Rail projects need reform
Rail projects need reformThe legal dispute between the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and the BTS Group over the bidding for the western extension of the Orange Line is getting nasty to the point that the government needs to step in to bolster trust in the state project. On Feb 22, the company filed a complaint with the Criminal Court accusing the MRTA of dereliction of duty. Yet, the government should not stop after probing the questionable Orange Line bidding. Meanwhile, the BTS Group has promised to lower fares if wins the 30-year renewal from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Both disputes speak loud and clear about the lucrative nature of the projects, and that stakeholders are ready to do anything to advance their interests.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 12, 2021 23:15 UTC
PR by OAG won't wash
PR by OAG won't washIn a bid to polish its tarnished image, presumably following the series of scandals surrounding the infamous hit-and-run case involving the Red Bull scion, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has formed four task forces to promote the agency's public relations campaigns. In the Isara report, the OAG promised to take legal action against anyone who distributes disinformation that taints its image. The panel recommended an ethics probe into the delay and intentional derailment of the justice process against Mr Vorayuth. The question remains of whether the OAG has followed the Vicha panel's recommendations, and if not, why not? It should be noted that Mr Ittiporn, now the spokesman of the OAG, is head of the public relations task force.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 11, 2021 23:16 UTC
Free detainees, govt tells junta
(Photo: AFP)The government has asked Myanmar to release detainees against the backdrop of intensified protests in which seven more protesters were killed. The junta reacted to international condemnation of its crackdown by claiming ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi had accepted hefty illegal payments. The military, which has defended its takeover by citing voting irregularities in November elections won by Ms Suu Kyi's party, held a rare news conference on Thursday accusing Ms Suu Kyi of corruption. In the capital Nay Pyi Taw, junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun said the detained chief minister of Yangon had admitted giving Ms Suu Kyi US$600,000 (18.3 million baht) in cash, along with more than 11 kilogrammes of gold. Nobel peace laureate Suu Kyi, detained since the Feb 1 putsch, is already facing several criminal charges including owning unlicensed walkie-talkies and violating coronavirus restrictions.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 11, 2021 23:03 UTC
TEST YOURSELF: Homegrown heroes
TEST YOURSELF: Homegrown heroesPhoto by Varuth HirunyathebA Thai artist makes cute creaturesTest Yourself is where you can improve your reading skills. When Himmapan Marshmallow -- illustrations of Thai mythical creatures -- went viral, artist Komkrit Tepthian loved the simple yet cute designs. Giant Twins was a combination of two figures -- a Thai giant and a Chinese warrior. The vending machine dispensed eight small models of Wat Arun's guardian statues in capsules which caused a long line at the temple. 13. vending machine.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 11, 2021 13:41 UTC
Choosing to challenge gender inequality in the post-COVID future of work
Beyond its more tangible impacts, COVID-19 has also upended the progress made in gender equality, with women in many countries disproportionately affected at work and home. The gender equality imperative for economies and companiesIt is not just women who suffer when progress on gender equality is derailed. Conversely, if action is taken to advance gender equality, up to $13 trillion could be added to global GDP in 2030. Actions that leaders can take nowApproaches to promoting gender equality will need to be tailored to country contexts. Some of the interventions that may prove beneficial are:- Encouraging companies to make gender diversity a core part of their hiring process.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 11, 2021 08:22 UTC
Overlooked no longer
Nam Tok Chet Sao Noi was one of the few national parks that I didn't want to revisit, mainly because it was overcrowded, dilapidated and poorly managed. Nam Tok Chet Sao Noi was upgraded from a forest park to a national park in 2016. None of them matches the new version of Nam Tok Chet Sao Noi. Contrary to popular notions, the falls of Chet Sao Noi boast running water all year round. Muak Lek stream feeds water to Chet Sao Noi falls.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 11, 2021 06:46 UTC
PM must temper anger
PM must temper angerWhen a person is highly agitated or angry, they might quickly lose their temper and probably resort to an inappropriate action. But Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is not just any person -- he is the leader of the country, a top public figure whose every action is closely watched. No matter how mad he might become, he must manage his anger and follow some social rules. As a prime minister, he is supposed to be a role model, and treat others with respect. Like it or not, the prime minister has to learn to handle media questions which may not be music to his ears.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 11, 2021 05:26 UTC
Covid travel precautions
The "Open Thailand Safely" campaign was initiated by leading travel and hospitality companies including Yaana Ventures, Minor Group and Asian Trails. It was launched on March 2 with the support of over 40 major hotels, travel agents and organisations including Cape & Kantary Hotels, Capella Hotels and Resorts and Skal International. It found a growing demand for last-minute travel searches for same day and next-day overnight hotel stay. Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand are the top three Asia Pacific markets to embrace the impromptu travel experience. The service offers extra privacy and space including couples who wish to have the entire row to themselves (maximum of three seats in the same row) and parents travelling with in-lap infants.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 11, 2021 05:15 UTC
