, but we can go beyond, in the simplest of ways.
I recall recently attending a National Education NDP show, and feeling buoyed by the jubilation of the Primary 5 children.
These younger pupils are a role model for all Singaporean students, to happily profess pride in Singapore, despite disagreements and differences of opinion.
Singaporean students may often express discontent with certain unfortunate realities in Singapore, but at the end of the day, we still belong to this country.
When the youth of our society openly express their love for their country, the rest of society can only follow.
Happy National Day.

Adwin Lau Yu Tan,
17,
Singapore

Higher fuel costs in Malaysia Do not stop at the petrol station First published in the Star Saturday August 8, 2026 The Southeast Asian Times Monday August 10, 2026

The Malaysian government has announced that more than 14.2 million people are using the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) subsidy, involving more than 13.4 billion litres of RON95 petrol.
While the government may point to these figures as evidence of fiscal savings, it cannot ignore the wider impact of the policy on household budgets and the cost of living.
Reducing fuel subsidies may ease the governmen's expenditure, but higher fuel costs do not stop at the petrol station.
They ripple through transportation, logistics, food and everyday necessities.
Ultimately, the greatest burden falls on households with the least capacity to absorb rising costs, particularly the B40.
The government may save on subsidies, but if Malaysians then pay more for goods and services because transportation and operating costs rise, are ordinary people genuinely better off?
The monthly 200-litre RON95 limit is also a concern for those who depend on vehicles to earn a living and manage their daily responsibilities.
Petrol is not a luxury for employees, small business owners, sales personnel, delivery riders and other working Malaysians.
It is a basic cost of getting to work and generating income.
Does the government seriously believe that the answer to fuel pressures is for Malaysians to abandon their cars and rely on motorcycles instead?
The results of the Johor and Negri Sembilan state elections should also be taken seriously.
Voters have already sent a clear message about their concerns, particularly over the rising cost of living, economic pressures and policies that directly affect their daily lives.
The MCA Economic and SMEs Affairs Committee therefore reiterates our call for former Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying to explain who advised the government to change the existing fuel subsidy policy.
Was the recommendation made by a consultancy firm, an external institution or a government-appointed team?
What data, economic projections and impact assessments were used to justify the decision?

IR Lawrence Low
MCA Economic and SMEs Affairs Committee chairman,
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia.

The treatment of a dog named Rocky Reflects Malaysia's values First published in the Star Monday August 3, 2026 The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday August 9, 2026

The recent incident in which a dog called Rocky was abused and killed has stirred outrage, sadness, and difficult conversations across Malaysia ''Death of Rocky: Cruelty against animals unacceptable,'' says Tengku Permaisuri Selangor.
While investigations and legal action are necessary when cruelty occurs, to me this incident reinforces my belief that compassion cannot be legislated.
It must be nurtured.
Our treatment of animals reflects our values as human beings.
Compassion towards animals is not simply about preventing abuse; it is about recognising that every living creature has the capacity to feel pain, fear, comfort, and affection.
Animals deserve kindness not because the law demands it, but because our humanity should.
Having championed an animal welfare event at a university for the past 10 years,
I have witnessed firsthand how education can transform perspectives.
What began as an initiative to raise awareness has evolved into a platform where students learn about responsible pet ownership, adoption, animal rescue, and the importance of coexisting harmoniously with the animals that share our world.
Many students who once feared or misunderstood stray animals now volunteer at shelters, support adoption drives, and advocate for humane treatment.
These experiences demonstrate that compassion can indeed be taught.
Ultimately, the discussion surrounding Rocky should not end with public outrage or calls for harsher punishment.
It should inspire a national conversation about who we are and the values we choose to uphold.
If we aspire to build a society defined by kindness, we must begin by teaching compassion where it matters most: at home, in our schools, and within our communities.
When we learn to care for the most vulnerable among us, regardless of whether they walk on two legs or four, we build a nation that is not only stronger but also more humane,
The words attributed to Mahatma Gandhi – that the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way it treats its animals – remain as relevant today as ever.
The measure of a nation is found not in its wealth or achievements, but in the compassion it extends to those who have no voice.

R.Murali Rajaratenam,
Bangsar Park,
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia

Philippines say China's video is offensive, racist and beneath The dignity of any nation that aspires to regional leadership The Southeast Asian Times Saturday August 8, 2026 First published in the Philippine Inquirer Tuesday August 4, 2026

China Daily's artificial intelligence-generated videe - a monkey in a barong and salakot taking orders from hands sleeved in American and Japanese flags, blasted by a water cannon, with the 2016 arbitral ruling dismissed as ''litter'' is offensive, racist, and beneath the dignity of any nation that aspires to regional leadership.
Yet it is also unoriginal. Filipinos have been here before.
The Spaniards called us indios. American colonial propaganda portrayed us as monkeys, apes, or savages incapable of self-government.
The Japanese occupation dispensed with such paternalism and resorted instead to the brutal language of military domination.
The labels and methods differed.
The psychology behind them did not: the belief that power confers superiority and weakness invites condescension. These are the enduring residues of empire: sometimes linguistic, sometimes physical, always rooted in the conceit that might confers right.
In truth, the video posted on China Daily's Facebook page on July 10 told us little that Chinese actions in the West Philippine Sea have not already communicated. Conduct often reveals prejudice more plainly than words ever could.
What makes the episode particularly ironic is that modern China was itself a victim of foreign domination and humiliation. George Orwell ''Animal Farm'' distilled a pattern that recurs across history: the oppressed of yesterday can become the oppressor of today.
Nations, like individuals, are not automatically ennobled by suffering. Sometimes they merely inherit the instruments of power and repeat familiar mistakes.

Nolivienne C. Ermitano,
Manila,
Philippines

Philippines watch Australian optometrists Favour corporate sales targets The Southeast Asian Times Friday August 7, 2026 First published in the Philippine Inquirer Monday August 3, 2026

In recent months, the global optometry community has watched a troubling narrative unfold in Australia.
Investigations and insider accounts have exposed a worrying trend within corporate optical chains, where optometrists are reportedly pressured to sacrifice patient care quality in favour of corporate sales targets.
This controversy serves as a stark, universal warning: when vision care is treated as a retail transaction, patient health suffers.
In the Philippines, we stand at a critical crossroads.
We must protect our health-care standards before corporate commercialism erodes the trust and safety of Filipino patients.
The foundation of our defense lies in the law.
The Philippine optometry law mandates that the practice of optometry belongs solely to registered and licensed optometrists.
It prohibits non-optometrists iincluding corporate, profit-driven optical chainsrom controlling or dictating clinical judgment.
This law exists for a reason: to ensure that the person examining your eyes is bound by a medical oath, not a corporate sales quota.
When corporate interests override clinical independence, the most vulnerable populations fall through the cracks.
Today, bioethicists and pediatricians are raising alarms over a dangerous trend: commercial optical centers turning away young children for eye examinations.
Refusing to examine children compromises public health. Licensed optometrists are qualified and mandated to perform basic, comprehensive eye examinations for pediatric patients, including cycloplegic refraction, a crucial procedure that temporarily relaxes the eye's focusing muscles to get an accurate prescription in children.
Turning these young patients away is dangerous given the current crisis of pediatric myopia or nearsightedness.

Carmen Abesamis-Dichoso,
Manila,
Philippines

On the first day of the impeachment trial Of Philippine's Vice President Sara Duterte The Southeast Asian Times Thursday August 6, 2026 First published in the Philippine Inquirer Wednesday July 22, 2026

The first day of the impeachment trial has now given the public a clear preview of how both the prosecution and defense intend to argue their case.
Beyond politics, it is worth examining these opening statements through the lens of logic, evidence, and constitutional duty.
The prosecution, led by the House panel, framed the four articles of impeachment as “four chapters of one story
Their core logic is simple: misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and grave threats, when taken together, show a pattern of betrayal of public trust. Logically, this is an inductive argument.
If the evidence proves each “chapter,” then the conclusion that there was a pattern of abuse follows.
Their decision to highlight the alleged threats against top officials as the “most serious” charge also sets the emotional and constitutional tone of the trial.
The strength of the prosecution's opening is clarity and narrative coherence.
It gives senator-judges a roadmap.
The weakness is that the connection between the four charges must still be proven. Correlation is not causation, and the defense will surely attack any attempt to link unrelated acts.
The defense, for its part, chose a different logical path. Instead of denying specific facts on day one, it anchored its case on due process, fairness, and strict adherence to the Constitution.
It also raised the issue of political motivation.
This is a procedural defense. Its syllogism is: if the process is tainted, then the outcome cannot stand.
That is a valid legal strategy.
The burden of proof remains with the prosecution, and the defense is right to remind the court of that.
However, the defense opening left key factual allegations unaddressed, particularly the charge on grave threats.
Silence on substance while focusing on process can be strategically sound, but it also risks allowing the prosecution to set the narrative uncontested. Logically, the defense also used an appeal to popular mandates citing 32 million votes.
While politically powerful, this is not a legal defense. In law, popularity does not grant immunity.
The question is not how many voted, but whether the constitutional standard of betrayal of public trust was met.

Reginald B. Tamayo,
Marikina City
Philippines

Affirmative action in education in the Philippines Originated from Civil Rights Movements in the 1960's The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday August 5, 2026 First published in the Philippine Inquirer Tuesday August 4, 2026

In recent years, the discourse surrounding affirmative action in education has gained renewed attention, particularly in the context of higher education.
Affirmative action, originating from the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, has been recognized as a powerful tool for broadening educational opportunities for historically marginalized groups.
In the Philippines, where educational inequities persist, affirmative action remains a critical strategy for promoting educational equity, particularly for disadvantaged Filipino students.
Affirmative action in higher education refers to the practice of considering certain student background characteristics, such as race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, as factors in admission decisions.
This approach aims to mitigate the effects of historical and systemic barriers that have limited the participation of underrepresented groups in higher education.
For example, affirmative action programs may introduce special recruitment policies to overcome the effects of conditions which resulted in limiting participation by persons from a particular race, color, or national origin.
Such initiatives are designed to create a more inclusive educational environment that reflects the diversity of the broader society.
In the Philippine context, the need for affirmative action in higher education is underscored by persistent inequalities in access to quality education.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) has acknowledged that the admission policies of state universities and colleges (SUCs) have been skewed in favor of privileged students for quite some time.
This disparity is reflected in the latest CHEd data, which reveals that at least three out of every 10 students leave school temporarily or permanently due to financial difficulties, family problems, relocation, medical or mental health concerns, and academic difficulties.

Danilo V. Rogayan Jr.,
President,
Ramon Magsaysay State University,
Manila,
Philippines

Formula One offers Malaysia a broader platform It projects confidence, competence and stability The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday 4 August 2026 First published in the New Straits Times Thursday July 30, 2026

The recent focus on Formula One (F1) is merely the catalyst for a much larger conversation about how Malaysia positions itself for future opportunities.
The real test is whether a single opportunity can be transformed into a national opportunity.
When the Sepang International Circuit opened in 1999, it was never intended to be just another race track.
It formed part of a broader national vision that included Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Putrajaya and the Multimedia Super Corridor to strengthen Malaysia's long-term competitiveness, attract investments and position the country as a regional hub.
Those assets still exist today. We have the airports, highways, hotels, convention centres and one of the world's finest racing circuits.
The infrastructure has already been built.
The challenge now is utilisation.
Strategic assets create value when events, investments and innovation are continuously activated.
Formula One is one such catalyst, but it should be part of a much larger national calendar.
In the language of today's digital economy, it is about creating content and experiences that global consumers will pay to enjoy.
In that context, there are questions about whether ticket prices are affordable or whether hosting Formula One is worth the cost.
Entrepreneurs ask different ones and leaders with strategic foresight ask even more powerful questions.
How much investment can this generate? How many international businesses can it attract?
How many conferences, exhibitions and corporate meetings can be built around one global event?
Imagine this is just one weekend.
Now imagine what that weekend represents.
Tens of thousands of international visitors.
Global media coverage reaching hundreds of millions of viewers.
Business leaders, investors and decision-makers all focused on Malaysia at the same time.
Singapore recently demonstrated this principle by securing the exclusive Southeast Asian concerts of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.
The economic benefits extended well beyond the concert itself.
F1 offers Malaysia an even broader platform. It projects confidence, competence and stability.
It tells the world that Malaysia has the infrastructure, institutions and organisational capability to host one of the world's most demanding international events.
In an increasingly competitive geopolitical environment, national branding is no longer a marketing exercise.
It is a strategic asset.
The world is unlikely to become more predictable over the next decade. Prolonged conflicts, shifting supply chains, competition for investment and changing geopolitical relationships are becoming features of the global economy rather than temporary disruptions.
We should be prepared to respond to the economic shifts created by geopolitical uncertainty.
Apart from continuing with a principled foreign policy, we should also recognise that periods of global uncertainty reshape investment, tourism and business flows.
Strategic resilience means having the capacity to capture those opportunities when they emerge.
It is also about building an economy capable of attracting people, capital and ideas regardless of the level of disruption in the international environment.

Nordin Abdullah,
Founding chairman,
Malaysia Global Business Forum (MGBF)
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia

Advocating top-down government reforms Is easy The Southeast Asian Times Monday August 3, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Friday July 31, 2026

Re: "Water peril plans", Bangkok Post PostBag, Wednesday July 26, 2026.
Readers have endured Borvornchai Chirachon's increasingly ambitious prescriptions on climate change, farming and water management with admirable patience.
Enough is enough.
He should stick to medicine instead of advocating sweeping, top-down government reforms while echoing the alarmism of the UN, the EU and the World Economic Forum.
Grand theories are easy; practical solutions are rather harder.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand has cultural and legal sensitivities From Lese Majeste law to Buddhist sites The Southeast Asian Times Sunday August 2, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Friday July 31, 2026

Re: "Tourists not welcome?", in Bangkok Post PostBag, Monday July 27, 2026 and "Italian pupils fined over skytrain row", Bangkok Post, Monday July 27, 2026.
Having visited 78 countries, Gerrit Buurman should know Thailand is hardly alone in naming and shaming misbehaving tourists.
Popular destinations from Spain to Japan have grown intolerant of visitors who vandalise property, disrespect local customs or disrupt public order.
Thailand has its own cultural and legal sensitivities, from lA, Lesse Majeste Law to the respectful treatment of Buddhist sites.
Teachers accompanying foreign students should make sure they understand these before arriving.
In the case of the Italian pupils, the student who made an obscene gesture escaped with a 2,000-baht fine.
Had he provoked the wrong person, the consequences might have been far worse.

S de Jong
Bangkok,
Thailand

Italians residing in Thailand offer sincere apologies For disrespectful behaviour of young Italians The Southeast Asian Times Saturday August 1, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday July 30, 2026

Re: "Italian pupils fined over skytrain row", in Bangkok Post, Monday July 27, 2026.
We Italians residing in Thailand feel a moral duty to publicly distance ourselves from the gravely disrespectful behaviour shown by a group of young Italians towards a Thai citizen on the BTS Skytrain.
To Ms Sugus, her family and the entire Thai people, we offer our most sincere apologies.
Respect for the country that hosts us is a fundamental value.
That behaviour does not represent Italian culture nor the values of the Italian Republic.
We acknowledge that the young people involved subsequently apologised before the Thai authorities and that the matter was concluded in accordance with local law.
However, we express deep concern regarding the management of institutional communication by the Embassy of Italy in Bangkok.
While thousands of Thai citizens were seeking answers and peacefully expressing their indignation, the embassy's Facebook page closed comments. A deeply inappropriate choice.
For this reason, at 1.05pm on July 25, I sent a formal report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with a copy to the embassy and consulate.
In the same hour, I also sent two WhatsApp messages to the embassy asking for dialogue to be restored.
Only about 9-10 hours later did the embassy publish an apology statement and reactivate the comments.
While recognising the need for moderation, we believe the total closure of dialogue sent the wrong message.
We therefore ask for a review of institutional communication procedures so that dialogue, transparency and listening will always prevail.
To our Thai friends: the behaviour of a few does not represent 60 million Italians, nor the Italians who live, work and love Thailand.
This is not the Italy we know. Italy stands for respect, dialogue, freedom and taking responsibility.

Francesco Bertoni.
Bangkok,
Thaiand

Piggy banks could be the villain For the dwindling supply of 10-baht coins The Southeast Asian Times Friday July 31, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday July 29, 2026

Re: "Where have Thailand's 10-baht coins gone", Bangkok Post Business, Monday July 27, 2026.
In the Business section, Bangkok Bank speculated about the dwindling supply of 10-baht coins.
It was purported that piggy banks could be the partial villains.
I am guilty.
On my early morning constitutional, I buy 10 baht's worth of patongko from our local vendor.
I am subversive because I covertly seek a 10-baht coin for my piggy as change for a deliberately delivered 20-baht note.
Not stingy about quantity purchased, I don't touch the stuff, but the wife likes it. Nobody else does.
Ergo, multiply 365 days x 10 plus extra 10-baht coins from other sources and patience pays off because said piggy a very handsome replica of an old and missed red UK post box becomes happily stuffed eventually.
Our local market accepts this annual beneficence eagerly, and the saved cash helps with never-ending bills.
Empty piggy is hollowly started again subsequently.
Clang, clang !

Ellis O'Brien,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul trails People's Party leader As poll respondents' choice for PM The Southeast Asian Times Thursday July 30, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday July 29, 2026

Re: "PR not the only problem", Bangkok Post Editorial, Friday July 10, 2026
Despite his very costly 60/40 handout, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul still trails People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut as poll respondents' choice for Prime Minister. As the Post editorialised, "If the Anutin government hopes to reverse its declining popularity, it must demonstrate a broader commitment to accountability, competent governance and meaningful reform."
I suggest that he must show that he'll act quickly and decisively on recommendations. Anutin has had ex-graftbuster Vicha Mahakun's proposals on reforming the Royal Thai Police and Office of the Attorney-General since his first day in office. Yet, he's not only not sent them to parliament for enactment into law to make them more resistant to being erased, he recently relied on the same age-old method to select the incoming top cop that's failed to clean up our police force. Why should anybody formulate well-thought-out changes we need if they probably won't be acted upon?
Follow his own orders to all civil servants to be transparent, unafraid to make all processes and data available for examination. As cops tell suspects, "If you're innocent, don't hide anything." Yet when the highly respected iLaw released evidence alleging manipulation of the 2024 Senate election, Anutin insisted on a strategic lawsuit against public participation to silence iLaw rather than seeking a quick court opportunity to prove iLaw wrong. As Shakespeare would say, "The man doth protest too much, methinks."
Anutin, prove yourself trustworthy.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand has struggled with corruption For decades The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday July 29, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday July 28, 2026

Re: "Anutin orders new anti-graft push" in Bangkok Post Friday July 24, 2026.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's approach to tackling corruption appears to prioritise reform over punishment.
Thailand's Achilles' heel in the fight against corruption is a persistent cycle of impunity. Political and bureaucratic elites often evade meaningful legal consequences or prison sentences, weakening deterrence.
At the same time, excessive bureaucracy and broad discretionary powers granted to state officials create opportunities for abuse.
A well-known example is the practice of transferring compromised officials to "inactive posts" a move that shields them from public scrutiny while creating the illusion of accountability.
Historically, meaningful prison sentences have fallen disproportionately on lower-level offenders.
Such impunity may be viewed as legitimate, even understandable, within the context of Thai culture through Buddhist values such as compassion, forgiveness and karma.
However, it does little to address the root causes of corruption or deter future wrongdoing.
As a result, Thailand has struggled with corruption for decades, with the problem worsening over time.
Against this backdrop, it is reasonable to question whether Mr Anutin's approach will make a difference.

S de Jong,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand A xenophobic country? The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday July 28, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday July 28, 2026

Re: "Embassy, teens apologise for Bangkok Transit System BTS row", in Bangkok Post, Sunday July 26, 2026.
Is there no other important news in the world that you have to print a non-event on the front page of the Sunday Post?
I was just checking in to a hotel, and there were three Chinese tourists checking out and making noise as loud as in an airport departure hall. American tourists all over the world are a nuisance.
The louder, the better!
Last year, I took an airport bus to Jomtien, inside there were Indians who behaved like it was their living room.
Only after a Russian man stood up and threatened to punch them, they stopped.
And you put on some Italian students with their pictures on the front page?
No wonder Western tourists don't feel welcome here any more!
I have been to 78 countries, and I visit 10-15 a year.
But when people ask me about Thailand, how can I tell them to travel to such a xenophobic country?

Gerrit Buurman,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Manila Electric Co. owes consumers A whopping $656.56 million US Dollars The Southeast Asian Times Monday July 27, 2026 First published in the Philippine Inquirer Friday July 24, 2026

There's no way consumers can file plunder charges against the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) for its deliberate refusal to refund P40.5 billion in overcollection. But that doesn't mean Meralco is off the hook.
For one, the money that Meralco owes to consumers could not be considered public funds. Hence, plunder charges wouldn't work.
But filing criminal charges for deliberate falsification of public documents, malicious tampering of electric meters, or syndicated estafa against the public utility company would convey a message strong enough to compel Meralco to comply.
Meralco, which is under the control of companies supposedly owned by the country's top three billionaire Manny V. Pangilinan, Lance Gokongwei, and Ramon Ang owes consumers a staggering P40.5 billion since 2021.
Looking back, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in 2021 ordered Meralco to refund its consumers the amount of roughly P14 billion in excess collections or over recoveries.
Still, no refund was made by Meralco.
To be perfectly candid, Meralco owes us so much more anguish, anxiety, and the value of the money, considering factors like inflation and the profits that the consumers could have earned had they been able to use their hard-earned money in side gigs online selling, sari-sari store, buy-and-sell business, etc.
The fact that Meralco didn't t appeal the decision is an indication that they have been overcharging us for the last seven years.
Sadly, not a dime has since been returned. Check your bills and you probably realize that consumer advocates have been telling the truth and fighting a lonely battle all by themselves.
Ranting on social media platforms isn’t enough. Join consumer advocacy groups in filing a class suit against Meralco.
With a class suit filed before the proper court, only then will Congress realize that there’s a valid ground to strip Meralco of its franchise.
But if I had it my way, I rather want the government to seize control of Meralco, which has been legally snatching food, health, and education from the poor.

Fernan J. Angeles,
Manila,
Thailand

Salaries in Thailand Inadequate in Singapore The Southeast Asian Times Sunday July 26, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday July 25, 2026

Re: "220 Singapore jobs on offer: dept", Bangkok Post, Thursday July 23,
2026.
The Department of Employment recruitment drive for jobs in Singapore needs a thorough scrutiny and a reality check.
Although the salaries of 24,000 baht would be somewhat sufficient in Thailand, they are woefully inadequate in Singapore, which is one of the most expensive cities in the world.
The minimum wage in Singapore is between 2,000 and 2,500 Singapore dollars a month, which therefore starts at a minimum of 52,000 baht for unskilled workers. Yet the Thai government is offering less than half.
Why?
Singaporean Ministry of Manpower (MOM) offers a Foreign Work Pass for skilled workers at 5,600 Singapore dollars a month (PCM), which amounts to 146,000 baht.
It is suggested that for a comfortable living in Singapore, a single person needs a minimum of 5,000 Singapore dollars, which is 130,000 baht a month.
Double for married people.
Therefore, the salaries offered in the recruitment drive are drastically below the salaries normally offered in Singapore.
They are slave wages, and the potential applicants should make full enquiries before they accept these so poorly paid jobs.
Would Capt Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn, the government spokesman, accept such a poor salary in such an expensive environment?

Miro King knows Singapore,
Bangkok,
Thailand

There were highlights at the 2026 World Cup in America But there were lowlights as well The Southeast Asian Times Saturday July 25, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday July 22, 2026

Re: "Fairytales and feuds spice up World Cup", in Bangkok Post Sport, Monday July 20, 2026.
And so the greatest sporting event ever finishes with a good, although not outstanding, game.
Let's hope this is the last time it is held in America.
The increased number of teams, from 32 to 48, decreased the overall standard of matches.
There were teams playing that were not up to standard, although Cape Verde, with only half a million people, drew all their first-round matches, including against Spain, the final winner and pushed Argentina to a 3-2 result.
There were problems from the American viewpoint, holding games in the heat, the president successfully asking for a red card decision to be reviewed, and the booing of Trump at the final.
The half-time entertainment included many stars who didn't have enough time to really perform but took too much time for the break.
This may have highlighted football to the world, but there were lowlights as well.

Dennis Fitzgerald,
Bangkok,
Thailand

What would truly benefit Thailand? Farmers moving to tech-driven farming The Southeast Asian Times Friday July 24, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Monday July 20, 2026

Re: "Vendors struggle despite aid plan", Bangkok Post, Saturday July 18, 2025 and "Govt cheap meal plan offers little relief, critics say," Tuesday July 14, 2026.
With deep respect, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, you need to aim much higher to live up to your Dusit Thani legacy.
Remarking on the Commerce Ministry's 40-baht rice-and-curry scheme, ex-vice commerce minister Voravongsa Ramangkura said: "There have been no major new policies from the commerce minister that clearly generated positive economic impacts beyond the ministry's routine work".
What would be truly benefit Thailand?
A focus on long-term gains, such as encouraging our farmers to move to smart, tech-driven farming.
Another idea is to take charge of implementing the reforms required for Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) membership. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul sets an ambitious deadline for such changes, which will attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) we badly need by signalling that we have predictable regulations, strong rule of law, transparent government, and better corporate governance.
These will enable us to escape from the middle-income trap by raising productivity rather than just adding more labour or capital.
You'll need an all-of-government effort to overcome entrenched vested interests and get lasting, credible change.
Yet if you and your team can do it, generations of Thais hence will bless your memory.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

 

Core values enshrined in Buddhist morality Overshadowed by greed and selfishness The Southeast Asian Times Thursday July 23, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Monday July 20, 2026

Re: "Por Thip' scam peril", Bangkok Post, Editorial, Friday July 17, 2026.
As a 20 plus year expat who truly loves Thailand, I find myself growing upset by the scale of news stories about deep-rooted corruption eg the sophisticated and multilevel scams offering citizenship and government positions for sale.
These are not just your garden variety examples of the kinds of corruption that many Thais accept as almost normal.
In fact, these schemes undermine fundamental trust at the very foundations of our society.
It makes one wonder if the nation is spiralling into an irredeemable state of dishonesty, self-interest, and disrespect for the rule of law.
It seems like the core values enshrined in Buddhist morality have been overshadowed by greed and selfishness.
But this is not new; it's the age-old story of societal collapse.
We might need a champion to step forward and lead the way out of this quagmire.

CNX JON,
Bangkok,
Thailand

American biologist Dr Kent Carpenter slayed advocating UNESCO World Heritage protection for Verde Island Passage The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday July 22, 2026

Whatever the case might be of the killing of the expert American biologist Dr Kent Carpenter ( 73 ) by three thugs who invaded his home as he and his Filipino partner were watching television ( The Southeast Asian Times 18/7/26 ), it's a crying shame.
Dr Kent Carpenter had provided expert witness evidence at the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague which ruled in favour of the Phillipines over China's claim of sovereignty in the South China Sea.
Dr Kent Carpenter had ''provided vital scientific, written and oral testimony proving the severe environmental damage and reef destruction caused by China's land reclamation and destructive fishing practices.''
Wonder if this had some link to his awful killing and hence the view that to posit his killing as home invasion and robbery might be ''misleading '' according to authoritative sources?

Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia

 

Thailand sizzles In hot season The Southeast Asian Times, day July 20, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday July 14, 2026

Re: "Climate panic", in Bangkok Post PostBag, Saturday July 4, 2026
With temperature records being continually broken across the world -- exactly as predicted by actual climate scientists and not serial PostBag conspiracy theorists -- I find Michael Setter's latest derisory.
He is PostBag's very epitome of the Emperor Nero fiddling while Rome burned.
I fully expect Thailand to sizzle in record temperatures next hot season while Mr Setter keeps trying to peddle his "climate change isn't real, and all climate scientists are liars" fairy tale.

Tarquin Chufflebottom.
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand's Utility Green Tariff platform Accelerates net-zero 2050 target The Southeast Asian Times, Monday July 20, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday July 14, 2026

Re: "Egat launches Thailand's first UGT platform to accelerate the corporate path to Net Zero",Bangkok Post Business, Thursday June 25, 2026.
The Egat's launch of the Utility Green Tariff (UGT) platform is welcome news.
As Thailand aligns its energy infrastructure with the accelerated net-zero 2050 target, the UGT mechanisms are vital to stimulate and fund new renewable energy supplies under the upcoming Power Development Plan (PDP2026).
The UGT2 tier in particular gives local businesses a practical route to renewable energy through a portfolio-based tariff with bundled certificates, under 10-year contracts drawing on new solar, wind and battery-backed projects.
It is designed to support market-based renewable claims under international standards like RE100 and the Science Based Targets initiative, which increasingly emphasise energy sourced from newer renewable plants.
Alongside UGT2, the PDP2026 is likely to bring direct power purchase agreements (direct PPAs), allowing large users to buy power straight from renewable developers through the grid.
As these two mechanisms develop side by side, at least three things are worth watching.
First, price and timing. UGT2 locks subscribers into a premium tariff for 10 years. That certainty is valuable for companies under compliance pressure now, but those who can wait may find cheaper power once direct PPAs become more mainstream.
Second, the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), now in its definitive phase, appears to be moving towards electricity claims matched on an hourly basis.
However, UGT2 matches renewable generation to consumption monthly.
For Thai exporters, direct PPAs may prove better placed as those rules are clarified.
Third, the GHG Protocol, the globally used carbon accounting standard, is consulting on a Scope 2 revision that proposes hourly matching.
If adopted, monthly matched products like UGT2 may face tighter conditions for claiming emissions reductions.
It will be interesting to watch the dynamic between UGT2 and direct PPAs pan out as the Ministry of Energy finalises the PDP2026 later this year.
Ultimately, both mechanisms will play a necessary part in strengthening Thailand's industrial baseline and positioning the nation stronger within the global market.

Varosak Chirachon,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand PM performs rendition of My Way For visiting Malaysian PM The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday July 19, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday July 18, 2026

Re: "Give him a break", Bangkok Post PostBag, July 16 and "PM vows to boost Malaysia ties", in Bangkok Post, FridayJuly 10, 2026.
Unlike T Turveydrop, who defended Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's first 100 days by blaming his difficulties largely on an unfavourable environment, I judge him by his attitude and sincerity.
To me, he has shown himself to be a prime minister who has faced the country's challenges without pretence, appearing alongside ordinary people in times of difficulty.
His public diplomacy with foreign leaders has also been impressive.
One memorable moment was his saxophone performance of My Way for the visiting Malaysian prime minister.
It was heartfelt and inviting, and Frank Sinatra himself might have appreciated the rendition.
I wish Prime Minister Anutin every success.
Having enjoyed both family wealth and business success, he should have no temptation to engage in corruption.
In the end, remaining incorruptible is worth far more than accumulating even greater wealth.
One also hopes that, like American philanthropists Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and MacKenzie Scott, he will one day find satisfaction in giving back to society.

Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Gaping hole in call for screening of tourists For criminal record on arrival in Thailand The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday July 18, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday July 17, 2026

Re: "Screening criminals", in Bangkok Post PostBag, Wednesday July 15, 2026 and "Family mourns teen girl found dead in suitcase in Pattaya as Australian arrested", Bangkok Post Monday June 29, 2026.
There is a gaping hole in Nigel Chadwick's call for screening tourists' criminal records on arrival in Thailand.
He assumes that Simon Carman, who is alleged to have murdered 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla, had a criminal record. I believe he did not, so no amount of screening would have made any difference.
I suspect many crimes committed by foreigners in Thailand are carried out by people with no previous record.

David Brown,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand calls for automatic background screaning In new Electronic Travel Authorization system The Southeast Asian Times, Friday July 17, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday July 14, 2026

Re: "Family mourns teen girl found dead in suitcase in Pattaya as Australian arrested", in Bangkok Post, Monday June 29, 2026.
The horrific murder of 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla in Jomtien is a devastating reminder that Thailand's open-door tourism policy contains a fatal vulnerability.
While Suvarnabhumi and Phuket airports boast high-tech facial recognition and biometric gates, the underlying computer databases remain entirely blind to the violent criminal records of arriving foreign tourists.
Under the current 60-day visa-exemption rules, travellers from Western nations cross Thai checkpoints without any automated background screening.
Unless a predator already has an active international Interpol warrant, they are treated as low-risk visitors, allowing individuals with dangerous backgrounds to slip into local communities completely undetected.
Fixing this is a technical no-brainer.
Connecting border entry gates to automated criminal background databases during the airline check-in process takes less than a second.
Doing so would save the Kingdom massive amounts of public funds currently wasted on complex police manhunts, intensive forensic investigations, and the lifelong high-security imprisonment of foreign criminals.
As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs finalises the rollout of the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, the law must make background vetting mandatory.
Thailand must demand reciprocal criminal data access from foreign governments before any traveller is permitted to board a flight to the Kingdom.
Security theatre at the airport terminal means nothing if the databases are blind.
For the safety of every Thai citizen and vulnerable child, the law must close this loophole permanently.

