Showing 1 - 10 of 10
'Talk show' debate sets tone for election
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 28/03/2018
» The first open debate between representatives of political parties since the 2014 coup took place last week at a forum in Bangkok. It pitted veteran politicians against young bloods entering politics for the first time. Even though the event was more like a talk show and somewhat superficial, it did set the tone for the kind of politics we could expect leading to a general election next year.
The political economy of a regime
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 14/03/2018
» The bottom-line performance of any government is measured by its success in managing the economy and putting money into its citizens' wallets. In Thailand, as long as the current ruling regime can deliver on the economic front, it can remain authoritarian and generally safe from mass uprisings against it.
New political parties must wipe slate clean
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 07/03/2018
» As new political parties rush to reserve names and kick off the registration process, there emerges an impression that our politics is being returned to a democratic mode. The existing political parties are supposed to start confirming the memberships of their members next month. However, there still is no clear signal from the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) over when it will allow political parties -- new or old -- to conduct activities. The road ahead remains full of pitfalls and loopholes. It will be a long time before the dust settles, if ever.
Military treats democracy like a video game
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 13/06/2017
» Our leaders handle politics as if it were a video game. There is a reset button. Everything can be reset to zero -- and we start all over again.
Road to democracy requires no rewrites
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 18/04/2017
» As the new constitution has become law, two seemingly unrelated incidents could mar the path towards national reconciliation and a return to democracy.
S44 addicts need some cold turkey
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 07/03/2017
» Two recent opinion polls show a number of Thais still have a strong love affair with Section 44, the all-inclusive tool employed by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Unity in mourning, without angry crowds
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 18/10/2016
» Thailand has been mourning the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej -- the father to the land and the country's pillar of stability and unity.
Thai politics needs room to thrive, mature
Oped, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 13/09/2016
» Since the draft constitution gained public approval in the Aug 7 referendum, discussions have now shifted towards the organic laws, in particular the one on political parties.
Technocrat regimes and liberal democracy
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 02/08/2016
» Rao ma tueng jud nee dai young ngai? or "How did we arrive at this point?" is a Thai popular phrase expressing how one is facing a situation, with wonder and surprise, or just plain sarcasm. Many are asking the same question amid the current political predicament and ahead of the referendum on a constitution that imposes more control than gives way to liberal democracy.
Open debate on the draft charter is critical
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 27/07/2016
» As the nation rounds the last corner towards the Aug 7 constitutional referendum, the outcome remains uncertain and the aftermath worrisome.