Showing 71 - 80 of 532
Myanmar's saint who lost her way
Oped, Gwynne Dyer, Published on 06/11/2020
» Almost completely obscured by the blanket global coverage of the US election, they are having one in Myanmar too. The outcome is even more a foregone conclusion, although in this case it will confirm the existing government in power. But it is only by condoning a great crime that democracy there survives.
History not on the side of Gen Prayut
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 23/10/2020
» In the face of sustained and broad-based student-led street protests demanding his resignation, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha remains defiant and determined to soldier on. He has even admonished his critics and detractors by flatly rejecting resignation and asking "What have I done wrong?" Such a provocative and self-righteous question deserves a frontal answer.
Politics of exclusion must end
Oped, Published on 22/10/2020
» As we approach the November general election, it is essential that we learn from the tragic mistakes in our history if the present peace and reform process is to succeed. During the hasty countdown to independence in 1948, a non-inclusive Panglong conference took place and, subsequently, not all parties contested elections to a constituent assembly that drew up the country's new constitution. Our newly formed state thus became independent without solving vital political and ethnic issues. Within a year unrest and conflict had broken out across the country.
Turbocharging Thailand's post-Covid recovery
Oped, Published on 09/10/2020
» The Covid-19 pandemic has exacted a devastating health and economic toll worldwide.
Where to start Thai reform and change?
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 02/10/2020
» In Thailand's new era under a new reign, reform and change can hardly be formulated and implemented fast enough because much of what ails the country has been suppressed and swept under the rug for years. The most consequential question now is not whether Thailand needs to change but where to start. Getting the starting point wrong will end up causing more grief and pain after so much suffering that has already transpired.
Reforms need broadening of the agenda
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 25/09/2020
» Thailand's student-led protest movement for overdue political change and reforms has reached a crucial juncture. In the aftermath of its most recent demonstration on Sept 19 at Sanam Luang public ground and open field in front of the Grand Palace in Bangkok's old town, the protest agenda can be seen as either zooming in directly on monarchical reform or emanating more from the side and down below on broader institutional changes that include the monarchy.
A month of history
Life, Kanokporn Chanasongkram, Published on 21/09/2020
» Planned at Thammasat University's Tha Prachan campus, the anti-government rally under the title, "Sept 19: Return Power To Civilians" was set on the same date as the 2006 coup d'état.
Why Thai student movement can't exist
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 28/08/2020
» Thailand's new round of political confrontation in the 21st century -- the first under a new reign -- is showing signs of déjà vu with fundamentally different dynamics. Earlier rounds of the Thai drama from 2005 to 2014 went through three major acts, each beginning with an election, followed by a problematic government and street demonstrations, ending with military or judicial interventions. Even though its electoral allies lost in these three polls, the pro-establishment side won each time it went onto the streets citing the monarchy as legitimacy and moral authority.
Promotions pose test for Thai lecturers
Oped, Published on 14/08/2020
» Thailand is undergoing an unprecedented bottom-up revolt against an entrenched top-down socio-political system. The ongoing youth movement and its campus protests are leading the charge against the shortcomings, flaws and abuses of Thailand's major institutions from the military and police to the judiciary and parliament whose one third in the Senate were chosen by a military junta. Academia is no exception. Although it is supposed to be a bastion of integrity and intellect, research and knowledge, Thai academia suffers from the same top-down hierarchy and stifling power relations that are undermining the country's institutions.
Youth movement has staying power
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 07/08/2020
» As Thailand's youth movement for political change gathers momentum, it has already shown unprecedented trends and patterns. Moving forward, the conservative forces who oppose change and reform will likely train their sights on these young demonstrators to deny and derail them through manipulation and coercion. But this youth movement is unlikely to stop without a fight. These young men and women of high school and university age are here to stay for the long haul because their collective future, not just the ideology and ideals they espouse, is at stake.