Nigel Chadwick,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Police look the other way as motorists Ignore red lights and pedestrian crossings The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday July 15, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday July 12, 2026

Re: "Safety culture", Bangkok Post, PostBag, Monday July 6, 2026 and "Reality of kids driving", Bangkok Post, Editorial, Saturday July 4, 2026.
Almost daily, I cross Thong Lor at the traffic light for pedestrians in front of Camilian Hospital.
I cross the road only when there is a green light for pedestrians and a red light for cars and motorbikes.
However, even then it is very dangerous, as some motorists do not stop every time. Last week, I was almost hit by cars twice.
Motorists ignoring red lights and pedestrian crossings happen every day at any time of the day or night.
This situation applies to any pedestrian crossing in Thong Lor, even the one directly at the police station where police prefer to look the other way.
In the past few years, I have never seen traffic police check motorists' blatant disregard for traffic lights.
Pedestrians seem to be a nuisance not only to motorists but the traffic police, too. Whenever I see tourists crossing Thong Lor, I notice that they are aghast, but who cares?
Nobody.

Marcus Redfort,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Qualifying for the 2030 FIFA World Cup Will not be easy for Thailand The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday July 15, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday July 12, 2026

Re: "Minnows make champs Argentina toil", Bangkok Post, Sport, Sunday July 5, 2026.
Cape Verde's remarkable World Cup debut should inspire Thailand.
Despite having a population of just over half a million, the Blue Sharks showed that organisation, discipline and belief can compete with far larger football nations.
Thailand, with 70 million people, a strong domestic league and passionate supporters, has far greater resources and could do great things.
Under the leadership of Madam Pang, youth development is improving, but the country still needs better coaching, stronger grassroots programmes, greater international exposure and more opportunities for talented players to compete overseas.
Qualifying for the 2030 World Cup will not be easy, but it is an achievable goal if the Football Association builds on recent progress with stable leadership, long-term planning and sustained investment in home-grown talent.
Cape Verde has shown that size is no barrier.
Thailand has the potential to follow its example.

Gregory Abdur-Rasheed
Bangkok,
Thailand

What is Thailand doing wrong To be suffering a decline in tourism ? The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday July 14, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday July 12, 2026

Re: "Thai tourism worries as Chinese resume trips to Japan", Bangkok Post, Business, Tuesday June 30, 2026.
I read that China's recently issued five-year plan is targeting 190 million tourists by 2030.
Last year they achieved a 17 percent increase.
Also, Japan, Malaysia and other competitors are exceeding pre-Covid visitors.
It made me ponder what Thailand is doing wrong to be suffering a decline in tourism.
The move towards higher-value tourism was a worthy goal but should be added to existing tourism, not a replacement.
Visa-free entry has been scrapped, and a 300-baht tourist tax has been introduced. Compare this to Malaysia, which is booming with its visa-free entry policy and increase in flights.
Cost has also become a deterrent for Thai tourists. Many restaurants in Bangkok and tourist centres equate to London prices.
Decades of easy tourism also seem to have developed a culture of milking tourists rather than giving great customer service.
Friends trying to leave Koh Samui this week on their way to the US were delayed for two and a half hours as planes were cancelled and consolidated to give full flights.
They had a similar experience in trying to get to Samui from Bangkok.
Publicity over the recent aggressive clampdown by authorities on villa ownership after years of complicity also doesn't help the Thai image.
The authorities need a mind reset with regard to tourists.
Instead of viewing foreigners as a necessary evil, they need policies that attract, welcome and over-deliver on customer expectations.

Phil Cox,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand has grown old Before it has grown rich The Southeast Asian Times, Monday July 13, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday July 12, 2026

Re: "Strong medicine for a sick economy", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Tuesday July 7, 2026.
You don't have to be a clairvoyant or an economist to see that investment in the energy transition, electric vehicles (EVs) and EV-related skills alone will not revive the economy, despite what some may hope.
As Thailand Development Research Institute president Somkiat Tangkitvanich pointed out in The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper in February, Thailand has grown old before it has grown rich and, at its current sluggish pace, may remain trapped as a middle-income country until 2070.
The country needs deeper structural reforms to tackle bureaucratic inertia, corruption, low productivity, inequality, an ageing population, weak education outcomes and mounting debt.
The Bank of Thailand should also step up debt relief and restructuring, while the dominance of large family conglomerates needs to be addressed to encourage greater competition.
Whether this government has the stamina to carry out such painful reforms remains to be seen.
Without them, Thailand risks remaining the sick man of Asia.

S de Jong,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Bangkok tenants want bylaw for installation Of EV chargers in condos and apartment buildings The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday July 12, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Friday July 10, 2026

Re: "A green spark to Bangkok's capillary system" in Bangkok Post, Life, Saturday February 21, 2026.
I would like to bring to the attention of Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt and city councillors the need for a bylaw governing the installation of EV chargers in all condos and apartment buildings.
This will help in the adoption of electric vehicles and reduce pollution sharply.
I recently signed up a lease to rent an apartment for two years and requested permission to install an approved Tesla EV charger at my cost in one of the car park two spaces entitlement.
I was surprised when the owner refused to allow me.
I even proposed a common charger on a pay per use concept to help all the tenants.
I even highlighted that this cost will be borne completely by the users and recovered fully.
It appears there is some unfounded fear of electric vehicle chargers as a potential fire hazard.
I am not sure if there is or not.
What I do know is that an increasing number of apartment and condo buildings have installed common chargers to service residents.
Indeed, the building I am in right now has two common chargers where payment is collected through an app and working very well.
My request is to mandate every building owner to have an EV charging facility in Bangkok.

Bala Natarajan,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand film critic dictates What the movie should mean The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday July 11, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Friday July 10, 2026

Re: "A menu for murder", Bangkok Post Life, Friday July 3, 2026.
Like most readers, I look to movie reviews to make an informed decision on whether to actually view the film.
However, some reviews seem designed to frustrate that purpose.
Describing the central plot of Morte Cucina, Pen-ek Ratanaruang's latest work, as "quite minimal", Tatat Bunnag noted how difficult it was for him to pen his review without revealing too much.
Then, he laid down the complete plot summary, while suggesting readers see the film before reading his article.
Not only has he helped to remove any suspense on the film's ending, he also left no room for the viewers to use their own imagination.
This seems to be Tata's preferred method of film critique. Perhaps he should emulate other notable film critics that enchant readers by not giving too much away or dictating to readers what the movie should mean to them.

Krungthep Krit,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

Thailand's lese majeste law Excluded from the amnesty bill The Southeast Asian Times, Friday July 10, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday July 8, 2026

Re: "Parliament to debate Amnesty Bill on Wednesday" and "Amnesty for the half-hearted," in Bangkok Post, July 6, 2026.
Again, we should follow our beloved His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, who had clearly expressed wishes related to the lese majeste law.
Section 112, as the lese majeste law has been known, is reported to be excluded from the upcoming amnesty bill.
Allow me to walk back to a much-quoted section from the book King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
A Life's Work, penned by Nicholas Grossman and Dominic Faulder, Editions Didier Millet 2012.
The book states that "Thailand's law of lese majeste has one very prominent critic: King Bhumibol.
In 2005 King Bhumibol used his annual televised birthday address to convey three concerns.
''The king,'' he said, 'is a human being and as such should be subject to criticism.
'' Charges against those accused of lese majeste should be dropped, and those held in jail for lese majeste should be released, and ''The use of the lese majeste law ultimately damages the monarchy.''
Many insist that we continue harshly applying Section 112, arguing that "critics repeat standard democratic doctrine drawn from Western texts without adequately considering that each country has its own culture and historical context".
Yes, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great was Boston-born and educated in Switzerland and, of course, the late monarch was supremely expert in our culture and historical context.
The UN Human Rights Council's independent Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups have repeatedly argued that S112 is overly broad, carries disproportionate penalties and is inconsistent with international standards on freedom of expression under the UN's International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which we are a party.
Amnesty International consistently argues that we use S112 to suppress peaceful expression and prosecute activists, journalists and ordinary citizens.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Justice seen to be done At FIFIA World Cup 2026 The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday July 9, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday July 8, 2026

Re: "Trump intervention sparks World Cup storm as Fifa clears Balogun to face Belgium", Bangkok Post Monday July 6, 2026
As the great English football legend Jimmy Greaves once said: " Football is a funny old game."
And so it is, as the Belgians have proven to the nauseating and interfering Donald Trump that although he was able to influence the l'enfant terrible Gianni Infantino to change the red card of the USA player Folarin Balogun to a postponement of the offence, to enable him to play against Belgium, but the " Influencer" Trump was not able to move the goal posts on the pitch during the match, which the sublime Belgian Old Guard won more than convincingly 4:1.
Infantino should resign his post as the head of the corrupt Fifa and Trump should learn about the rules, emphasis on rules of football and fair play.
Well done, the Belgians.
They scored for the old adage " Justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done.''
Appalled by Trump.

Miro King,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Vietnam has leapfrogged to overtake The Philippines economy The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday July 8, 2026 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Friday July 3, 2026

The column of Joel Ruiz Butuyan, ''Comparing Vietnam and the Philippines,'' June 18, 2026 narrates his on-the-ground observation of how Vietnam has surprisingly leapfrogged to overtake the Philippines economically.
It states that Vietnam's per capita income is at $4,717, while that of the Philippines is at $3,985 according to 2024 World Bank figures.
When translated into purchasing power parity, Vietnam's real standards are significantly higher at $17,480 compared to the Philippines $12,913.
Vietnam is one more proof that it's not the form of government that lies at the heart of our problems.
It's the kind of political and business leaders who abuse power and monopolize resources that blight our people's life.
The quality of the country's economic life is the mirror of the quality of political governance in terms of dictating the rules, incentives, and stability that drive sustainable growth.
Vietnam's faster income growth than the Philippines is due to the former successful structural transformation that involved shifting labor from the low-productivity agricultural sector to high-productivity manufacturing and service sectors.
This is measured in terms of service-to-agriculture employment ratio.
Relative thereto, there is an established framework that demonstrates that a higher ratio leads to higher purchasing power parity per capita income.
The Philippines with a 3.15:1 ratio, should yield an income higher than Vietnam, Thailand, and China, which is not the case.
This is due to the Philippine bypassing industrialization to focus on services characterized by a large informal workforce concentrated in low-productivity, low-paying subsectors like wholesale and retail, transport, and eateries.
Nevertheless, the Philippines is actively implementing strategies to reverse deindustrialization and rebuild its manufacturing base.
The core policy approach integrates advanced technology, sustainable energy, and an upgraded local supply chain.
However, systemic bottlenecks like high electricity costs, logistical gaps, and bureaucratic red tape continue to challenge these policies.
Hence, the Filipino people should unite and close ranks to demand from the three branches of government to focus on economic growth by implementing structural reforms, streamlining legislative priorities, and strengthening institutional check-and-balance mechanisms to minimize political distractions.
If the present political and economic predicaments persist, there is no doubt that the 57 percent level of adult Filipinos who are open to living and working abroad, based on recent surveys, could continue to rise.

Ed Enderez,
Manila,
Philippines

"The government is just giving taxpayers their own money'' Says Thai taxi driver The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday July 7, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Monday July 6, 2026

Re: "Thais Help Thais shows strong first-month uptake," in Bangkok Post, Thursday July 2, 2026.
Prime Minister Anutin should use taxpayers' hard-earned funds to benefit us far more effectively than through his Thais Help Thais Plus 60/40 co-payment scheme.
This could have been done simply by heeding Lao Tzu's wisdom.
"Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."
As it is, Prime Minister Anutin's emphasis has apparently been on food.
But recipients will be hungry again in a few hours, and no eatery will hire more staff on the basis of a one-off surge in demand.
However, if Prime Minister Anutin had focused the handout on "teaching how to fish", the economic gains would have been more sustainable, with a potentially significant multiplier effect.
For instance, two farming households could have pooled their B4,000-per-person handouts to buy a walk-behind power tiller.
To increase the multiplier effect with the same total subsidy, Prime Minister Anutin could have provided a 70/30 subsidy for purchases that generate long-term benefits and a lower rate of 50/50 for everything else.
Taxpayers see through Prime Minister Anutin's vote-buying tactics.
A taxi driver told me that he was not participating in the scheme because "the government is just giving taxpayers their own money.''
Worse still as Liberal Party leader Pol Gen Sereepisuth Teemeyaves points out the handout is funded by borrowed money.
Prime Minister Anutin is making us pay interest to borrow from ourselves!"

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Are Thai's prepared to accept a 90-year lease Held by non-Thai's ? The Southeast Asian Times, Monday July 6, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday July 5, 2026

Re: "Property woes", Bangkok Post Bag, Friday July 3, 2026 and "Crackdown unlikely to hit foreign property demand", Bangkok Post Business, Wednesday 24, 2026.
The 30-year lease period of immovable property including land, even to a non-Thai, is not contestable, as clearly stated in the Civil and Commercial Code.
Yet its standing on the next renewal for another 30 years could be problematic because of one Supreme Court ruling.
The reiteration of regular PostBag contributor Phil Cox's idea of a 90-year lease with ownership reverted to the government upon expiry is against the basic principle of ownership and somewhat communistic.
Reversion to the previous owner is more appropriate.
The crucial question is whether some Thais are prepared to be less nationalistic and accept a 90-year lease held by non-Thais.
When trying to liberalise this property law, Gen Chatichai Choonhavan, the former prime minister, used to maintain that the land would still physically stay in Thailand and not be exported. His scheme was shot down within weeks.

Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand

The Thailand Development Research Institute Wants to throw everything out and start all over The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday July 5, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday July 4, 2026

Re: "How to rescue Thailand economy", in Bangkok Post Opinion, Wednesday July 1, 2026.
After reading the distinguished writer's article in Wednesday's paper, I couldn't help but think that the two writers, who are researchers at the Thailand Development Research Institute, were suggesting we throw everything out and start all over again.
It sounded extremely complicated, unrealistic and wishful thinking; the changes they proposed seemed only remotely possible. Strangest of all was a picture of a street vendor that had nothing to do with the essence of their article.

Jerry Feldman,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Publishing unverified stories about the USA and Iran war Violates the spirit of responsible journalism The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday July 3, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Friday July 2, 2026

Re: "Iran hits Kuwait, Bahrain", in Bangkok Post, Wednesday June 29, 2026
I find this title and story misleading.
You state that, according to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), they "destroyed eight important US military facilities at the Ali al-Salem base in Kuwait and at the 5th Fleet naval base in Port Salman in Bahrain".
Unfortunately, it gives the impression that Iranian propaganda is in fact true, without citing any other reputable sources.
Initial battle damage assessments from CENTCOM and the independent think-tank at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that all incoming missiles and drones were either shot down or fell short of their targets.
The only verified damage from these strikes was a residential building near the Bahrain International Airport, as reported by the Associated Press and there has been no report of any damage in Kuwait.
Publishing these kinds of headlines and unverified stories about the war between the USA and Iran violates the spirit of responsible journalism, and undermines your credibility in the eyes of your readership.

CNX JON,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

 

 

Thailand Government has responsibility That its TV viewers are happy The Southeast Asian Times, Friday July 3, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday July 1, 2026

Re: "Desperate measures", Bangkok Post, PostBag, Monday June 22, 2026.
I have noticed that True has apparently been infected with Three Monkeys Syndrome in that they have seen the problems, have heard about the problems and have done nothing to correct any of them.
So, what is the cure? Should the government step in and demand that True take immediate action to correct all of the problems?
After all, the government has the responsibility to ensure that its citizens are happy, and at present, TV viewers are anything but happy with what they are paying for.
I, for one, am not happy seeing Gordon Ramsey on several channels and programmes that go back 50 years (movies). Should the com- munications ministry step in and fine True for not presenting satisfactory programming in both transmission and content? We want an answer and action.

Another unhappy viewer,
Bangkok,
Thailand

China considers UNCLOS award on South China Sea ''Nothing more than a scrap of paper'' The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday July 2, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday July 1, 2026

Re: "China reunification is an inevitable historical trend", Bangkok Post Opinion, Wednesday May 27, 2026 and "Mainland SE Asia's shifting dynamics", Bangkok Post Opinion, Friday June 26, 2026.
In the most respected analysis by Ajarn Thitinan Pongsudhirak, the compulsory United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) legal process on the Thai-Cambodian maritime territorial dispute "will be a thorn in Asean's side" over the next two years.
As could be anticipated from day one, by now the 10-year-old award by the Permanent Court of Arbitration under UNCLOS on the South China Sea is considered by China to be "nothing more than a scrap of paper", according to a report in the Global Times Friday June 24, 2026.
In Article 3 of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, November 4, 2002, "the parties reaffirm their respect for and commitment to the freedom of navigation as provided by the universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)".
The declaration was signed by all Asean countries.
Where the Chinese ambassador in Bangkok, Zhang Jianwei, in his recently published opinion on May 27, determines various historic UN resolutions on Taiwan as "facts beyond discussion", the position of China on the UNCLOS Award, as quoted above, shows another diplomatic attitude.
Tearing apart an international agreement as a scrap of paper is no problem. Common efforts to restore, test and enforce the integrity of international law will be crucial in the coming decade.
The Thai-Cambodian reconciliation process could be central in these efforts, with a crucial global impact. Asean and the UN should work closely together to transform the situation into a pivot for peace.

Hans Van Willenswaard,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Three sudden cardiac arrests at the Buriram Marathon Were unusual and important warning events The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday July 1, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday June 28, 2026

Re: "Keep heart rate guidelines in mind while exercising", Bangkok Post Life, Tuesday June 16, 2026.
Over the past decade, mini-marathons, half-marathons and full marathons have become increasingly popular across Thailand.
This is a positive trend, as it encourages more people to exercise outdoors and take better care of their health.
However, it is also sad that some runners occasionally suffer heat stroke, heart attacks or sudden cardiac arrest during races.
According to the Department of Disease Control, from 2022 to May 2026, Thailand held 5,858 running events.
During these races, 53 runners collapsed and six died, equivalent to about nine serious collapse events per 1,000 races.
Most affected runners were men aged 50–59, often with cardiovascular risk factors, and many incidents occurred in the final stages of the race, near the finish line.
The three sudden cardiac arrests reported at the Buriram Marathon in early 2026 were unusual and important warning events.
Fortunately, the organiser was well prepared, and the medical team responded rapidly and effectively.
All three runners survived.
This shows the value of good emergency planning. Nevertheless, prevention is always better than rescue.
As someone who has served both as a field physician and as a race participant, I believe more attention should be given to pre-participation health screening.
Runners aged over 40 should be encouraged to complete a health questionnaire honestly before entering endurance races.
Race organisers could help by working with hospitals or clinics to offer affordable pre-race health assessments.
High-risk runners may then receive proper advice, choose a shorter distance, walk instead of race, or delay participation until their condition is better controlled.
In unusually hot years, older runners and people who do not regularly exercise outdoors should also be advised about heat acclimatisation.
If a race attracts many high-risk participants, the chance of cardiovascular events will naturally rise.
Screening will not prevent every tragedy, but it can reduce avoidable risks. Thailand's hot climate and increasingly extreme weather add further danger to outdoor endurance events.
Running is good medicine, but it must be practised with wisdom, preparation and respect for one's own health.

Borvornchai Chirachon,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Trans people have always existed And didn't need social media to come into existence The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday June 30, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday June 28, 2026

Re: "Digital pressure", Bangkok Post, PostBag, Wednesday June 24, 2026.
It is astonishing to see Ron Martin's statement claiming that transgender people do not exist but are only created by social media.
This is factually wrong.
Trans people have always existed and didn't need social media to come into existence.
But what is more surprising is that this false statement was published during Pride Month in a newspaper that publicly supports and promotes Pride activities.
That's disappointing, to say the least.

Ali Al-Nasani,
Bangkok,
Thailand

ASEAN countries should teach Public international law in their universities The Southeast Asian Times, Monday June 29, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday June 28, 2026

Re: "Renewing international law's promise", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Friday June 19, 2026.
During a period when respect for international law is in obvious decline, Professor Vitit Muntarbhorn's insightful article deserves full attention throughout Asean.
At a time when this regional organisation reaffirms its commitment to a rules-based order and multilateral cooperation, all Asean countries should be guided to strengthen the teaching of public international law in their universities, not only in law faculties but also in programmes related to international relations and public policy.
A better understanding and strict observance of international law among future leaders and citizens are essential for advancing the noble goals of the Asean community and promoting peace, sustainable development and respect for human rights across the region.

Ioan Voicu,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand's economy is in the hands of an oligarchy With family conglomerates with vertical integration The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday June 28, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Friday June 26, 2026

Re: "Government sets path to prosperity", in Bangkok Post, Tuesday June 23, 2026.
The Thai government aims, at breakneck speed, to be among the world's top 20 countries in the International Institute for Management Development's (IMD) World Competitiveness Ranking by 2030.
To put things in perspective, readers should know that Thailand's past International Institute for Management Development's (IMD) world rankings were 33 in 2022, 30 in 2023, 25 in 2024), 30 in 2025, and 26 in 2026.
Furthermore, one needs to take into account that the number of countries measured was 63 in 2022, 64 in 2023, 67 in 2024, 69 in 2025, and 70 in 2026.
Thus, calculated on the scale of 70 measured countries in 2026, Thailand's real rankings would be 37 in 2022, 33 in 2023, 26 in 2024, 30 in 2025, and 26 in 2026, the average ranking for those years being approximately 28.5.
The Thai government has set itself a Herculean task, especially when considering its inert bureaucracy, corruption, low productivity, inequality, lack of infrastructure, ageing population, low Programme for International Student Assessment. (PISA) education ratings, short-term populism with helicopter money, whopping corporate debts 81.3 percent, household debts 86.7 percent, and public debts 65.6 percent in 2025.
The list to be contemplated is virtually endless.
Moreover, the country has one of the highest concentrations of wealth in the world, where the richest 10 percent own more than half of the total wealth.
The economy is in the hands of an oligarchy with family conglomerates with "vertical integration", owning the entire chain from raw material to end consumer; their dominance is distributed across food and agriculture, retail, and telecommunications.
I wish this government good luck.

S de Jong,
Bangkok,
Thailand

The Iranian regime has never been this weakened Both economically and militarily The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday June 27, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday June 25, 2026

Re: "End of US hegemony", Bangkok Post PostBag, Saturday June 20, 2026.
Yingwai Suchaovanich's letter in PostBag reflects bias and naive hope regarding the effect of the MoU and how events will play out in the Middle East.
The billions in cash are merely a big carrot that Iran will never see if it does not comply with the ceasefire and agree to dismantle its nuclear programme both of which are highly unlikely.
Trump has calmed world markets and bought himself a respite heading into the midterm elections.
The Iranian regime has never been this weakened, both economically and militarily. It is premature to declare victory for either side in this conflict, and far more prudent to reserve historical proclamations until the story is over.

CNX JON,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Khun Yingwai's letter shows palpable hate towards America And glowing admiration for Chinas The Southeast Asian Times, Friday June 26, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday June 24, 2026

Re: "End of US hegemony", Bangkok Post, PostBag, Saturday June 20, 2026
Yingwai Suchaovanich's letters simply show palpable hate towards America and glowing admiration for China.
Most people do not agree with him.
Anyone reading Khun Yingwai's letter has read an example of propaganda.
He states that according to the MoU between the US and Iran, the US has agreed to "pay US$300 billion (9.85 trillion baht) in reparations to Iran".
This is a lie.
The US has agreed in principle to set up a US-backed construction fund for private contractors to build infrastructure in Iran.
The contractors, if successful, will profit from their endeavours.
Then Khun Yingwai says to anyone "who still believes that US military might still exists, you need to rethink and admit" it doesn't.
This is just the over-emotional exaggeration of someone who hates to such an extent that rational examination of the facts has been disabled.
By all measures, the US still has the most powerful military in the world.
Yes, in a few areas their dominance is being challenged, but certainly not by the radical Islamic cult of mullahs who control Iran.
An example is the cost of discharging America's new high-energy laser weapons, such as the Navy's HELIOS deployed in the Middle East.
It is approximately $5.50.
America formerly used patriot missiles, which cost $4 to $10 million, and other expensive weapons.
HELIOS acquired and destroyed targets in seconds in the Straight of Ho4 Jun 20rmuz, totally defeating Iran's gunboat and drone swarms with ease.
In short, it behoves everyone to hate less and thereby think more rationally.

Michael Setter
Bangkok,
Thailand

Insufficient number of Thais can afford to buy 51 percent of condos in the city The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday June 25, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday June 23, 2026

Re: "Crackdown targets use of Thai proxies", Bangkok Post Business, Thursday March 25, 2026.
Amid the crackdown on foreign property ownership, the latest Real Estate Information Centre report shows that in southern Thailand, residential construction permits have dropped 65.2 percent.
It must be said that the use of nominees has been practised for decades and has driven the property and wider economy. Authorities have acquiesced. To attack it so aggressively is disingenuous. The boom in Bangkok condo development could only have been possible by nominee company ownership, as there is an insufficient number of Thais who could afford to buy 51 percent of condos in the city.
As previously suggested, the solution is a 90-year lease, with the land reverting to the government upon expiry.

Phil Cox,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Social media ban on under 16's Keeps all youngsters in a cave The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday June 24, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday June 23, 2026

Re: "Britain to ban social media for under 16s", Bangkok Post, World, Tuesday June 16, 2026.
Just some thoughts on the social media ban on youngsters.
The age 16 criterion is unrealistic.
Go, and you will find inappropriate behaviour and crimes committed by far younger kids.
You really cannot ban things from people simply by their age, not just social media.
Meanwhile, total blockage on the country scope is to keep all the youngsters in a cave and then lose their competitive edge when facing the world of other liberal countries?
They cannot see what AI can do and how fake it can be; they don't see the online bully atrocities.
It's a double-edged sword.

YJ Hong,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

 

 

Banning all children under 16 from access to social media Raises question concerning children's rights The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday June 23, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday June 21, 2026

Re: "Orwellian updates" Bangkok Post, TimeOff, Sunday June 21, 2026
The move to restrict children under 16 from accessing social media, beginning in Australia and now followed by similar moves in Malaysia and the United Kingdom, has understandably generated strong public debate.
As a physician, I have looked at some of the research behind these concerns. There is indeed a large body of evidence suggesting prolonged social media use among children and adolescents, especially more than three hours a day, is associated with poorer mental health, sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, cyberbullying and reduced face-to-face social interaction.
However, from a medical and scientific perspective, we should be cautious.
Much of the evidence is observational, often small to moderate in scale, and affected by numerous confounding factors.
A blanket ban for all children under 16 also raises difficult questions concerning children's rights, privacy and access to information.
I understand Canada is considering a more flexible model, under which social media platforms may be permitted if they can demonstrate that they are sufficiently safe for children.
This seems a more balanced approach.
One issue that has received too little attention is online gaming. Extensive research, including studies from Asia and Thailand, has also examined the negative effects of excessive online gaming among children.
If children are blocked from social media but simply spend more time on online games or AI chatbots, society may merely push them from one danger into another.
If Thailand ever considers similar legislation, I would suggest a more
omprehensive approach.
First, social media and online gaming should be considered together, not separately.
Second, the government, or an independent body funded by the government, should establish clear criteria to assess which social media platforms and online games are reasonably safe for children.
Third, children under 16 should be restricted from using platforms and games that fail to meet these safety standards.Fourth, companies should be allowed to modify their products and reapply for approval.
Protecting children is essential.
But a law that is too simplistic may create new problems while appearing to solve existing ones.

Borvornchai Chirachon, MD
Bangkok,
Thailand

Why can Brazil, Peru, South Korea Stay in Thailand for three months visa-free ? The Southeast Asian Times, Monday June 22, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday June 21, 2026

Re: "Visa shift unlikely to deter Indians", Bangkok Post Business, Saturday June 13, 2026.
And it is also unlikely to deter those coming from countries such as Brazil, Peru or South Korea.
Why?
Well, because the citizens of such countries have the right to stay in Thailand for three months visa-free upon arrival in the country, despite the new laws which are soon to come into effect here.
The Thai government's crackdown on tourists engaging in illegal activities here would be taken more seriously if it eliminated the special bilateral agreements that it has in place with various countries, which allow those citizens to circumvent the new rules allowing tourists to stay here for only a month visa-free.
If the Thai government were really serious about tourists engaging in illegal activities in the nation, the first order of business should be to eliminate the special exemptions given to citizens of the aforementioned countries to stay here for 90 days if they wish, one could argue.
Thais don't necessarily have the right to stay in such nations for three months, it should be pointed out.
If citizens from even G-7 nations such as the US and Japan cannot stay here for more than a month visa-free, it's rather odd that the Brazilians or Koreans are able to do so.
I will let discerning people judge for themselves.

Paul,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Philippine economy structurally dependent On Overseas Filipino workers The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday June 21, 2026 First published in the Philippine Inquirer FridayJune 19, 2026

As conflicts escalate in the Middle East, governments around the world are assessing their risks.
For the Philippines, the concern is not abstract. It is measured in the number of Filipinos working in the region, many of whom find themselves in the shadows of a possible widening conflict.
The Philippine economy is not just supported by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), it is structurally dependent on them.
In 2024, OFWs sent more than $38 billion, a record high according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Remittances account for about 8.3 percent of the Philippines gross domestic product.
These funds support household spending, education, and small businesses nationwide.
The Philippines reliance on overseas workers is not merely a matter of economic necessity but a structural feature of its development strategy.
OFWs are routinely deployed through institutionalized labor export programs supported by bilateral agreements and state agencies.
Under the administration of President Marcos, this approach continues a long-standing policy direction that treats overseas employment not as a temporary solution but as a central pillar of economic stability.
A significant portion of OFWs are concentrated in the Middle East, a region repeatedly affected by geopolitical instability.
Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar host large Filipino populations, placing many workers in environments where political tensions and conflict risks are persistent.
In times of crisis, government response focuses on monitoring developments, coordinating evacuations, and providing assistance to affected workers.
While necessary and often effective, these measures are largely reactive, activated only after risks escalate.
This highlights a system that prioritizes crisis management over long-term prevention of worker vulnerability.
It is important to recognize that many Filipinos choose to work abroad, drawn by higher wages and opportunities unavailable at home. Government agencies also provide support from predeparture orientation to repatriation assistance.
Yet these choices occur within a context of limited domestic employment remain limited, raising questions about how voluntary they truly are.
These realities point to a deeper structural issue.
The Philippines does not simply fall short in protecting its workers overseas; it continues to rely on a system in which their exposure to risk is an inherent feature. Economic stability is, to a significant extent, sustained by labor deployed beyond its borders, often in regions where uncertainty is part of the environment.
The Philippines has long mastered the art of responding to crisis.
The harder question is whether it is willing to confront the system that makes these crises inevitable. Until then, every conflict abroad will continue to echo at home—not as an exception, but as a consequence.

Andrey Kim G. Malabed,
Manila,
Philippines

 

 

Thailand does not have a leader Like Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday June 20, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday June 18, 2026

Re: "Reform or stall", Bangkok Post PostBag, Tuesday June 16, 2026 and "Sihasak maps out vision at Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) meet", in Bangkok Post, Friday June 5, 2026.
Our prolific PostBag contributor, Burin Kantabutra, summarised his views well.
Some may be idealistic, but they are certainly well-intentioned.
First, Thailand does not have the luxury of a leader such as Lee Kuan Yew, who was highly educated and strongly influenced by British colonial traditions of integrity and good governance.
Singapore's turning point came in 1965 when it was expelled from Malaysia and forced to survive on its own.
Lee's emotional announcement that day galvanised the population and forged a strong national spirit.
His legacy was continued by his successors.
When asked whether he could govern India successfully, Lee gave a blunt answer: "No single person can change India."
Second, one must be sceptical about Thailand's ability to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and fully adopt its principles of openness, transparency and democracy by 2037.
These are admirable goals, but Thailand is still far from achieving them. We have many capable people, but too few opportunities for them to demonstrate their abilities.
Finally, while it is useful to repeat these shortcomings, lest we forget them, it would be even better to begin addressing them by promoting openness instead of opacity, transparency instead of restrictive practices, and genuine democratic principles.
Recently, Swiss voters rejected a proposal to cap the country's population at 10 million.
That is democracy in action, and perhaps closer to what the ancient Greek philosopher Plato had in mind.

Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

 

Senator questions transparency And benefits of Thai-AI project The Southeast Asian Times, Friday June 19, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday June 11, 2026

Re: "Senator grills Digital Economy and Society over AI scheme", in Bangkok Post, Thursday June 9, 2026.
Senator Nantana Nantavaropas correctly questions the transparency and stated benefits of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society 1.6-billion-baht TH-AI project, for many key questions remain very murky, with no key performance indicators in sight.
For instance, what are the Digital Economy and Society Key Performance Indicators on recipient selection that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound?
The Digital Economy and Society might say, "Within three months of commencement, the Digital Economy and Society will have selected five million university professors and graduate students to work on national-level projects in agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing."
Also, the Thailand Development Research Institute reported that the public sector was our weakest competitive pillar, especially in state-owned enterprises in transport, communications and telecommunications, energy and electricity, and logistics.
Which Key Performance Indicators are directly targeted at bettering these key areas?
At the end of the one-year period, what will Thailand have gained?
Should we have used the funds to train the trainers, so that we have sustainable benefits?
How many such trainers will we need to have trained, and for what?
As things stand, it seems that Prime Minister Anutin's main goal is to spend public scarce money.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok
Thailand

A certificate should accompany each shipment Of Thai shrimp for its safety. The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday June 18, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday June 11, 2026

Re: "Govt scrambles for markets", Bangkok Post Business, Thursday June 11, 2026.
The article on Thai shrimp exports banned by the Malaysian government highlights steps that should have been taken long ago.
In this respect, even in good times, businesses need to constantly look to diversify and promote their products.
They cannot afford to be complacent even in good times and must act and seek to find a new market.
The state's mandatory testing on seafood for export should be more rigorous and confidence-building. Trade delegations should involve a representative of the testing regimes.
A certificate should accompany each shipment for its safety.
It is worth the cost.
Some new markets may not pay the asking prices initially, but some margin sacrifices are worth the pain to build new markets and gradually restore full margins over time as confidence builds.
Scrambling for new markets should be a constant activity for exporters.
They will never see difficult times.

Bala Natarajan,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand's coastal residents expect preparation For plankton bloom and fish deaths The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday June 17, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday June 14, 2026

Re: "Stop dumping trash, mayor pleads, it's polluting Bang Saen beach", Bangkok Post Monday June 8, 2026.
The recent plankton bloom and fish deaths reported near the Pak Nam Tako estuary in Chumphon should be seen as more than a local environmental incident.
For many coastal communities, including those of us living in Chon Buri, it is a timely warning of what may return with greater frequency as sea temperatures, rainfall patterns and nutrient run-off become more unstable.
Chon Buri is no stranger to this problem.
When the sea turns green or brown, dissolved oxygen may fall, fish may die, beaches may smell unpleasant, and public confidence in coastal safety quickly declines.
Fishermen and aquaculture operators lose income, coastal residents suffer from foul odours, and tourists understandably stay away.
If toxin-producing species are involved, there may also be public-health concerns.
Even when the bloom is not toxic, the ecological and economic damage can still be serious.
Other coastal countries offer useful lessons. South Korea has used clay-based mitigation for red-tide events around fish-farming areas for many years.
China has also developed modified-clay techniques on a larger scale.
One approach that deserves careful study is polyaluminium-chloride modified clay, or PAC-modified clay.
When properly designed and used in suitable locations, the clay binds algal cells into heavier flocs that settle below the surface, reducing the bloom burden in the water column.
This is not a magic solution, and it must not be used carelessly. Dose, site selection, plankton species, currents and ecological effects all matter.
But the method has enough international experience to justify serious Thai pilot projects.
Thailand does not need to copy any country blindly.
We could begin with carefully supervised trials in high-risk areas such as Chon Buri and selected aquaculture zones.
These trials should involve marine scientists, pollution-control officials, local authorities, fishermen and coastal communities.
They could combine real-time buoys, satellite monitoring, rapid field sampling, public alerts and a tested intervention protocol.
The results should be published openly, including costs, benefits and possible ecological side-effects.
In the long run, the most important task is reducing nutrient pollution at its source: untreated wastewater, agricultural run-off, animal waste and industrial discharge.
Better wastewater treatment may be less dramatic than emergency action at sea, but it remains the foundation of long-term prevention.
Thailand has a window to strengthen early-warning systems and test carefully designed mitigation measures while continuing to improve wastewater control.
Coastal residents do not expect miracles, but they do expect preparation.

Borvornchai Chirachon,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

American thanks Princess Bajrakitiyabha For contributions to wonderful Thailand The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday June 16, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday June 14, 2026

Re: "A nation mourns", in Bangkok Post, Saturday June 13, 2026.
It is with deep sadness that this American has learned of the passing of Princess Bajrakitiyabha.
I was a US Army officer who served with a construction battalion in Northeast Thailand from September 1969 to February 1971.
I loved Thailand and took home my Thai bride, an Army telephone operator.
We recently celebrated our 55th wedding anniversary.
We have returned to Thailand many times and, in doing so, I have come to embrace its history, culture, people and monarchy.
My wife and I were in Bangkok in December 2022 when the princess suffered her medical emergency.
I have long admired her education, capabilities and contributions to Thailand. Since December 2022, I have hoped for her recovery.
Sadly, that was not to be.
I believed she would become an even more significant member of the monarchy in the years ahead, and she will be sorely missed.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha, I will always remember your lovely smile. Thank you for your contributions to the wonderful country of Thailand.

Harry C McCaffrey
US Army EN Ret.
Bangkok,
Thaiand

 

 

Thailand calls for shift in rice consumption To rice production The Southeast Asian Times, Monday June 15, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday June 11, 2026

Re: "Economics 101", Bangkok Post, PostBag, Friday June 5, 2026 and "Strong start to co-pay scheme", Bangkok Post, Postbag, TuesdayJune 2, 2027.
We were happy to see the excited vendors and suppliers at the start of Prime Minister Anutin's 60 percent government subsidy to farmers 40 percent, 60:40 percent handout for as my learned friend Khun Songdej Praditsmanont noted, "it has been a tough year for most of them".
But had Prime Minister Anutin advanced to Economics 201, he'd have learned that "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day, teach a man how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime" Lao Tzu.
For instance, about 70 percent of Thai rice farmers cultivate under 20 rai, for which a 10 to 15 horsepower walk-behind power tiller, costing an average of 50,000 baht without subsidy, is sufficient.
Under Prime Minister Anutin's 60:40 percent plan, modified to focus on productivity, five farmers could combine their handouts to pay for the 20,000 baht per tiller machine required.
Payback would then be just one to two years, with 8,000 to 20,000 baht annual savings after fuel and maintenance and the tiller could be rented for added income over the tiller's life of 10 to 15 years.
Yes, what I propose would be a shift in focus from boosting consumption to productivity.
Another version of focusing on productivity would be to have different levels of subsidy for different categories of purchases.
For example, for food, 25 percent subsidy, books, tablets, computers 75 percent, vocational training courses 75 to 90 percent, farm equipment rental 50 to 75 percent, water-saving irrigation equipment 75 percent, energy-efficient appliances 50 to 75 percent.
What's key is to focus on the long run, not just tomorrow.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Wealthy Thais own property and businesses abroad Without fear of arbitrary seizure The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday June 14, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday June 11, 2026

Re: "Nominee structures thrust into the spotlight", Bangkok Post, Business, June 6 Thailand's ongoing debate over foreign investment and land ownership misses the real target.
The issue isn't the influx of foreign capital, but the country's staggering wealth inequality.
With the elite controlling the vast majority of resources, ordinary Thais are already priced out of buying land or starting tourism businesses.
Compounded by underfunded education and a severe demographic crisis, the middle and lower classes are being left behind.
In premier tourist areas and islands, land prices are prohibitively high, leaving only the wealthy elite or foreigners able to afford them.
Yet, foreign-run businesses from dive shops to international restaurants are a bedrock of the tourism ecosystem.
While the current 51 percent Thai ownership requirement sounds fair on paper, ordinary Thais lack the capital to partner, and the elite ignore small businesses.
As a result, foreign investors are forced into proxy structures just to operate.
Isn't it state overreach to be determining if a Thai shareholder is working at a company or not?
Furthermore, every step of this process is facilitated by Thai landowners, lawyers, immigration, and labour officials.
For the state to suddenly seize assets or dissolve companies after waving them through these official channels is nothing short of state-sanctioned theft.
If a structure must be undone, a forced sale or buyback is the only fair approach.
While exclusive foreign enclaves or closed-off beaches often shut by Thai corporations, too are undesirable, targeting all foreign investment is self-defeating.
With a shrinking workforce and an education system in stagnation, Thailand desperately needs foreign initiative, expertise, ideas, and capital to survive.
Wealthy Thais own property and businesses abroad without fear of arbitrary seizure.
Thailand must modernise its laws to protect legitimate foreign investors rather than leading them by the nose only to take their money back.
It is time to create a transparent system where everyone benefits.

Timsahb,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand lacks a unified law that outlines Treatment requirements for spent batteries The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday June 13, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday June 10, 2026

Re: "3,000 tonnes of waste seized", in Bangkok Post, Monday June 1, 2026,
I am concerned that the recent raid on an illegal electronic waste plant is not an isolated incident.
Thailand has become a place where hazardous electronic waste accumulates faster than we can legally and safely process it. Today, that pressure comes from illegal imports.
As we aggressively position ourselves as a major manufacturing hub and incentivise rapid adoption, we are committing to generating our own mountain of spent batteries and must plan accordingly.
Thailand has too few commercial-scale facilities capable of recovering high-value materials domestically.
Most local plants only process spent batteries into intermediate products, which are shipped overseas for refining.
Foreign refiners extract the most financially attractive resources, and those intermediate products risk becoming stranded in Thailand if importing countries reject a shipment.
A legislative grey zone worsens this physical infrastructure gap because Thailand lacks a unified law that clearly outlines treatment requirements for spent batteries.
This regulatory vacuum allows illegal operations to emerge as a lucrative but environmentally destructive alternative. The recent raid provides a preview of what will happen to our domestic electric-vehicle ambitions if our capacity remains overwhelmed and unregulated.
To eradicate illegal dumping, Thailand must address these root causes. First, it must pass the draft Electrical and Electronic Equipment Waste Management Act to hold manufacturers accountable for the safe disposal of their products.
Second, authorities must mandate Battery Passports for supply chain traceability. Third, the country must incentivise recycling plants within our borders.
If we fail to close these legislative gaps and build this infrastructure today, we risk turning our manufacturing ambitions into an environmental liability tomorrow.

Varosak Chirachon
Bangkok,
Thailand

Call for Thailand to shift focus From boosting consumption to production The Southeast Asian Times, Friday June 12, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday June 10, 2026

Re: "Economics 101", Bangkok Post PostBag, Friday June 5, 2026 and "Strong start to co-pay scheme", Bangkok Post, Tuesday June 2, 2026.
We were happy to see the excited vendors and suppliers at the start of Prime Minister Anutin's 60:40 handout, for as my learned friend Khun Songdej Praditsmanont noted, "it has been a tough year for most of them".
But had Mr Anutin advanced to Economics 201, he'd have learned that "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime" (Lao Tzu).
For instance, about 70 percent of Thai rice farmers cultivate under 20 rai, for which a 10-15 horsepower walk-behind power tiller, costing an average of 50,000 baht without subsidy, is sufficient.
Under Mr Anutin's 60:40 plan, modified to focus on productivity, five farmers could combine their handouts to pay for the 20,000 baht per tiller machine required.
Payback would then be just one to two years, with 8,000-20,000 baht annual savings after fuel and maintenance and the tiller could be rented for added income over the tiller's life of 10-15 years.
Yes, what I propose would be a shift in focus from boosting consumption to productivity.
Another version of focusing on productivity would be to have different levels of subsidy for different categories of purchases.
For example, for food, 25 percent subsidy; books, tablets, computers: 75 percent; vocational training courses: 75-90 percent; farm equipment rental: 50-75 percent; water-saving irrigation equipment: 75 percent; energy-efficient appliances: 50-75 percent.
What's key is to focus on the long run, not just tomorrow.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Macaques are kept as pets And used as tourist attractions The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday June 11, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday June 10, 2026

Re: "Boy killed by grandpa's pet monkey", Bangkok Post, Sunday June 7, 2026.
The tragedy in which a 6-year-old boy died after being attacked by a long-tailed macaque, his grandfather had kept as a companion since it was an infant, simply shows why wild animals should never be kept as "pets".
Macaques are strong, intelligent, and unpredictable animals whose complex physical, social, and psychological needs cannot be met in a human home.
Across Thailand, macaques are exploited in a number of ways, including being kept as "pets", used in tourist attractions, and forced to work in the coconut industry.
In every case, these animals are denied the freedom to live natural lives and are subjected to confinement, isolation, and stress.
When wild animals are taken from their natural habitats for human companionship or profit, both people and animals suffer.
The only way to prevent tragedies like this is to stop treating wild animals as commodities.
Peta urges the government to prohibit the private ownership of monkeys and other wild animals and strengthen protections that keep wildlife in their natural homes.

Jason Baker,
Peta Asia president,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Who on earth is Pete Hegseth ? United States Secretary of War The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday June 10, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday June 9, 2026

Re: "A dangerous call to arms for Asean", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Friday June 5, 2026.
I n response to the opinion piece by political scientist Thitinan Pongsudhirak, I ask a question:
Who on earth is this Pete Hegseth US defence secretary to tell Asian allies and partners to spend 3.5 percent of GDP on defence?
In 2025 the EU fell into the same US trap.
On top of that they demanded an extra 1.5 percent for infrastructure and security. Only Spain had the guts to refuse.
Mark Rutte, Nato's secretary-general, said in a 2024 speech in Brussels that the EU must cut social security and healthcare to guarantee military security.
Lo and behold, the current Dutch government's policy is just that.
Few people know the US has more than 750 military bases worldwide.
Their defence expenditure in 2025 was US$954 billion, which is a whopping 33 percent of all defence expenditure by the rest of the countries in the world, according to the Stockholm International Peace Institute (Sipri).
Recently the US announced plans to up that to $1.5 trillion. Sipri says total defence expenditure of China, Russia, Germany, India, the United Kingdom and Ukraine combined was $905 billion (2025).
The EU as a whole spent in 2025 $381 billion and committed themselves to more than $950 billion.
Never mind Russia being called a military threat with a defence expenditure of "only" $190 billion.
Besides, the Russians have proven they can't punch their way out of a paper bag in the war against Ukraine.
Isn't it time for countries to have the guts and stand up against the US instead of being dictated to as its satellites?

S de Jong,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Call for international recognised institution For Land Bridge feasibility study The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday June 9, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday June 7, 2026

Re: "Land Bridge blind spot", Bangkok Post, Editorial, Friday June 5, 2026, "House rejects Land Bridge study panel", in Bangkok Post, Saturday May 30, 2026 and "Ask shippers about the Land Bridge", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Thursday May 28, 2026.
Thailand should ask an internationally recognised institution such as the World Bank, ADB or OECD to review the conflicting Land Bridge feasibility studies prepared by Chulalongkorn University and the Ministry of Transport.
These organisations have the independence and credibility needed to conduct the audit required before embarking on a project costing around one trillion baht.
Their findings would be less vulnerable to accusations of conflicts of interest or corruption, which have plagued past fiascos such as the Hopewell project and, more recently, the State Audit Office building collapse.
As part of the review, the National Economic and Social Development Council and the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning should publish their demand models, sensitivity analyses and the names of shipping lines consulted.
Such transparency would be consistent with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's call for greater disclosure by state agencies.
The review should also examine why major global carriers such as Maersk, MSC and CMA CGM have not signed take-or-pay contracts for substantial container volumes.
Their willingness to commit would be a key test of whether the project's demand forecasts are realistic.
The doubts can be settled with an independent review.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

National Anti-Corruption Commission chairman On list of over 20,000 Pending investigations The Southeast Asian Times, Monday June 8, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday June 6, 2026

Re: "NACC officials jailed over Prawit watch", in Bangkok Post, Thursday May 28, 2026 and "NACC must come clean", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Thursday May 28, 2026.
I am astonished to read the verdict of the case.
Veera Somkwamkid, the plaintiff, asked to withdraw the case against all 12 defendants, in sequence, from before the first hearing through the final hearing, for various reasons.
The court accepted the withdrawal of 10 defendants except the NACC's chairman, Pol Gen Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit, and the NACC's commissioner, Supa Piyajitti.
Apparently, the court stated that this case has drawn a lot of public attention; hence, the two selected have to face the penalty.
The plaintiff said the NACC released the findings, but with redactions, which made them unreadable or meaningless.
But under sections 9 and 15 of the Official Information Act, if a document contains both public and confidential information, agencies are entitled to redact the private secret parts and release the rest.
Names of officers, experts, or witnesses are eligible for redaction to ensure personal privacy and safety, to protect them from harassment, threats, or harm.
If the NACC has redacted information on other grounds, with the acknowledgement or approval of Pol Gen Watcharapol and Supa, the court should inform the public in its ruling.
Otherwise, the public may suspect there is a judicial bias in prosecuting just two defendants, even though the plaintiff had no intention to pursue the case.
The court needs to explain the ruling according to the law, and not just in response to public opinion or sentiment.
When Pol Gen Watcharapol took office as chairman of the NACC, there were already over 20,000 cases pending investigation.
The work that followed is immense.
And during his nine years in office, the NACC has established an office in every province to handle the vast magnitude of work.
The Prawit watch case should not make us overlook what Pol Gen Watcharapol has accomplished at the NACC as chairman.

Yingwai Suchaovanich,
Bangkok,
Thaiand

Pope Leo XIV wants to disarm the potentially Unethical applications of Artificial Intelligence The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday June 7, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday June 6, 2026

Re: "Pope's humanity hits right notes", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Monday June 1, 2026.
Peter G Kirchschläger's discussion on Pope Leo XIV's newly released encyclical Magnifica Humanitas is comprehensive and foregrounds the Catholic Church's concerns, values and ethics in contradiction to Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI's wide application in spite of a glaring structural problem presents the risk of wielding control over humanity, but with no accountability.
To best address this lacuna, the Catholic Church, through Pope Leo XIV, calls for dialogue.
Opening channels of dialogue and interaction can reduce disparities between the control of the few AI leaders and diverse audiences through education, for instance.
Education on AI and its multifaceted dimensions need not slow down technology, but allow for more possibilities of creativity by more engaged stakeholders and users of AI, so as to reduce disparities and loosen inflexible control.
The pope's timely intervention as a moral voice and ethical conscience is appreciable, given the mistake made by the Catholic Church in its initial rejection of Galileo and its rather hesitant recognition of his theory of heliocentrism.
In his treatise through the Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV rightly wants to disarm the potentially unethical applications of Artificial Intelligence while emphasising the primacy of the human and humanity through viewing the human capacity in new ways.

Glen Chatlier,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Autonomy in southern Thailand would increase violence Autonomy is not sovereignty The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday June 6, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday May 31, 2026

Re: "Time to end the cycle of violence in deep South", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Saturdayn May 30, 2026.
News editor Anucha Charoenpo's peace goals are commendable, honourable.
They also could have been achievable if two critical factors had not been ignored.
Below is the first factor.
At a public lecture here in Bangkok, over 35 years ago, a Philippines linguistics professor stated: The extreme violence in Aceh, Indonesia and in Mindanao, Philippines and in the south of Thailand were all commonly rooted.
These communities historically came from the same ethnic base, with the same language root, and held the same, uncompromising Muslim beliefs.
Most remarkably, in all three countries, these ethnicities were violently seeking the same goal.
Not to stop unjust power abuse, economic ill treatment, religious oppression, or poor diplomacy.
No!
They all violently sought sovereign independence, regardless of good or bad social conditions.
The passage of time supported the professor's point.
After decades of Aceh's bloody civil war, Indonesia granted Aceh autonomy and total self-rule in 2004.
Magically, violence ended!
Likewise, in 2019, Muslim Mindanao received autonomous self-rule from the Philippine government.
Mass violence ended.
Therefore, am I suggesting that southern Thailand be granted political autonomy in order to end the violence there?
No!
Why not?
Because of the border issue.
Here is the second critical factor.
Northern Malaysia is a protected sanctuary for planners and financiers of violence, aimed at gaining sovereignty for southern Thailand.
Likewise, sovereignty-demanding guerrillas, after committing violent acts in southern Thailand, routinely flee to northern Malaysia for protective cover and to recoup and regroup.
Therefore, granting autonomy to southern Thailand would make violence there even worse.
Why?
Because autonomy is not sovereignty.
And, the sovereignty-promoting sanctuary would remain intact and active right across the border.
This is my conclusion.
Ignoring these facts will never allow peace to come to southern Thailand.
At a minimum, Thailand requires convincing Malaysia to help stop these outlaws.

Sam Wright,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand will be forever branded "The Sick Man of Asean". The Southeast Asian Times, Friday June 5, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday June 3, 2026

Re: "Haircut won't fix image", Bangkok Post Opinion, Monday June 1, 2026
Most government regulations or laws only touch the surface of the fraud practiced amongst the authorities.
This is typical of the deep-rooted patronage, cronyism, and authoritative culture.
Thais like to just emphasise "the form" more than the "substance".
As long as Thai authorities have no courage to touch the real problem, such as corruption, Thailand will be forever branded as "the Sick Man of Asean".

The Insider,
Bangkok,
Tailand

Does the Chinese Ambassador reflects the position Of the Chinese people or the Communist Party of China? The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday June 4, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Monday June 1, 2026

Re: "'Reunification' not so bad", Bangkok Post PostBag, Sunday May 31, 2026 and "China reunification is an inevitable historical trend", Bangkok Post Opinion, Wednesday May 27, 2026.
Are there any polls of what the citizens of China and Taiwan actually think that are presented to support the claim that the Chinese ambassador's apologetic "reflects the position of a country of 1.4 billion people, not simply a political party"? Where are the pertinent statistics?
No matter how close two nations might be culturally and historically, any decision to reunite what are now distinct political entities must be done only with the solid majority support of the citizens of both.
Also worth noting is that the Chinese ambassador's position works the other way.
If the people of a region that is culturally very different to the rest of a nation, and has perhaps only recently been made without consent a part thereof, want to split, that desire deserves at a minimum to be seriously discussed.
For example, Scotland is moving towards greater independence from English control, and in Canada, perhaps 30 percent of the people of Alberta are suggesting they might be better off not being a part of Canada.
If the citizens of Hong Kong, for example, overwhelmingly wanted to secede from China and become an independent nation, would Beijing consider that a legitimate desire?

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

The rare Hornbills of Thailand Return to nest in the Tat Mok National Park The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday June 3, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Monday May 29, 2026

Re: "Great hornbills make Chae Son return", in Bangkok Post, Wednesday May 17, 2026.
I was delighted to read in the Post that a pair of Great Hornbills has returned to the usual nesting cavity in Tat Mok National Park.
The Great Hornbill is one of Thailand's most iconic birds, and this is excellent news not just for birdwatchers but also a good indicator of biodiversity and availability of suitable food for hornbills to thrive in the area.
However, fans of the "rare Hornbills of Thailand" will doubtless be quick to point out that the photograph that is displayed alongside the article is of an adult male Wreathed Hornbill, which is another fantastic bird, but an entirely different species. My father's favourite trekking hat purchased at the visitor centre in Khao Yai National Park many years ago shows the differences quite clearly.
I am not sure if any Great Hornbills currently subscribe to the Post, as at this time of year, they are typically very busy collecting figs and other forest fruits. But I suspect that in any case, they would be quite disappointed to be misrepresented in a respected national daily newspaper such as the Post.
In order to clear up any potential confusion and avoid a hornbill identity crisis, may I suggest that you publish a photo of a Great Hornbill in your next issue?
Otherwise, thanks for the nature and environment features that you do publish from time to time.
Keep up the good work, please!

Martin Foakes,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

 

If all Filipino's practiced hiya There would be no corrupt government officials The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday June 2, 2026 First published in the Philippine Inquirer Thursday May 28, 2026

Professor Randy David tried to dissect the conclusion of Senate blue ribbon former chair Sen. Panfilo Lacson's report that the current flood control investigation was a replica of the Priority Development Assistance Fund scandal masterminded by Janet Lim Napoles in 2013, but on a bigger scale, but that this current corruption has no ''overall mastermind.''
I beg to disagree with this conclusion.
The ''current masterminds'' are the Filipino people.
Corruption will not happen if we all go back to the basics like honesty, service, and love of country, and statesmanship forgovernment officials,
These principles must be taught early in school and reinforced by the community and religious groups.
I am not a sociologist or a psychologist, but there is a unique Filipino word, ''hiya'' which according to AI Overview is a core Filipino value often translated as ''shame'' or ˜embarrassmen.''
 It more accurately represents a deep sense of propriety, social grace, and respect ''inner moral compass.''
 If almost everybody will practice ''hiya'' there will be no corrupt government officials; if they were corrupted, they will not run for any elective office and no Filipino voter will vote for any corrupt official.
It is a shame that even officials found guilty of corruption are even voted back into office because of the electorate being ''bought'' with some pesos, gifts, or favors.
David concluded that there was no mastermind in the recent corruption and also ''no one in charge of resolutely protecting the system of governance from being corrupted.''
My simple answer to the Filipino people.is another reminder from our parents and elders, ''Hindi ko papakainin ng nakaw ang pamilya ko..''
(I will not feed my family with stolen money.
God bless and help the Filipino people.

Dr. Ida M. Tiongco, MD,
Manila,
Philippines

 

 

 

The eradication of illegal company nominees Kills the goose that lays the golden egg The Southeast Asian Times, Monday June 1, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday May 27, 2026

Re: "Koh Phangan nominee crackdown nets 22 foreigners," in Bangkok Post, Saturday May 23, 2026.
In exterminating illegal company nominees, we should be extremely cautious to avoid killing the goose that lays golden eggs for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's eradication efforts are aimed squarely at tourism, a mainstay of our economy.
Shuttering illegal firms might be legit, but it also puts their local staff out of work as well as severely impacts suppliers, present and would-be tourists and the myriad of hospitality-related industries that those tourists would have used, from Thai International Airways down to street vendors and tuk-tuks.
We seriously need foreign investment and investors must be able to control how their funds are used.
But as DPM and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun well knows, when she led Dusit Thani on a grand expansion plan, there are many legal ways to retain control.
For instance, the CEO may gain substantial operational control through delegated authority limits, approval powers, budget authority, and senior hiring authority. Shareholder agreements can give veto rights over major transactions.
The hotel operator may control branding, operating systems, procurement, revenue management, etc.
We're beginning the low tourist season now ideal for making companies nominee-free without disrupting operations.
Mr Anutin should temporarily switch focus to making the transition to legality smooth, eg, by setting up one-stop service centres for SMEs to do the needed changes.
Then, in, say, August, resume the charge.
Also, for every briber there must be one or more bribetakers in an organised network. Thus, every time a nominee is unearthed, the official who signed off on the approval should be severely disciplined plus his department head, for lax supervision if not masterminding the deal.
That would give an added incentive to correct matters posthaste.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Those who seek to enter Thailand illegally Will always find a way The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday May 31, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday May 27, 2026

Re: "Raids target illegal nominees", Bangkok Post, Sunday May 24, 2026 and "Cutting visa-free stays? Show us the lower crime stats", Bangkok Post, Saturday May 23, 2026.
Recently, we have read all kinds of stories about foreign nominee companies and foreign scammers, illegal foreign schools, illegal foreign medical practitioners, romance scams, loan sharks and so on.
We also saw an opinion piece on "Cutting the visa-free stays. Show us the crime stats!"
This is a unique opportunity for local media to expand their mediocre coverage of these acts and identify the types of visas each act involved and the length of stay or overstay.
Most vacationers have fewer than a few weeks of time off yearly, and most visitors stay less than 30 days.
While I am sure some will be affected by this change, I don't believe it will drastically affect visitor numbers.
But those who seek to enter illegally will, as always, find a way to circumvent the porous system by exploiting the notoriously corrupt bureaucracy rampant in the Kingdom.
Only time and the headlines will tell the story.

Fred Prager,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thai property market is to a large extent Driven by foreign investment The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday May 29, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Monday May 25, 2026

Re: "Raids target illegal nominees", Bangkok Post, Sunday May 24, 2026.
The Thai property market is to a large extent driven by foreign investment.
This is particularly true of areas such as Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Koh Samui.
The use of nominees and imaginative corporate structures have long allowed this to be the case and have driven prices up.
While these contracts may be considered strictly illegal, it must be said that they are the product of overly restrictive lease legislation.
Leases can generally be for a maximum of 30 years and that is very unattractive from an investment point of view.
Thailand is keen to attract wealthy foreigners.
However, buying a property that you may need to vacate in your latter years or something which is unsaleable if it has a short unexpired period is not an attractive proposition.
There are other more welcoming countries.
If the government wants to strictly enforce the ownership laws it should increase the lease term to 90 years.
At the end of that time the land could revert to the government to be leased again. This would be a win-win for all concerned.
Without some changes we are looking at not only the collapse of land values but also the building industry and all the other activities that are dependent on tourists like restaurants, shops, airlines, taxis etc.

Phil Cox,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Enough is enough Thailand's road deaths double India's The Southeast Asian Times, Friday May 28, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Monday May 25, 2026

Re: "Train wreck of a plan", Bangkok Post, Editorial, Wednesday May 20, 2026
Let the rail-bus collision at Makkasan last week, which killed eight people and injured about 30 others, mark the tipping point that forces the government to take effective long-term action to protect road users from train-related accidents.
Thailand has the ninth-deadliest roads among the 194 member states of the World Health Organization (WHO), with a road fatality rate per 100,000 people roughly double that of India.
Enough is enough.
It is obvious from Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn's proposal to ban commuter trains from central Bangkok that he does not have the foggiest idea how an integrated road and rail system works.
He should step down immediately as should department heads who failed in their duties to inspect and renew driver licences, maintain equipment and enforce safety standards.
The Road Safety Master Plan 2022 -2027 coordinated by the National Road Safety Policy Committee under the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Transport, should serve as the framework for all measures so the country moves in the same direction.
Authorities should use accident data to identify the highest-risk crossings nationwide and implement full safety measures, including automatic barriers and flashing warning lights.
Road markings and signage should also be upgraded, with advance warning signs installed to give drivers more time to react to approaching trains.
Law enforcement and penalties should also be strengthened through the use of CCTV and escalating fines for repeat offenders, including possible vehicle confiscation for a third offence within 12 months.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok
Thailand

Transparency is an essential feature Of a justice system The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday May 28, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Monday May 18, 2026

Re: "Commission disciplines three judges", Bangkok Post, Wednesday May 20, 2026.
There is something troubling about the report concerning three judges disciplined for wrongdoing: their names were not disclosed.
Ordinarily, when individuals are convicted of offences or sanctioned for serious misconduct, their identities are made public.
Transparency is an essential feature of a justice system that commands public trust.
If the suppression of names was court-ordered, the public might think the judiciary is afforded protections unavailable to others.
That could undermine confidence in the institution itself.

David Brown,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

To top it off 100,000 bureaucrats added to Thailand public sector The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday May 27, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Monday May 18, 2026

Re: "Netherlands tax binge hurts growth and jobs" in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Wednesday May 13, 2026.
This commentary does not tell even half the story. Citizens are protesting against high immigration levels 100,000 arrivals in 2024 and the expansion of asylum-seeker centres.
Those granted asylum are often given priority over citizens in housing.
Two-thirds of asylum seekers have never worked since arrival.
Prime Minister Rob Jetten's minority coalition promised to curb what many see as an unsustainable influx, yet Senate members from his own coalition recently blocked tougher measures.
Immigration is placing increasing pressure on healthcare, social welfare, education and energy systems.
Gas wells have been sealed and abandoned despite an energy crisis linked to the war in Iran.
At present, new houses and businesses cannot easily be connected to an already overburdened electricity grid.
Meanwhile, strict nitrogen-emissions requirements have effectively stalled housing construction.
To top it off, another 100,000 bureaucrats have been added to the already bloated public sector over the past five years, despite promises to reduce its size.

S de Jong,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand clamping down On those illegally in Thailand The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday May 26, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Monday May 18, 2026

Re: "Only half the story", in Bangkok Post PostBag, May 17, 2026 and "Netherlands tax binge hurts growth and jobs" Bangkok Post Opinion, May 13, 2026
S de Jong's letter addresses the Netherlands' dissatisfaction with their government ignoring the wishes of the people who voted them in.
Looking at the mass protests of mostly middle-aged citizens in London yesterday, it would seem that the problem is widespread in and around Europe.
Integration is fine if it is controlled and does not destroy the culture and laws of the hosting country.
It's good to see the government clamping down on those who are here illegally and abusing Thailand's laws and hospitality.

