Latest news with #KasetsartUniversity
Bangkok Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Plan to delist songbird worries Thai conservationists
A decision by the Committee on Preserved and Protected Wildlife to consider removing the red-whiskered bulbul from Thailand's protected species list has raised concerns among conservationists. They fear the move could become a de facto hunting licence that pushes the already-declining bird population towards extinction. Earlier this month, the committee, which is under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, met for the first time in two years to discuss, among other matters, the proposal to delist the red-whiskered bulbul, or the crested bulbul, also known in Thai as nok krong hua jook. Proponents argue this perching bird could be reclassified as an "economic animal" to boost income for local communities involved in bird breeding. The committee has ordered three subcommittees to conduct further studies before reaching a final decision. Kaset Sutasha, a veterinarian, researcher at Kasetsart University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and long-time advocate for the species, opposed the move. He claimed it was politically motivated, designed to win support from voters in upcoming elections. "I'm against turning natural resources into political tools," Dr Kaset said. "This decision undermines Thailand's reputation in global conservation circles, especially when most countries are strengthening wildlife protection laws." He said the red-whiskered bulbul has already disappeared from much of Thailand's southern forests due to its popularity in the region as a caged bird. Because the birds are vocal and make unique sounds, they are often entered into singing competitions, driving up their market value and demand. Additionally, there is a belief that breeding wild-caught birds with captive ones produces even more beautiful songs. As a result, there has been continuous illegal capturing of these birds from the wild. About 1 million red-whiskered bulbuls are kept in captivity, yet only about 1% are bred while captive. The vast majority are taken from the wild. Dr Kaset also expressed concern about increasing poaching for red-whiskered bulbul in the Northern and Northeastern regions, where wild populations of the bird are being hunted to meet demand in the South. Reports of declining bird numbers have emerged from areas such as Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai and across several Isan provinces. "It is unjust to exploit the country's natural resources to serve some group of people," Dr Kaset said.
Bangkok Post
13-07-2025
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Uni condom project gains momentum
In the quiet corners of Kasetsart University's Bang Khen campus -- inside male toilets, the canteen's restroom, and student activity buildings -- an unusual yet increasingly essential amenity has quietly appeared: boxes filled with condoms. Stocked with 4,000 condoms in various sizes, these boxes are replenished monthly by the university's Office of Student Affairs, aiming to meet growing demand among students for safe sex options. This initiative comes at a time of heightened concern among public health officials over rising rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), particularly syphilis and Aids, among young Thais. With students paying closer attention to sexual health, the university's effort offers both accessibility and privacy -- key ingredients in a campaign that is not just about free contraception but also about breaking taboos. Anirut Narungsri, former Vice Chairman of the Office of Student Affairs at Kasetsart University, said the idea of free condom distribution was part of his election campaign. "It was meant as a welfare project," he said. "Many students want to practise safe sex but don't want to deal with the embarrassment of buying condoms from shops." The office reached out to several agencies to make the project feasible. Most of the condoms were provided by the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand, whose terms were less restrictive compared to state-owned organisations like the National Health Security Office. Placement was also carefully considered. "We chose private locations to reduce embarrassment," Mr Anirut said. "The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The boxes run out quickly, and we often receive messages from students when they're empty." His larger concern, however, is societal perception. "The real challenge is changing adult attitudes. For students, condoms are already recognised as a preventive tool, not something shameful. It's about responsibility -- to themselves and their partners." Such efforts are more necessary than ever. The Department of Disease Control under the Ministry of Public Health says Thailand recorded 13,708 cases of syphilis between October and March -- an infection rate of 21.1 per 100,000 people. Five deaths were reported, at a rate of 0.01 per 100,000. Pongtorn Chartpituck, chief of the Bureau of Aids and Sexually Transmitted Infections, said syphilis cases have tripled in the past five years. Alarmingly, one-third of the infected were adolescents aged 15–24. This corresponds with findings from a recent survey on condom usage: only 43% of respondents reported consistent use, while 24% admitted they had never used a condom at all. Further analysis revealed the barriers: 27% said they felt uncomfortable purchasing condoms in shops, 11% feared being seen as sex-obsessed if they carried one, and 5% believed that carrying condoms could suggest distrust in a partner. "A