Ploenpote Atthakor
Editorial page Editor
Ploenpote Atthakor is editorial pages editor, Bangkok Post.
Blame game no solution to smog woes
Be warned, everyone. The ultra-fine PM2.5 dust will not be going away anytime soon.
No room for apathy as haze crisis returns
With levels of particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter -- PM2.5 fine dust -- surpassing 180, Bangkok was ranked as the fourth most polluted city in the world yesterday. People in the provinces -- both near and far -- have also experienced similar problems.
We will keep eating poison for a while yet
The latest resolution on the ban of the three hazardous chemicals is even more toxic than the chemicals themselves.
Pareena saga a test of land reform resolve
When Deputy Agriculture Minister Thamanat Prompow defended Pareena Kraikupt -- a Palang Pracharath Party member and MP for Ratchaburi who is being grilled in a high-profile land scandal -- by suggesting that she may escape forest encroachment charges because her family "had lived on the disputed plots prior to the enactment of land reforms", I could sense his triumph, as well as relief.
Chemical ban opponents led by misinformation
By the end of today, an online "hearing" process initiated by the Department of Agriculture over whether the ban on three extremely toxic chemicals -- paraquat, glyphosate and chlorpyrifos -- should be lifted will have come to an end. The results are expected to be released shortly after the hearings are over, especially if those who vote against the ban emerge as the winners.
The casualty of regional summit is convenience
As the country prepares to kickstart the 35th Asean Summit and related meetings, Thailand is proud to announce to the world that it is ready -- at least logistically.
Khao Yai elephant deaths no accident
The first time I visited Haew Narok Waterfall in Khao Yai national park was in 1992. The trip was not for leisure, but to cover the deaths of a herd of eight elephants.
A night at the opera sets stage for noisy battle
Once again, Bangkok is experiencing a noise-related conflict.
Frenchman's music not to the regime's ears
A short clip featuring a song mocking a once well-known musical ditty, We Will Keep Our Promise, by junta leader and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, has become an instant hit. Yan Marchal, the clip maker, a budding songwriter and singer, has shot to fame overnight.
Cough up cash to stop road carnage
Thailand will soon have new traffic laws, based on the more stringent Japanese model, a senior land transport official said recently. Obviously, he was thrilled.