Ron Martin,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

Thailand PM endorses full disclosure Of public information The Southeast Asian Times, Monday May 25, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday May 24, 2026

Re: "Thicker skin needed", Bangkok Post Editorial, Friday May 22, 2026 and "Govt to purge state secrets", Bangkok Post, Thursday May 21, 2026.
Congratulations to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for now endorsing full disclosure of public information.
It is excellent that he recognises, as quoted in the Post, that: "We can't solve corruption if agencies continue choosing what they want the public to see and hiding the rest."
Just as important is his new recognition that the methodology behind Thailand's Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is mainly based on perception.
It has been embarrassing that for so many years, Thailand's official anti-corruption policy has spruiked jumping a few places on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) perceptions index in Southeast Asia as being an indicator of anti-corruption progress.
To jump higher in any perceptions index means you are relying on your neighbours to go down.
It's totally illogical to use such a perceptions index as a real measurement of policy success or failure, particularly when none of the South East Asian countries has identical legal systems, parliamentary democracy, media freedom or corruption risks.
These days, as we've seen with wide swings of manipulative voting in the recent Eurovision contest, any system like the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) that relies on surveying human beings can be subject to bias and manipulation.
A much more accurate assessment of a country's anti-corruption progress is through the implementation of genuine freedom of information, accurate conflicts of interest registers for leaders, and technical reviews of their compliance with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, which is data-driven.

Bung Kan Bernie,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

Bangkok Post fails to mention The Russians in Pattaya and Phuket The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday May 24, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday May 23, 2026

Re: "Corruption exposures come as shock", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Monday May 18, 2026.
I am a big fan of Veera Prateepchaikul's columns and always look forward to reading his point of view. I think he is very brave to highlight the widespread extent of corruption in multiple sectors and levels in Thai society. However, I find his focus on the Israeli/Jewish "problem" on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, and Pai to be representative of a concerning and recurring bias in your newspaper.
As I have stated in previous PostBags, an oft-seen hallmark of prejudice is the singling out of one nationality or ethnic group while failing to mention others whose longstanding behaviours are more extensive and egregious, for example, the Russians in Pattaya and Phuket. As a Jew, it feels like antisemitism, and I don't
like it.

CNX JON,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand motorists routinely Ignore basic traffic rules The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday May 23, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Friday May 22, 2026

Re: "A toll we keep paying", Bangok Post, Editorial, May 19, 2026 and "City bus-train collision kills 8", in Bangkok Post, May 17, 2026.
The recent train-bus collision once again highlighted shortcomings in road safety and driving standards.
Reports focused on the railway crossing itself, yet many motorists routinely ignore basic traffic rules, including entering yellow box junctions without understanding their purpose.
More broadly, many drivers appear confused by right of way at roundabouts and when entering major roads from side streets.
Is it not time for Thailand to become tougher on driver education, testing and enforcement?
Equally troubling is the tendency for officials to assign blame almost immediately after serious incidents, often before investigations have properly begun.
Statements condemning individuals or companies may satisfy an immediate demand for answers, but they risk undermining public confidence if later evidence tells a different story.
A more credible response would be to acknowledge the seriousness of an incident, express sympathy for those affected, confirm that an investigation is under way, and commit to publishing findings once the facts have been established.
During that process, authorities should also urge restraint on social media out of respect for victims, families and first responders.

NW,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Almost 64.7 percent of Thais aged 15-65 Can barely read and understand short texts The Southeast Asian Times, Friday May 22, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday May 20, 2026

Re: "Loan decree 'must pass'", Friday May 15, 2026
I fully support Bank of Thailand's Governor Vitai Ratanakorn in emphasising that the government's economic aid spending must: be tightly focused on low-income groups and households and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and carefully weighed between short-term relief and long-term investment.
I thus agree with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's announced targeting goals.
But as things stand now, for instance, low-income households and SMEs will inadvertently gain the least not the most from electricity rate drops, simply because their bills, in absolute terms, are already low.
Why not leave all electricity bills as is, but give just low-income households and SMEs 4x-5x the value of their May bills as an immediate direct reduction on, say, solar panel costs?
This will kill two birds with one stone, as the solar cell benefits will last for decades.
Likewise, we should boost productivity to raise income both now and into decades to come.
Thai productivity has slowed down sharply recently: from 2015 to 2023, labour productivity grew by only 2.1percent on average, a sharp decline from 4.8percent between 2010 and 2015.
Almost two-thirds 64.7percent of Thais aged 15-65 can barely read and understand short texts to solve a simple problem, such as following medical instructions.
Thus, working hand in glove with local chambers of commerce, each province should have a local "work and skills" centre to match workers with jobs, with wages linked to skill levels and intensive upskill training available.
Cheap, reliable public transport and low-cost daycare should be available for all low-income Thais to increase job search possibilities and labour force participation. There should be conditional scholarships for poor students especially in rural areas.
There should be a one-stop shop in each province to register micro-SMEs, with any applications still pending 30 days after all documents have been submitted to be considered approved.
All of these steps are relatively low-cost, and the benefits are not only immediate but lasting.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Not one country including China Has sought to militarily stand up to America The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday May 21, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday May 19, 2026

Re: "Isle of discord", in Bangkok Post PostBag, Thursday May 14, 2026
According to PostBag contributor Yingwai Suchaovanich: "The war with Iran that was started two months ago by Mr Trump has exposed the outdated arsenal and capabilities of the US military."
I beg to differ. The war has shown the US military's superiority over all others.
The Americans decimated the main sites producing enriched uranium in Iran in a mere matter of minutes, as the US does not want Iran to have nuclear weapons. And if we are to believe Mr Trump, the US can destroy the rest of Iran in just a few more minutes if it wants to.
Not one country, not even China, has sought to militarily stand up to the Americans, since they know it would be futile.
What the war demonstrates is that military weapons cannot solve all conflicts.
As soon as the Iranians saw firsthand the wrought of destruction that US weapons imposed on their country, they fought back by closing the Strait of Hormuz.
Now Iran is more powerful than before, while the US and the rest of the world's leaders don't know what hit them, as the price of oil has skyrocketed, putting many countries near economic collapse.
Dialogue and compromise are what are needed to end wars, qualities which the US seems reluctant to engage in with its sworn enemies.

Paul,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

 

Silent bleeding for Small to Medium-sized Enterprise Despite rising turnover The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday May 20, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Monday May 18, 2026

Re: "SMEs urge more oversight on e-commerce platforms" in Bangkok Post Business, Friday May 15, 2026 and "Online vendors object to fee hikes" in Bangkok Post, Business, Friday May 8, 2026.
As a businessman who entered the e-commerce space and collaborated with major platforms, I wish to share some insights for the benefit of Thai vendors.
To summarise, vendors rarely make profits through third-party websites.
Sales turnover grows only if you are the cheapest seller, as platforms unleash relentless price competition, pitting vendors against one another.
The more you sell, the more you may lose if costs are not covered.
Competition extends beyond pricing to delivery offers, from free shipping to one-hour service.
Net returns from transactions tend to decline over time as fees rise and dependency on platforms increases, eventually tightening cash flow.
It can become a case of silent bleeding despite rising turnover.
Going it alone is not easy either.
Businesses must continually increase spending on Google and social media advertising.
Reducing ad spending after gaining traction may cause sales to fall sharply, as platforms push businesses lower in search results.
It may be worth examining how many retailers have made meaningful profits from e-commerce.
Even Amazon, often cited as a success story, derives much of its profit from web services and data centres rather than online retail.
In summary, third-party platforms make sense only if you have unique pricing power - a product competitors cannot easily replicate and one with strong margins.
For omni-channel retailers, the focus should remain on physical stores, developing distinctive products and building a presence across target markets.
Long leases or property ownership may also provide protection through asset appreciation while customer bases are established.
A flagship store should represent a brand's reliability and after-sales service, while direct e-commerce can be used to scale operations.
The only workable approach is a hybrid model.

Balachandran Natarajan,
Bangkok,
Thailand

China hopes that the Iran conflict Had never begun The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday May 19, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Monday May 18, 2026

Re: "Iran war overshadows Trump's visit to China" in Bangkok Post, Friday May 15, 2026.
The report of an unusually humble Donald Trump visiting China pleased me immensely, particularly the treatment he received from President Xi Jinping, who appeared to welcome him as an equal partner rather than a rival.
The visit seemed carefully planned neither impolite nor overly deferential, but well balanced. Much could potentially come from such diplomacy.
The United States must hope Xi can help provide Trump, and America, with a dignified path back to the position of February 28, 2026, as though the Iran conflict had never begun.
The war has been a nightmare for many, and Trump now appears to be seeking a respectful way out. Xi may prove part of the answer.
The visit has given me hope that America has not entirely lost the standards of decency and consideration it once showed the wider world after the Second World War. One can only hope this recent lapse proves temporary.

Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand

The land bridge is projected to reduce shipping time Between the Indian and Pacific Oceans The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday May 17, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday May 16, 2026

Re: "Geoeconomics of Thai 'land bridge'", Bangkok Post Opinion, Friday May 15, 2026.
Pavida Pananond and Thitinan Pongsudhirak have raised quite some thought-provoking issues on the geoeconomics of the Thai land bridge.
Seen in the light of Thailand's membership in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) with other member countries such as Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, connectivity with these countries and other important trading partners will surely be enhanced.
The impact on trade for Thailand and other BIMSTEC countries will be positive in that the land bridge is projected to reduce shipping time between the Indian and Pacific Oceans by four days and lower transport costs by 15 percent, significantly shortening routes like Chennai-Yokohama.
For Thailand itself, the project is expected to support the southern part of Thailand, the Southern Economic Corridor, and to link with Thailand's agricultural and bio-industry sectors.
Looking ahead, the Anutin 2 government will be credited with taking the bold step to move forward and enhance the prospects not just of the Thai economy, but of the regional, Gulf Cooperation Council, and Asia-Pacific economies by and large.
Thailand's geocentric position in Asean and its favorability to investments in the project from countries like China, France and some in the Middle East must surely prove incentives to moving ahead instead of doubting and vacillating on important investment development potentials in the face of the current America-Israel standoff with Iran and the impasse in the Strait of Hormuz, which doesn't seem to be easing up.

Glen Chatelier,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Call for Mr Trump to take guidance from Mr Xi But not all that Mr Xi has done The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday May 17, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Friday May 15, 2026

We see President Donald Trump being greeted by President Xi Jinping during his state visit to China.
There are many smiles and words of praise from the US president. There were probably similar speeches from Mr Xi, but they weren't shown on the TV broadcast that I watched.
There seemed to be a powerful, strong, sane leader who knew where his country was heading and standing beside him was Donald Trump.
There have been concerns about Mr Xi's leadership, but nothing like what Mr Trump faces.
If Mr Trump could take some guidance from Mr Xi, the US might be a better country, although if he follows all of what Mr Xi has done, it too will be a story of horror and pain for all.

Dennis Fitzgerald,
Bangkok,
Thailand

There is no such thing as a war crime War itself is a crime against humanity The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday May 16, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday May 14, 2026

Re: "Iran's violent reach", Bangkok Post, PostBag, Saturday May 9, 2026 and "Other side of the coin", Bangkok Post, PostBag, May 12, 2026.
Frank Scimone writes with the underlying presumption shared by a majority of Westerners that human rights are of paramount importance to civilisation.
There is no "other side of the coin" to be legitimately considered when it comes to the "theocratic" dictatorship like the Iranian regime.
An absolute adherence to radical Islam cannot be tolerated by the West either.
Therefore, Miro King wants to legitimise the cult and calls those who refuse to comply "war criminals".
There is no such thing as a war crime.
War itself is a crime against humanity.
The United Nations and the International Court of Justice would like to paint a fine line they can move indiscriminately with the help of their media allies, but the bottom line is the United States and Israel do not murder their own citizens en masse, do not harvest their organs for profit, and do not attack their neighbours without cause.
If Mr King wants to truly see the other side of the coin, why not travel to Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan, Myanmar, China, or Yemen?

Michael Setter.
Bangkok,
Thailand

Muslim crowd shaves LGBTQ man's head Such bullying is truly religious and morally disgusting The Southeast Asian Times, Friday May 15, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday May 14, 2026

Re: "Muslim crowd shaves LGBTQ man's head after he mocks the Koran", Bangkok Post May 11, 2026.
Religion reliably brings out the best and the opposite in humans.
This, of course, in no way excuses denying people the right to hold whatever religious beliefs they want, or none.
They must also have protected the right to freely follow the dictates of their religion, provided that they not thereby interfere with the equal rights of others, including the right to laugh at laughable things.
Pertinent facts are that each and every one of the thousands of gods and goddesses has a couple of things in common: Zeus, Jesus, Ares, Allah, Sekhmet, Satan, Shiva, and all the rest that humans have, from time to time, religiously believed in. These shared truths are:
They are all logically possible. The gods and goddesses can't be disproved.
Their existence today is supported by the identical set of verifiable evidence, of readily repeatable observation.
On that equally strong basis, I don't believe in the tooth fairy, either.
As the report in the Post also unhappily confirms, otherwise decent people convinced that they have an unquestionable truth too often delight in actively harming fellow humans when fired up by righteous anger, even if in this case their lust for righteous violence may have been sated by brutishly shaving their victim's head. Such bullying is truly religious and morally disgusting.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

The Philippines is a defective democracy Institutions exist but accountability remains fragile The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday May 14, 2026 First published in the Philippine Inquirer Wednesday May 13, 2026

In the middle of this blistering dry season, does your blood not boil with every peso that vanished into projects that never left the drawing board?
Just as the Earth now cracks under the weight of drought, is our thirst for justice not far greater?
Funds were drained dry, while all that remains for us is the dust of neglect.
The flood control scandals have dragged on for so long that they faded from the headlines, buried under newer controversies.
And the longer they linger, the more the people's anger matures into quiet, seething clarity.
But even now, in this season of heat, we must remember the cries that once filled the streets.
The people's rage was never just about the floods.
It was about the drought of integrity within a system of power that siphoned billions from projects meant to save lives.
Imprisoning a handful of officials is not enough.
Corruption is not merely a personal crime.
It is a systemic disease rooted in unchecked discretionary power.
When officials hold the freedom to choose who gets the contract and where the money flows, the temptation to steal becomes almost irresistible.
Even with anticorruption statutes on the books, the system itself creates the open door through which theft walks in.
The economy grows weaker with every billion pesos lost, money that could have lifted the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
Families still carry the trauma of evacuating their homes every time the rains come, while those at the top remain comfortably sealed inside their air-conditioned houses.
Had these funds not been stolen or wasted, they could have built opportunities for a better life.
Every centavo lost from the pockets of suffering people reveals the true cost of inaction, not merely in money, but in the death of hope for a better future.
We must never allow government theft to become normal.
To stay angry is not selfishness.
It is a debt we owe to those who have died because of criminal negligence.
The role of the people is not limited to casting ballots.
It extends to watching over government projects every single day.
We should not wait for the next typhoon to demand justice.
The Philippines is a defective democracy.
Institutions exist, but accountability remains fragile.
Our sustained anger and demand for justice are the forces capable of transforming the system.
The heat of the season mirrors the heat of our rage.
Better that we drown in sweat from struggle than in the tears of those who have lost loved ones to these scandals.
This drought, this season of heat, will end.
The rains will come again.
Are the canals ready, or will we once more be submerged in the flood of neglect? The answer lies with us.
Our rage is the storm that will force change to pour down.
Our refusal to cool our anger is the heat that will keep hope boiling.
Justice does not wait for permission.
Democracy lives only when the people never stop fighting, calling out, and awakening one another.

Hugh Ramos,
Manila,
Philippines

Donald Trump was re-elected president Despite anti-Trump media dominance The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday May 13, 2025 First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday May 11, 2026

Re: "Hungary vote shows limits of propaganda" Bangkok Post, Opinion, Saturday May 9, 2026.
George Soros and his Open Society Foundations fund activist media networks that, critics argue, skew public narratives through ideological pressure, selective amplification and elite influence.
This risks weakening journalistic independence and centralising cultural power within transnational institutions, a danger, some contend, no less real than the concentration of political loyalty around any individual leader.
The author of the cited piece argues that oligarchs surrounding President Trump are "offering political loyalty in exchange for financial windfalls and lucrative government contracts".
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Oracle's Larry Ellison and Elon Musk were reportedly named as central to the efforts to build a Maga-aligned media ecosystem.
Yet mainstream outlets including MSNBC, CNN, NBC News, CBS News, ABC News, PBS, the BBC, The New York Times, The Washington Post and many others command enormous reach.
Mr Trump was re-elected despite that dominance -- evidence, his supporters argue, of his authenticity rather than of authoritarian appeal.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

The Middle East will remain in constant conflict As long as the Iranian regime remains in power The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday May 12, 2025 First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday May 10, 2026

Re: "Diplomatic charade", Bangkok Post, PostBag, Friday May 1, 2026
In his PostBag letter ML Saksiri Kridakorn claims that the US is "fabricating pretexts for conflict" with Iran. Jihadist supporters aside, it should be abundantly clear to everyone that the Iranian regime's statements and actions during the past 47 years provide ample justification to remove the Iranian dictatorship by any means possible.
The Iranian regime's main slogan is "Death to America".
The mullahs call for the annihilation of Israel, and they have spent most of the country's resources on arming themselves, the Houthis, the Assad regime, Hezbollah, and Hamas.
Iran is reportedly the main sponsor of terrorist attacks worldwide.
Moreover, Iran is a world leader in executions, with a minority of religious fanatics subjugating a majority that does not wish to live under a dictatorship.
The Middle East will remain in constant conflict as long as this regime remains in power.

Frank Scimone,
Bangkok.
Thailand

 

Call for brokers to avoid blurring the line Between investing and trading The Southeast Asian Times Monday May 11, 2025 First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday April 21, 2026

Re: "Stock reforms mirror regional realignment" Bangkok Post Business, Wednesday April 15, 2026.
I commend Nattapol Suwansiri, executive vice-president of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), for efforts to attract investors to neglected secondary shares trading at low valuations, notably through the SET's "Jump+" programme.
This is a welcome move beyond the overhyped and often overvalued technology leaders.
However, one aspect is consistently overlooked: the responsibility of brokers and their marketing teams.
Just as pharmacists promote the proper use of medicines, brokers should encourage sound investment practices.
They must avoid blurring the line between investing and trading, and discourage excessive speculation, which too often leads to losses over time.
As the saying goes, "once bitten, twice shy" a key reason many retail investors stay away from the market.
Finally, the value of strong dividend-paying stocks is often underappreciated. Reliable dividends can provide a cushion when markets come under pressure, whether from domestic setbacks or global shocks.

Paul A Renaud,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand lacks ability to weather the storm If price of oil perisists The Southeast Asian Times Sunday May 10, 2025 First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday May 5, 2026

Re: "Stagflation: The next Thai catchword", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Tuesday March 19, 2026.
This article further supports the above columnist/economist Chartchai Parasuk's belief that this is the year, after predicting the same several times previously, that the Thai economy will finally collapse.
For this columnist, Thailand faces a "triple whammy".
First, the country has low growth potential. The Thai economy is expected to grow less than the earlier projection of 2 percent , and with household debt at 90 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Mr Chartchai sees little hope that the economy will gain steam this year.
Next, it has a liquidity problem, meaning there is not enough money in circulation. The country has a deficit of 860 billion baht despite receiving some US$31.7 billion in foreign capital inflows last year.
And finally, the Iran-American war has caused the price of oil to skyrocket. Thailand quite simply lacks the ability to weather the storm if the price of oil persists at about $100 (3,245 baht) per barrel for a sustained period.
The only result can be stagflation, the above-mentioned columnist implores.
The economy will be in such a bad state that not only will it be contracting, but it will also be experiencing high inflation, a sure sign that it will collapse, similar to what was witnessed during the 1997 crisis.
In fact, Thailand's economic collapse will probably be worse than that which occurred near the turn of the 20th century, Mr Chartchai opines.
Hopefully, the Iran-American war will end soon, thereby mitigating the negative effects of the increase in oil prices on Thailand and other countries worldwide.

Paul,
Bangkok Post
Thailand

Don't take Jan Jakielek's new book, ''Killed to Order' To Beijing The Southeast Asian Times Saturday May 9, 2025 First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday May 5, 2026

Re: "Dodgy reform arguments", Bangkok Post PostBag, Sunday May 3, 2026.
Communist apologist Yingwai Suchaovanich accuses the iconic, respected elder in this space, Khun Burin Kantabutra, of making specious arguments.
He does so while writing, "In any family, we refrain from openly confronting our parents even when we disagree, not because they are moral exemplars, but out of respect for elders."
Contrary to the religion, democracy, and all things Trump-hating content he appears to be paid to pen, there was a fine editorial championing press freedom in the same edition of the Post today; it provided a modicum of balance.
As to Mr Yingwai's denigration of Western democracy texts, he knows well there are no such equivalents to be found anywhere in the nation he reveres above all others.
One example is Jan Jakielek's new book, Killed to Order. Take that on your next trip to Beijing if you want to spend the rest of your life in prison, Mr Yingwai.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Human rights should not depend On cultural or historical context The Southeast Asian Times Friday May 8, 2025 First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday May 4, 2026

Re: "Dodgy reform arguments", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, Sunday May 3, 2026.
In response to Yingwai Suchaovanich's argument that views on human rights and freedom of expression should vary according to culture, I would argue the opposite.
Human rights should not depend on cultural or historical context.

Karl Reichstetter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Foreign residents living in Thailand Unable to open bank accounts The Southeast Asian Times Thursday May 7, 2025 First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday May 4, 2026

Re: "Thailand targets foreign capital with key reform", in Bangkok Post, Business, Saturday May 2, 2026.
A year ago, a bank branch in Pattaya was criticised for enabling the opening of multiple accounts linked to scams and subsequent arrests.
The bank was never named, yet the fallout has been sweeping.
The Bank of Thailand has since imposed stringent restrictions on opening even a single account, particularly for foreigners.
According to banking sources, many foreign residents including those who legally own a Thai condo are now unable to open accounts at all.
This is unfortunate. The measures penalise responsible investors and long-term residents who wish to live, invest or hold assets here.
They appear to stem from the misconduct of one branch that was neither publicly identified nor, it seems, penalised.
The result is blanket denial of basic banking access hardly consistent with efforts to attract foreign capital.

Paul A Renaud,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Frequency of criminal cases involving Chinese Raises questions that warrant scrutiny The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday May 6, 2025 First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday May 4, 2026

Re: "Navy halts human smuggling bid", in Bangkok Post, Saturday May 2, 2026.
Recent reports highlight several criminal cases involving Chinese nationals: a smuggling ring in Chanthaburi, fraudulent birth certificates in Nakhon Ratchasima, and the sale of counterfeit cosmetics in Samut Prakan and Bangkok.
There have also been other cases this year, including investment fraud, call-centre scams and illegal gambling operations involving Chinese suspects.
It may be coincidence, but the frequency of such reports is notable and raises questions that warrant closer scrutiny.

CNX JON,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand's National Energy Policy Council To use fossil-fuel generators for solar power The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday May 5, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Monday May 4, 2026

Re: "NEPC lifts limit on solar buyback deals: Progressive energy tariffs get OK", in Bangkok Post, Thursday April 30, 2026 and "Rooftop solar draws buzz", in Bangkok Post, Monday April 27, 2026.
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan has announced an increase in household electricity charges to 5 baht per unit from June 2026 onwards.
To alleviate the impact, he also promoted household solar rooftops to reduce dependence on the public grid, priced at 5 baht per unit. Consequently, this would reduce the use of fossil fuels in the power generation process. However, solar power will not reduce the number of uninterrupted power generators in the grid system.
The reasons are as follows:
Since solar power generates electricity for around six hours a day -- not accounting for rainy or hazy conditions the remaining 18 hours must be fulfilled by standby fossil-fuel generators, which run idly 24 hours a day, ready to kick in when solar output fades.
This means that for every megawatt of solar capacity added, uninterrupted fossil-fuel backup generators must also be installed to take over when solar power stops, whether due to rain, haze or nightfall.
As Energy Minister, he should review the viability of the solar rooftop scheme and whether it is macroeconomically suited to the country.
Finally, I would like to propose a cheaper, cleaner and greener nuclear power plant for his consideration.

James Debentures,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Enough discussion and refinement Pass the Clean Air Bill The Southeast Asian Times Monday May 4, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday May 3, 2026

Re: "Clean air reform stalls", Bangkok Post, Editorial, Wednesday April 29, 2026.
While I wholeheartedly agree with the main message of your editorial in support of the Clean Air Bill (CAB).
I must take exception to your assertion that it requires "further refinement" and additional parliamentary discussion.
This bill has already endured years of debate.
It is worth reviewing its legislative history:
The first draft was presented in January 2022 by the Clean Air Network;
in 2024, seven different versions including one from the Bhumjaithai Party were unanimously accepted by the House; then a 39-member committee consolidated a final Clean Air Bil (CAB), which passed the House in October 2025;
and the House version passed its first reading in the Senate, but was put in limbo when BJT called a new election in February.
Isn't more than four years of compromise and consensus enough discussion and "refinement"?
This current backtracking should not be hailed as a victory for democratic processes.
Let's call it out for what it is, a disingenuous ploy to kill a progressive, thoroughly vetted piece of legislation in order to preserve the status quo, regardless of the tragic consequences for the public at large.

CNX JON,
Bangkok.
Thailand

Move Forward Party did not propose Unrestricted verbal attacks on royal institution The Southeast Asian Times Sunday May 3, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday April 21, 2026

Re: "Leave S112 alone" in Bangkok Post PostBag, Friday April 17, 2026
In responding to Burin Kantabutra's letter, "Royal viewpoint" Bangkok Post PostBag, April 2, Yingwai Suchaovanich dismisses his factual and moral arguments supported by cited evidence as "inappropriate, distorted and misleading".
Yet this assertion is made without supporting evidence or argument.
Having read both letters carefully, I find Khun Burin's case, and his interpretation of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great's views on the ethical and social implications of Section 112, to be more persuasively grounded.
It is also misleading to claim the Move Forward Party proposed allowing unrestricted verbal attacks on the royal institution.
In fact, its proposals were actually more limited: the party sought to reduce penalties in line with international norms, restrict who may file complaints, and distinguish between good-faith criticism and deliberate insult.
At heart, this debate concerns a broader principle.
In a democracy, laws derive their legitimacy from the equal voice of citizens.
Laws that unduly restrict that principle risk undermining their own ethical foundation.
A more constructive contribution would be to clarify the often vague reasoning found in some lese-majeste rulings, which describe the monarchy as a "moral exemplar" to the nation, without any explanation.
It would be useful to see this claim set out more clearly, with supporting evidence and argument.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand fails to ensure Ayuttaya Station UNESCO world heritage status The Southeast Asian Times Saturday May 2, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Monday April 27, 2026

Re: "Ayutthaya station redesign to cut heritage impacts", in Bangkok Post, Tuesday April 21, 2026.
What a shock?
The report states that the planned Ayutthaya Station on the high-speed rail line will be redesigned to minimise its impact on the city's United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Someone has been totally negligent and will eventually cost taxpayers billions of baht to build the appropriately designed station.
Surely the State Railway of Thailand has been so ignorant of its obligation years ago and failed to ensure the country's heritage is not compromised by its route and development planning?

JezzaNong,
Bangkok.
Thailand

We need true leaders To be able to lead without fear The Southeast Asian Times Friday May 1, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday April 29, 2026

Re: "War to press ahead: US", in Bangkok Post, Monday April 27, 2026.
Yet another probable assassination attempt on President Trump, and fortunately, he is unharmed.
The attempted assassin has been captured and hopefully will provide an explanation.
The assassination of a leader is simply wrong, or is it?
The assassination of the Ayatollah in Iran was also so wrong, but that was praised by so many.
Good, bad, or indifferent, no leader should be harmed.
We need true leaders, and we need them to be able to lead without fear.
A number do not meet this expectation and should be removed by ballot, not bullet.

Dennis Fitzgerald,
Bangkok,
Thailand

ASEAN to play a role in future global order Claims former US Ambassador to Thailand claims The Southeast Asian Times Thursday April 30, 2026 First publishedBangkok Post Tuesday April 28, 2026 in the

Re: "Rupture, reform and how to rebuild", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Thursday April 23, 2026.
Robert F Godec, the former US ambassador's analytical discussion on the state of the world and how the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) may play a role in the future global order poses quite a few challenges to this regional bloc.
The role of ethics and respect for the rule of law seems to be the best starting point. The aggression of Myanmar's junta, which seized power in 1962 and, after a deceptive hiatus, reemerged in 2021, the Asean response has been hypocritical and deceptive while hiding behind the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states.
In summary, Asean has been seen as benevolent to those countries promoting the consumer side of economics, while acting blind to real human rights violations and excesses by governments of member states.
The fact that most Asean economies have toed the line of capitalism either openly or in disguised forms has left them floundering in times of economic disruptions, hastily resorting to erroneous solutions that at best mask threats but leave the bruises open and gaping.
As a viable middle power force to counterbalance the actions of the so-called big three powerhouses, as identified by Ambassador Godec, Asean's response has been to be silent and let the full impacts of events toss the member states about.

Glen Chatelier,
Bangkok,
Thailand

The question is not borrowing It's how Thailand spends the money The Southeast Asian Times Wedneday April 29, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday April 23, 2026

Re: "The question is not borrowing", in Bangkok Post, InQuote, Wednesday April 22, 2026.
Indeed, that is a golden bar of borrowings as expressed simply by our Financial Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Ekniti Nitithanprapas.
If no care is taken on how we spend someone's money once in their hands, then disaster can be expected if accountability in due time to bondholders on how they spend it and follow through is not seriously there.
Let's put it this way it is obvious, but in practice it is not so obvious.

Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Support for small Businesses Is investment not charity The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday April 28, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday April 26, 2026

Re: "Loan decree 'may be needed'" in Bangkok Post, Friday April 24, 2026.
Why do governments keep returning to the same strategy - borrowing huge sums for handouts in the name of stimulating the economy - while neglecting more productive support for small businesses?
Politicians often speak of helping Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), yet practical measures rarely follow.
Instead of cash giveaways, why not channel funding through state banks as low-interest loans to viable small and medium enterprises?
Support for Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) would generate jobs, boost local markets, expand the tax base and, unlike handouts, create long-term economic activity. Even allowing for some non-performing loans, the broader returns could far outweigh the risks.
Rather than short-term subsidy schemes that vanish with little lasting impact, policymakers should rethink priorities and put more emphasis on helping small enterprises grow. Those who run very small businesses should be first in line for support. That is investment, not charity.

Ken Khorana,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Fear that the Mekong May become poisoned The Southeast Asian Times Monday April 27, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Friday April 24, 2026

Re: "Fix the system", PostBag, Bangkok Post Thursday April 16 and "Water crisis still unsolved", Bangkok Post Editorial, Wednesday April 22, 2026.
There was an insightful documentary on the English-language version of the German TV channel DW this week concerning severe water pollution in Chiang Rai.
The river in the town of Tha Ton, as well as other nearby rivers bordering Myanmar, such as the Ruak and even the venerable Mekong, have been found to contain severely high levels of arsenic, cadmium and other toxic contaminants in tests conducted by academics at a university in the northern region.
The reason is that Chinese firms that have been mining rare earth minerals and other valuable metals in the aforementioned country have been draining the rest, which they do not need, into the waterways of Thailand.
The end result is that many Tha Ton residents reportedly have experienced and been affected by various forms of ailments or have had their livelihoods interrupted, as the rivers bordering Myanmar now have much less fish than before and cannot really be eaten.
There is fear that the Mekong as a whole may become poisoned, and that food across Thailand will become contaminated with toxins inadvertently given to restaurants.
One of the town's leaders interviewed on the program blames the current central government for the mess, stating that Thai politicians know all about the problems in the Northern waterways but have chosen to do basically nothing.
Let's hope the problem is addressed soon, as if it continues to fester, not only will the residents of Chiang Mai suffer, but individuals all over Thailand may as well.
What the DW documentary underscores for me is the need for Thai people to have access to good cable TV packages.
Having just a basic TV package, or a cable TV package which is not fully functioning, is just a prescription for disaster.
Independent television channels which don't have connections to any outside interests are what is needed for a fully functioning democracy.

