Showing 21 - 30 of 51
Army chief a fearmonger
News, Editorial, Published on 03/01/2020
» As the army chief, Gen Apirat Kongsompong should stay out of politics. But he has always found it hard to resist the temptation of spreading or stirring biased and provocative political messages. His latest remark, which suggests possible arms robbery and associated street violence, is as weak and bewildering as ever because it is not accompanied with even a shred of evidence. It also lacks a sense of certainty. What is certain is that it is a disservice to the nation.
Old ghosts foil new start
News, Editorial, Published on 28/12/2019
» After the March 24 general election, 2019 was supposed to be a year that marked a new beginning for democracy in Thailand after almost five years of heavy-handed military junta rule.
Protect right to protest
News, Editorial, Published on 20/12/2019
» The "flash mob" organised last week by the opposition Future Forward Party (FFP) may have lasted for just an hour, but there is no sign that the escalating political tension, which has catalysed calls for this and future rallies, will evaporate anytime soon. And this is mostly due to a series of charges members of the opposition and some dissidents face or will soon face.
'Fake news' overreaction
News, Editorial, Published on 18/12/2019
» The government's response to what it describes as "fake news" this week is not just a disproportionate overreaction, but also worrying given that one of its targets is a satirical illustration of the premier's motto posted by Future Forward Party politician Pannika Wanich.
EC's teeth far too sharp
News, Editorial, Published on 13/12/2019
» The Election Commission's (EC) harsh decision related to the loan taken by the Future Forward Party (FFP) from its own leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit certainly raises questions about disproportionate punishment, if not downright double standards.
Don't rush new FFP case
News, Editorial, Published on 10/12/2019
» The Election Commission (EC), whose commissioners were appointed by the former junta's lawmakers, seems unable to stop dragging itself into being a subject of yet another controversy by rushing to wrap up another case against the Future Forward Party (FFP).
A critical lack of thinking
News, Editorial, Published on 07/12/2019
» Education Minister Nataphol Teepsuwan's hostile reaction to Future Forward Party (FFP) MP Chirat Thongsuwan's discussion about conscription in a school speaks volumes about the reasons behind our education system's failure to promote critical thinking among students.
Defending the indefensible?
News, Editorial, Published on 04/12/2019
» This week, both the government and the Defence Ministry went on the defensive. They have publicly countered the opposition's quest to scrutinise the military's "off-budget" spending and abolish conscription. Unfortunately, their defence has ended up as almost indefensible -- simply because their arguments lack any real substance.
Media law badly misused
News, Editorial, Published on 27/11/2019
» Since the current constitution took effect in April 2017, its provision prohibiting "newspaper or media company owners/shareholders" from contesting for votes has largely failed to serve its original purpose -- ensuring a level playing field. So far, politicians have been subjected to this law mainly due to technicalities, not because they own an influential media empire.
Proof before prosecution
News, Editorial, Published on 22/11/2019
» After the Constitutional Court stripped Future Forward Party (FFP) leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit of his MP status on Wednesday, the plaintiff in the case, the Election Commission (EC), raised the prospect of taking an even harsher step -- laying criminal charges against him.