Showing 1 - 10 of 715
Charter push is risky
News, Editorial, Published on 23/09/2024
» It is rare to see a ruling party and a main opposition party join hands in rewriting the constitution. But such is the case with the Pheu Thai Party and the People's Party, a reincarnation of the Move Forward Party, as they push with all their might to amend some sections of the junta-sponsored 2017 constitution.
No justice for Nong Cartoon
News, Editorial, Published on 19/09/2024
» Ten years ago today, Phanuthat Saksitthipan and his five-year-old daughter Narasiri, affectionately known as "Nong Cartoon," were preparing to close their family's steakhouse in Bangkok's Bang Bon district. Her mother, Saranya Chamni, was busy in the kitchen when a horrific event unfolded.
Lessons from Bangladesh's recent uprising
News, Published on 19/08/2024
» The popular insurrection that ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League government offers important lessons for the international community. While the unrest was undoubtedly fuelled by the regime's repressive and increasingly anti-democratic tactics, the underlying causes of public discontent are often overlooked.
Respect democracy and human rights
News, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 16/08/2024
» The judiciary is a critically important pillar of the state. It is often cited as one of the three pillars, with the others being the executive branch of government and parliament. From a broader angle, the people of the land are the key fourth pillar that should not be overlooked. While some judges are emblematic of justice personified, others are of a more questionable quality, with extreme cases embodying the toxic. What then is to be done to offer a sobering tonic?
New party under siege
Oped, Editorial, Published on 13/08/2024
» Two days after the Constitutional Court disbanded the Move Forward Party (MFP) and banished its 11 executive committee members from politics for ten years, the remaining 143 MPs who survived the court's axe and some core party members promptly formed a new party -- the People's Party, selecting its new leader and a five-member executive committee.
Court deals blow to progressivism
Oped, Published on 09/08/2024
» The Constitutional Court on Wednesday finally ordered the Move Forward Party (MFP), the winning party of last year's general election, to be dissolved. Eleven executive members face a ten-year ban from politics. The charges and penalty relate to accusations against the MFP's activities and public campaigns to amend Section 112, known as the lese majeste law.
Bangladesh's youth uprising has Arab Spring echoes
News, Published on 27/07/2024
» In recent weeks, the Bangladeshi government has cracked down violently on students demanding equitable access to coveted government jobs amid an unemployment crisis. To contain the protests, authorities have shut down all educational institutions, imposed a strict curfew, and cut off internet access. Thousands of police officers and paramilitaries have been patrolling the streets, and more than 170 people have died.
When Harris calls Trump out, do voters listen?
News, Published on 25/07/2024
» Kamala Harris visited her campaign headquarters on Monday and delivered a key message.
Autocrat impunity fuels violence
Oped, Published on 24/07/2024
» The shooting of former US President Donald Trump was the second assassination attempt on a populist political leader this year. Just two months ago, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico was seriously injured after being shot four times at close range, highlighting the danger posed by the resurgence of political violence around the world.
Thailand's spreading rot of irregularity
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 19/07/2024
» The rot in Thailand's institutional makeup has become so deep, dense and widespread that it can be found nearly everywhere there is controversy. Newly elected Senator Keskamol Pleansamai is the latest case in point. Just about everything that comes with her meteoric rise to the Senate spurs accusations of irregularity and impropriety.