Paul,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Bangkok's traffic, smog and flooding Remain unresolved The Southeast Asian Times Sunday April 26, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Friday April 24, 2026

Re: "What's up, governor?", Bangkok Post, Editorial, Thursday April 23,
2026.
The editorial presents a cautious view of Chadchart Sittipunt's tenure, but risks overlooking the scale of everyday improvements across the city.
In recent years, Bangkok has become noticeably more usable at street level.
From upgraded facilities at Benchakitti and Lumpini parks to the steady rollout of fitness equipment, improved walkways and smarter bus stops, these are not isolated "feel-good" initiatives but part of a broader shift towards practical urban management.
Individually, such changes may appear modest.
Taken together, they represent a meaningful transformation in how residents engage with public space.
The city feels more responsive, better maintained and more aligned with the needs of its people.
Certainly, persistent challenges such as traffic, PM2.5 and flooding remain unresolved.
However, these are complex structural issues that no governor could realistically resolve within a single term. Judging the administration primarily on these fronts risks missing where real progress has been made. Some projects predate the current administration, but the pace, visibility and consistency of improvements suggest they have been actively driven rather than coincidental.
As the capital city's voters approach a major local election, a balanced evaluation should recognise both the limitations and the tangible gains residents encounter every day.
Vote Chadchart!

Concerned observer,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Risks tied to crypto volatility or misuse Predate U.S. President Trump and persist globally The Southeast Asian Times Saturday April 25, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday April 22, 2026

Re: "Crypto push undermines US power", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Monday April 20, 2026.
Jayati Ghosh, writing for the Project Syndicate, portrays Donald Trump as the primary driver of complex global trends.
Cryptocurrencies are a decentralised, worldwide phenomenon shaped by many governments and markets, not one man.
Equating regulatory flexibility with recklessness ignores how excessive control often pushes innovation and activity into opaque jurisdictions. Risks tied to crypto volatility or misuse predate Mr Trump and persist globally.
The geopolitical argument is similarly overstated.
Nations have long used alternative systems to bypass sanctions; crypto is merely the latest tool, not the cause.
Ultimately, this article ignoring the obligatory Mr Trump bashing content reflects an idealist's preference for the globalist holy grail centralised financial control while downplaying the legitimate economic and technological rationale for a more open, innovation-driven approach.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

WTO appointment of Commission on Audit Does not impress some Filipinos The Southeast Asian Times Friday April 17, 2026 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Thursday April 16 2026

The flash report that the Commission on Audit (COA) has been appointed by the World Trade Organization (WTO) as its external auditor complements COA's capability, earning it a high distinction in the world body.
The appointment, however, does not impress some of us, but instead places COA in an uneasy position after the flood control mess - a financial nightmare marked by alleged widespread connivance in the government bureaucracy involving high-ranking officials and trillions of pesos in lost taxes over years under COA watch.
The WTO might look at COA as its effective external auditor, but COA has a broader audit role and responsibilities, encompassing both external audit of government branches and the internal audit systems and control of all government accounts.
COA has jurisdiction over all auditing procedures, including internal audits. Under Section 2 of Presidential Decree No. 898, the authority and powers of the Commission on Audit shall extend to and comprehend all matters relating to auditing and accounting procedures, systems, and controls.
COA should revisit its constitutional mandate on its oversight audit of all government financial transactions.
In 2012, the Supreme Court's unanimous ruling threw out COA's assertion that it could remove from its function the conduct of preaudit measures.
The Supreme Court ruling affirmed that COA cannot remove from its constitutional mandate the responsibility to do preaudit through a mere issuance of its executive circular, because its constitutional mandate covers oversight of all government accounts and financial transactions, wherever they may happen in the bureaucracy.

Marvel K. Tan,
Manila,
Philippines

Nowhere did the Move Forward Party propose allowing Unrestricted verbal attacks on the royal institution The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday April 21, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday April 19, 2026

Re: "Another perspective" and "Leave S112 alone", Bangkok Post April 20, April 19, 2026.
I sincerely thank Khun Yingwai Suchaovanich and Khun Felix Qui for their thoughtful comments on our application of our lese majeste law, aka S112.
This law demands our thorough scrutiny before being used, for as our beloved late national father told us, "its use ultimately damages the monarchy".
Nowhere did the Move Forward Party (MFP) propose allowing unrestricted verbal attacks on our royal institution.
On the contrary, the Move Forward Party (MFP) sought to debate in good faith, adhering to democratic principles between the people's elected representatives in open session, subject to the law of the land on a matter of supreme national interest.
For instance, they sought to have penalties be in line with international norms, not like the record 87 years in jail given to then 65-year-old Khun Anchan Preelerd for reposting 29 audio/video clips that did not incite violence.
MFP also sought to restrict who could file complaints; now, anyone may file charges, triggering a mandatory police investigation, making it a tempting weapon for harassing anyone you didn't like.
For example, we want our students to know our history, but did you know that asking questions could get you sued under S112?
In 2014, noted historian Sulak Sivaraksa suggested that the legendary elephant-back duel between King Naresuan and the Burmese crown prince may not have happened as traditionally described. For that, he was charged and investigated. So, students, just be parrots?
Also, almost two-thirds 64.7 percent of Thais aged 15-65 across all education levels can barely read and understand short medical instructions such as "Take one tablet daily after dinner until the medicine is gone" source: World Bank, 2025 presentation to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Yet we're assuming that every last one can differentiate between what was intended to be derogatory of our monarchy and what was given in good faith?
The more I think about it, the more I agree with King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Unchecked power can lead Thailand To stagnation and eventually political turmoil The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday April 21, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday April 19, 2026

Re: "Uncharted territory", Bangkok Post, Editorial, Saturday April 11, 2026
The Post notes that "unchecked power can lead the country to stagnation and eventually political turmoil".
Thailand 's long history of coups offers ample evidence of this.
It also helps explain why the country has not matched the political and economic progress of places such as South Korea and Taiwan, which moved forward after ending military interference in the 1980s.
Thailand now has the government it voted for, as does the United States.
In both cases, the question is how that mandate will be used.
The current Thai government has an opportunity to pursue long-overdue constitutional reform and address deep inequalities in wealth and opportunity. Whether it does so in the broader public interest, or primarily in the interests of those in power, will determine how it is judged.
Ultimately, voters will decide. At the next election, they will assess whether this government has advanced political, social and economic fairness, or merely reinforced existing divisions.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

The European Union is hell-bent on the destruction Of Western culture and civilisation The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday April 21, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday April 19, 2026

Re: "Hungarians' growing anger at living in European Union's 'most corrupt state'", Bangkok Post, World, Thursday April 16, 2026.
The only named source in this biased report is Transparency International, an organisation primarily funded by the European Union, the United Nations,
Open Society Foundations and a variety of European development organisations.
None of the above, including the source of this trivial article, Agence France-Presse, (AFP) wanted to see Victor Orban remain in office.
One might ask, why?
Orban's Hungary is the only European Union member state to repel the Islamic invasion so favoured by the international source of top-down authoritarian leftist ideology, like China.
The European Union is hell-bent on the destruction of Western culture and civilisation.
Everyone knows it and Orban is one of the very few to openly resist.
Agence France-Presse (AFP) could have a field day reporting on corruption but seldom does, except, as in this example, when it furthers their political objectives.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

PM abandons Clean Air Bill While air pollution chokes Thailand The Southeast Asian Times Monday April 20, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday April 14, 2026

Re: "Energy and environment will take centre stage" Bangkok Post, InQuote, April 1, 2026 and "BJT pulls support for Clear Air Bill" Bangkok Post, April 7, 2026.
I was encouraged when Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced his new government's policies would prioritise energy and environment.
Both are glaring necessities for the country.
But as the prime minister's actual policies unfolded, his commitment to improving environmental conditions has apparently already been tossed aside.
Within days of proclaiming the environment to be a top priority, the ruling Bhumjaithai Party abandoned its support for the long-delayed Clean Air Bill, despite its support for the measure in the past.
The withdrawal of backing for the Clean Air Bill is all the more inexplicable considering the horrendous air pollution choking the country for countless weeks, with no end in sight.
The monumental health costs to the country from the lingering poisons in the air are well documented.
Apparently, however, rich and powerful special interests have asserted themselves.
Investor confidence and business interests are paramount once again. Authorities needed to control pollution and close down offending industries must remain weak; penalties for polluting must not exceed slaps on the wrist; factories must be allowed to pump out uncontrolled emissions; big agribusiness must be able to continue paying small farmers for burning forests and fields.
Who cares about clean air so long as investors have free rein to rake in bigger profits?

Samanea Saman,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Filipinos forced to bleed In an economic war they did not create The Southeast Asian Times Sunday April 19, 2026 First published in the Philippine Inquirer Wednesday April 8, 2026

The ''unthinkable'' has arrived at Filipino gas stations.
Diesel prices have officially breached the P100-per-liter mark, with some Metro Manila stations reporting figures as high as P172.9 per liter as of yesterday.
As the United States-Israeli conflict with Iran paralyzes the Strait of Hormuz, the artery for a fifth of the world's oil.
Filipino consumers are being forced to bleed in an economic war and a crisis they did not create.
The Department of Finance (DOF) has responded to calls for fuel excise tax suspension with a singular, chilling figure: P136 billion.
This, they claim, is the revenue the state would lose if it dared to lower the P6-per-liter tax on diesel and P10-per-liter on gasoline.
But as inflation threatens to spiral toward 7.5 percent, we must ask: In a time of national emergency, whose fiscal health matters more”the governments bloated accounts or the Filipino family's ability to put food on the table?
The DOF's obsession with the P136 billion loss is an insult when viewed against the backdrop of systemic waste.
While the government claims it cannot afford a tax cut, the Commission on Audit (COA) has been busy unearthing the real leaks.
The DOF treats the national budget like a sacred hoard.
But the budget is a tool for the peope's welfare, not an end in itself.
If the state refuses to sacrifice its own comforts while the people's belts are being tightened into a noose, it is not leading, it is merely watching.
At more than P100 per liter, the time for mœmonitoring and œstaggering adjustments is over, we are told that the government must tighten its belt.
But the government belt is made of leather, while the citizen's belt is a noose.
If the state wants to prevent runaway inflation and social unrest, it must be the first to sacrifice itsfiscal comforts for the sake of national survival.

James D. Lansang,
Manila,
Philippines

Bad luck for the moon and Mars If humans do colonise The Southeast Asian Times Saturday April 18, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday April 15, 2026

Re: "Lunar inspiration", in Bangkok Post PostBag, Monday April 13, 2026 "Artemis II returns safely to Earth", Bangkok Pst World, Saturday April 12, 2026.
It is not yet known from where public interest in Nasa's Artemis II moonshot is likely to arise.
Dennis Fitzgerald thought younger folk might now and again catch something of it while scrolling between gaming sessions.
Many of us older ones will recall where we were when big events happened: JFK's assassination, the NY Twin Tower demolition and the first giant step for mankind on the moon in 1969.
Billions and billions of US taxpayers' money spent on Artemis II, but at least there is a plan, finding someone willing enough to live on the moon, and if that works, Mars.
Bad luck for the moon and Mars if humans do colonise; this polluted and scarred planet of ours can bear witness to their presence.

Nick Nicholson,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

ASEAN members have not Endorsed the Myanmar elections The Southeast Asian Times Thursday April 16, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday April 15, 2026

Re: "Parnpree backs new Myanmar president", in Bangkok Post, Monday April 13, 2026.
Special representative of Foreign Affairs Minister, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, passed on congratulations to the new Myanmar president on his "election", which could easily be mistaken as official recognition by Thailand.
Such recognition would be at odds with the clear stand of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and United Nations.
As such, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow should explain his representative's actions to parliament and seek its approval.
Asean members have not endorsed the election, said Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro, and as of this January did not recognise the results.
Al Jazeera reported on January 30 that "Asean's non-recognition of the elections will be a major blow to normalisation efforts by Myanmar's military rulers, who hoped to gain international recognition and a degree of legitimacy".
Indeed, only a few states, mainly Russia and China, have moved close to de facto recognition.
The election was held under a military dictatorship, amid active warfare, mass displacement, and severe repression, leaving no meaningful space for genuine political choice.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Wild animals like ostriches Don't belong in captivity The Southeast Asian Times Thursday April 16, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday April 12, 2026

Re: "Ostrich paces the traffic on Highway 36", Bangkok Post, Tuesday April 7, 2026.
I write in response to reports of an ostrich escaping from an animal café in Chon Buri.
Instead of seeing this incident as funny, I hope people realise the fear and stress experienced by B1, a wild animal kept for entertainment at this animal-themed cafe.
In nature, ostrich mothers and fathers share parental responsibilities, protecting their babies from predators, shading them from the hot sun under their wings, and teaching them how to find food, behaviour impossible in the confines of such facilities.
Wild animals like ostriches don't belong in captivity, where they're easily startled and pose dangers to themselves and the public when they inevitably try to escape their unnatural confinement.

Jason Baker
Asia President,
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals PETA
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thai's understands that alliances rise and change Thailand will always find a way to endure The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday April 15, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday April 10, 2026

Re: "Can alliances with the US be replaced?" in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Tuesday April 7, 2026.
Kavi Chongkittavorn's well-written article asks a question that the history of Thailand and the region demonstrates.
I read the article and thought of our friends in Chiang Mai and their colourful stories about history and Queen Chamadevi or Camadevi.
I think every Thai, just from their own stories and folklore, understands that alliances rise and change.
Especially experiences since World War I and World War II show that Thailand and its people have always had to make hard decisions and transitions.
In particular, the piece cast light on parallel positions that countries like Thailand, Canada, and other non-superpowers might share
If serious threats to Asean members' sovereignty were to occur, are any local aircraft carriers available to be sent out to guarantee the independence of smaller or weaker nations?
Will China grow into its responsibilities as a great power and take a reasonable and responsible role defending the security of Asia, or will it continue to rattle sabers and myopically focus on Taiwan, when the stakes and prize are, in fact, much larger?
Something for certain is that my own country of Canada will have a hard time fending for itself, swimming with shark countries and trying to make fair trade deals with them, those same ones that are a constant and oppressive source of foreign interference in our politics and economy.
For me, it's reassuring that Thailand will always find a way to endure, with its language and culture, no matter what the weather report calls for.
Cloudy with a chance for China?
Many thanks for the thoughtful article!

Mike Sluchinski,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

 

Heavy transport in Thailand Stop idling engines to keep cool The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday April 14, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday April 10, 2026

Re: "Anutin urges WFH amid fuel crisis", Bangkok Post, Monday April 6, 2026.
Whilst many motorists are rightly concerned about fuel costs, particularly in heavy transport, perhaps they would consider not idling their engines for long periods to keep their in-cab environment cool?
They would benefit in the pocket, and the environment would benefit from less polluted air.
Sounds like a win-win to me.

Hua Hin Paul,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thai's understands that alliances rise and change Thailand will always find a way to endure The Southeast Asian Times Monday April 13, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday April 10, 2026

Re: "Can alliances with the US be replaced?" in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Tuesday April 7, 2026.
Kavi Chongkittavorn's well-written article asks a question that the history of Thailand and the region demonstrates.
I read the article and thought of our friends in Chiang Mai and their colourful stories about history and Queen Chamadevi or Camadevi.
I think every Thai, just from their own stories and folklore, understands that alliances rise and change.
Especially experiences since World War I and World War II show that Thailand and its people have always had to make hard decisions and transitions.
In particular, the piece cast light on parallel positions that countries like Thailand, Canada, and other non-superpowers might share.
If serious threats to Asean members' sovereignty were to occur, are any local aircraft carriers available to be sent out to guarantee the independence of smaller or weaker nations?
Will China grow into its responsibilities as a great power and take a reasonable and responsible role defending the security of Asia, or will it continue to rattle sabers and myopically focus on Taiwan, when the stakes and prize are, in fact, much larger?
Something for certain is that my own country of Canada will have a hard time fending for itself, swimming with shark countries and trying to make fair trade deals with them, those same ones that are a constant and oppressive source of foreign interference in our politics and economy.
For me, it's reassuring that Thailand will always find a way to endure, with its language and culture, no matter what the weather report calls for.
Cloudy with a chance for China?
Many thanks for the thoughtful article!

Mike Sluchinski,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand can't raise taxes on locals ''So let's go after foreigners'' The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday April 12, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday April 9, 2026

Re: "Thailand plans mandatory accident insurance for foreign visitors", Bangkok Post, Business, Wednesday April 8, 2026.
The report is another example of blaming other people for problems that have been festering for decades.
The intention is clear.
"We can't raise taxes on locals, so let's go after foreigners!"
Charging 300 baht to each visitor generates billions of baht per year.
Will all that money go to upgrade the health care system?
Another question that everyone knows the answer to.
There are ways to charge motorcycle renters a fee that would go to the government, and it would be much easier than trying to get airlines and travel agencies to collect this fee.
The traffic in Pattaya lawless chaos. Motorcycle food delivery drivers are the worst offenders.
Two cell phones mounted on handlebars apparently do not constitute distracted driving, especially at high speed!
Who knew it was safer to look at two cell phones on two wheels than one cell phone on four wheels?
By coming down on all foreigners who rent motorcycles, who have no choice but to deal with the lack of common law, while accepting no responsibility for the road chaos, and at the same time making money off of them, seems similar to how certain governments conduct business in other parts of the world.

Stan Cennon,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Further debate on visa exemption wanted Before policy becomes official The Southeast Asian Times. Saturday April 11, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday April 7, 2026

Re: "Govt's visa-free policy too easy", Bangkok Post, Monday March 30, 2026 and "Shorter visa stays on the cards", Bangkok Post, Business, Thursday February 12, 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved a plan to reduce the visa-free exemption period for tourists from certain countries to a month, rather than 60 days.
However, it should be stated that the plan was first proposed under the caretaker government.
And who was the leader of both governments?
Well, it was none other than Anutin Charnvirakul, and I feel that it is more than a coincidence that the policy actually became official after he was elected.
After all, was it not Mr Anutin himself, who, under the previous military junta, asserted during the Covid crisis a few years back that "foreigners should get out" if they didn't want to wear masks?
The aforementioned man is merely showing his true stripes now and his real feelings towards foreigners by approving of this policy.
Fortunately, some voices of reasoning still exist out there.
For example, the Hua Hin-Chaam tourist association states that over 30 percent of tourists in this area are long-stay ones, and that, consequently, local tourist revenues would go down by as much as 50 percent, they estimate.
So let's hope that the visa exemption issue is further debated by the mandarins in the current Thai government before the policy becomes official.

Paul,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Burning plastic bottles for energy Sounds wonderful but... The Southeast Asian Times, Friday April 10, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Friday April 3, 2026

Re: "Khon Kaen locals convert plastic waste into fuel", in Bangkok Post, Monday March 30, 2026.
The article on recycling is inspiring and relevant.
Nevertheless, the process being used pyrolysis has definite drawbacks including harmful emissions and toxic by-products.
It is also energy-intensive and produces hazardous waste.
On the face of it, getting energy from burning plastic bottles sounds wonderful but what are we getting as byproducts?

JezzaNong,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Portrayal of Iran as the victim Is one-sided and blatantly absurd The Southeast Asian Times Thursday April 9, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday April 2, 2026

Re: "Selective outrage will not end the war in Iran", Bangkok Post Opinion, Friday March 27, 2026.
Prof Jayati Ghosh's portrayal of Iran as the victim in the current conflict is one-sided and blatantly absurd.
The Iranian regime has been calling for the annihilation of Israel for 47 years. Tehran has spent hundreds of billions of dollars on nuclear research, whose only purpose can be military, and it played a major role in the genocidal invasion of Israel on October 7, 2023.
Iran has also carried out attacks on Jewish communities worldwide and bankrupted its economy by spending hundreds of billions on missiles and financing proxies which attack Israel.
The war would be over in a day if Iran were to agree not to annihilate Israel. Something the esteemed professor fails to address.

Frank Scimone,
Bangkok,
Thailand

A male who pulverises female opponents Is unacceptable The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday April 8, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday April 5, 2026

Re: "Save women's sport", Bangkok Post, PostBag, Tuesday March 31, 2026,
I often agree with Miro King, but not on this occasion.
His argument appears to be that a man who "pulverises" female opponents is unacceptable, yet an equally dominant female athlete doing the same to other women is not.
By that logic, a man overwhelming male opponents would also be acceptable. Why should the standard differ?
What makes a man overpowering a woman worse than a woman doing the same to another woman?
And why is a man dominating another man considered acceptable, but not crossing that divide?
At the heart of this argument is an inherited assumption that women are inherently inferior and must be protected from fair competition with men.
This same thinking once confined women to limited roles in business and public life, excluding them from sectors such as energy, finance, and politics.
Society has, in most areas, moved beyond such constraints. Women can now lead corporations, universities, and governments.
If we accept that, why should sport remain an exception?
If athlete A, regardless of sex, meets the criteria to compete with athlete B, then both should have an equal opportunity.
If one proves superior, that is the essence of competition.
If certain physical differences are decisive, then that simply reflects the nature of the sport not a justification for blanket exclusion.
The International Olympic Committee should reconsider the continued segregation of sport along rigid sex lines.
Such divisions risk reinforcing outdated assumptions about ability.
If a woman is capable of competing at a given level whether in boxing or any other discipline -- she should not be excluded solely on the basis of sex.
We should not fear strong, successful women.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

World Bank promotes investment In climate adaption The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday April 7, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday April 5, 2026

Re: "Urgent push for fair climate finance," in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Wednesday April 1, 2026.
The article opens with the claim that climate change is already eroding Thailand's economic competitiveness and livelihoods through heat waves, floods and coastal erosion.
The assertion these phenomena are primarily driven by man-made CO2 however, remains contested and far from conclusively supported by hard evidence.
The piece goes on to cite a World Bank estimate that Thailand's GDP could shrink by 7 - 14 percent by 2050 without adequate investment in climate adaptation.
Such projections rely heavily on complex modelling, which is inherently sensitive to assumptions and open to question.
This raises a broader concern.
Policies based on speculative forecasts risk directing significant financial resources toward international organisations and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) without clear, measurable benefits, particularly for smaller economies like Thailand.
Before committing vast sums, there should be stronger evidence that such investments will produce tangible, verifiable outcomes.

Michael Setter.
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

 

Call for International Olympic Committee to strip Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting of their gold medals The Southeast Asian Times, Monday April 6, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday April 1, 2026

Re: "Women's sport limited to 'biological females'", Bangkok Post Sport, Saturday March 28, 2026.
It is about time that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) banned men from women's sports.
Therefore, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) should also strip the two boxers, Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, who are both men, of their gold medals in boxing.
Those two men pulverised their female opposition to pulp, and it was painful not only for the victims but for all who watched it in horror.
I would like to see the members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) who allowed this slaughter of the innocents to stand in that ring and face either of those brutal impostors.
They would soon change their minds about who is a man and who is a woman.
Ban all men, especially the female impostors, from all women's sport.

Miro King a man!
Bangkok,
Thailand

Southeast Asia wants Peace that respects sovereignty The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday April , 2026 First published in the Philippine Inquirer Tuesday March 31, 2026

To Southeast Asians, peace is tangible.
It means fishermen can safely sail our seas without fear of conflict, farmers can sell our rice and fruits at fair prices, young people can find stable jobs instead of migrating for work, and our children can go to school while our elders receive the medical care they need.
We do not want empty promises of ''freedom'' or ''democracy'' that only bring division and chaos.
We want real peace.
Peace that lets us live in stability, work with dignity, and see our lives improve day by day.
Southeast Asia does not need foreign military alliances that drag us into great power conflicts.
We do not need ideological manipulation that stirs up tensions between our neighbours.
We do not need wars or sanctions that destroy our economies and separate our families.
What we need is true peace.
Peace that respects our sovereignty, peace that lets us develop on our own terms, and peace that unites our region toward shared prosperity.
Peace is not something we beg for, it is built through cooperation and development. It is the roads connecting our villages to cities, the ports linking our nations to the world, the factories giving our youth work, and the schools teaching our children to dream.
Hegemony only brings instability and suffering.
Division only deepens our poverty.
Only genuine, inclusive peace can let Southeast Asia rise together, and let every Southeast Asian live a life of hope and dignity.
Together, we can build a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Southeast Asia.

Andy Guangzhou,
Manila,
Philippines

Free public transport in Australia And early closure for restauarants in Eqypt The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday April 4, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Friday March 3, 2026

The Anutin government is scrambling to adjust to the reality of an unwelcome war triggered by Israel and the USA against Iran.
Many countries are facing similar challenges due to the sudden inflated cost of petrol.
But some countries have tried to respond aggressively to diminish the impacts.
For example, in two states of Australia, public transport is being made free to incentivise people not to drive.
This has two benefits, fewer cars consuming oil and less traffic in already congested cities.
If free, public transport will now appeal to many that preferred using their cars before.
Another creative idea?
In Egypt, shops, restaurants and cafes have been told to close at 9pm each day, while street lights and roadside advertising is being dimmed, but hotels and tourist attractions are exempt.
Not enough?
To conserve fuel, Sri Lanka has declared Wednesdays as public holidays for government institutions such as schools and universities.
Combined with "working from home", these two measures alone are saving many oil barrels.
Another old idea, that has been considered here but never implemented.
Myanmar is enforcing a rule in which private vehicles can run only on alternate days, depending on whether their licence plate is an odd or even number. Electric vehicles are exempt.
If none of these light suggestions bear fruit, it will be time to drastically impose petrol rationing, although this will be unpopular.
And citizens shall obviously minimise non-necessary usage of their vehicles, although this may be a pipedream; but Mr Anutin shall demonstrate his leadership by taking steps to alleviate a dire situation and this before the Siamese fuel reserves are exhausted!

Michel Barre,
Bangkok,
Thiland

Thai PM calls on each householder To save a litre of fuel consumption per day The Southeast Asian Times, Friday April 3, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday March 2, 2026

Re: "PM apology a good start," Bangkok Post, Editorial, Monday March 30, 2026.
Prime Minister Anutin is right on when he asks each household to save a litre of fuel consumption per day.
Low-hanging fruit he should pick towards this end include:
Sharply slashing all fossil-fuel subsidies, as Indonesia and India did.
These disproportionately benefit higher-income users, so this will not only save taxpayer money and reduce CO2 emissions but also help narrow our massive rich-poor gap.
Carbon pricing is one of the most cost-effective ways to shift away from fossil fuels, as proven in Sweden and the US.
This could be particularly effective in our power sector.
Accelerate the usage of renewable energy solar, wind, as shown in Vietnam and Germany.
When my wife and I built our Honolulu home, installing solar panels was a no-brainer, thanks to generous tax incentives, and that was half a century ago.
Strengthen building codes and appliance standards to use less energy, as done in Japan and the EU.
Get moving, Anutin,

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Call for adoption of clean, green and cheap Nuclear power plants The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday April 2, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday March 1, 2026

Re: "Iran war exposes Thai energy fragility", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Tuesday March 28, 2026
The fossil fuels used for power generation in 2024 accounted for more than 70 percent, with imports accounting for the rest. Renewable energy mostly relies on solar power, which is, by nature, unreliable and only produces for six hours per day.
Considering the paradigm changes following the Middle East war, we should consider adopting the clean, green and cheap nuclear power plants as a new way of electricity production.

James Debentures,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Call for Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to support Former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., economic strategy The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday April 1, 2026 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Friday March 27, 2026

Philippine Inquirer 27 Mar 2026 letter Reviving pointers for good governance and realistic development goals.
Considering the current crisis in the Middle East that has rattled our economy and endangered the lives of overseas Filipino workers, it is never too late to start talking about how President Marcos and succeeding presidents can improve their governance to accelerate our economy.
Leloy Claudio, assistant professor at University of California, Berkeley, has criticized the administration for what he calls performative governance that relies on slogans and superficial branding rather than providing a clear substantive economic development roadmap for the Philippines.
Other critics called Mr. Marcos development goal idealistic rhetoric” for making unrealistic promises: making rice available to the public at P20 to P30 per kilogram; building 1 million housing units annually when his father could only build 230,000 units in 10 years; and accomplishing 183 transportation, water, and digital connectivity projects.
These aspirations of the administration represent positive basic needs goals that should be pursued to address poverty, inequality, and unemployment.
The problem is that the President resorted to idealistic rhetoric, citing unrealistic quantitative targets that were not based on feasibility studies.
He was also not careful in selecting Cabinet secretaries with intelligence, capability, and a good moral background.
His father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., formed a group of technocrats and intellectuals to achieve economic goals.
Marcos Jr. has stated that the pursuit of the above goals has been influenced by his mother promotion, as former secretary of the Ministry of Human Settlements, of the 11 basic needs required to accelerate the country's socioeconomic development.
These basic needs are food, shelter, mobility, water, power, ecological balance, clothing, health, education, livelihood, and sports and recreation concepts that originated from the international urban planning ideas promoted in the 1972 United Nations Conference on Human Settlements.
The government addressed this issue through the Philippine Development Plan for 2023 -2028, which in turn requires the formulation of the Regional Spatial Development Frameworks, Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plans, and Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) of local government units.
In the CLUPs, the rational delineation of proposed land uses with their specific protection, production, settlement, and infrastructure areas is particularly observed.
The promotion of the basic needs concept, which constituted the centre piece of his mother's public service stint, should be seriously ”but realistically” supported by Marcos Jr.
Like his father's strategy, he could create a cabinet cluster of related departments whose functions involve the interlinked development of the features and resources of each of the four land-use categories.
In this way, through checks and balances, even the current rampant corruption in project implementation can be significantly minimized.

Meliton B. Juanico,
Bangkok,
Thailand

The five-year Destination Thailand Visa Too difficult to apply for The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday March 31, 2026 First published in Bangkok Post Monday March 30, 2026

Re: "Tourism stimulus eyed to address slowdown', Bangkok Post Business, Saturday March 14, 2026.
If the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to attract and retain long-haul tourists, maybe they could ask how Thai immigration could make us more welcome.
I have been trying to apply for the five-year Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) since it launched, almost two years ago.
Precisely because I am "long-haul", I have tried to apply within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), rather than in my home country.
I have tried calling and e-mailing the four nearest consulates, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and countless Immigration offices.
Since the e-visa site went up, any phone calls that do reach people only result in being directed to the website.
It is too difficult to apply for without the help of the kind of agent who helps those who don't actually qualify.
In the meantime, I have been told by Immigration officers many times, quite aggressively, that I spend too much time in Thailand, and should get "a better visa" but they always refuse to say which visa is acceptable.
The situation is no better for investment-promotion visas that I've asked about.
It's hardly Thailand's biggest problem in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), but a potential investor will be discouraged by unprofessional sites and call centres, outdated information, and hostile officers on entry.
Tourists have to show a statutory amount of cash on entry 10k or 20k baht, the figure is higher for other visa categories.
Supposedly this is to ensure the visitor can afford their stay without working in the kingdom.
Following that logic, why not explicitly allow unlimited tourist-visa extensions and border runs for anyone who can demonstrate adequate funds, but isn't old enough to retire?
I wish the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) good luck with their war room and subsidy for Nok and Smile.
I hope it helps attract the ideal tourist they want, because it doesn't do much for those of us who are being pushed away to friendlier countries.

Hadi Nouf,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Universal access to compassion Cannot be engineered top-down The Southeast Asian Times Monday March 30, 2026 First published in Bangkok Post Wednesday March 25, 2026

Re: "Can we design universal access to compassion?", Bangkok Post Opinion, Thursday March 19, 2026.
Design alone cannot guarantee compassion.
As practical experience shows, even well-intentioned accessibility frameworks often fall short when they overlook the deeper dimensions of human connection and inclusion.
Compassion must be cultivated through relationships beginning with intergenerational solidarity within families and communities, where empathy is first learned and transmitted.
From there, the ethic of compassion can expand outward into institutions, societies, and ultimately reaching the global arena.
Without such solidarity, any attempt to universalise compassion risks remaining only rhetorical rather than real. In short, universal access to compassion cannot be engineered top-down; it must be built from the ground up across generations, and across borders.

Ioan Voicu,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Is Defence recruitment in Papua New Guinea Based on merit and fairness or favouritism or curruption ? The Southeast Asian Times Sunday March 29, 2026 First published in The National Friday March 27, 2026

The latest controversy surrounding the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) recruitment process is concerning.
As a critical institution responsible for national security, the PNGDF must uphold the highest standards of integrity and fairness in its processes.
The fact that Governor Renbo Paita claims to have conducted his own independent verification and found discrepancies, raises serious questions about the Defence Ministry assurances.
If true, this would indicate a significant breach of trust and potentially undermine the legitimacy of the recruitment process.
The Defence Ministry response to these allegations will be crucial in determining the credibility of the process.
Transparency and accountability are essential in government processes, particularly in institutions like the defence force, where public trust is paramount.
It’s vital that this issue is not swept under the rug and that those responsible are held accountable.
The people of Papua New Guinea deserve to know that their defence force is recruited based on merit and fairness, not favouritism or corruption.
Paita’s series of questions in Parliament should be applauded.
The public need answers about how recruits were selected, whether the process was conducted online or manually, and what measures are in place to prevent such discrepancies in the future.
The Defence Minister’s previous assurances that the recruitment was done through an online system managed by an independent human resource firm, need to be backed up with facts.
What’s clear is that the status quo is not working, and changes are needed to restore public confidence in the PNGDF recruitment process.

