thailand



STORY OF THE DAY • Mar 31, 2021 • 8 min read

Myanmar coup In Karen State, refugees flee bombs as funds for displaced CDM run low

By Ryan Anders • Mar 31, 2021
As the military ramps up its bloody crackdown on protests, some 2,000 have fled to Karen-controlled territory in eastern Myanmar seeking refuge. But as the ethnic group attempts to host the new arrivals, essential funds needed to support them are dwindling fast

STORY OF THE DAY • Mar 29, 2021 • 11 min read

Arts and culture Huddled together: Keeping Thailand’s independent cinema alive

By Wanpen Pajai • Mar 29, 2021
With major cineplexes increasingly dominating Thailand's cinema landscape in recent decades, the kingdom's independent film scene was already struggling pre-Covid. Now, amidst the pandemic, efforts are being made to keep Thailand's rich cinematic heritage alive

STORY OF THE DAY • Mar 21, 2021 • 6 min read

Animal welfare Hot dogs: Southeast Asia’s fraught fashion for huskies

By Mary Banfield • Mar 21, 2021
Siberian Huskies were bred for sub-zero temperatures, but today an increasing number are found sweltering in tropical heat across Southeast Asia. Veterinarians and animal rights activists highlight the cruelty of keeping the breed, with some even calling for a ban

Mar 19, 2021 • 4 min read
Myanmar coup

Crackdown triggers exodus from Myanmar’s biggest city

Roads out of Myanmar's biggest city were congested on Friday March 19, with people fleeing the junta's deadly crackdowns. Meanwhile, authorities in neighbouring Thailand have said they are preparing for an influx of refugees.
By Agence France-Presse • Mar 19, 2021

Mar 19, 2021 • 4 min read
Animal welfare

[Photos] Inside Pata, the ‘World’s Saddest Zoo’ in Bangkok

Home to a tragic menagerie of primates, tropical birds and reptiles, the infamous Pata Zoo sits atop an ageing mall in Bangkok. Its enclosures are stark and dirty, its long-term residents depressed and listless – yet this condemned zoo continues on
By Mailee Osten-Tan • Mar 19, 2021

Mar 12, 2021 • 4 min read
Covid-19

Thailand suspends vaccine rollout as Biden eyes Independence Day

Just after US President Joe Biden offered hope for Covid-weary Americans, Thailand on Friday March 12 joined several European nations in suspending the AstraZeneca vaccine over blood clot fears.
By Agence France-Presse • Mar 12, 2021

Mar 09, 2021 • 12 min read
Analysis

Is it time to bring Thailand’s illicit gambling industry into the light?

As Thailand's illicit gambling industry has become associated with virus outbreaks in recent months, discussion has started again about the potential benefits of bringing this murky and widespread industry out of the shadows and under government control
By Wanpen Pajai • Mar 09, 2021

Mar 04, 2021 • 7 min read
Analysis

Thailand and Myanmar’s militaries get cozy, but at what cost?

The outsized roles played by the Thai and Myanmar militaries in the affairs of their respective countries has led to a close bond between the two. Now, the Myanmar coup has brought them closer than ever – but at what cost to Thailand's standing at home and abroad?
By Mark S. Cogan • Mar 04, 2021

Mar 03, 2021 • 9 min read
Language

What’s causing Thailand’s poor English language proficiency?

Despite boasting among the region's highest human development scores, Thailand is among ASEAN's worst for English ability. Language experts and reformers alike believe cultural factors and structural flaws in the education system are holding the kingdom back
By Tara Abhasakun • Mar 03, 2021

Feb 26, 2021 • 15 min read
Migration

For Cambodian workers, obscure new border crossing makes for uncertain journey home

As high numbers of Cambodian migrant workers repatriate due to Thailand's Covid-hit economy, many are grappling with brokers and fears of detention as they are redirected from well-known Poipet to an obscure, military-controlled crossing in rural Banteay Meanchey
By Allegra Mendelson • Feb 26, 2021

Feb 24, 2021 • 4 min read
Myanmar coup

Myanmar junta’s top diplomat in talks with Thailand, Indonesia

Myanmar foreign minister Wunna Maung Lwin met with his counterparts from Thailand and Indonesia on February 24 in what was the first known in-person meeting between a senior junta member and foreign governments.
By Agence France-Presse • Feb 24, 2021