• OPINION

  Macaroons or not, devil still in the details

  News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 06/03/2012

  » The last time we had a meal together was over five years ago. Thaksin Shinawatra was still prime minister. The political temperature at the time was high and he announced on April 4, 2006 that he was taking leave. Soon after his return in May, a dinner was arranged for the Post group's senior editors. It was a Chinese dinner at Central, Lat Phrao. It had been a while since we'd had the chance to chat and exchange views with the prime minister and his key ministers. Not long after that, he was ousted in the coup of September 2006.

• OPINION

  Anand urges talks to ease political crisis

  News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 10/02/2014

  » Since the anti-government protests started in October last year to the present, we have had the dissolution of parliament, a caretaker government and incomplete elections. How would you describe Thailand's overall political situation?

• OPINION

  Let’s admit this is not democracy

  News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 13/07/2014

  » For decades we have been telling ourselves we are a democracy. We tell our people that elections mean we are a democracy. This is hammered home repeatedly. Consequently, we tell the world we are a democracy. But in reality, we are not. We have never been. We want it, but we don’t have it.

• OPINION

  Reform must bring our mps to heel

  News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 20/07/2014

  » This past week, the role of elected representatives is in the spotlight once again.

• OPINION

  Give reform a fighting chance

  News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 27/07/2014

  » Winds of change are howling.

• OPINION

  Don’t expect the earth all at once

  News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 03/08/2014

  » The composition of the National Legislative Assembly, unveiled this week with a heavy tint of green, is no surprise. With the military at the helm one cannot expect varied representation. Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha says he is aware of the criticism but believes the public should focus more on the end result of achieving national reform within one year — the National Council for Peace and Order’s main mission.

• OPINION

  Marching to the edge of reason and rights

  News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 17/08/2014

  » After all we have been through it’s about time we have clear and fair laws in place regarding public rallies and protests. Officials say that between 2011 and 2012, there were 3,000 rallies. That works out to roughly four rallies a day.

• OPINION

  Time to look beyond the army ranks

  News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 31/08/2014

  » It’s no surprise that a significant number of senior military officers will hold key positions in the cabinet of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha. Gen Prayuth says the security situation is not yet normal and he needs men he can trust to work with him. He’s aware of the criticisms and has promised that changes would be made if his ministers don’t perform. Such promises are not new for Thai prime ministers. And under normal circumstances, we would consider such statements par for the course. Gen Prayuth needs to have his band of brothers by his side as they make way for the next wave of armed forces leaders in the impending military reshuffle. Be that as it may there is one key position which should definitely not be occupied by a military officer — the post of Foreign Minister.

• OPINION

  It’s not just about the price but the process

  News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 14/09/2014

  » Finally, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has spoken out on the controversy swirling around the installation of new microphones and the audio system at Government House. He had to speak out eventually. After all, he’s repeatedly promised us a transparent, accountable and corruption-free government.

• OPINION

  Corruption is a curse that can be tackled

  News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 05/10/2014

  » Corruption has been with us for so long that many feel it is ingrained in the Thai DNA. Many feel it is acceptable and tolerable to grease the palms of bureaucracy to get things moving — so long as it's not too much.

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