• OPINION

  Thailand needs a new constitution free from fear

  News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 18/08/2015

  » In the entire history of the world, human beings have come up with some pretty outrageous ideas, like the man who solved the problem of his low ceiling by chopping off his legs. In my view, the Constitution Drafting Committee's (CDC) so-called crisis committee, inserted in the draft constitution, is a far worse idea. The Borwornsak draft constitution has hit a new low, because the crisis committee will essentially attempt to institutionalise military coups. It will seek to legitimise the illegitimate and make lawful what is inherently unlawful, which is an abomination to the very concept and study of law. It is nothing less than constitutional heresy!

• OPINION

  Charter to deal us a crippling blow

  News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 01/09/2015

  » After scanning through what might be Thailand's 20th constitution in more than 80 years, I have to say, in my view it is a nasty piece of work. Imagine the most conniving characters in all of fiction, like Cruella de Vil, Fagin, Lex Luther and Hamlet, got together and decided to write a new constitution for Thailand. This draft would easily be something they could have come up with.

• OPINION

  Thailand's political landscape rivals that of 'Hamlet'

  News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 02/06/2015

  » I was recently invited by the British ambassador to attend a performance of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' organised by The British Council and the British embassy at Chulalongkorn University. I must admit to never having seen Hamlet but I'm glad I finally did because it rather reminded me in parts of what's happening here in Thailand.

• OPINION

  Only real democracy will solve Thailand's problems

  News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 29/01/2015

  » In my view, the Yingluck Shinawatra impeachment proceedings were shameful and will go down in history as one of the most horrendous events in modern Thai history.

• OPINION

  Thailand after six months behind the iron curtain

  News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 28/11/2014

  » We have marked six months since Thailand ventured into dangerous − but historically familiar − political waters. Slowly, but surely, an iron curtain has descended upon this country, snuffing out many forms of civil liberties we once took for granted.

• OPINION

  PDRC’s failure will put courts’ probity to the test

  News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 12/03/2014

  » From the self-proclaimed uprising of "the great mass of the people" marching like worker ants all over Bangkok to the ever dwindling gathering, confined to a stage in Lumpini Park the size of a small high-school play, the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) is now a mere shadow of what it once was.

• OPINION

  Mandela's legacy puts that of our politicians to shame

  News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 09/12/2013

  » Nelson Mandela was a man greatly admired throughout the world, and in death his message lives on. This fragile, softly spoken, human rights colossus went to war against the mighty apartheid regime and won. His allies were freedom and justice. His weapons were his convictions and his indomitable spirit. In the end, numerous leaders of the free world flocked to join his cause. A believer in liberty and equal rights for all, regardless of colour or creed; a belief he was willing to die for.

• OPINION

  Push for real change, not another coup d'etat

  News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 06/08/2013

  » This week, debate on one of the most important and controversial bills to be submitted for parliamentary approval will commence, just as the protests outside the House become more vocal.

• OPINION

  Section 112 hurts more than helps monarchy

  News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 21/03/2013

  » Three cheers to the producers of the Thai PBS programme on constitutional monarchy and congratulations to the director and the board of governors of Thai PBS for finally allowing the final installment of the series to be televised. I watched the series with delight and, as a taxpayer who funds the Thai PBS, for once thought my hard-earned cash was put to good use producing an informative programme bringing together differing views from the full spectrum of the intellectual cognoscenti.

• OPINION

  Success now comes with a degree in degeneracy

  News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 05/02/2013

  » Thailand is not a failed state by any stretch of the imagination because the primary institutions of the state _ such as the military, the legislature, and the executive and judicial branches of government _ seem to be, on the surface, functioning well enough.

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