Showing 1 - 10 of 10
Hypocrisy of double standards
News, Umesh Pandey, Published on 01/10/2017
» Thailand's political landscape saw a dramatic change on Wednesday when the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions handed down its verdict to imprison former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra for five years for negligence of her duty as premier.
Democracy puts limits on protests
News, Umesh Pandey, Published on 24/09/2017
» Just over a decade ago, friends knew they had to go to either Sanam Luang or Siam Square to find me after work. I was not there selling goods on the pavements, but instead I was being the typical democratic-minded youth looking for fairness from the government that I had not voted for.
Dismal EC needs people with ethics
News, Umesh Pandey, Published on 04/06/2017
» The move by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to possibly remove the current members of the Election Commission (EC) comes as a surprise to many in the country. The NLA has proposed that the five commissioners, appointed under the defunct 2007 constitution, vacate their posts after the new EC organic law comes into effect.
PM's magic wand now redundant
News, Umesh Pandey, Published on 09/04/2017
» Thailand's 20th constitution was promulgated on Thursday with a fanfare that most Thais have not seen in their lifetime. It was a much-needed lifeline for the never-ending promises of the military junta to bring the country back to a democratic system.
'Neutrality' is in the eye of power holders
News, Umesh Pandey, Published on 22/07/2016
» With just 15 days to go before the referendum on the draft constitution, questions and anticipation remain about the possible outcome of the plebiscite and how all this is going to pan out for the future of our country.
Our voices are drowned out as vote nears
News, Umesh Pandey, Published on 08/07/2016
» The military government's decision to set up monitoring centres in all provinces across Thailand in order to more closely monitor all political activities in the lead-up to the crucial Aug 7 referendum has turned up the political temperature.
Let's have a swift charter clause ruling
News, Umesh Pandey, Published on 10/06/2016
» The ongoing debate over the referendum on the draft constitution, with each side presenting its side of story, has started to confuse me as to what all the fuss is about.
PM's strong words risk unity mission
News, Umesh Pandey, Published on 22/04/2016
» As the summer temperatures soar in Thailand, so does the political mercury. The tension seems unavoidable as Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha resorts to harsh reaction to critics who have opposed the draft charter, written by the Meechai Ruchupan-led Charter Drafting Committee.
Dubious new charter looms with Meechai
News, Umesh Pandey, Published on 16/10/2015
» Judging from recent interviews with the newly appointed head of the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC), I believe the next 180 days of charter drafting will be yet another waste of time and money for Thailand.
True integration still eludes us
Asia focus, Umesh Pandey, Published on 24/03/2014
» Asean’s dreams seem to be falling flat at a time when things should be working in the region’s favour. Regional integration is just 21 months away, and while no one expects it to be a magic pill to cure all economic and social ills, the pace at which the organisation is moving could make it a herculean task to reach the goal.