Showing 1 - 10 of 18
Activist: 'Prayut as democracy hero' book a lie
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 19/04/2018
» Firebrand activist Srisuwan Janya has vowed to sue the Fine Arts Department if it fails to recalls a book called the History of Thailand, which depicts coup maker and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as a patron of democracy.
Lacking the grit to take up Sombath case
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 14/12/2017
» The year-end period is supposed to be the time for celebrations with loved ones. But for Ng Shui Meng, wife of the missing rural community developer in Laos, Sombath Somphone, this time of year is traumatic.
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.
Who's keeping tabs on Obor mission?
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 15/05/2017
» Mark my words. The acronym "OBOR" will become a new global buzz word before long. No, it has nothing to do with a new model of mobile phone.
Citizenship for sale
Asia focus, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 13/03/2017
» Having multiple passports and citizenship that bears no relation to where you were born is something most people associates with James Bond or Jason Bourne. But these days it is no longer simply the stuff of spy stories.
Let's develop a culture of reading
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 23/01/2017
» How much time do you spend reading in a single day? According to a Ministry of Culture survey, the average Thai spends 66 minutes per day reading. I am quite surprised and found the amount quite high. Yet the survey also includes digital content on the internet and social media, not only books.
The valuable lessons from US election
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 14/11/2016
» As expected, the US presidential election which has just passed was a nail-biting event for millions of people around the globe, as Donald Trump emerged the winner. His success is being challenged by anti-Trump demonstrators (although some are protesting against the electoral college concept!) in major cities around the US.
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.