M. Ruri,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea

Thailand's falling birth rate Is a matter of serious concern The Southeast Asian Times. Saturday March 28, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday March 27, 2026

Re: "Social Security Fund reform 'urgent' as society ages", in Bangkok Post, March 25, 2026.
Thailand's falling birth rate is a matter of serious concern.
In the years ahead, the number of children and young people will decline sharply. The fierce competition we once saw for places in prestigious schools and universities may gradually disappear.
Today, some schools promote themselves through roadshows, highlighting their large campuses, sports facilities, qualified teachers, multilingual programs, and the number of students admitted to top universities.
Yet these indicators may mean less than before when many university graduates now face unemployment, depression, anxiety, and a lack of practical survival skills.
I would like to offer several suggestions for school leaders and parent-teacher associations.
First, some schools and universities reportedly ban students from using AI in homework or assignments.
In reality, however, the ability to use AI well may soon become essential in the workplace.
Rather than banning it, schools should create balanced curricula that teach students how to use AI responsibly and effectively.
Second, climate change is driving disasters worldwide.
Critical management training and survival skills should become part of every school's regular curriculum.
Third, research increasingly shows the harmful effects of social media on children. Some countries have already taken a firm stand on this issue. Schools in Thailand should do the same.
Finally, extracurricular activities that build social responsibility should be given greater importance.
Such experiences not only benefit society but also strengthen a student's portfolio for university admission and future employment.
I hope Thai schools will adapt quickly to the realities of a changing world.
For the sake of our children, who are becoming fewer in number, we must invest more seriously in their future and in the future of our nation.

Borvornchai Chirachon,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Pay a "safe entry" agent for visa On Thailand border The Southeast Asian Times Friday March 27, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday March 26, 2026

Re: "MFA proposes slashing visa-free tourist period in half", in Bangkok Post, March 25 and "Explainer: Thailand's new visas", Podcast, August 5, 2024.
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow recently discussed the proposal as he chaired a seminar, running from Tuesday to Friday, that brings together consular officials from Thai embassies, consulates, and trade offices worldwide."
Do these seminars take public comment, either from Thais who work in the hotel and tour industry outside Phuket, or from any kind of foreigners?
It seems like an opportunity for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to gather feedback on what obstacles prevent access to consular services.
I would be well prepared to show them how hard it is for a well-intended, law-abiding foreigner to get basic help or information when applying for a visa.
You report the restrictions are due to "foreign visitors misusing the scheme for purposes other than travelling" and that the MFA is "citing national security concerns".
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs position, at the time it set the 60-day term, was that the visa entry is not only for short-stay tourism, but also for other sensible purposes like long-stay tourism snowbirds, investors, offshore workers, professionals on sabbatical leave, and so on.
It was reported the biggest winner would be the large country moving from the 15-day visa on arrival list to the new 60-day visa entry system.
But how are drunken louts and employment violations at small businesses in Phuket a national security concern, rather than a matter for the local police and the labour office?
Most crucially, if this is to be another crackdown, how do good guys prove to border officers that we're law-abiding?
By paying a "safe entry" agent?

Good guy out grey guys in?
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand hotel and tour operators more concerned About promoting tourism than restricting it The Southeast Asian Times Thursday March 26, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday March 25, 2026

Re: "30-day visa-free stay 'sufficient', says minister", Bangkok Post, Saturday March 21 and "Thailand reviewing visa-free stays as local complaints pile up" and "Phuket up in arms on long‑stay visa", Bangkok Post, Wednesday March 18, 2026.
Regarding the string of articles related to reducing tourist stays, I wonder where the "pile of complaints" is, as stated in the March 18 article.
In the last two articles, you cited Phuket tourism operators who "have been particularly vocal about the downside of the system originally intended to promote tourism".
Has anyone else been consulted?
In Chiang Mai and across the North, hotel and tour operators are worried about how war will affect tourism, and generally more concerned about promoting tourism and investment than restricting it.
In the earlier article, you do specify who is complaining the president of the Phuket Tourism Association but that article is about the new Phuket property investment visa, per se. He seems concerned with cracking down on "low-quality tourists" who might invest in local property legally on the new visa, or illegally while staying on any visa. Should this concern be placed on other departments, such as the Ministry of Commerce and the Land Department?
As he was quoted at that time, "Phuket has generally been less successful than cities such as Chiang Mai in attracting long‑stay travellers".
So, if he doesn't want long-stay tourists, he can be happy they prefer Chiang Mai, or if he does, maybe he can ask how Chiang Mai manages.
How will chasing away snowbirds, remote offshore workers, etc, help attract these mythical high-quality tourists who spend a fortune without causing any inflation?

Longstay Unwelcome,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Diesel found in unregistered private storage On Thailand Myanmar border The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday March 25, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday March 25, 2026

Re: "Large fuel stash found in secret site", Bangkok Post, Thursday March 12 and "Energy woes 'will escalate'", Bangkok Post, Sunday March 22, 2026.
Thank you for reporting on March 12 that 30,000 litres of diesel kept in unregistered private storage was discovered in Mahawan, in Tak's Mae Sot district.
This month, the Post reported the Tatmadaw Myanmar's military is bombing Karen villages near this border.
The junta and the Karen are fighting to have access to Thai subsidised diesel.
Exports to Myanmar, Vietnam and the Philippines nations most likely to run out of oil first due to their lack of refineries and a reliance on Chinese oil product have now halted by Beijing.
I would also add Cambodia and Laos to this grouping.
On Saturday, the Post quoted Korn Chatikavanij as saying oil subsidies now cost Thailand 1.3 billion baht per day.
From February 27 to March 20 the wholesale diesel price in Singapore has gone up by 26 baht per litre.
Smugglers, the public should be aware, can now make a killing moving diesel into Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

AM Phuket,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Prison sentence for Hong Kong media entrepreneur Does not necessarlily reflect views of Bangkok Post The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday March 24, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Thusday March 19, 2026

Re: "Rule of law upheld in Lai Chee-ying's sentencing", in China Watch, Wednesday March 11, 2026.
It certainly is a worthwhile endeavour to "watch China" and its growing assertiveness in the region and beyond.
But it appears unnecessary and below the standard of the Bangkok Post, giving room to flat Chinese propaganda like the article of Nixie Lam, a member of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region, desperately defending the 20-year sentence for the 78-year-old founder of Apple Daily.
The credits for the article pointedly conclude with: The views do not necessarily reflect those of the China Daily.
It should have been added: "… neither those of the Bangkok Post!"

Peter Hegenbarth,
Bangkok,
Thailand

PNG's young men's involvement in organised Tribal fighting and armed groups is serious The Southeast Asian Times Monday March 23, 2026 First published in the National Friday March 20, 2026

Commend the Government’s current efforts to encourage the surrender of illegal firearms in Enga and throughout the Highlands.
Communities across Enga are tired of violence that continues to claim the lives of innocent men, women and children while destroying schools, churches and health facilities.
However, collecting firearms alone would not fully solve the problem if the underlying causes of violence are not addressed.
The growing involvement of young men in organised tribal fighting and armed groups has become a serious concern in recent years.
A gun does not act on its own. It is the individual who handles the firearm that causes destruction.
The situation had now moved beyond traditional tribal conflicts, with some groups of men reportedly being mobilised or hired as mercenaries to participate in fighting.
Many of these young people are capable and energetic.
Some are educated, but have not been able to find meaningful employment or economic opportunities.
I suggest expanding technical and vocational training programmes in fields such as agriculture, mechanics, construction and carpentry to equip young people with practical skills.
I propose the establishment of a major development financing facility through local banks, potentially up to K1 billion, to support agriculture, livestock and small rural businesses.
I recommend increasing participation of youths in overseas seasonal employment schemes in countries like Australia and New Zealand, allowing them to earn a legitimate income and support their families.
There must be government-funded infrastructure projects such as roads, airstrips, schools and health facilities to prioritise the employment of local youths, while also introducing reintegration programmes to help former fighters return to peaceful and productive lives.
Communities are prepared to surrender firearms and support lawful authority, however, peace must be supported by meaningful development and economic opportunity.

Thomas Amaiu,
Former Kompiam-Ambum Member of Parliament
Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea

 

 

Police investigations into civil society organisations Generates a climate of fear in Malaysia The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday March 22, 2026 First published in Free Malaysia Thursday March 19, 2026

The authorities must draw a clear line between legitimate threats to constitutional order and the ordinary exercise of free expression.
The recent summoning of civil society actors and commentators for police questioning under allegations of “activity detrimental to parliamentary democracy” raises serious concerns about the direction of democratic freedoms in Malaysia.
Most recently, Pushpan Murugiah, chief executive officer of the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism C4 Center, was called in for police questioning after his name allegedly appeared in an email connected to an ongoing investigation.
Actions of this nature risk creating the perception of a witch hunt rather than a legitimate law enforcement exercise.
These developments also point to the steady shrinking of democratic space.
Civil society organisations, academics, journalists, and policy advocates play a crucial role in strengthening democratic institutions by questioning power and raising issues of public interest.
Subjecting such voices to criminal investigation for their views or perceived associations undermines that role and sends a troubling signal about the boundaries of acceptable public discourse.
Equally concerning is the climate of fear that such investigations can generate.
When activists, researchers, or commentators see others called in for questioning simply because their names appear in correspondence or because they have spoken critically about governance, many will inevitably choose silence over participation.
A democracy cannot flourish when those engaged in public debate must constantly weigh the risk of legal repercussions for expressing their views.
For this reason, it is vital for the relevant authorities to draw a clear line between legitimate threats to constitutional order and the ordinary exercise of free expression.
Investigative powers should not be used in ways that appear to intimidate or discourage civic participation.
Malaysia’s democratic progress has been built on the willingness of citizens to speak, critique, and hold power to account.
That space must be protected, not narrowed.

Charles Santiago,
Former Member of Parliament for Klang
Malaysia

Thailand's oil reserves Will be heavily diminished within days The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday March 21, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post March 19, 2026

Re: "Government moves to rev up fiscal 2026 spending", in Bangkok Post, Tuesday March 17, 2026.
The next Prime Minister might have second thoughts about the job when considering the elephant (mammoth) in the room; ie, the Iran war is still ongoing, despite the bravado, the pumps are already struggling, and Songkran is around the corner.
The new Prime Minister will have a tough time convincing the electorate to stay put during this period due to the energy crisis.
If they don't, Thailand's oil reserves will be heavily diminished within only days. And how to solve the scenario of vehicles stuck on the road in every direction with no fuel, water or food in hellish heat?
Rather you than me, mate.
I'm staying put in Bangers.

Ellis O'Brien,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Call on Philippine policymakers To support women in detention facilities The Southeast Asian Times, Friday March 20, 2026 First published in the Philippine Inquirer Thursday March 19, 2026

Every March, the Philippines celebrates women through National Women’s Month, recognizing their achievements while addressing issues that affect women’s empowerment and gender equality.
Yet, a critical gap remains for one of the most vulnerable groups of women: those in detention facilities.
This was expounded upon through a panel discussion organized by the Health Promotion Program of the University of the Philippines Manila National Institutes of Health last November 2025.
With local and international experts on prison health and a representative of the country’s detention system, they highlighted the current state and path forward for supporting women in Philippine detention facilities.
Women in detention facilities face serious issues.
They have limited access to timely and comprehensive health care, particularly to prenatal and reproductive health services.
There is a lack of adequate hygiene supplies in detention facilities, with items such as menstrual pads often not being free or readily available.
And, they lack psychosocial support, even as mental health concerns increase.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology implements guidelines on the treatment of women deprived of liberty who are pregnant, have given birth, and their infants, despite the lack of resources.
However, there is more that needs to be done to improve women’s health in detention facilities.
Therefore, we call on our policymakers to support women in detention facilities by addressing these longstanding issues. By doing so, we ensure that all Filipinos, including women deprived of liberty, enjoy their right to health.

Reiner Lorenzo Tamayo,
Bill Whilson Baljon,
Manila,
Philippines

Why has the Royal Thai Police been left With its reputation so richly shredded and stained? The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday March 19, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday March 15, 2026

Re: "Fix the police", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, March 12, 2026.Burin Kantabutra sensibly writes, again, presenting that traditional institution, the Royal Thai Police, in a negative light.
He even goes to the extreme of citing relevant opinion polls and well-known facts.
I can contradict nothing that his astute letter points out.
However, the obvious solution is overlooked yet again.
If all such negative commentary were harshly criminalised, the public reputation of the Royal Thai Police would promptly become as squeaky clean, as morally exemplary, and as universally admired as that of any other Thai institution equally well protected from transparency, honesty, and informed opinion of worth.
This being so, it must be wondered why the Royal Thai Police has been left with its reputation so richly shredded and stained?

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

US military focused on safeguarding The Straight of Hormuz The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday March 18, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday March 15, 2026

Re: "Middle East shock", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, Friday March 13, 2026.
The staunchly anti-American ML Saksiri Kridakorn consistently voices poorly considered views, but his latest claims that Iranian efforts to destabilise the petrodollar by targeting anything their crumbling military can hit will cause the US stock market to crash, inflation to rise into double digits and the economy to tank are patently absurd.
Despite a concerted effort by mainstream media to distort the truth, the US is one of the world's major oil producers with enormous strategic oil reserves.
Higher global prices driven by supply disruptions allow American oil companies to increase profits and domestic production, shifting energy reliance away from the Middle East.
Furthermore, the US military is now focused on safeguarding the Straight of Hormuz.
President Trump will weather this temporary but necessary exercise with his customary aplomb and move on to bigger fish to fry.
The people of Iran will thank him.
Even CNN and their ilk are profiting too, albeit for the wrong reasons.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

Commission for Infrastructure on ghost infrastructures Is already taking on water The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday March 17, 2026 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Thursday March 12, 2026

The script is as predictable as the monsoon rains, and twice as destructive. Whenever a multibillion-peso scandal threatens to drown the administration in public ire, the executive branch reaches for the “Independent Commission.”
The latest iteration, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), is already taking on water.
Tasked with investigating a flood control scandal, the ICI has instead become a master class in institutional impotence.
When Benjamin Magalong and Roger Singson walked away from their seats, you do not ask a seasoned general and a veteran Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) chief to lead a “crusade” and then deny them the sword. Magalong’s exit and Singson’s departure in December signaled that the ICI was never meant to be a predator only a prop.
The “ghost” reality.
While the public is distracted by the political circus in Manila, the numbers in the ICI’s own interim reports are staggering.
In Bulacan and Central Luzon, the Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged over P325 million in “ghost” protection structures.
Specific contractors like Wawao Builders and the Discaya couple’s Darcy & Anna Builders are implicated in projects.
Former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan is accused of submitting “incorrect grid coordinates” toMalacañang.
This isn’t just negligence; it is a sophisticated conspiracy to defraud the state.
The failure of ad hocism.
History is a graveyard of these commissions.
From the Agrava Board and the Davide Commission to the Presidential Commission on Good Government and the Presidential Anti-Syndicate Task Force, the result is almost always the same: high costs, low convictions, and the eventual rehabilitation of the accused.
These bodies fail because they are born with a fatal defect: they lack permanent prosecutorial teeth.
They are created to “study” and “recommend,” while the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan are left underfunded or bypassed for political theater.
The Distraction Economy.
Today, the pursuit of the “most guilty” the likes of Zaldy Co, currently a fugitive abroad, and the Discayas is being drowned out by the “flavor-of-the-week” issues.
While the House debates whether a congressman’s “imagination” violates the Bawal Bastos ordinance, the men and women who engineered the theft of P800 billion in flood control funds are counting their kickbacks in silence.
What to do instead?
The solution is not another commission.
It is the ruthless enforcement of existing mandates.
Fund the COA and the National Bureau of Investigation to complete the technical audits and criminal builds.
Abolish the “pork” in flood control by centralizing the bidding process and using real-time satellite monitoring for every kilometer of slope protection.
Hold the principals accountable.
If a project is a “ghost,” the district engineer and the secretary who signed the completion certificate should be in a cell, not on a flight to the United States.
Until we stop creating committees to solve crimes, the “Sick Man of Asia” will remain bedridden not for lack of medicine, but because the doctors are too busy forming a committee to decide who gets to hold the stethoscope.

James D. Lansang,
Manila,
Philippines

Poll shows honesty and integrity as ministerial qualities Not priority in Thailand The Southeast Asian Times, Monday March 16, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday March 10, 2026

Re: "Poll finds strong opposition to tainted ministers", in Bangkok Post, Saturday March 7, 2026.
This article refers to a nationwide King Prajadhipok's Institute (KPI) poll that reported that only 48.9 percent of Thais reject cabinet ministers with a history of corruption or serious integrity-related cases.
This means that over 50 percent do not consider this to be a "red line".
Only 32.1 percent prioritised honesty and integrity as ministerial qualities.
The title suggests that these results indicate "strong opposition" to ministerial corruption in Thailand.
I disagree.
In my opinion, this is a shamefully weak response that falls well short of the moral indignation required to effect any meaningful change to the status quo.

CNX Jon,
Bangkok,
Thailand

The Philippines evolving sociopolitical landscape Flood one’s social media feed The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday March 15, 2026 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Monday March 9, 2026

The evolving sociopolitical landscape in our country does exact a toll on one’s mental health, particularly if podcasts on current issues, i.e., ghosted flood control projects; social media “battles” between authors of the imaginary nine-dash line, 10, 11-dash until 12 maybe, depends on their imagination of the contested West Philippine Sea and the small but patriotic fleet of the Philippine Coast Guard; “Tsinators” in the Senate who boldly defend the stance of our friendly neighbour, forgetting that they have been elected into those honourable positions by the Filipino people; Senate presidency shakedown by the minority populated by mostly Duterte supporters; and the list goes on, flood one’s social media feed.
The evolving rift between the President and Vice President via their respective fandom continues to leave a bitter taste in the mouth.
Impeachment cases hound the two highest officials of the land.
The Filipinos’ cry of “I-KULONG NA YAN! MGA KURAKOT!” resounds still.
Keeping your sanity amid teleseryes in our government is the key to good mental health.
The deluge of information, misinformation, and lack of information should be managed wisely.
Have a news fast now and then. Explore the world beyond social media.
And yes, SWIM.
My happy pill.
What’s yours?

Pamela Claveria,
Manila,
Philippines

America wants a short war With a Hollywood ending The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday March 14, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Friday March 13, 2026

Re: "The Iran war is upending global energy markets", in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Thursday March 12, 2026.
On the surface, Iran may seem to have no immediate military target beyond sowing chaos in the region.
In reality, its deeper aim is to choke off the flow of petrodollars to the United States.
The petrodollar has powered American growth and helped cushion US economic missteps for decades.
If Iran disrupts oil shipments and blocks the Strait of Hormuz, global energy markets would destabilise, the Middle East's oil industry would stall, and petrodollars flowing to the United States would dry up.
It follows that the US stock market would likely crash, inflation would rise into double digits, and the economy would tank.
Even a hint of this happening would trigger a major outcry and protests in cities across the United States.
In just a few days under Iranian attack, it has been reported that Qatar has halted LNG output and related products; production at Aramco's Ras Tanura refinery has been stopped; major Israeli gas fields, including Leviathan, are offline; and most output in Iraqi Kurdistan has been shut down.
America wants a short war with a Hollywood ending. I agree on the length, but I see a more transformative ending - the end of American military dominance and empire.

M.L. Saksiri Kridakorn
Bangkok,
Thailand

Remember the wise counsel of King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great The Southeast Asian Times, Friday March 13, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday March 12, 2026

Re: "Thailand braces for fallout from Mideast war", Bangkok Post, Business, Monday March 9, 2026.
While we wish the leading political party in the new government fortitude and resilience in its efforts to steer Thailand through these turbulent times, we must also remind ourselves of the wise counsel of King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great when he proposed the Sufficiency Economy as the most viable philosophy to help Thailand surmount the challenges of external threats and global shifts in economics and political destabilisation.
In principle, the Sufficiency Economy advocates sufficiency in mind, society, natural resources, technology and economy, and as such, the national agenda had best depend on indigenous resources and capabilities.
In the face of global climate change and depletion of natural resources, resource sustainability is the better way forward. In spite of changing circumstances, fortune favours the prepared and sufficient mind.

Glen Chatelier,
Bangkok,
Thailand

To reduce conflict at all levels and attain world peace Is merely superficial, idealistic nonsense The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday March 12, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday March 10, 2026

Re: "Meditation heals", in Bangkok Post, Post Bag, Saturday March 7, 2026.
T Ashley, his meditation teacher, and Sadhguru all fail to rightly understand Gautama Buddha's teaching.
Theravada Buddhism is entirely founded upon realism.
The first Noble Truth is "there is suffering".
There is simply no way for the separate self to adopt a technique and practice it such that the first noble truth is no longer true.
The separate self will do anything to protect its habitual activity of separation, and that includes adopting methods to "cure" unhappiness commonly referred to as depression by those of the materialist persuasion.
To the separate self, enlightenment the cessation of suffering, perfect freedom, or the realisation of truth is death, and the egoic individual wants nothing whatsoever to do with that terrifying spiritual process.
St John of the Cross wrote revealingly of the nature of what is truly required in The Dark Night of the Soul.
Therein, he does not provide a nominal prescriptive technique proposed as a substitute for absolute surrender of the separate "I" because there is none.
Luangphor Viriyang Sirintharo at the Willpower Institute in Los Angeles confesses he wants to "reduce conflict at all levels and attain world peace."
This is merely superficial, idealistic nonsense.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

 

 

United Nations rules based order Cannot liberate Iran from a genocidal theocracy The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday March 11, 2026 First published in the Philippine Inquirer Monday March 9, 2026

In the aftermath of coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel against the Iranian regime, the commentary was predictable.
Talking heads and pundits immediately retreated to the United Nations Charter. They spoke reverently of a “rules-based international order,” condemning the strikes as illegal for lacking a valid justification.
The reality is that the sanctity of human rights trumps sovereignty.
When a regime engages in the mass slaughter of its own people, it forfeits the shield of sovereignty.
The principle of non-intervention was designed to keep the peace between states, not to grant dictators a hunting license over their citizens.
Make no mistake.
The Iranian regime is terrible, and it needs to go.
The only way to ensure that the people of Iran have a future is to remove the boot from their neck.
If the “rules-based order” cannot accommodate the liberation of ninety million people from a genocidal theocracy, then perhaps that order does not deserve our reverence. It deserves our contempt.

Julan Omir P. Aldover,
Manila,
Philippines

Philippine Senators kowtowing to China In West Philippine Sea territorial claim The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday March 10, 2026 First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Friday February 13, 2026

Some of our senators cannot hide their latent obeisance to China in the West Philippine Sea dispute.
In confronting China over territorial claims, they give China the benefit of the doubt while casting doubt on the veracity of our claims, questioning the procedural and technical details of our borders.
Puny and laughable as we are in the eyes of China, we definitely own our 370-kilometer boundary, as defined by the hard-earned, undisputable arbitral award granted to us under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
These senators argue that China’s claim over our territories must be handled with utmost diplomacy; otherwise, there are repercussions to overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong, or China’s fearsome naval armada could pulverize us anytime.
They are in fact telling us that after more than 200 diplomatic protests, we should be meek and let the enemy’s coast guards ram our fishermen’s boats or treat us like pests in our own territories by mercilessly hosing down our fisherfolk with water cannons.
Here’s a relevant note in history on the heroic stand of former Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos when faced with the challenge to show love of country.
“It is an honor to die for one’s country. Not everybody has that chance. Live up to our name,” Abad Santos comforted Pepito, his grieving son, hours before he was executed by a Japanese squad in Malabang, Lanao on May 2, 1942.
He refused to be blindfolded.
He was all of 56 years old.
What was his alleged crime against the occupying forces?
As acting Commonwealth president, when then President Manuel Quezon and his Cabinet left for exile in the United States, Santos refused to betray his country by collaborating with the enemy.
May I remind these senators of the realm: what legacy will they leave future generations of Filipinos with their verbose antics kowtowing to China’s interests, when they are long gone?

Marvel K. Tan,
Manila,
Philippines

United States sinks Iran warship In Just War The Southeast Asian Times, Monday March 9, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday March 8, 2026

Re: "US sinks Iran warship off Sri Lanka", Bangkok Post, PostBag, March 6, 2026.
As tensions again escalate in the Middle East, I wonder about the moral burden carried by soldiers ordered to execute policies shaped far above their rank.
History shows how easily ordinary troops become instruments of strategies they did not design. German and Japanese soldiers in World War II often believed they were serving legitimate national aims, even as those wars are now judged as aggressive and unjust.
Democracies should reflect on what they ask of their citizens in uniform.
Loyalty, discipline and patriotism can sustain obedience, but they do not erase conscience.
When political leaders pursue wars whose purposes are fiercely contested, the ethical cost is borne not only by civilians caught in the crossfire but also by the soldiers who must reconcile duty with doubt.

Joseph Ting,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Conscript volunteer deaths in Thailand defence forces Occur with alarming frequency. The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday March 8, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday February 27, 2026

Re: "Senate probes conscript death case", in Bangkok Post, February 24, 2026.
The news that a Senate committee will inquire into the death of Pvt Phetcharat Kamlangying is a step in the right direction.
But is it enough?
Conscript and volunteer deaths in the Thai defence forces total more than 20 in recent years, and occur with alarming frequency.
The military is always quick to palm off the deaths as natural and cites internal post-mortems, medical examinations, and its own investigations as the proof and the end of the matter.
But as we have seen in the deaths of other conscripts, subsequent evidence has often proven otherwise.
What is needed is a totally independent body to investigate all deaths of service personnel, and for it to be given free access for its enquiries.
And reading between the lines, was Pvt Phetcharat cremated quickly, too quickly perhaps, before allowing the public to assimilate the news of yet another soldier's death?

David Brown,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

 

United Nations Charter is not rhetorical nostalgia But a sign of strategic realism. The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday March 7, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday March 5, 2026

Re: "Portugal calls for global unity, multilateralism", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Friday February 27, 2026.
At a time when multilateralism is conspicuously absent from much of today's political and diplomatic commentary, the message from Portugal in this article is refreshing, topical and necessary.
As geopolitical rivalries intensify and respect for international law is openly challenged, the reaffirmation of the actuality of the United Nations Charter is not rhetorical nostalgia, but a sign of strategic realism.
In an era tempted by unilateral impulses and transactional diplomacy, this article rightly reminds that durable peace, sustainable development, and effective responses to shared threats from climate change to disinformation can only be secured through principled multilateral engagement.
Precisely because multilateralism is in decline, voices defending it deserve greater prominence in mass media.

Ioan Voicu,
Bangkok,
Thailand

New Thailand PM plans to reduce 60-day visa-exemption scheme The Southeast Asian Times, Friday March 6, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday March 5, 2026

Re: "Visa-free policy 'under review'", Bangkok Post, Thursday February 19, 2026.
It does not at all surprise me that the newly elected Thailand government plans to reduce the 60-day visa-exemption scheme for tourists entering the country from various nations.
After all, was it not caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul himself who blamed foreigners during the Covid crisis a few years back for not wearing masks and thus spreading the virus around, when he was then a public health minister under various portfolios serving for the military government?
Anutin Charnvirakul even went so far as to say that foreigners "should get out" of the country!
The current visa exemption scheme has been in place now for well over a year, but as soon as the aforementioned man was elected leader of Thailand, the policy immediately came under scrutiny.
So I'd say that it is more than a coincidence that the current Thai government has plans to shelve the policy.

Paul,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Death of tigers in Chiang Mai flies in face Of Thailand being devout Buddhist nation The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday March 5, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday March 4, 2026

Re: "Tiger deaths sicken", Bangkok Post PostBag, February 26 and "Zoo death a stark warning", Bangkok Post, September 13, 2025.
Glen Chatelier laments in his PostBag letter the tragic deaths of 72 tigers in Chiang Mai.
The disregard for animal welfare that we witness on a regular basis flies in the face of our ideal of being a devout Buddhist nation.
Malls showcase trapped animals as exotic displays to be gawked at by shoppers, Chatuchak Park hawkers openly sell caged birds and animals, elephants are grievously injured during transportation.
The list goes on.
Just because they cannot "speak" doesn't mean these sentient beings don't feel pain and deprivation.
Sadly, there is a strong undercurrent of mercantilism in our modern culture that puts money far ahead of moral values.
To quote Mahatma Gandhi: "The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

Vichai,
Bangkok,
Thailand

One black sheep neither spells the end of the House of Windsor Nor threatens the new Carolean age The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday March 4, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday March 2, 2026

Re: "Royal reckoning", in Bangkok Post PostBag, Tuesday February 24 and "Andrew crisis haunts monarchy", Bangkok Post Opinion, Saturday February 21, 2026.
I always enjoy reading Felix Qui's letters to the Post and am grateful for his thoughtful contribution regarding the longevity of the British monarchy.
As he rightly notes, the institution owes much of its survival to its capacity to adapt sensibly to changing times.
I detect no clamour in the United Kingdom for yet another dreary republic in which mediocrity would reign supreme.
Rather, the prevailing sentiment appears to be one of concern and sympathy for His Majesty King Charles, whose brave fight with cancer has done nothing to diminish his enthusiasm or determination to continue carrying out his duties on behalf of the nation.
One black sheep neither spells the end of the House of Windsor nor threatens the new Carolean age.
Mr Qui may rest assured that the British monarchy and many other monarchies around the world will remain robust and resilient long even after both he and I have shuffled off this mortal coil.
As Shakespeare reminded us: "Not all the water in the rough rude sea / Can wash the balm off from an anointed king."

T Turveydrop,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

 

Wishful thinking ''Iran shatters US military invincibility'' The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday March 3, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday March 2, 2026

Re: "Minilateralism's necessary rise", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Monday February 23, 2026 and "Going beyond multilateralism", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Friday December 19, 2025.
Never in the history of mankind has anyone been able to view the fall of an empire online, live, and in its entirety.
Past collapses, from Rome to the British Empire, were slow burns spanning decades imperceptible to the average citizen until it was too late.
Today, however, we are witnessing the erosion of post-WWII Western hegemony in 4K resolution.
Every diplomatic misstep, ineffective sanction, Treasury bond sell-off, and military blunder is livestreamed to billions instantly.
We aren't just reading history; we are doom-scrolling through the end of an era.
In 1981, futurist Buckminster Fuller noted human knowledge doubled every 25 years.
By 2013, IBM projected the "Internet of Things" would accelerate this cycle to double every 12 hours.
If the lifespan of an empire correlates with information velocity, we face a terrifying compression of historical time.
The British Empire endured a 50-year long sunset from the loss of India in 1947 to the handover of Hong Kong in 1997 during an era when human knowledge doubled only once per generation.
Today, with the information cycle accelerating by a factor of roughly 150 moving from 25 years to 12 hours, the historical precedent of a slow decline has been shattered.
Sanctions against rising rivals fail in months, not decades.
Applying this math suggests the unwinding of American hegemony won't take years, but will effectively "flash crash," compressing a half-century of imperial decline into a few volatile fiscal quarters.
Historically, dying empires launch a final, desperate military gamble when their economic and diplomatic leverage evaporates.
For Britain, that moment was the disastrous 1956 Suez Canal invasion.
Unable to negotiate or sanction, they invaded.
The outcome was a humiliating debacle; the action didn't save the empire, it simply exposed that it was already dead.
Washington's military posture is widely understood as a campaign of hegemonic coercion aimed at isolating China and systematically dismantling its network of trade and economic partners. However, the dynamics of this conflict have been altered by a crucial twist: having learned from being blindsided by the US during last year's diplomatic engagements, Iran has leveraged Chinese and Russian support to rapidly modernise its missile forces.
In a potential clash, Iran does not require a total military victory.
By leveraging these new capabilities to inflict catastrophic costs perhaps even sinking an American aircraft carrier, the crown jewel of US power projection Tehran could shatter the myth of US military invincibility.
The final chapter of the American empire is about to be written.
The diplomatic off-ramps have been closed, and the facade of US diplomacy hollowed out by impossible preconditions is rapidly crumbling.
The American empire is about to gamble on its final card, and the last show of the US military is about to begin.

