Showing 1 - 10 of 13
Parties jostle to extend the life of NCPO
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 11/04/2018
» Three groups of political players are on the move in setting up parties to extend the life of the National Council for Peace and Order (NPCO) and support Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to continue as prime minister after the election. All three are working separately, but in essence are moving towards building leverage in the political numbers game.
'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.
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.
Politicians' motives reflect their constituents
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 06/06/2017
» Three contesting parties for political power are at a junction leading to the general election and a return to democracy next year.
Reform of the police force must serve people
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 23/05/2017
» A fresh "police reform" has recently been proposed by a special committee under the joint whip of the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) and the National Legislative Assembly (NLA). It, however, has drawn opposition from people's organisations who criticise the proposal for lacking concrete structural reforms.
Thai political minefield threatens NCPO
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 16/05/2017
» As the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) led by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha approaches the end of its third year in power this Monday, its ability to govern seems to be faltering.
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.
Parties need to change their line of thinking
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 14/02/2017
» The military government's reconciliation forum has been well-received by political parties. The Democrat Party has agreed to join while the Pheu Thai Party has not taken its usual belligerent position against the proposal. They will eventually cave in. No one wants to miss the train.
No room for hypocrisy in anti-graft junta
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 27/09/2016
» Last Sunday, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha returned home from his US trip into the eye of storm. The recent controversies surrounding family members of his younger brother, defence permanent secretary Preecha Chan-o-cha, have diverted public attention from what he tried to achieve at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. With his anti-graft mandate, Gen Prayut has a tough choice to make or he could risk the legitimacy of his government.
Regime fails test in reconciliation, reform
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 20/09/2016
» When proclaiming his government's two-year success last week, head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha seemed to focus on the wrong place.