Showing 1 - 6 of 6
Levelling out Thailand's political seesaw
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 25/04/2018
» Finally, the State Financial and Fiscal Discipline Act of 2018 has taken effect, despite criticism about the controversial clause that virtually bans populist policies. It is seen as an attempt by the ruling regime under the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to limit the role of elected representatives in turning campaign promises into government policies. With that, a democratic principle turns upside down.
The political economy of a regime
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 14/03/2018
» The bottom-line performance of any government is measured by its success in managing the economy and putting money into its citizens' wallets. In Thailand, as long as the current ruling regime can deliver on the economic front, it can remain authoritarian and generally safe from mass uprisings against it.
Playing with taxes could prove costly
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 21/03/2017
» ' In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes," Benjamin Franklin once wrote. However, as the Reaper is sure to collect the dead, governments may not always be able to do the same with taxes.
Unity bid doesn't tackle conflict's root causes
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 24/01/2017
» The week before last, the government renewed its reconciliation efforts. This time, it set up a new committee under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.
Challenges of democracy after Trump win
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 15/11/2016
» As Donald Trump becomes the president-elect of the United States, challenges to modern democracy are noted.
Technocrat regimes and liberal democracy
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 02/08/2016
» Rao ma tueng jud nee dai young ngai? or "How did we arrive at this point?" is a Thai popular phrase expressing how one is facing a situation, with wonder and surprise, or just plain sarcasm. Many are asking the same question amid the current political predicament and ahead of the referendum on a constitution that imposes more control than gives way to liberal democracy.