Editorial
Bangkok Post editorial column
These editorials represent Bangkok Post thoughts about current issues and situations.
Email : anchaleek@bangkokpost.co.th
Vape issue has no easy fix
The recent news of police extorting tourists for possessing e-cigarettes raises the question of whether it's time or not to legalise these electronic devices. But it's an issue that goes beyond limiting the income stream of crooked cops.
Review press council plan
The bill on the promotion of media ethics and professional standards is set to be read by a joint session of parliament on Tuesday. Sponsored by the government's Public Relations Department (PRD), the legislation seeks to create a professional council for media practitioners, which would be funded by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission's (NBTC) media development fund.
Graft is still pervasive
Thailand's latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) score saw it "improve" by nine places to 101st out of 180 countries. However, despite the positive trajectory, it is too soon to start celebrating just yet.
PM's co-existence plan under fire
Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha in his capacity as chairman of the National Security Council recently launched an action plan to encourage peaceful coexistence in Thailand.
Don’t rush sub deal
As the current government’s term will soon end, it’s bewildering to see how the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) is apparently speeding up its decision-making process on whether it will continue with a highly questionable submarine procurement from China.
EC as arbiter of justice
With two long-awaited organic laws governing the election of MPs and political parties coming into effect, politicians are geared up for the next general election that is set to take place on May 7 -- if parliament runs its course.
Transfer suspicions
In the bureaucratic system, transferring a state official is hardly unusual. But this seems not to be the case for government critic Dr Supat Hasuwannakit, director of Chana Hospital in Songkhla province.
Respect for refugees
On Feb 1, 2021, the world was shocked as the Myanmar military staged a coup, pushing the country formerly seen as a new poster-boy of democracy back to an Orwellian state.
RTP graft is out of control
The Royal Thai Police's (RTP) record on corruption and misconduct is at an all-time low. It's reached the point where there's not a month or perhaps a week that goes by without news of RTP shenanigans.
Cash for votes a no-go
Thailand has a history of using money to influence the outcome of elections, with allegations of vote buying, campaign finance violations and influence peddling marring past elections.