drop in condom use is a major factor in the resurgence of syphilis," Dr Pongtorn noted. "While HIV infections remain stable -- approximately 5,000 new cases per year, thanks in part to antiviral drugs -- the same cannot be said for other STDs. The challenge now is to encourage those at risk to adopt condoms as part of their routine." He raised particular concern over congenital syphilis, transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy. Cases of infants born with the disease have surged fivefold, from 273 in 2018 to 1,290 last year. The Ministry of Public Health has laid out a condom strategy for 2020–2030. This forms part of the national framework to end Aids by 2030. The plan has four key pillars: normalising condom use in daily life, increasing access, enhancing product quality, and building institutional support needed to sustain the strategy. Yet accessibility remains a sticking point, especially for young people. Thanakrit Jainaen, chair of the Children and Youth Council in Khon Kaen (a province ranked among the top five in STD prevalence) has encountered mixed reactions in schools. "When we conduct sex education sessions and promote condom use, students respond positively. But teachers often hesitate. Some feel it's inappropriate to discuss such topics with youth." The irony, Mr Thanakrit said, is that youngsters are already learning about sex online, often from inaccurate sources. "If schools don't step in to provide factual guidance, misinformation will continue to spread," he said. Surachet Phosaeng, Vice President of the Thailand Youth Institute (TYI), echoed these concerns. "While the government technically provides free condoms, the distribution is not user-friendly, especially for young people," he said. "They're mostly available in hospitals, via the Pao Tang app, or through village health volunteers. These environments can feel awkward and discouraging." Mr Surachet said the government must move beyond policy and into action. "We need an aggressive outreach," he said. "Promotion of condom use among high-risk groups must be intensified. Access needs to be convenient, discreet, and normalised. "We want stronger collaboration from all sectors to create a positive perception around condom use, particularly among youth. It's crucial to lowering infection rates," he said. TYI and the Department of Health Service Support held a nationwide survey last year involving 15,000 participants aged 15 to 21. The results were sobering: some 57% admitted to not using condoms during sex. Among them, 400 said they met partners through apps, and 450 through nightlife venues, circumstances that often come with heightened risk. With open minds and a steady supply of free condoms, the message is spreading: safe sex is smart, normal, and above all, responsible.
Bangkok Post
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Towns and businesses must adapt: academics
Kasetsart University academics say geopolitics and Thailand-Cambodia border tensions have reminded Thais of the need to "prepare for a rainy day". During the "War of Powers: From Poipet Ridge to the Middle East Desert" seminar, organised by KU Radio Thailand recently, academics from Kasetsart University pondered how the Middle East conflicts, the rising oil prices and border trade, and the Thailand-Cambodia border tensions, will shape a new political and economic reality of all Thais. Speaking on the heated stand-off at the border between Thai and Cambodian troops in recent months, Asst Prof Lalita Hanwong said the fire had been fanned on social media by "urbanites" happy to "leave locals at the border to bear the true costs of danger and suffering". Assist Prof Lalita, from the Department of History, Faculty of Social Sciences, Kasetsart University, and an adviser to the House of Representatives' Committee on National Security, Border Affairs, National Strategy and Country Reform, referred to nationalism as "a tool driving pride to the edge". She mentioned the 2003 arson attacks on the Thai Embassy and Thai shops and businesses in Phnom Penh when Cambodians had reacted angrily to reports that Thai actress Suwanan Kongying had claimed the ancient Preah Vihear temple belonged to Thailand. The veracity of her statement was never established, but the news still spurred anger among Cambodians. In 2013, the International Court of Justice ruled that Cambodia has sovereignty over the whole territory. People living near the Cambodian border face financial hardship due to the closures of many border checkpoints, according to the Department of Management, Faculty of Business Administration faculty member, Acting Second Lieutenant Jul Thanasrivanitchai. "Local sellers are having a hard time, and Thai gamblers have not travelled to Cambodia as much. Around 5,000-20,000 Thai gamblers used to go to Cambodia a day," he said. During the border closure period, Acting Second Lieutenant Jul suggested the group look for new revenue streams to make up the shortfall. He added that local businesses and residents must devise plans to ensure a prompt response to any unforeseen events. The Middle East conflicts mean national security is a focus for Thailand, even though the country is not a member of the United Nations Security Council, said Jatuchatra Chommai, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United Nations. Dr Krit Won-in, Vice President of the university's Innovation and Social Missions, said that while the Middle East conflicts have led to high oil prices and rising living costs, "In 2025, the Israel-Iran war represents a new dimension of power under the economic surface of the demand and supply of oil."
