Showing 1 - 10 of 13
Remembering the history that some want forgotten
Life, Chris Baker, Published on 11/03/2022
» Royalist history paints 1932 as a coup by a self-interested clique which thwarted King Prajadhipok's wish to introduce a constitution and led Thailand to militarism and fascism. In 2017, the plaque commemorating 1932 was ripped out of the Royal Plaza -- symbolising the wish to cancel all memory of the event. Democratic history claims 1932 as a revolution which launched Thailand towards democracy and a modern society in which the majority can participate and benefit. In 2020 the youth activists reinstalled the plaque in cyberspace and called themselves the New People's Party. The event matters, one way or the other, down to today.
Lessons of history
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 13/10/2021
» After decades of military authoritarianism, student demonstrators in Bangkok began to call for the restoration of constitutional rule and a return to democracy. In the face of the challenge, the entrenched generals refused to negotiate and arrested the protest leaders, claiming they were influenced by communism. It paved the way for the popular uprising of Oct 14, 1973.
Royalist teen under fire, bad PR job, old man says thanks
News, Mae Moo, Published on 22/11/2020
» Firebrand denies he's a victim
Resigning is for quitters
B Magazine, Andrew Biggs, Published on 18/02/2018
» The truth and the military make strange bedfellows. This is not, necessarily, a savage indictment on Thailand's current military regime. It's true of any military. When ranked from most important to least, qualities such as courage, fortitude, strategy, strength and unity are considered characteristics way, way more important to the military than trifling, annoying tenets such as truth and honesty and, let's be frank, democracy.
The shape-shifting form of protests
Life, Kaona Pongpipat, Published on 06/10/2015
» The streets remained empty and all was quiet when thousands of people gathered last Wednesday night to protest against the government's Single Gateway proposal. Protesters weren't, however, down at major landmarks like Asoke or Ratchaprasong intersections, but simply in front of their computer screens. By merely punching the refresh button, these protesters let their resentment known to the authorities by crashing at least six government sites, including the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology.
The workaholic ambassador
Life, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 29/09/2015
» As a diplomat it's natural that he always tries to be discreet and constructive when engaging in all aspects of Thai society. Still, the 49-year-old UK Ambassador to Thailand Mark Kent is not afraid to speak his mind.
From exile to acceptance
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 10/07/2015
» 'Every journey starts with one step. So today is one step for a long journey," said Burmese activist Aung Myo Min in the documentary film This Kind Of Love. During the scene, he was standing inside a Bangkok BTS Skytrain. He was on his journey home to Myanmar after 24 years of exile.
Opening up educational opportunity
Life, Duangphat Sitthipat, Published on 19/05/2015
» Since historic reforms in 2011, Myanmar's government has been inviting foreign universities to operate educational programmes in the hope of catching up with international standards.
Documenting the eye of the storm
Life, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 21/01/2015
» When 46-year-old Nikolaus Freiherr von Nostitz, better known as Nick, sent emails to his contacts on Dec 20 seeking financial help, some thought it was a scam. Soliciting donations is uncharacteristic of the outspoken but humble Nostitz. For years, people could see that the German was a modest guy who roamed around Bangkok on his decade-old Kawasaki GTO motorcycle to cover the turbulent transformation of Thai politics, from both sides (or more) of the conflict.
All change, no change, cold call, katoey from hell?
News, Published on 31/08/2014
» Outspoken actress Pattarida "Tangmo" Patcharaweerapong is thanking God for Channel 7's decision to release her from her contract after she accepted work for a rival channel.