Showing 1 - 10 of 14
Thailand should emulate Japan's art of adaptation
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 03/11/2015
» I recently embarked on a family holiday to Japan. It was only our fourth visit in 10 years. This time we paid a brief visit to Osaka and Kobe, but in my opinion, the highlight of the trip was my first ride on the Shinkansen, Japan's high-speed train.
Without change the Democrat Party faces irrelevance
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 04/08/2015
» Does anybody really think that political progress is conceivable without also reforming the Democrat Party? As they say, "honesty is an expensive gift, so never expect it from cheap people". Well, here is my gift of honesty.
Thailand needs an informed citizenry
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 11/06/2015
» The concept of citizenship is fundamental to the principles of democratic governance. The two go hand in hand. The democratic state can basically be reduced down to the citizen, and citizens can only exist under the auspices of a democratic state. Without delving into political theory, it is this "social contract" which defines the relationship between a citizen and the state.
Reforms must ensure state apparatus is on our side
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 19/12/2014
» Among the reforms the National Reform Council (NRC) is expected to design is a new election system that will help Thailand mitigate the influence of vote-buying.
In decrying corruption, elites must show consistency
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 22/03/2014
» Let me be clear: I despise corruption and suffer from it like the rest of us. Let me be even clearer: I’d like to see Thailand rid itself of the deeply corrupt and incompetent elements of the “Thaksin regime”.
Root cause of corruption is an uninformed citizenry
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 21/11/2013
» Two of my dearest friends to this day are directly involved in the rally on Ratchadamnoen Avenue. Needless to say they are Democrats.
Seven essential qualities for a Thai premier
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 01/10/2013
» Being prime minister is not an easy job. So hats off to anyone who even wants the job in the first place, because it can be a thankless endeavour. In this article I'd like to explore what the essential qualities are that we seek in a prime minster of Thailand, and whether anyone measures up to it.
The great Thai cop-out ranks faith above fact
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 03/09/2013
» One of the most common labels I'm lumped with is the term "contrarian". I wouldn't describe myself as a contrarian, but if standing firm for what I think is right by basing my beliefs on evidence rather than on faith makes me a contrarian, then so be it.
Everyone suffers when lunatics run the asylum
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 14/09/2013
» Thailand has reached a tipping point. A point of no return, and from here it could just be a race to the bottom. As a society and as a democracy, we're damaged goods. We're essentially Humpty Dumpty that can't be put back together again. Why do I say this? Just look around. The lunatics are running the asylum.
Rice scheme critics need a dose of empathy
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 02/07/2013
» The Yingluck Shinawatra administration's rice-pledging scheme has received virtually universal condemnation from Thailand's intellectual cognoscenti, ranging from university professors to leading figures in prominent think tanks.