M L Saksiri Kridakorn,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand government intervention in oil prices Is ill-advised The Southeast Asian Times, Monday March 2, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday February 27, 2026

Re: "Oil Fuel Fund to clear debt by 2029", Bangkok Post Business, Saturday February 7, 2026
Thank you for your recent article about the Oil Stabilization Fund possibly being out of debt by 2029.
Government intervention in oil prices is ill-advised. Following the 2022 war in Ukraine, oil prices rose.
The government wanted to shield consumers from price spikes and tried to hold diesel in the 30 to 33 baht per litre range. This created significant government debt.
Having cheap diesel was wonderful news to everyone in Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Thai government money went out to assist pickup truck drivers on the Bolaven Plateau.
This year we have low oil prices, but the government has retail diesel at around 30 baht a litre. In Malaysia, however, the diesel price at the pump is around 22 baht a litre.
Recently, we saw a converted fishing boat in Satun busted for carrying diesel into Thailand.
This illegal trade hurts Thai refiners who are trying to make money processing oil in the kingdom.
Thailand is not an island. These policies have consequences, and none of them is good. Thailand should accept the oil price and adjust its behaviour accordingly.

AM Phuket,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Searching for a map showing proposed Riviera Road public infrastructure project The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday March 1, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday February 28, 2026

Re: "Dept advances Riviera road", Bangkok Post, Wednesday February 25, 2026.
In your article on the public infrastructure project, you describe it as part of the coastal highway network along the western Gulf of Thailand.
Sadly, you provide no map showing your readers the location of this "network". Instead, you mention a route linking Ban Khao Bandai and Ban Namphu Ron.
A Google Maps search finds nothing for Ban Khao Bandai but does find a Ban Khao Bandai Resort, which is in Kanchanaburi and nowhere near the coast.
Searching for Ban Namphu Ron also finds a resort, also in Kanchanaburi and also nowhere near the coast.
Better luck with Apple Maps, which finds Ban Khao Bandai-Ban Phu Takhian Road, which seems to be in the middle of nowhere and nowhere near the coast.
Perhaps Thailand's "Riviera" is not as the Italian origin of the name would imply a coastal area at all.
In any event, a map would have been most helpful.

Michael Newman,
Bangkok,
Thailand

''Winning the battle of ideas is not enough...'' Really? The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday February 28, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday February 27, 2026

Re: "PP leader ready to step aside", Bangkok Post, Tuesday February 24, 2026.
In your article, you quoted the leader of the People's Party, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, saying, "Winning the battle of ideas is not enough when facing entrenched patronage networks, constituency boundary changes, and coordinated political attacks."
Really?
A serious political party already knows these critical, fundamental political truths and does not need to suffer a crushing loss to see the light.
Supporters of the People's Party who have already invested so much hope in this party must feel very discouraged to learn that their leadership is so naive.

CNX Jon,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Barcodes and Quick Response codes on ballots Renders the entire general election process void The Southeast Asian Times, Friday February 27, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday February 25, 2026

Re: "Barcodes may make poll void", in Bangkok Post, Friday February 20, 2026.
With due respect to those prominent legal scholars, especially Prof Wissanu Krea-ngam, the presence of barcodes and Quick Response codes (QR codes) printed on each ballot paper could render the entire general election process void.
This is due to the cardinal rule in any country's constitution that voters' choices are supreme and void of being known to others.
Indeed, some believe that one should not reveal one's choice and regard questions about it as impolite, just as one would regard asking about one's marital status.
However, the present attacks on the Electoral Commission (EC) could be an academic exercise if the Electoral Commission's (EC's) barcodes and Quick Response codes (QR codes) are merely references to each voter's voting paper and are used only if the Election Commission (EC), as an umpire for fairness, is required to open them.
Previously, in the pre-digital age, the Election Commission (EC) merely used numerical sequences as references when needed.
As being neither an expert on constitutional law nor the workings of the codes, I stand corrected for my naivety, but certainly do not like the whole voting on February 8 being declared void due to an academic reading.
If it had happened, it would not only have been a shame to the commissioners but also to Thailand's credibility.

Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

 

 

 

Data collection would provide better information To the cause of road accidents The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday February 26, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday February 24, 2026

Re: "Data matters", Bangkok Post PostBag, Sunday February 22, 2026 and "Harnessing data to boost road safety", Bangkok Post, Tuesday February 17, 2026.
Wil Kelsall is right to suggest proper data collection would provide better information as to the causes of most accidents, but he glosses over the most important point, and the one which Andy Parker addressed in an earlier letter.
The majority of accidents are caused or exacerbated by flagrant disregard for the law.
No helmets, speeding, drink-driving, ignoring red lights, unregistered and or unsafe vehicles and unlicensed drivers riders, not to mention all of the other reckless and dangerous driving, are all symptoms of the fact that traffic laws are rarely enforced and, on the few occasions they are, word gets around of the token "roadblocks" and drivers and riders simply go around them.
When they have had drink-driving crackdowns in my city, most of the people caught attend the police station then leave without ever being prosecuted and we all know how and why.
Until people feel there is a realistic chance of them being caught and punished for disregarding traffic laws, Thailand's astonishingly poor traffic safety record will never improve.
This is a serious public health issue and it needs to be addressed urgently if there is to be any change.
Then you can collect all of your data and see what gaps need to be filled.

Tarquin Chufflebottom,
Bangkok,
Thailand

What is the cost to Thai business Due to skirmishes on Cambodia border ? The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday February 25, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday February 24, 2026

Re: "Amlo confiscates B778m from syndicates", Bangkok Post, Saturday February 21, 2026.
Please publish a detailed list of Thai people's and businesses' financial losses due to the skirmishes on the Cambodian border.
Tell the readers how many billions of dollars of trade have ceased flowing into Thai pockets because of blockades and boycotts.
I know it is a big undertaking, but it is interesting and important to expose all of what squabbling over a few acres entails.

Albert Arakelian,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand needs better data collection To reduce road deaths The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday February 24, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday February 23, 2026

Re: "Not data-driven", Bangkok Post, PostBag, February 18, 2026 and "Harnessing data to boost road safety", in Bangkok Post, February 17, 2026.
In his latest PostBag letter, Andy James argues Thailand does not need better data collection to reduce road deaths, suggesting stricter helmet enforcement alone would lower fatalities.
While helmet enforcement is important, his argument unintentionally shows why accurate data is essential.
He said that "half" of the 18,000 fatalities last year were motorcyclists.
In fact, credible road safety analyses show that roughly 73 percent to 80 percent of those killed on Thai roads are motorcycle riders or passengers.
That is a substantial difference and it underscores the point that without precise statistics, we risk understating the problem.
Road safety cannot be addressed through anecdote or assumption.
Countries that have reduced fatalities rely on detailed crash investigation, robust databases and systematic analysis.
The UK for example publishes extensive collision and casualty statistics, analysing every reported incident to inform policy and engineering decisions.
Accurate data underpins evidence-based enforcement, infrastructure design, emergency response and public education.
Helmet enforcement is one important tool.
But understanding the full pattern of risk on Thai roads requires comprehensive data.
That is not bureaucracy, it is the foundation of meaningful reform.

Wil Kelsall,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Animals kept in cramped and unsanitary cages At Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok The Southeast Asian Times, Monday February 23, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday February 22, 2026

Re: "Wildlife smuggle bid foiled at airport", in Bangkok Post, Thursday February 19, 2025.
I recently attended the Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok.
During my visit to the animal section, I observed several animals kept in very cramped and unsanitary cages.
Some appeared visibly sick, stressed, and without adequate access to clean water. The overall conditions seemed overcrowded and poorly ventilated.
Beyond animal welfare concerns, hygiene conditions also raise public health issues, particularly regarding zoonotic disease risks in high-traffic tourist areas.
I'm not making legal accusations, but I believe the situation may warrant further investigation by relevant authorities.
Given the market's popularity with both tourists and locals, this may be a matter of public interest.

Claiton,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Corruption is not just stealing money It destroys the country's future The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday February 22, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday February 19, 2026

Re: "Corruption keeps getting worse", Bangkok Post, Editorial, Sunday February 15, 2026.
The Post is correct that "Corruption is not just stealing money, but destroying the country's future".
It has already destroyed Thailand's future for five or more decades.
It is a bread-and-butter issue for ordinary Thais, who suffer the consequences on a daily basis as they struggle with low incomes and rising prices while trying to care for and educate their children, not to mention facing double standards in law and abuse from powerful figures with impunity.
Given that the flashy new Thai government has forsworn any meaningful reform of the pillars of the traditional status quo, my prediction is that corruption will continue to flourish for at least another four years.
I can only hope, but not believe, that I'm completely wrong.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Cranes that were once an endangered species Are a threat to aircraft flight safety The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday February 21, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday February 19, 2026

Re: "10 species flagged as birdstrike threat to flights in Thailand", Bangkok Post, Tuesday February 17, 2026.
The photograph in the above report was of a painted crane flying which was at one time an endangered bird species that came under the special care of King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great who I am aware had several core projects, among his many, at Doi Ang Kang (Chiang Mai) and Chang Hua Mun (Phetchaburi), flood-mitigation projects such as Kaem Ling Nong Yai in Chumporn and the well-known experimental wastewater treatment project at Laem Pak Bia (Phetchaburi) which most birders in Thailand will have visited.
I remember attending His Majesty King Bhumibol The Great's birthday eve address at Chitralada Palace and seeing the cranes on the palace grounds.
In his address, His Majesty spoke about the painted cranes being threatened with extinction in Thailand and said he had taken up the project to rehabilitate the species.
While not explicitly naming the painted crane as one of the "birdstrike threats", one wonders about the choice of the photograph and the accompanying report to bring home the point of the need for aircraft safety and the control of birds flying in the environs of the airport.
I do hope that better discernment will prevail and that the cranes are not harmed, even as I applaud the initiative to curb, not cull, the birds that visit the wetlands around the airport and are purportedly a threat to aircraft flight safety.

Glen Chatelier,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

 

Timor-Leste flag Missing from ASEAN The Southeast Asian Times, Friday February 20, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday February 19, 2026

Re: "Junta expels East Timor diplomat", in Bangkok Post World, Monday February 16, 2026 and "Asean role in a new world order", Bangkok Post Opinion, Monday February 16, 2026.
Apropos the photo accompanying the opinion on Asean related to the recent meeting, I could not help but notice that the flag of the country of Timor-Leste is missing.
I am aware Timor-Leste was admitted into Asean in 2025.
Meanwhile, Timor-Leste's role in Asean has come under turbulence with a recent news report that its ambassador has been expelled from Myanmar for non-gratuitous interference in Myanmar's internal affairs.
I note with interest that H E Nobel Laureate Jose Ramos Horta, the president of Timor-Leste, has taken up the cause of the minority Christians of Chin State in West Myanmar.
And while not wishing to be drawn into the controversy, I strongly believe that somewhere within the leadership of Asean, someone had better fully explain what Asean's golden principle of "non-interference" in the internal affairs of a member state really means in regard to violations of human rights, as the case may be, in this instance.
Indeed, Asean is a choice "middle power" and has several unenviable attributes to qualify it as a valuable partner in world affairs.
But when will Asean learn to be more inclusive and mindful of its capstone reputation of being peace-loving and tolerant?

Glen Chatelier,
Bangkok,
Thailand

New Thailand PM can be a man destined for greatness Depending on the choices he makes next The Southeast Asian Times, Thursday February 19, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday February 17, 2026

Re: "Anutin dismisses 'sick man of Asia' label for Thailand", in Bangkok Post, Sunday February 15, 2026.
At the time when Thailand has been named by one media outlet as "The sick man of Asia", the result of the February 8 election has led me to one man, Anutin Charnvirakul, standing at the crossroads.
As he patches together a government, Mr Anutin can either make a difference in the governing of Thailand or create a coalition among friends who scratch each other's backs.
The coalition that he forms can make a great difference if he can avoid that "grey party".
The first step is to do something right unexpectedly, even by including prominent outsiders in the coalition.
Mr Anutin is an ex-playboy, saxophone player, a registered pilot of the Red Cross, fluent in English and Mandarin, an entrepreneur and a family man.
He may surprise us yet.
Mr Anutin can be a man destined for greatness, depending on the choices he makes next.

Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand

School director was indeed killed By the incompetence of Thailand police The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday February 18, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday February 16, 2026

Re: "School head dies after shooting", in Bangkok Post, Thursday February 12, 2026.
Patongprathankiriwat School director Sasipat Sinsamosorn was indeed killed by the incompetence of our police, for it was they who empowered an erratic youth to commit the foul deed.
How so?
"Two policemen and a village headman rushed to the scene. The teen threatened them with a knife, chased them away, entered their patrol vehicle, and stole their submachine gun".
Common sense would have told the police to use their guns before the perpetrator got within hand-to-hand range.
It's no secret that our police are corrupt, with, for example, former national police chief Pol Gen Torsak "Big Tor" Sukvimol and his deputy, Pol Gen Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn, since dismissed, accusing each other of being on the take, with court-quality evidence.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Investment and speculation Not the same thing The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday February 17, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday February 6, 2026

Re: "Invest, don't trade", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, January 24, 2026
I quite enjoyed Paul Renaud's excellent letter concerning "investment" and "speculation" not being the same thing, but often mistakenly thought of as the same by today's stock market-obsessed general public.
Bad idea; remember numerous crashes?
It's actually quite surprising that speculation is still doing so well, given the situation in Ukraine and significant over-leveraging in some markets.
Be that as it may, I would add to Mr Renaud's comments that financial literacy is not well-taught in many school systems.
I suspect because the elites don't want the public to be financially literate; ergo, having more of the market and investments for themselves.
There are, indeed, many investments that are relatively safe, personally rewarding, and profitable, and more of the public should know about them.
Of course, there are some religious people including some Buddhists like me who view charging interest-at-profit as immoral and will not do that, and there are some people with irregular incomes or unusual occupations who might find other, more unorthodox investments, and 'investment' for some people like me might well mean as investing in another human being called 'friend.'
My list is but a few, yet I encourage young people to use the internet and look into responsible "investments", rather than risk it all on speculation, which has always been crash-prone.

Jason A Jellison,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Under the "new political arithmetic" formula The Peoples Party won the most votes The Southeast Asian Times, Monday February 16, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday February 14, 2026

Re: "Next government won't be a grey one", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Thursday February 12, 2026.
Khun Nattaya Chetchotiros' column puts forward the proposition that the "popularity vote" which she equates with the party-list vote provides the best reflection of voter support for each of the competing political parties.
She goes on to suggest that formation of the coalition government should be "based on new political arithmetic that takes into account the popularity vote party-list vote a party receives, rather than the total number of constituency member of parliament seats."
Taking account of constituency seats won has the limitation of reflecting "approval ratings in specific localities towards particular candidates".
Using this approach, the most popular coalition government would consist of the People's Party, Pheu Thai and the Democrats.
These three parties received a total of 18.6 million party-list votes and 59 party-list seats.
By contrast, Bhumjaithai, Pheu Thai and the Democrats received a total of 14.8 million party-list votes and 47 party-list seats.
They trailed by 3.8 million votes and 12 seats. Alternatively, the Bhumjaithai, Pheu Thai and Klatham parties received a total of 11.7 million party-list votes and 37 party-list votes a margin of 6.9 million votes and 22 seats.
Using Khun Nattaya Chetchotiro's "new political arithmetic" formula, it is clear that the People's Party won the most votes and therefore should have the first opportunity of forming a coalition government.
While this may seem like a new approach in determining which party or combination of parties truly has the support of the people, it's worth noting that since 2001, when the party-list ballot was introduced, no party has ever won the most number of seats without winning the party-list vote.
The one exception is this year's election, where Bhumjaithai's mastery of ban yai politics paid off handsomely in terms of the number of constituency seats won.

David Lowe,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

Call for Thailand to arrange an amnesty For all to hand in their guns The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday February 15, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday February 14, 2026

Re: "School shooting suspect arrested", in Bangkok Post, Thursday February 12, 2026.
And so yet another gun crime with a school principal fatally shot.
Why can't Thailand follow the example set by Australia after the Port Arthur, Tasmania mass shootings in 1996 and arrange an amnesty for all to hand in their guns?
There are some who need them for legal purposes, perhaps, but I suspect the majority don't.
Time to move up the civilisation rankings

Jeremy Macbean,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Ten Laotians fined for death of six tourists After the destruction of evidence The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday February 14, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday February 12, 2026

Re: "Laos vows justice after tainted alcohol kills tourists", Bangkok Post, World, Monday November 25, 2024.
It is curious that the Bangkok Post has not reported the incredibly lenient sentences handed down this recent January 28 by the Lao courts to those found guilty and implicated in the deaths of six foreign tourists who died after unknowingly drinking alcohol contaminated with lethal methanol in Laos in the tourist hub of Vang Vieng in November 2024.
Ten Laotians were fined the equivalent of 4,000 baht in a secret court hearing in which they were found guilty of the destruction of evidence and were handed suspended sentences and a paltry fine.
They were not charged with manslaughter.
Two of the victims were Australian: Holly Morton and Bianca Jones.
Their fathers are reported today in the Sydney Morning Herald as claiming that they had no correspondence from anyone in the Lao government that the court case was going ahead, and said that the "modest fines are an insult to their daughters' lives".
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong was quoted as saying that she had made it clear to her Laotian counterparts that Australia expected full accountability and that charges should reflect the seriousness of the tragedy, which left six people dead, including Holly and Bianca.
So, Bangkok Post, do you not think it is newsworthy to report our next-door neighbour's lack of judicial accountability?

David Brown,
Bangkok,
Thailand

NACC finds Thai's guilty Of attempting to amend a law The Southeast Asian Times, Friday February 13, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday February 12, 2026

Re: "Ex-MPs face ethics probe", in Bangkok Post, Tuesday February 10,
2026.
After reading recent news regarding the work of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), I asked Mr Google a simple question: "What is the primary work of an elected government?"
It answered that there are four main core functions, the first of which is making laws legislation: parliaments debate, amend, and pass new laws, as well as repeal or update existing ones.
With that in mind, can anyone please explain how an anti-corruption body can find people guilty for attempting to amend a law?

Steve Merchan,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Malaysia-India relations have attained the highest plateau Of statesmanship, solidarity and symbolism The Southeast Asian Times Thursday February 2026 First published in the New Straits Times Tuesday February 10, 2026

Perhaps the greatest tribute to Malaysia's first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, on his 123rd birthday came from an unexpected and unanticipated event on February 8, 2026.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim must be congratulated for that unacclaimed achievement in bilateral diplomacy and leadership.
For on that day, as a genuinely gracious and sincerely solicitous host to his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, he made it abundantly clear that Malaysia-India relations had attained the highest plateau of statesmanship, solidarity and symbolism.
It was so reminiscent of the Tunku's era.
In late August 1951, when the Tunku took over as the president of Umno, he made a pledge to his party's general assembly that he would serve the Malays not as a master but as a servant like Mahatma Gandhi.
This was reported in the Straits Times on August 28, 1951.
Eleven years later, in October 1962, in his capacity as the prime minister of the Federation of Malaya, the Tunku was on official visits to both Pakistan and India.
The Tunku arrived in New Delhi from Karachi the day after Chinese troops had made a startling surprise armed attack on India.
At the airport itself, the Tunku, faithful to his Commonwealth affiliation and his distrust of Communist intentions, pledged Malaya's support and sympathy for India.
The day after the Tunku's arrival, a leading English newspaper in India had carried a full front-page photo of the Tunku's arrival with the caption "India's Only Friend".
The Tunku placed much importance on the friendship and fraternity with India as a democracy and an abiding Commonwealth country and went to the extent of raising funds to assist India.
Malaysia also had top-notch career diplomats serving in India with Tan Sri Zaiton Ibrahim, Raja Tan Sri Aznam, Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Jalal, Tan Sri Razali Ismail and Ambassador Ben Haron.
India had been an important source for higher medical, military and Islamic education long before elements of trade, tourism, IT, and technical cooperation crept perceptibly into the picture.
The Indian diaspora in Malaysia, which is historically rooted deeply in the development of the railway, road transport, rubber and telecommunications systems, has also made a mark in the dental, educational, medical, law, other professional fields and the retail sector.
Quite a few prominent members of this and other minorities have ably represented Malaysia in sports, science and public sector activities abroad.
The proportion of the Indian community in the public sector and within the population has been declining over the years to below eight per cent.
Yet the places of worship of this mixed community temples, gurdwaras, churches and mosques can be found in all our major towns in the peninsula.
There has also been a fair amount of intermarriages in Malaysia, but vibrantly unique cultural and festive activities involving all minorities are a welcome sight in the nation.
For a Malaysian of a minority community born and bred here, the nation remains the first and highest priority as the largest immigrant communities shed their immigrant character.
In the field of diplomacy and foreign relations, it is not specific binding agreements that matter but the content and culmination of an underlying and profound mutual understanding of the need to cooperate in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.

M.Santhananaban,
Kajang,
Selangor,
Malaysia

Thai people have chosen confrontation over peace In the re-election of Anutin Charnvirakul The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday February 11, 2026 First published in the Phnom Penh Post Monday February 9, 2026

Thailand’s February 2026 general election delivered a decisive victory for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Bhumjaithai Party.
But beneath the numbers lies a sobering reality: by re-electing Anutin, the Thai people have chosen confrontation over peace.
While Cambodia has repeatedly called for dialogue, negotiation and calm along the border, the election outcome signals popular support for a government willing to escalate tensions militarily.
Over the past year, Thai forces have entered Cambodian territory, placing razor wire and shipping containers in villages, cutting off homes and farmland, and justifying their actions with unilateral self-drawn maps territorial claims that Cambodia has never recognised.
Throughout the campaign, Anutin leaned heavily on nationalist rhetoric, portraying himself as the protector of Thai sovereignty.
This message resonated with voters, and the election has effectively become a referendum on confrontation.
While it would be simplistic to claim every voter directly endorsed war, the result reflects a willingness among Thai citizens to back aggressive, militarised policies, even as Cambodia appeals for restraint and peace.
In essence, Thai ballots have sent a clear signal: the Thai nation prefers escalation over diplomacy.
The human consequences are immediate. Cambodian villagers have been physically cut off from their homes and fields by shipping containers and coils of razor wire, turning political disputes into daily suffering.
Thailand’s actions rooted in contested maps rather than internationally recognised borders are seen in Cambodia as a blatant invasion.
Cambodia’s repeated calls for peace highlight the contrast starkly: one side pushing for dialogue, the other emboldened by popular support to fortify and occupy disputed territory.
Thailand now faces a critical juncture. Anutin’s victory reflects legitimate popular support, but democracy does not absolve leaders from responsibility for the consequences of their policies.
The election has empowered a government willing to escalate conflict, effectively turning the people’s choice into a mandate for war rather than peace.

Neang Sopheap,
Geopolitical analyst,
Phnom Penh
Cambodia

Would the People's Party stand firm Against the Hun Sen regime The Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday February 10, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday February 8, 2026

Re: "Uneven coverage", Bangkok Post, PostBag, Tuesday February 3, 2026.
Somkid Sirikumarkul laments the positive coverage of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in the Bangkok Post, while also believing the People's Party (PP) is frequently subjected to undeserved criticisms.
I subscribe to the Bangkok Post because of its willingness to question those advocating radical change. It was only a few years ago that Khun Pita Limjaroenrat mocked the Royal Thai Army's abilities.
If the People's Party (PP) cannot cope with one or two legitimate questions about their core beliefs, one can't help but wonder where they would find the strength to stand firm against the unscrupulous Hun Sen regime should they find themselves responsible for the defence of the realm in a few days' time.

Simon Turner,
Bangkok,
Thailand

The night of the howling dogs On the eve of the Sunday election The Southeast Asian Times, Monday February 9, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday February 8, 2026

Re: "Abhisit visits Songkhla, warns about vote-buying", Bangkok Post, Tuesday February 3, 2026.
Will we be subjected to "The night of the howling dogs" on the eve of the Sunday election?
A time when people receive gifts from mysterious donors.
Maybe the donors will have gone upmarket from plastic buckets filled with goodies, as voters have become more enlightened and informed.

Ron Martin,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

Clampdown on foreign ownership of property Causes property slump The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday February 8, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Friday February 6, 2026

Re: "Phuket property still hot", Bangkok Post, Business, Wednesday January 14, 2026 and "Nominee group nabbed", Bangkok Post, Business, Friday May 2, 2025.
The recent clampdown on foreign ownership of property, whereby foreigners buy property via companies and nominees, has caused the property sales in places like Koh Samui and Phuket to almost stop.
The authorities are enforcing the law, but the law is acting to the detriment of the country.
A 30-year lease is just too short for most people to invest in what would be a diminishing asset.
What is often not realised is that these properties are either occupied by wealthy foreigners who bring large sums of foreign currency into Thailand or are rented to short and long-term tourists.
The tourism industry in the islands is adversely affected as they rely heavily on these rental properties being available.
Hotels are not the preferred option, particularly for families with children.
A 90-year lease would solve the problem. It is difficult to understand why a 30-year lease is acceptable, but a 90-year lease is not.

Phil Cox,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

 

 

Call for Thailand Electoral Comission To ban cash withdrawals above certain limit The Southeast Asian Times Saturday February 7, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday February 4, 2026

Re: "Fears grow after early vote", in Bangkok Post, Monday February 2, 2026.
Regarding the Electoral Commission's commendable pursuit of fair elections by imposing a ban on alcohol and campaigning, might they also consider imposing a ban on cash withdrawals above a certain limit, given recent revelations, so that voters are indeed free from any undue influence whatsoever?

Shane,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Grab driver punched by security guard At the Royal Bangkok Sports Club The Southeast Asian Times Friday February 6, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday February 4, 2026

The much-reported assault of the Grab driver at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club on January 25 reminds us of how easily people in "power" can go against the regulations.
From a legal perspective, the case raises concerns about the proportionality of violence and accountability.
The facts of the incident reveal that the Grab driver did not follow the procedures for dropping off food, which eventually led to a physical fight where a security guard punched her till she passed out.
Under Thailand's criminal law, an individual may only claim the right to self-defence if facing an immediate and unlawful threat to their life, and the response must be strictly proportionate to that threat.
Any action exceeding what is necessary for protection is not justified as self-defence.
Therefore, it is clear that the security guard's actions cannot be legally justified, as refusing to follow venue rules does not justify physical violence.
While the police are taking the case to court, questions must be asked about the standards of training private personnel, especially those that are service-heavy. How the guard is punished in court is the real test of justice, showing whether accountability is truly enforced in Thai law.

Namfah Pibulsonggram,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand's top monks promise A great clean-up The Southeast Asian Times Thursday February 5, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday February 4, 2026

Re: "Real barriers to temple reform" Bangkok Post, Editorial, Sunday February 1, 2026.
But of course, "after a year of temple scandals, Thailand's top monks have promised a great clean-up", of their "feudal system built on censorship, obedience and patronage".
It sounds wonderful, miraculously wonderful.
They might as well throw in an equally cheap freebie, a crackdown to finally eradicate narcotics in six months.
Why not?
If, however, those ranking Thai Buddhist clergy were sincere, they might instead be calling for the abolition of the National Office of Buddhism, which makes themselves and their money-oriented, power-hungry religion a tool of the state: the same state that ruthlessly suppresses peaceful speech elsewhere to protect fantasies of equally dubious morals with an equally Thai Buddhist love of money and unchecked impunity.
How can Thai Buddhism practice the Buddha's wise teachings unless liberated from the mutually rewarding control of Thai politicians and unelected political players with tempting gilded temples and high-flown titles to gift?

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Hedonism in the Malaysian military Is a national security risk The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday February 4, 2026 First published in the New Straits Times Sunday February 1, 2026

The recent allegation by the ex-wife of a Malaysian army captain that her marriage collapsed due to involvement in the so-called "parti yeye" has triggered public unease because it points to a deeper institutional concern.
At stake is a fundamental question: can a professional military tolerate hedonistic lifestyles without undermining discipline, credibility, and readiness?
The answer must be an unequivocal no. The Malaysian Armed Forces are not an ordinary employer.
They are entrusted with defending national sovereignty, safeguarding constitutional order, and exercising the state's monopoly over the legitimate use of force.
Such responsibilities demand more than technical skill; they require discipline, restraint, and moral clarity.
Armies do not collapse solely due to inferior equipment; they collapse when discipline erodes from within. The stakes are particularly high.
The armed forces operate within a society that values family stability, restraint, and public accountability. Soldiers are not merely war-fighters; they are symbols of state authority.
When officers become associated with scandal, the damage radiates outward — eroding public trust, weakening institutional legitimacy, and breeding cynicism.
Beyond ethics, there is a strategic dimension that cannot be ignored.
Malaysia today operates in a volatile regional environment marked by intensifying great-power rivalry, persistent South China Sea tensions, cyber vulnerabilities, and grey-zone challenges.
In such a context, discipline itself is a strategic asset. A military distracted by internal misconduct is less capable of deterring external threats.
Worse, it becomes internally brittle. Hedonism is, therefore, not merely a moral failing; it is a national security risk.
Soldiers are human beings subject to stress, isolation, and psychological strain. The solution is not indulgence, but structured support paired with clear standards.
Counselling services, ethical training, professional mentorship, and healthy forms of recreation must complement discipline.
Compassion and firmness are not opposites; they are mutually reinforcing. Leadership is decisive. Institutional culture flows downward. If senior officers excuse misconduct, it metastasises.
If they model restraint and integrity, standards become self-enforcing. The strongest militaries rely less on punishment than on internalised norms and professional pride.
The "parti yeye" controversy should, therefore, serve as a moment of institutional recalibration rather than denial or sensationalism.
The correct response is to reaffirm first principles: the Malaysian military exists to serve the nation, not personal pleasure; to embody discipline, not indulgence; to project credibility, not ambiguity.
This is not a call for puritanism. It is a call to purpose. A military that tolerates hedonism signals that duty is negotiable and standards are elastic.
No defence institution can remain effective on such foundations. Malaysia deserves an armed force that is disciplined in conduct, sober in judgment, and resolute in mission.
In an era of strategic uncertainty, anything less is a risk the nation cannot afford.

Phar Kim Beng,
Director, Institute of International and Asean Studies
International Islamic University of Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia

Call for Thailaind to follow ASEAN neighbours And join the Board of Peace The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday February 3, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Monday February 2, 2026

Re: “Unilateral America”, Bangkok Post PostBag, Saturday January 31, 2026
It is with sadness that I read the egregious misrepresentation in M L Saksiri Kridakorn’s letter.
As an American, I can say that the only point he communicated correctly is the widespread belief that America has lost its moral compass.
However, he wrongly attributes this decline to Donald Trump.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The moral decay occurred long ago and is the direct result of globalism, which has infected not only the US government but most Western institutions.
The unipolar, hegemonic system that elevates imperial elites above the law created this decline.
The corruption and moral degeneration we have witnessed over the past decades are being exposed by Trump, not created by him.
Indeed, it is not only the 66 international organisations Trump has already identified that nations should consider leaving, but even the United Nations itself.
Much like the League of Nations before it, the United Nations has proven ineffective at fulfilling its stated mission and is increasingly becoming a ceremonial body advancing the interests of those seeking to control humanity.
This is why Trump created the Board of Peace, and Thailand would do well to follow some of its Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) neighbours and join.
America under Trump understands the future: a multipolar world of sovereign nations, each focused on improving itself rather than controlling others.
The anachronisms of imperialism and globalism are fading into history and that is cause for celebration.
Don’t blame Trump for making this obvious.

Chris Ziomkowski,
Bangkok,
Thailand

The United States of America Withdraws from 66 international organisations The Southeast Asian Times Monday February 2, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Friday January 30, 2026

Re: "Thailand's responses to Board of Peace", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Sunday February 2, 2026.
When I speak with my American friends, many of them express the same unsettling sentiment: "America has lost its morality."
The authority to define this morality seems to have been usurped by a single person, President Donald Trump, who declares that his personal code alone will guide the United States, all the while offering up his version of United States democracy as the best model of governance for the world.
So far, he has failed a morality check spectacularly.
While he allows armed ICE officers to roam and kill on the streets of America, he is sending an armada to try to force Iran to bend to his will.
If more proof of this loss of morality is needed, just days ago, on January 7, President Trump ordered a massive, simultaneous withdrawal from 66 international organisations.
The withdrawal from these world organisations indicates that the moral treachery of the United States runs deeper than just trade wars.
The United States is the architect of the modern "global order" it built the United Nations, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the frameworks for international law, structures it has now placed itself above.
Now, it is systematically burning down the house it built.
By withdrawing from the 66 organisations in a single stroke, America is sending a chilling message to the global majority: rules are for you, not for us.
This is not just isolationism; it is a return to the law of the jungle, where "might makes right".
For smaller nations like Thailand, the game has gotten very dangerous.

