Showing 71 - 80 of 96
Colours now split generation that once fought together
News, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 14/10/2013
» As Thais commemorate the October upheavals this month, a new sentiment has emerged that challenges the old power cliques and warns that they can no longer manipulate politics.
Progress on the ground, but talks stumble
News, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 08/10/2013
» While there are concerns that the southern peace process has stalled _ or been shot down _ as the insurgents have not slowed down their attacks (though authorities and academics claim otherwise), those involved in the dialogue are convinced there have been positive developments.
Chin Peng tale shows difficulties of confronting history
News, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 19/09/2013
» Lying still in a chilled casket in his navy blue suit at a high-end hospital in Bangkok, Chin Peng's face looked smaller than he appeared when I first met him four years ago.
Populism has no place in agricultural policy
News, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 10/09/2013
» They are all queuing up one after another _ rice farmers, rubber growers, palm oil planters, tapioca farmers, corn growers, sugar cane planters, and many more _ to pressure the government to shore up prices of their produce.
South wasn't ready for megaphone peace talks
News, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 13/08/2013
» There is not much to lament about the demise of the peace talks between the government and the southern separatists. After all, this was a forced marriage between the Buddhist Thai state and the Malay Muslim separatist movement. The match-makers were former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the Malaysian government.
Don't let the 'Thaksin ghost' haunt our reconciliation
News, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 06/08/2013
» The different amnesty bills, although they vary in detail, cause similarly large levels of public anxiety. The problem is not the legal loopholes in each version, but the fear that, given the highly polarised politics involved, the government's amnesty push could lead to a deadly collision.
A coup is unlikely, but PM must tread carefully
News, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 09/07/2013
» Of course, the audio clip posted online, allegedly recording a conversation between fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Deputy Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapa has caused a stir.
Seree tips big shift in rights blueprint
News, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 04/07/2013
» Seree Nonthasoot, Thailand's representative on the Asean Inter-Governmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), shares his views on the revision to the terms of reference (ToR) for the agency's five-year blueprint, and the challenges ahead.
In South peace talks, it's time for civil input
News, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 11/06/2013
» As the Thai government and a group of separatists struggle to maintain the momentum of their peace talks, local civil society has emerged as a sane voice introducing valuable proposals to both parties.
Govt, military must adapt to ensure success of South talks
News, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 17/05/2013
» After checking old news clippings of mine and listening to security officers on the ground, I've come to believe the government has not been very successful in tackling the separatist movement in the far South.