Showing 1 - 7 of 7
Them Ol'middle class Bangkokian blues
News, Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 15/12/2013
» There's a saying from even before Thaksin Shinawatra became prominent in politics: ''Provincial people voted them in, Bangkok people kicked them out.'' The saying refers to the succession of stomach-churning governments during the 1990s democracy experiment. Regime after regime, the provinces voted in the corrupt and incompetent, while Bangkokians pressured each to step down. But for the past seven years, upcountry provincial folks have said, ''no, you're not going to kick this one out''.
Just reflections of ourselves
Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 16/05/2013
» The wonderful thing about representative democracy is that, not only do we get exactly what we vote for, but the people sitting in government also represent exactly the people walking in the streets. It’s like a reflection in the mirror.
A bridge too far
Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 02/05/2013
» If there’s a problem, throw money at it. The money won’t solve the problem, but it will make a few important people richer and possibly happier. Then we just pretend that the problem is solved - until it collapses, killing four people and injuring 45.
Politics of perception
Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 04/04/2013
» What does North Korea fear the most? A revolution that would bring down the Pyongyang regime.
Proverbs, murderers but no buffaloes
News, Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 02/09/2012
» The Thai language has many proverbs that echo the wisdom of old and demonstrate the foolishness of modern times. Worry not about rules of law, justice, morals, etc. Today, we look at the political game through the prism of human nature, captured best by proverbs. Abhisit Vejjajiva was the prime minister and Suthep Thaugsuban was deputy prime minister and in charge of security during the political crisis of April/May 2010 that led to 92 deaths _ both civilians and members of security forces _ and the burning of Bangkok and provincial city halls.
Will there be blood?
News, Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 05/02/2012
» In 2012, the question most often put to me is not "Voranai, how are you?" Or, "Hey there, may I have your pin number?" Nope, it's "Will there be violence?" I'm not clairvoyant but I do know that fate is inexorable, so let's consider this.
All men are not created equal
News, Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 29/01/2012
» If a referendum were to be held on the lese majeste law _ Article 112 of the Criminal Code _ the overwhelming majority of people would be in favour of it. They would say there is no need for an amendment, and that it definitely should not be abolished. I have no proof for this claim; it is merely an opinion, though I would like to see it put to the test just for fun.