Showing 1 - 6 of 6
Risky legacy for regime's pet projects
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 12/06/2017
» Leaders are always remembered for their legacy or their pet projects. For example, the Isan Khiew project, a grandiose plan to green the largely arid and infertile northeastern region, always comes to mind whenever I think of former prime minister Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, who floated the idea, in 1997.
An election singing the same old tune
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 05/06/2017
» The harsh public criticism against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his "four questions" gives an impression that people in country look forward to an election. Putting aside the fact that some politicians can be unscrupulous, or there might be a possibility of street demonstrations, it appears people are willing to give democracy a chance. After all, it is my belief that Thais have special relations with democracy.
The voices of the people are under siege
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 04/04/2016
» Taweesak In-gwang is a resident of Chiang Rak Yai district in Pathum Thani province. Lamom Boonyong is a fisherman in Rayong. Though a couple of hundred kilometres apart, they have one thing in common. They are branded "mafia" by the government because they dare to speak out against state development projects that will affect their environment and livelihoods.
Myanmar races ahead as we back-pedal
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 17/03/2016
» All eyes have been on Myanmar this week as it finally voted a new president, Htin Kyaw, into office, in so doing becoming the latest debutante into the democratic club. A close aide (for many he is a proxy) of democracy icon Aug San Suu Kyi, who is blocked from taking up the role due to constitutional hurdles, Htin Kyaw is the first civilian leader of the country since 1962.
Feng shui no match for Section 44
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 03/03/2016
» You may think I am drunk, or have gone mad, when I say Thailand, as a country, no longer follows feng shui, or space management in accordance with the Chinese-originated art or practice of creating harmonious surroundings that enhance the balance of yin and yang for one particular place.
Conservationists join anti-government movement
Life, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 19/02/2014
» An interesting development to the current anti-government movement is the appearance of several conservationists who have joined “the fight”. Many have shown up around the city to represent villagers affected by development projects initiated by the state, with a joint purpose much more complicated than just to topple the caretaker government.