Showing 31 - 40 of 50
Defeating big brother
News, Editorial, Published on 25/12/2017
» The men who stood up so dauntlessly to defeat a despicable proposal in the anti-graft organic bill in the military-appointed National Legislative Assembly (NLA) last week deserve the nation's gratitude. Earlier, a small group of the junta-backed legislature had suddenly produced the proposal as a last-minute addition to the bill to authorise widespread and unregulated wiretapping. It would have enabled the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to launch surveillance against, literally, anyone or any group. Worst of all, there was no provision for oversight. The proposal deserved to be shot down, and one must hope it will never resurface.
Army bullying must stop
News, Editorial, Published on 25/11/2017
» The death of military cadet Pakapong Tanyakan that allegedly involved disciplinary measures imposed by a senior student should have prompted the government to review and reveal the military's culture of brutal hazing. Such severe forms of discipline and excessive corporal punishment that lead to fatalities should not be legal anywhere, even in the barracks.
Bail must not just be for rich
News, Editorial, Published on 23/09/2017
» No one should be jailed simply because they are poor. That was the rationale brought up by a recent online campaign calling for changes to the existing bail process.
Unity chances fading fast
News, Editorial, Published on 26/07/2017
» Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has signed off on his twin plans for national strategy and national reform, the two bills for which are awaiting royal endorsement. But the premier surely realises that his other goal -- unity building -- is fraught with problems. Events beyond his direct control have harmed chances of national reconciliation. The prime minister's actions, however, have made his goal increasingly unrealistic.
Drug reform still pending
News, Editorial, Published on 10/05/2017
» A year and a month ago, the government promised radical reform of the anti-narcotics laws and the war on drugs. Since then, there has been no significant progress. Then-minister of justice Paiboon Koomchaya, who was leading reform efforts, has left the government. It seems an opportunity has been lost.
Justice system put on trial
News, Editorial, Published on 24/02/2017
» Following the much-publicised wrongful imprisonment claim by former schoolteacher Jomsap Saenmuangkhot, similar alleged "scapegoat" cases have recently come to light.
NBTC must abide by law
News, Editorial, Published on 03/01/2017
» In the 31 months since the military takeover, and amid progress both real and asserted, one of the biggest setbacks has been to freedom of speech and information. Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered a clampdown on the media on the day of his May 22, 2014 coup. Since then, no relaxation of censorship has occurred, and many other steps have been ordered. Expressing opinions in public can prove dangerous, and laws such as the recent Computer Crime Act amendment continue to restrict or inhibit both personal and media freedoms.
Death law behind times
News, Editorial, Published on 21/11/2016
» The author of the draft organic law on political parties last week produced a surprise proposal that is really quite extreme. Meechai Ruchupan, the head of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), wants to see the death penalty as the maximum punishment for politicians caught selling or buying political positions.
Paiboon gets it all wrong
News, Editorial, Published on 20/10/2016
» By minimising the actions of an angry mob against a Phuket man who allegedly posted a message deemed offensive to the monarchy on social media to "social sanctions", Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya deserves criticism.
Open up justice debate
News, Editorial, Published on 29/08/2016
» The minister of justice is deeply involved in two related efforts to fix badly functioning systems. Several weeks ago, Gen Paiboon Koomchaya announced he wanted to try to bring laws governing drug offenders up to date. Lately, he has also involved himself in the administration of royal pardons and the national parole system. These are serious issues.