ML Saksiri Kridakorn,
Bangkok,
Thailand

US President Donald Trump Comes up with stroke of genius The Southeast Asian Times Sunday February 1, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Friday January 30, 2026

Re: "Who is next for the US", in Bangkok Post, Monday January 12, 2026.
One wonders what went through US President Donald Trump's mind when he came up with his "stroke of genius" to not rule out an invasion of Greenland, of all places.
One should reflect upon the words of Danish leader Mette Frederiksen.
"If the US decides to attack another NATO country, then everything would stop. That includes NATO and post-WWII security," Mr Frederiksen said earlier this month.
The peaceful world order which has lasted for over 75 years would be shattered in the stroke of a day.

Paul,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Philippine ASEAN Chair 2026 Can make a big difference for ASEAN unity The Southeast Asian Times Saturday January 31, 2026 First published in the New Straits Times Tuesday January 27, 2026

The Philippines Foreign Minister, Maria Theresa Lazaro's visit to Myanmar last week signals a positive move from President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, as Asean Chair.
One major issue facing the Asean Chair is whether he could convince the other Asean member states to give the military junta another chance to participate in Asean activities and programmes following the conclusion of the general elections.
In my view, it is counterproductive to forever shut the Asean door to Myanmar.
The year 2026 presents Asean with a new opportunity to close ranks and revisit the original motivation why Asean was formed in 1967 following the military coup in Indonesia.
The primary purpose for founding Asean was to organise all the countries in Southeast Asia into an inclusive regional organisation.
With the inclusion of Timor Leste in 2025, the organisation has achieved its original mission.
For nearly four years, Asean excluded the military regime in Myanmar from participating as a full member for staging a coup against a popular civilian Government in 2021.
The problem is the military regime has no intention to be bound by the Asean Five Point Consensus.
And now most crucially, it has completed the elections however flawed others may judge them to be.
The same regime military is still welcome in China, Russia and India with whom Asean maintains close relations with.
The same military junta continues to relate to Cambodia, Laos and Thailand as they share the same religion.
In my humble opinion, the Chair can make a big difference for Asean unity.
Besides, Asean needs no reminding that for much of its existence, Asean's cohesion was forged not among like-minded political systems, but among governments that agreed to manage differences quietly in the interest of regional stability.
When first formed Asean was an association of states led by strong governments, including military-dominated regimes in Indonesia and Thailand.
At this stage, exclusion risks becoming an end rather than a means to influence behaviour.
In this context, the conclusion of elections in Myanmar however contested provides Asean with a practical basis to move beyond punitive exclusion and re-engage Naypyidaw as a full participant in Asean activities.
I believe there are enough cool-headed leaders in Asean who could forgive and forget and move on for the sake of unity and diversity.
Thailand, Cambodia and Laos are likely to welcome their Buddhist friends.
A re-engagement policy, rather than prolonged isolation, better serves Asean's unity, credibility, and capacity to shape outcomes within its own region.
Thus, the unresolved Myanmar conflict facing Asean calls for a new rethink.

Ba Hamzah,
Former Fellow,
Institute of Strategic & International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia,
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia

 

 

Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra looks so happy Healthy and well presented in prison The Southeast Asian Times Friday January 30, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Friday January 23, 2026

Re: "Corrections confirms Thaksin eligible for parole review in May", Bangkok Post Online, Tuesday January 20, 2026 and "Prison authorities clarify Thaksin family visit photo", in Bangkok Post, Saturday November 29, 2025
I find it heartening to see the latest photo as well as previous images in your publication of Thaksin Shinawatra, who is indeed currently imprisoned, yet often looks so happy, healthy, and well-presented.
Clearly, those who describe conditions in Thai prisons as dreadful and horrific have been totally misled.

Warner,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Is the Board of Peace A new United Nations The Southeast Asian Times Thursday January 29, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday January 24, 2026

Re: "Peace Board price tag", Bangkok Post, Editorial, WednesdayJanuary 21, 2026.
What is Donald Trump's "Board of Peace" supposed to be?
Is it a new United Nations (UN) , an extended European Union (EU) or some version of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for the Mideast?
These are all well-established, generally do great work and are credible. Will countries that don't join recognise its authority?
The Board of Peace seems like it will be run by an individual, Mr Trump, ruling over the countries that decide to join and rather than final agreements by the group, he will have the right of veto.
The approach of three years free, then pay an expensive fee, sounds like a typical gym or streaming service where you get free access for a while and then the costs appear.
Will there be a new world order, those who follow and obey Mr Trump and all of those who see the scam for what it is?
Will your country get caught up in this?
Speak out to stop your leaders from losing the plot.

Dennis Fitzgerald,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thai monks blessing statues To promote patriotism and warring The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday January 28, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday January 27, 2026

Re: "Statue rivalry sows conflict", Bangkok Post, Editorial, Sunday January 25, 2026.
Have I understood correctly?
Collaborating with the Royal Thai Army, some monks are blessing statues in order to promote patriotism and warring?
I seem to recall some adage having it that such patriotism is the last refuge.
I'm sure it wasn't supposed to be Buddhist monks, but perhaps different rules apply for some Thai monks, who continue serving their political masters' agenda in exchange for sufficiently gilded temples with zero transparency in donations. Whatever will Thai Buddhism say next?
It's as disturbing as the Maga version of Christianity in the US, where some actually want to deny the First Amendment to their once great constitution by having the Ten Commandments displayed in classrooms and elsewhere, seeming oblivious.
Could any self-styled Christian be that ignorant?
To the fact that the first of those divine dictates commands absolute intolerance of every other religion's gods and goddesses.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand's 2026 election less about dramatic election shifts More about political maturity The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday January 27, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday January 25, 2026

Re: "Plentiful policy on offer", Bangkok Post Editorial, Monday January 19, 2026.
Thailand's general election on February 8 will mark an important democratic milestone.
Yet the most consequential political developments may unfold when parties conclude deals to form a coalition government.
The parliamentary system, combined with a fragmented party landscape, means no single party is likely to secure an outright majority.
As a result, post-election politics will hinge less on popular vote totals and more on negotiation skill.
This dynamic is neither unusual nor undemocratic.
Coalition politics is a common feature of parliamentary systems worldwide. However, the format poses a challenge: whether the leader of the coalition has the power to govern or get enough backing from member parties.
Meanwhile, one advantage of this format is reduced volatility.
Political transitions tend to be calmer in the post-election period, which can lower the risk of prolonged instability or administrative paralysis.
The trade-off, however, lies in public perception.
When a coalition government appears to diverge from the election outcome, questions about legitimacy can arise.
For this reason, transparency in coalition negotiations is crucial.
While political bargaining is unavoidable, clarity about coalition rationales, policy trade-offs, and governing priorities can help sustain public trust.
Communication, rather than secrecy, will be the defining factor in maintaining legitimacy during the transition period.
Media coverage also plays an important role.
Beyond reporting seat counts and party rankings, attention should focus on coalition feasibility, policy alignment, and the long-term stability of prospective governments.
Such coverage helps frame post-election developments as part of a constitutional process rather than a political anomaly.
Ultimately, the 2026 election may prove to be less about dramatic electoral shifts and more about political maturity.
The capacity of parties to negotiate responsibly, institutions to act predictably, and leaders to explain decisions transparently will shape the political trajectory more than election-night numbers alone.
An election concludes when ballots are counted.
Governance begins when coalitions are formed.
Understanding this distinction will be essential for navigating the weeks that follow February 8.

Adis Suwan,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand police cyber scam unit Swamped with cyber crime complaints The Southeast Asian Times Monday January 26, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday January 25, 2026

Re: "Anatomy of a scam", in Bangkok Post, Saturday January 3, 2026
Several years ago I had several hundred thousands of US dollars scammed from my Thai bank account, around 112,000 baht every week or so for quite some months.
I don't touch the account much and had no reason to check it and hadn't, at the time, enabled any notification at all.
Of course, then I discovered the worst and immediately went to the police cyber scam unit with all the details of the withdrawals but actually little or no sympathy or empathy, nor help from the bank.
I had the withdrawal dates, and amounts, as well as the names, bank account numbers and banks of the three people who extracted the money from my account. At the station, I saw was just one, young, helpful guy, who was swamped with cyber crime reports.
One year on, I heard nothing from the police.
I messaged the officer, who said he had been moved from his post to another elsewhere.
I was told to revisit the station again to find out what was happening.
I also went to the recipient bank a few times and each time they said the police had not delivered necessary documents.
For two years, I heard nothing from them.
Then in November last year, I went to the station again. Once again, nothing had actually happened with my paperwork at all.
Visiting the cyber crimes unit this time around, I found it had expanded, but each and every desk was drowning in a plethora of paperwork.
My conclusion is that there's so much cyber crime that it's probably impossible to do too much to prevent it.

Mark Stevens,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Wanted a one-on-one debate format Between Thai political parties The Southeast Asian Times Sunday January 25, 2026 First published in the Malaysiakini Saturday January 24, 2026

Re: "Academics sound alarm ahead of poll", Bangkok Post, Wednesday January 14, 2026.
A one-on-one debate format between political parties would greatly help us decide who we want to solve basic structural problems in our economy, society and justice system and the media should play a key role in arranging such a debate and setting the theme.
Each debater will focus on exposing specific shortcomings of their opponent's plans while highlighting their own points, enabling viewers to know the pros and cons of their ideas.
For example, in telecommunications, what specific market share level may trigger an anti-monopoly investigation, and how specifically will our duopoly be broken up?
The media should stream the debates live on Facebook and make them also available on YouTube.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

King of Malaysia calls for end to corruption And to focus on education excellence The Southeast Asian Times Saturday January 24, 2026 First published in the Malaysiakini Wednesday January 21, 2026

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s call to end corruption and focus on education excellence cannot be given mere lip service.
All politicians, MPs, and top civil servants need to buck up.
Sultan Ibrahim’s statement must reverberate throughout the nation - in every vein, nook, and corner of society.
It is now or never. Our fight against corruption in every form must become a top priority if we are to rescue our nation's future.
Likewise, in wisdom and hindsight, Sultan Ibrahim demanded that our education system to be revamped.
Quick fixes, make-belief facades, and political gimmicks to seemingly reform our education system have now expired with His Majesty's stern message to all politicians, especially the current leadership.
Both the government and opposition blocs must converge to translate the king's ultimatum into real action.
Meanwhile, the business community must cease its long-held practice of enshrouding trade-offs, which is the root of corruption.
Civil servants should also feel the shiver of being punished for not delivering in the best interest of the nation.
Hence, the king's call for the set-up of a special court to tackle corruption must be expedited without excuses.
Let’s march together with our king and courageous media to transform and liberate our beloved nation from the entrenched culture of corruption and the lack of will to rebirth our education standards.
Otherwise, we shall sink in the whirlpool of international disgrace as a nation of failures.

JD Lovrenciear,
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia

Thailand's culture of impunity is world famous Rivalling its beaches and nightlife The Southeast Asian Times Friday January 23, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday January 22, 2026

Re: "Living in Thailand's age of impunity", Bangkok Post, Opinion, Saturday January 17, 2026.
Kong Rithee is spot on that Thailand's "culture of impunity is world-famous, rivalling its beaches and nightlife".
He cites pertinent examples that are too well known, both recently and from decades of tradition.
It's almost as if he had inherited one of those trusty GT200 magic wands on which the Royal Thai Army spent over a billion baht: impunity indeed.
Perhaps some magical amulets from a sufficiently gilded Thai Buddhist temple could help, if only more devotees would donate a proper sufficiency of wealth to fund that most sincerely promised magic.
Thailand's age of impunity has already lasted over half a century.
How much longer must it be enshrined as an untouchable?

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Rak Chart Party wants built-in safeguards "to protect corrupt politicians" The Southeast Asian Times Friday January 22, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday January 22, 2026

Re: "Jade warns charter rewrite is a 'trap'", in Bangkok Post, Sunday January 18, 2026.
Jade Donavanik, the Rak Chart Party's prime ministerial candidate, claims that politicians, even the People's Party, want to weaken "built-in safeguards against crooked types", in order "to protect corrupt politicians".
He provides not a shred of substantiation for that claim.
It is known that the current charter, created at the behest of former Royal Thai Army General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who actually committed a coup against the Thai nation in order to force his agenda and charter on the people.
Is that really a model of good ethics?
Meanwhile, on May 4, 2021, media, including this newspaper, reported that the Constitutional Court reportedly ruled that Capt Thamanat Prompow is qualified to be a member of parliament and a cabinet member regardless of his being sentenced to four years in prison in Australia in 1994.
It must be wondered what Mr Jade thinks constitutes good ethics.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Call for ASEAN Philippine 2026 to press For immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday January 21, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday January 20, 2026

Re: "Pro-military party takes Yangon seat", Bangkok Post, World, Tuesday January 13, 2026.
Thanks to the Bangkok Post for mentioning Aung San Suu Kyi as the Burmese junta goes through what it calls an election.
How can this woman be cut off from all contact with the world and be held in solitary confinement for three years at her age as her health declines?
The civil war continues as her incarceration continues.
Are we seeing a connection?
If the Philippines wants to have a successful Asean chair, it needs to begin by pressing for her immediate release with the junta and with Beijing.
If Thailand wants less arsenic in its rivers, less smoke over the skies of Chiang Mai, and less ya ba coming over the border, she's the one person who can turn Burma back into a country.

AM,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Mines in Cambodia planted randomly Typical of ragtag armies The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday January 20, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday January 4, 2026

Re: "A miner's work", BangkokPost PostBag, Saturday December 31, 2025
While Burin Kantabutra's call for Cambodia to be held responsible for clearing the mines it laid on Thai soil is sound in principle, it overlooks one obvious fact.
He assumes the Cambodians made and have retained accurate maps of where these illegal weapons were laid.
I doubt this is the case.
It is far more likely the mines were planted randomly, with no proper records made or kept, which is typical of ragtag armies that show little regard for international law or for the consequences of their actions.

David Brown,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Construction over traffic, roads, railways and waterways Permitted in Thailand The Southeast Asian Times Monday January 19, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday January 17, 2026

Re: "Safety failures cost lives", Bangkok Post, Editorial, Friday January 16, 2026.
I have been a civil engineer for 60+ years, working in many countries but not Thailand.
In my many years of experience, I have never known a situation where construction has been permitted over live public traffic of any kind. Roads, railways and waterways have had to be closed or diverted during such work.
It costs more money, but saves lives, so it should be mandated here and planned into the projects right from their inception.

Allan Bennett C.Eng MICE,
Bangkok,
Thailand

2025 marks the expiration Of the postwar world order The Southeast Asian Times Saturday January 17, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday January 9, 2026

Re: "How the world order looks after 2025", Bangkok Post Opinion, Monday January 5, 2026.
Yuen Yuen Ang aptly stated that 2025 marked the "expiration" of the postwar world order.
What is already visible in 2026 is that the ongoing transition has entered a more obvious and unsettling phase, acutely characterised by heightened global vulnerabilities, strategic perplexities, and profound discontinuities.
Multipolarity, climate stress, technological disruption, and fractured globalisation no longer appear as abstract trends but as observable realities, exposing the fragility of multilateral organisations and the limits of inherited frameworks.
In this sense, the current challenge is not merely to interpret change wisely, but to govern uncertainty itself in practical terms.

Ioan Voicu,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

 

Thai generals must be fully accountable Remember the GT200 fake bomb detectors The Southeast Asian Times Saturday January 17, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday January 16, 2026

Re: "Defence seeks confidential 2026 budget", in Bangkok Post, Wednesday January 14, 2026.
I agree with our military that budget details must be kept confidential, but taxpayers deserve to know that their hard-earned funds are used for the nation's best interests.
Also, the generals must be fully accountable for misuse.
Our current procedures have failed to instil confidence.
Remember the GT200 fake bomb detectors, where we paid B1.13bn for 500 toys that performed no better than flipping a coin in rigorous scientific tests, killing our noble soldiers?
Remember those observation balloons that couldn't sustain operational attitudes?
It also cost the taxpayers.
No generals were censured for either deal, let alone court-martialed.
We should adapt the classified oversight mechanisms of developed nations that balance secrecy, accountability, and prioritisation of national interests over military preferences.
These systems rely on civilian-led parliamentary and congressional committees with security-cleared members.
Public disclosure is limited while detailed scrutiny occurs in secure settings, thus preventing leaks while enabling rigorous audits.
Let's get funding with accountability.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Call for Thailand to update Human trafficking laws The Southeast Asian Times Friday January 16, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday January 14, 2026

Re: "Police warn of online trafficking rise", Bangkok Post, Tuesday January 6, 2026.
Recent police warnings about the rise in online trafficking demonstrate the need for stronger reinforcement of human trafficking laws.
The dark reality shows that laws cannot be applied in reality, especially with cyber trafficking.
The article says traffickers have switched to exploiting young people on social media, a place buzzing with children trying to make friends.
Sadly, through deception and coercion, they can become snared by human traffickers.
I believe Thailand must update its 2017 laws on computer crime, Act B.E. (Buddhist Era).
As it doesn't cover online exploitation specifically, it needs updating so that traffickers cannot find loopholes between our legislation, as online trafficking is extremely hard to prosecute.
Another grave issue raised is the lack of enforcement of these laws, as organisations are often underfunded. Faster technologies need to be developed to obtain evidence more quickly, as one of the main loopholes is that police often take too long to gather sufficient concrete evidence to arrest traffickers.
In today's modern world, human trafficking expands beyond locked rooms; it uses social media to sneak into children's lives until it's too late to save them. We must not only change our legislation, but also take faster action if Thailand wants definite change in the country.

Namfah Pibulsonggram,
Bangkok,
Thailand

''Beef it up'' Says Thai Airways frequent flyer The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday January 14, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday January 9, 2026

Re: 'Thai prepares to formulate new business strategy,' in Bangkok Post, Friday January 9, 2026.
More than one airline did not recover from the Covid-19 pandemic some went out of business, so the fact Thai Airways International is still going should make the finance permanent secretary very proud, indeed.
I flew Thai Airways on my last flight to Thailand, and the one suggestion I might make as a customer would be to consider offering the very best and most interesting Thai food for a premium fee, maybe something like 500 baht, and if they already have any similar scheme, redo it and beef it up.
I remember 26 years ago that as a tourist, I had money and I looked for the flight with the best Thai food so my exotic journey began before I even landed.

Jason A Jellison,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

 

 

A cost-based subsidy shields Thai farmers From market forces The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday January 14, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday January 9, 2026

Re: "Major political parties step up campaign pitches", Bangkok Post, Tuesday January 6, 2026.
To get the best government possible, voters should analyse core party policies, see what is most effective and which party can best deliver them.
For instance, Pheu Thai's PM candidate, Yodchanan Wongsawat, pledges his party would anchor rice price support to production costs, not market prices.
So, if farm costs rose, even from farmer inefficiency, Pheu Thai's subsidy would rise accordingly.
But a cost-based subsidy shields farmers from market forces, and our farmers tend to follow inefficient methods.
With an average age of 59, only one in five farmers having had an M6 education, and many having large amounts of debt, our farmers struggle mightily to modernise. We have massive public debts and cannot afford perpetual subsidies.
As for the People's Party (PP), how can its core policy be improved?
It wants to subsidise farmers in ways that promote sustained productivity rises.
Examples of such a policy are the US's Price Loss Coverage program, which activates when national prices drop below fixed reference prices, with payments only cushioning low-revenue years to limit risk without forcing overproduction.
The US and Vietnam best resemble our rice, dairy and tapioca export profile and smallholder challenges.
Both shifted post-1997 from price guarantees similar to what People's Party (PP) now proposing to insurance-style supports.
Both rice exporters now compete on quality and costs, not state dumping, with rice export shares rising despite no fixed floor prices.
We should subsidise efforts to boost productivity, such as by giving deep discounts on high-yield seeds, walk-behind tillers and harvesters, and irrigation systems, and allowing farmers to combine subsidy quotas to achieve economies of scale.
We should focus aid on smallholders, not large corporations.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

New sexual harassment law in Thailand Deems inappropriate comments as a crime The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday January 13, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday January 7, 2026

Re: "Actor sued under new harassment law", in Bangkok Post, Tuesday December 30, 2025.
A veteran politician's daughter's decision to sue an influential actor over the inappropriate comments he made about her is a major step forward for victims of sexual harassment in Thailand.
The new sexual harassment law, which deems inappropriate comments as a crime, provides an extra safeguard for all individuals on social media. It is hoped the law will lead to a shift in societal norms, so online harassment will no longer be seen as "not a big deal" but rather completely unacceptable.
Her actions show celebrities are not above the law, and, therefore, must still be held accountable for their wrongdoings.
This case will challenge past attitudes on pursuing legal action against a famous person. Justice must be served no matter who the wrongdoer is.
Overall, this new law demonstrates Thailand's commitment to protecting victims and holding influential people accountable.

Namfah Pibulsonggram,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand could have become and should today Be as flourishing as Taiwan and South Korea The Southeast Asian Times Monday January 12, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday January 12, 2026

Re: "'Mai pen rai' paradox: from kindness to toxic silence", Bangkok Post Life, Wednesday January 7, 2026.
Juranan Soranet is spot on: Silence in the face of either honest mistakes or of deliberately bad ethics is toxic. As she explains, the cost of such silence is both personal and public.
It is not made better for the public sphere when bad law dictates such silence.
The toxicity of such silence regarding major political players and related acts was blatantly demonstrated after the May 2023 election.
That election proved Move Forward, and every one of its raft of policies was the people's popular choice.
Such inherently, deliberately, unjust laws as those subsequently weaponised to deny Thailand the reform-minded government for which it had voted have been. Yet what is more toxic is the coups committed that breed and embolden more unethical impetus.
As such as honest mistakes have not been corrected. Bad ethics have not been called out as deserved.
This is harmful not only politically and socially, but also morally and economically: Thailand could and should have long been much wealthier and far more just for all Thai citizens, not continually mired in traditional corruption, double standards, and like diseases eating out the nation's wealth as justice and good ethics are trampled underfoot.
Thailand could have become and should today be as flourishing as Taiwan and South Korea.
It is not.
It is possible that I am completely wrong in thinking thus.
I don't know.
However, thanks to those same repressive laws imprisoning patriots who speak out, unethically disbanding popular political parties, banning honest, genuinely respected politicians, attacking citizens who seek informed opinion of worth, and now even silencing talk of long overdue reform, no contrary opinion can in fact be substantiated.
It is indeed, as the Post headlines it, a paradox.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

How to establish whether a Thai smile Is genuine or otherwise? The Southeast Asian Times Sunday January 11, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday January 9, 2026

Re: " 'Mai pen rai' paradox: from kindness to toxic silence", Bangkok Post Life, January 7.
This is an excellent article, but alas goes down a rabbit hole, akin to mitigating daily road fatalities and addressing other issues often lamented in this column that we're acquainted with.
Perhaps the writer could also elaborate on how to establish whether a Thai smile is genuine or otherwise?
Bit of a problem, apparently, as there are 13 of them to use in different situations, ranging from happy to deeply unhappy, according to Holmes and Tangtongtavy in their seminal book Working with Thais, which was written many years ago but remains relevant.
I hope it is still in print, as it does a very good job in explaining the Thai rabbit hole conundrum.

Ellis O'Brien,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

 

Thai-style democracy Is not democracy The Southeast Asian Times Saturday January 10, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday January 8, 2026

Re: "Poll is a test of courage", in Bangkok Post Editorial, Monday January 5, 2026.
The Post's editorial trots out that old deceit, "Thai-style democracy". There are, of course, many styles or flavours of democracy.
Each of these successful nations varies in the form of their own democracy, as is their sovereign right, but they all have one thing in common: a sine qua non an essential condition to qualify as a democracy.
To qualify as democratic, a nation's government must adhere to non-negotiable elements of democracy.
If some ideas or opinions, whether written, acted, painted, printed, spoken, shouted, uploaded to a computer system, or whatever, are banned for no reason other than the usual criminal laws of slander, defamation, libel, treason, or other genuine defence against an enemy, that country fails to be a democracy. In that sense, Thailand fails.
When a country can lawfully imprison internationally honoured human rights advocates precisely for speaking up for human rights, it is not a democracy.

Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand

The Bangkok Post has become Almost exclusively leftist in content and tone The Southeast Asian Times Friday January 9, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday January 8, 2026

Re: "'Free our president', Maduro supporters demand at rally", Bangkok Post, World, Monday January 5, 2026
It is not difficult to discover exactly why the Bangkok Post has become almost exclusively leftist in content and tone.
Sadly, the balance between differing views is long gone, and the news is now narrative-driven.
It cleaves to an objective best described as designed to create the general acceptance of Marxist/socialist values among Thailand's English-speaking society.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand's new law on sexual harassment Deems inappropriate comments as a crime The Southeast Asian Times Thursday January 8, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday January 7, 2026

Re: "Actor sued under new harassment law", in Bangkok Post, Tuesday December 30, 2025.
A veteran politician's daughter's decision to sue an influential actor over the inappropriate comments he made about her is a major step forward for victims of sexual harassment in Thailand.
The new sexual harassment law, which deems inappropriate comments as a crime, provides an extra safeguard for all individuals on social media.
It is hoped the law will lead to a shift in societal norms, so online harassment will no longer be seen as "not a big deal" but rather completely unacceptable.
Her actions show celebrities are not above the law, and, therefore, must still be held accountable for their wrongdoings.
This case will challenge past attitudes on pursuing legal action against a famous person. Justice must be served no matter who the wrongdoer is.
Overall, this new law demonstrates Thailand's commitment to protecting victims and holding influential people accountable.

Namfah Pibulsonggram,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Why has the NACC Been as slow as a turtle The Southeast Asian Times Wednesday January 7, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday January 3, 2026

Re: "Justice system tested", Bangkok Post Editorial, Tuesday December 30,
2025.
I am shocked Bangkok Post posted a headline saying "Justice system tested" for claims that Pol Gen Surachate bribed a National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) commissioner.
This latest accusation stems from a case when a former trusted aide of Pol Gen Surachate's turned against him and provided alleged bribery evidence against both him and an National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) commissioner.
Pol Gen Surachate has at least four to five cases before the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
The editorial should ask why the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has been slow as a turtle to make the findings known to the public, to clear or indict.
As the editorial has said, everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Gen Surachate should stand up to prove his innocence in court, and not use social media to support him in a battle that would make the events resemble a modern-day soap opera.

Yingwai Suchaovanich,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Kindness toward animals can be part of Thailand's future Starting now The Southeast Asian Times Tuesday January 6, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday January 4, 2026

As Thailand welcomes 2026, the New Year offers a moment to reflect on the values we choose to carry forward.
Across the world, public pressure has driven meaningful progress for animals -- from exposing abusive practices to the rapid growth of vegan dining and animal-free science.
Thailand can be part of that progress. Yet institutions that claim to champion conservation still profit from captive animal displays and animal-based entertainment, sending mixed messages about respect for life.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia investigations into the coconut and frogs' legs industries, along with celebrity campaigns, have opened many eyes to animal suffering in the country over the past year.
Moving toward vegan food choices, rejecting animal entertainment, and supporting cruelty-free products reflect a culture evolving with conscience and care.
Kindness toward animals can be part of Thailand's future - starting now.

Jason Baker,
President,
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia
Bangkok,
Thailand

Those who laid the landmines Know precisely where their mines are The Southeast Asian Times Monday January 5, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday January 1, 2026

Re: "Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC) finds mines, rockets, after pact", in Bangkok Post, Monday December 29, 2025.
It should be obvious that those who laid the landmines in a given area should be responsible for the demining as an integral part of a ceasefire.
After all, it's they who know precisely where their mines are.
Also, such removal will be a sign that they are working in good faith to observe the cessation of hostilities.
The miners will want to do a thorough job of demining, for any mines found in an area they've declared to be clear will be prima facie evidence of renewed aggression.

Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand

 

Informal alliances and flexible arrangements Cannot substitute multilateralism The Southeast Asian Times Sunday January 4, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday December 24, 2026

Re: "Going beyond multilateralism", Bangkok Post Opinion, Friday December 19, 2025.
The thought-provoking article by Javier Solana and Angel Saz-Carranza rightly diagnoses the erosion of post-war multilateral institutions under the weight of great-power rivalries.
Yet beyond geopolitical competition, today's global vulnerabilities, perplexities and discontinuities exert relentless pressure on any system of collective governance.
Informal alliances and flexible arrangements may help manage symptoms, but they cannot substitute for the normative core of multilateralism: shared responsibility rooted in solidarity.
Without a genuine sense of global solidarity, even the most agile coalitions risk reinforcing fragmentation rather than overcoming it.

Ioan Voicu,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Corruption and repeated recycling of same political actors Has left Thai citizens disillusioned The Southeast Asian Times Saturday January 3, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday December 24, 2026

Re: "Bhumjaithai (BJT) party builds poll momentum as rivals falter", and "Pheu Thai calls on Election Commission for fair election", in Bangkok Post , December 21, 2025.
Recent reports paint a troubling picture of Thailand's political reality.
Public confidence in the Election Commission and other bodies closely associated with the present government appears to be steadily eroding.
When even major political parties feel compelled to call for "fair elections" before a poll has taken place, something is clearly amiss.
At the same time, it is telling that leaders of the People's Party openly acknowledge that even a decisive electoral victory may not allow them to form a government. When such expectations are treated as normal, elections risk becoming symbolic exercises rather than genuine expressions of the people's will.
Much commentary continues to focus on criticising and questioning the People's Party, despite the fact that it has never been given a fair opportunity to govern.
This contrasts sharply with the leniency shown towards parties currently in power, even when they include figures with controversial pasts.
Such selective scrutiny only deepens public cynicism and reinforces the perception of double standards.
Thailand is a beautiful country with enormous potential.
Yet persistent corruption and the repeated recycling of the same political actors have left many citizens disillusioned.
Democracy should not be complicated; parties win votes, they are allowed to govern, and if they fail, voters remove them at the next election.
If election outcomes continue to be overridden by manoeuvring after the ballots are counted, faith in democratic institutions will continue to decline, and with it, hope for meaningful political reform.

Somkid Sirikumarkul,
Bangkok,
Thailand

Thailand sends more labourers to Israel Than before hostage crisis October 7, 2023 The Southeast Asian Times Friday January 2, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday January 1, 2026

Re: "Thailand's delicate stance with Israel", in Bangkok Post Opinion, Tuesday December 9, 2025.
Thailand must tread carefully here.
Most of the international world has been against Israel's war against Palestine.
So if Thailand gets too close to Israel, it risks alienating many countries in the world.
But by the same token, Thailand now sends more labourers to Israel than before the hostage crisis began on October 7, 2023.
Before the crisis started, Thailand sent 36,000 individuals there, but it now sends about 60,000!
Thailand contributes significantly to the Israeli farming and construction sectors, among other things.
Nonetheless, Thailand does not want to have its economic relations further strained with many countries, especially the wealthier European ones.
I suppose the Thai government will continue to pursue a strategy of neutrality with other countries as they have been doing up until now.
After all, such a strategy seems to be paying off here.

Paul,
Bangkok,
Thailand

The Myanmar election Reflects China's policy of maintaining regional instability The Southeast Asian Times Thursday January 1, 2026 First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday December 31, 2025

Re: "Myanmar polls open amid civil war, junta-backed party tipped to win", in Bangkok Post World, Sunday December 28, 2025.
Myanmar's military government has begun a staged national election, disingenuously presenting it as a way out of the crisis of civil war.
The peace-loving citizens of Myanmar, many of whom can speak English and understand well the difference between a repressive authoritarian dictatorship and democracy as we know it, would choose democracy if this "election" permitted it.
The reason for this lack of true choice is China's pervasive influence upon their neighbour.
Beijing is the main reason the junta remains viable amid decades of fierce opposition from its own people.
Recent reporting in the news media confirms the delivery of Chinese-origin military transport aircraft to Myanmar, and independent analyses have documented Chinese technical and industrial links to the junta's expanding drone and munitions production.
These capabilities have affected the balance of the conflict and enabled large-scale military operations.
Diplomatically, China acts as a mediator between the junta and armed groups along the China–Myanmar border, brokering ceasefire arrangements that prioritise border stability.
This serves to normalise the junta as a governing authority, further enabling the power structure responsible for the conflict.
Perhaps most importantly, Myanmar's valuable rare-earth exports to China provide the military regime with a vital revenue stream in violation of international sanctions.
This trade deepens economic dependency upon China while conveniently dampening demands for political reform.
The Myanmar election reflects China's policy of maintaining regional instability to perpetuate authoritarian rule in nations along their borders.

Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thaiand