Restrictions to end 'by October'
Dr Apisamai Srirangson, assistant spokesperson for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, is in her press conference at Government House in Bangkok on Wednesday. (Screenshot)Thailand will be fully reopened by October and all Covid-19 restrictions lifted, if all sectors continue to cooperate with the government in its containment efforts, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) hinted on Wednesday. Among the major requirements for reopening the country, after more than a year of costly restrictions, was the public sector's readiness to resume normal life, said CCSA assistant spokeswoman Apisamai Srirangson. Speaking after a meeting of the CCSA's sub-committee on easing business and activity restrictions, Dr Apisamai praised officials in Samut Sakhon, the epicentre of a recent wave of infections. On Wednesday was the last day of preparing to imnplement so-called "bubble and seal" Covid-19 containment measures, Dr Apisamai said.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 11, 2021 02:26 UTC
Cathay Pacific Airways posts record losses for 2020
An aircraft operated by Cathay Pacific Airways takes off from the Hong Kong International Airport in Hong Kong on Tuesday. (Bloomberg photo)HONG KONG: Cathay Pacific Airways on Wednesday revealed record losses of HK$21.6 billion (US$2.8 billion) in 2020, a year blighted by the Covid-19 pandemic – the worst crisis in commercial aviation history. More than 110,000 people in Hong Kong have so far received a Covid-19 vaccine. The airline turned to the government and shareholders in June 2020 for a HK$39 billion bailout to avoid going bust. During the pandemic, travel has been discouraged by sweeping border closures in the markets where Cathay operate and quarantine measures to stave off the importation of the virus into Hong Kong.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 10, 2021 11:48 UTC
PepsiCo Donates 6 Million Baht
PepsoCo Thailand, the leading manufacturer, and distributor of food and beverages under PepsiCo brands, including Pepsi and Lay’s potato chips, donates 6 million Thai Baht to Raks Thai Foundation to support their environmental conservation, water resource management, and rehabilitation projects for the eighth consecutive year. Our Sustainability Policy pillar on Water Management endeavours improvement in resources management environmental responsibility. PepsiCo gives precedence to improving water management efficiency in the agricultural sector and manufacturing processes. Utilising our expertise in resources management, we adopt our high standards to help protect water resources in the communities contributing to safe access to water for the people. We have been working closely with farmers and communities where we created check dams to improve water resources and alleviate the impact of flooding.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 10, 2021 08:26 UTC
Panel chief opposed to allowing water splashing during Songkran
Panel chief opposed to allowing water splashing during SongkranPeople traditionally bathe Buddha images during the Songkran festival. (Bangkok Post file photo)The Covid-19 operations chief is opposed to allowing water splashing during the Songkran festival and wants only activities that are compatible with use of face masks. Such activities included splashing water and applying talcum powder, and they should be banned in the Songkran festival mid next month, he said. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had ordered the relaxation of disease control measures to stimulate the economy during the Songkran festival. His committee supported traditional Songkran activities, including giving Thai New Year greetings to elderly people and the bathing of Buddha images.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 10, 2021 07:52 UTC
Nattapol and publishers sued
Nattapol and publishers suedMR Priyanandana Rangsit is taking legal action and seeking damages of 50 million baht from writer Nattapol Chaiching and publisher Fah Diew Kan (Same Sky) for alleged slander. Mr Nattapol authored two books, Khor Funfai Nai Fun An Lueachuea and Khun Seuk Sakdina Phraya Insi, and also wrote a thesis Thai Politics in Phibun's Government under the US World Order (1948–1957). MR Priyanandana claimed that some parts of it were misleading and damaged the reputation of the founder of the Rangsit family, the Prince of Chai Nat. Earlier, Chaiyand Chaiyaporn, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University, accused Mr Nattapol of using false references in the thesis and said he aggravated the damage by repeating its contents in the two books. Mr Nattapol has admitted making a mistake and declared his intention to correct it.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2021 23:03 UTC
A 'culture of silence' at work is not OK
Wichan CharoenkiatpakulEvery year on March 8, we celebrate International Women's Day to recognise the progress we have made in women's social, economic and political advancement. Since the start of this month, we have heard news about sexual violence and harassment being committed by public officials in many countries. Some of the important gaps here, however, are a lack of definitive laws, and a culture of silence. Sexual harassment may be perpetrated by different individuals, including colleagues, supervisors, subordinates and third parties such as customers or public officials. Your voice can end the culture of silence, and help to stop sexual violence and harassment from happening to others.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2021 22:52 UTC
Army must clear its name
Army must clear its namePlain denial will no longer suffice in this case. The social media giant said it took down the accounts because they were using deceptive behaviour to influence public debate. Even with such details, the army accused Twitter of unfairly linking it with IOs and asked the social media company to clarify the issue. Only an independent probe consisting of well-respected representatives especially from the civil society sector will clear its name. The pressure is decidedly on the army and it will only escalate as the political conflict intensifies.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 09, 2021 22:52 UTC