Showing 1 - 10 of 15
Regime cyber walls risk freezing Thailand's progress
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 06/10/2015
» The single internet gateway fiasco has unmasked what the military regime envisages as the kind of society Thailand should be. A single path towards "happiness", a single roadmap to Thai-style democracy, a single mindset for "Thainess", governed by a single internet gateway to ensure only the "right" information is consumed by society.
Thailand needs an informed citizenry
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 11/06/2015
» The concept of citizenship is fundamental to the principles of democratic governance. The two go hand in hand. The democratic state can basically be reduced down to the citizen, and citizens can only exist under the auspices of a democratic state. Without delving into political theory, it is this "social contract" which defines the relationship between a citizen and the state.
Thailand's political landscape rivals that of 'Hamlet'
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 02/06/2015
» I was recently invited by the British ambassador to attend a performance of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' organised by The British Council and the British embassy at Chulalongkorn University. I must admit to never having seen Hamlet but I'm glad I finally did because it rather reminded me in parts of what's happening here in Thailand.
Thailand can learn from my hero, Winston Churchill
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 03/02/2015
» This year marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of arguably the greatest Briton that ever lived. Those who read my column will know that I have often quoted Sir Winston Churchill, because I find his life and the principles he stood for mesmerising. Churchill personified the greatness of the British Empire and his death in 1965 marked its spiritual end. I wholeheartedly believe that our anaemic leaders in Thailand should study his legacy, because even half a century after his death, Churchillian principles still have the unique ability to inspire.
True statesmen share power and avoid victor's justice
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 10/12/2014
» As a staunch supporter of democracy and as a writer, I now face what I shall call the "democrat's dilemma".
Under the military regime, are we still citizens?
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 03/06/2014
» Under Pheu Thai Party rule we heard a cacophony of complaints from a "sanctimonious society" about a parliamentary dictatorship. But now the country is under military dictatorship, their silence is utterly embarrassing.
Ruling classes equally guilty of dereliction of duty
Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 31/03/2014
» Albert Einstein said the definition of insanity is "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results".
In decrying corruption, elites must show consistency
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 22/03/2014
» Let me be clear: I despise corruption and suffer from it like the rest of us. Let me be even clearer: I’d like to see Thailand rid itself of the deeply corrupt and incompetent elements of the “Thaksin regime”.
PDRC’s failure will put courts’ probity to the test
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 12/03/2014
» From the self-proclaimed uprising of "the great mass of the people" marching like worker ants all over Bangkok to the ever dwindling gathering, confined to a stage in Lumpini Park the size of a small high-school play, the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) is now a mere shadow of what it once was.
My vote against tyranny and for a new Thailand
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 04/02/2014
» Accompanied by my father, I made it my number one priority to head to a voting booth on Sunday because I felt compelled to cast my vote against tyranny.