The Star
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Thai wine tax cut backfires: Consumption soars, state loses millions
BANGKOK: A controversial tax exemption on imported wine in Thailand has led to a significant increase in consumption, particularly among high-income earners, while costing the government millions in lost revenue and imposing substantial social burdens. A study conducted by Assistant Professor Mana Laksamee-arunothai and Associate Professor Chidtawan Chanakul from Kasetsart University's Faculty of Economics reveals that the policy, implemented in early 2024, reduced customs duties from 54 to 60 per cent and lowered excise tax. This has resulted in an estimated annual revenue loss to the state of almost 600 million baht (US$18 million). The research found a dramatic 300 per cent increase in consumption of wines priced between 3,001 baht and 5,000 baht within a single year. Overall, the value of wine imports jumped by over 10 per cent compared with the previous year, with direct benefits primarily accruing to foreign wine producers. While cheaper wines (under 1,000 baht) saw negligible price drops, high-end wines became over 10 per cent cheaper, boosting demand among affluent consumers. However, the policy's social and economic costs are substantial. The study estimates the total cost stemming from increased wine consumption, including risks from accidents, domestic violence, and impacts on children and youth, at over 10.3 billion baht. Senator Lae Dilokvidhyarat, speaking at a recent public forum, criticised the government's decision to exempt taxes on luxury goods like wine. He argued that it contradicts basic economic principles, leading to both lost revenue and negative public health and social consequences. Dr Chidtawan further highlighted that alcohol consumption is a classic 'externality', imposing unintended costs on society. Governments typically use taxes and regulations to limit consumption. She expressed concern that Thailand's government is also considering more liberal alcohol advertising, despite the country's high per capita consumption of 8 litres per year (exceeding Singapore, Japan, and Norway), and an average of 2,400 annual deaths from drink driving. - The Nation/ANN
Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Thai wine tax cut backfires: Consumption soars, state loses millions
The estimated annual revenue loss to the state is almost 600 million baht (S$23.6 million). PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: PIXABAY A controversial tax exemption on imported wine in Thailand has led to a significant increase in consumption, particularly among high-income earners, while costing the government millions in lost revenue and imposing substantial social burdens. A study conducted by Assistant Professor Mana Laksamee-arunothai and Associate Professor Chidtawan Chanakul from Kasetsart University's Faculty of Economics reveals that the policy, implemented in early 2024, reduced customs duties from 54 to 60 per cent and lowered excise tax. This has resulted in an estimated annual revenue loss to the state of almost 600 million baht (S$23.6 million). The research found a dramatic 300 per cent increase in consumption of wines priced between 3,001 baht and 5,000 baht within a single year. Overall, the value of wine imports jumped by over 10 per cent compared with the previous year, with direct benefits primarily accruing to foreign wine producers. While cheaper wines (under 1,000 baht) saw negligible price drops, high-end wines became over 10 per cent cheaper, boosting demand among affluent consumers. However, the policy's social and economic costs are substantial. The study estimates the total cost stemming from increased wine consumption, including risks from accidents, domestic violence, and impacts on children and youth, at over 10.3 billion baht. Senator Lae Dilokvidhyarat, speaking at a recent public forum, criticised the government's decision to exempt taxes on luxury goods like wine. He argued that it contradicts basic economic principles, leading to both lost revenue and negative public health and social consequences. Dr Chidtawan further highlighted that alcohol consumption is a classic 'externality', imposing unintended costs on society. Governments typically use taxes and regulations to limit consumption. She expressed concern that Thailand's government is also considering more liberal alcohol advertising, despite the country's high per capita consumption of 8 litres per year (exceeding Singapore, Japan, and Norway), and an average of 2,400 annual deaths from drink driving. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
