Showing 161 - 170 of 658
Myanmar, Thai militaries in cahoots
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 08/07/2022
» The recent incursion by a Myanmar MiG-29 fighter jet into Thai airspace is par for the course in the intimate ties between the militaries of both countries. Myanmar's military, also known as the Tatmadaw, in fact wants to be more like its Thai counterpart. The Royal Thai Armed Forces, on the other hand, may end up later having to be more like the Tatmadaw to maintain its role and rule in politics. These two militaries together pose a litmus test for states and societies everywhere. If the popular will and public interest can be systematically stolen and subverted in this corner of the globe, it can happen anywhere.
With eased Covid curbs, lift decree
Oped, Published on 05/07/2022
» Last week, the Thai government downgraded the Covid-19 situation in the country from a pandemic to endemic. In turn, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his government should also immediately lift the draconian Emergency Decree, which the authorities have used to criminalise legitimate dissent.
Respect the robe
Life, Patcharawalai Sanyanusin, Published on 13/06/2022
» Late last month, Sipboworn Kaewngam, director of the National Office of Buddhism (NOB), warned people about what they should and shouldn't do to monks who misbehaved.
Overhaul police record-keeping
News, Editorial, Published on 12/06/2022
» The status of 12 million Thais in the Royal Thai Police's criminal database is in limbo due to the force's outdated system and disregard for investigation procedures. That's nearly one in six of the population.
If Roe goes, the end is nigh for women's rights
Oped, Published on 11/06/2022
» It used to be that who you were at birth defined who you were for the rest of your life: slave or owner, emperor or subject, aristocrat or serf, man or woman, black or white. But, over time, moral revolutions have chipped away at the idea that we simply inherit our identities.
Disappearances bill nears final vote
News, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 06/06/2022
» A recent seminar on May 24 hosted by the Ministry of Justice together with international organisations highlighted various stepping stones in the struggle against torture and enforced disappearances in Thailand. There was detailed discussion of the draft national law on the issue. There was also analysis of Thailand's most recent report on its implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment (CAT), which was an eye-opener for the public.
Election-related agencies need overhaul
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 03/06/2022
» In any respectable democratic system, a winning poll candidate who secured an overall majority of electoral support would take office with the earliest effect. Not in Thailand. When Chadchart Sittipunt trounced 29 rivals by gathering 1.38 million or 51% of the votes cast in Bangkok's gubernatorial election on May 22, the capital's electorate had to hold their breath in suspense to see whether and when the Election Commission (EC) would validate his runaway victory.
Adios, amigos: Bkk sends signal to govt
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 30/05/2022
» The results of Bangkok gubernatorial and councillor elections on May 22 have dealt a serious blow to the government of Prime Minister Prayut Cha-o-cha and the two coalition parties, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) and Democrat Party.
SLF: a shark in student waters
News, Editorial, Published on 22/05/2022
» The Student Loan Fund (SLF) should stop its fierce pursuit of those who cannot repay their debts in time.
Remembering Bloody May 1992
Oped, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 18/05/2022
» This month commemorates the 30-year anniversary of the Bloody May events in 1992 that witnessed extensive violence against street demonstrators and the subsequent fall of the military-linked government that had come to power due to the 1991 coup. What then are some of the lessons to remember, resonating from the past to the present and the future?