The battle that threatens to tear Thailand in half
The question of whether it might be better to split Thailand in two occupies many minds. Spectrum, the Sunday supplement of Bangkok Post, went to investigate. Tino Kuis summarizes the article and provides comments.
The consequences of Thai political developments
One wonders to what extent Thai politicians are even remotely aware of the disaster they are bringing to their country.
'Does China's gold hunger affect Thailand?'
Thailand has been mentioned before as a gold trading country. Other countries try to maintain or build up their gold reserves as a buffer. A large country that is now profiling itself on the market is China.
Bangkok Post: Uprising turns 2014 upside down
Insurrection turns 2014 upside down, writes Bangkok Post in an analysis of the current political situation. The battle between the outgoing government and the muan maha prachachon (great mass uprising) will dominate Thai politics for months to come.
'A moral crisis'
In this article you can read Chris de Boer's opinion on the political crisis in Thailand. But is it a political issue? Not according to Chris. In his view, the current situation is rather a moral crisis.
Politics destroy more than you love
Kees Roijter was never interested in politics, but the recent unrest made him interested. What did that lead to?
Absolute. An obvious YES. NO.
Monique Rijnsdorp (51) has been camping in Thailand for a number of years for an increasing part of the year. At Thailandblog's request, she read HSBC's survey of expats and provided her own comments.
The power of the Thai baht
Six years ago my son did a paper for high school on the power of the US$. If you were to read this paper now, you would be amazed at how much has come of it. Therefore now a philosophical article about "the power of the Thai baht", which will probably lead to a lot of discussion.
Government and demonstrators have their backs against the wall
The government is making every effort to prevent violence, the red shirts keep a low profile and the demonstrators besiege but do not occupy government buildings. The battle is at an impasse, writes Bangkok Post.
Lanterns are floating pyromaniacs
Six fires in Bangkok, four shophouses in Pathum Thani and a residential area almost burnt down. It's a nice sight, those floating lanterns with Loy Krathong, but they also start fires.
Bangkok Post: Let's keep a cool head
Monday is the hour: The Senate will decide on the controversial amnesty proposal and the International Court of Justice in The Hague will rule in the Preah Vihear case. Is Thailand on the brink of political abyss?
What is the solution to the traffic jam in Bangkok?
Bangkok is one big traffic jam. Commuters spend an average of 2 hours a day on their way to and from work. Is a levy like in the City of London the solution? An analysis.
Deforestation, khlongs, reservoirs and the floods of 2011
Were the major floods of 2011 a man-made disaster? Yes, some say, deforestation, overfilled reservoirs and unmaintained canals were the culprits. No, says Tino Kuis and he explains why.
You never become a Thai; heaven save us from that
Have you settled into driving against traffic, collecting plastic bags at 7-Eleven, believing in ghosts, embracing Buddhism, or getting drunk at every party? No, writes Tino Kuis. Being adjusted means that you feel comfortable, fulfilled and comfortable in Thai society. It's feeling at home.
Chanting Heya Bea, heya Bea, is possible in the Netherlands
Chanting Heya Bea, heya Bea, is possible in the Netherlands. Heyi Bumi, heyi Bumi is really not possible in Thailand!, writes Theo van der Schaaf. A comparison between Dit is Nederland and This is Thailand.
Thailand and Cambodia suffer from nationalistic feelings
Why is the conflict around Hindu temple Preah Vihear and the adjacent piece of land of 4,6 square kilometers so persistent? Cambodia sees Thailand as a bully, analyzes Tino Kuis, and Thailand still dreams of a Greater Siam.
Monastic life is ripe for reform
Like the Catholic Church, Thai clergy operate in a heavy feudal hierarchy, but the Buddhist one has a much more disorganized structure. Time to reflect on our own need for reform.