Showing 1 - 10 of 11
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.
Three questionable years under NCPO rule
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 09/05/2017
» May 22 will mark the third anniversary of the 2014 coup that saw the country switch to authoritarian mode under the stewardship of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) led by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. Even with a new constitution now in place, the regime is relentlessly maintaining its tight control into a fourth and final year -- that is if a general election is called in accordance with the timetable of the charter.
Scrap the unconstitutional media bill
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 02/05/2017
» The name of the National Reform Steering Assembly's (NRSA) media bill runs against its real purposes. Branded as the "protection and promotion of media rights, freedom, ethics and professional standard law", the contents of the bill have nothing to do with the title in their intrusive and abusive nature against freedom of speech.
Vendor, lease policies marginalise majority
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 25/04/2017
» What do a ban on street food, being pushed by City Hall, and the proposal for 99-year land deals for foreign investors under the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), architected by the Finance Ministry have in common?
A citizen's response to the unity questions
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 14/03/2017
» The government recently sent 10 questions to each political party as a guideline for discussions on reconciliation. I went through them and tried to answer -- call it a citizen's response, if you may.
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.
PM faces big decisions in cabinet revamp
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 13/12/2016
» As Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha prepares for a cabinet reshuffle, some political observers, including myself, watch with anxiety.
New US president and Thai foreign policy
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 08/11/2016
» After Americans cast their ballots today, Southeast Asian nations will have to deal with a new US presidency. Notwithstanding whoever wins the election, Thailand and its Asean neighbours will need to come up with strategic positioning and get their acts together.
Hawaii-gate shows regime dangers of 'perks'
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 11/10/2016
» Public attention has been riveted on the high-profile trip to Hawaii of Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon to attend the Asean–US Defence Informal Meeting although those involved have made a massive attempt to downplay it.
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.