Showing 21 - 30 of 53
Public enemy No.1: Extreme poverty
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 29/12/2017
» When I look back through 2017, "Thailand 4.0" seems to be the most frequently used buzzword of the government this year. We have repeatedly heard and seen authorities' attempts to "digitalise" the economy and various services.
PM's southern tantrum loses hearts, minds
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 30/11/2017
» During his first mobile cabinet meeting in the South this week, our prime minister's hot temper turned a trip that initially aimed to woo support from southerners into a government PR nightmare.
Bigger drains won't save us from floods
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 18/10/2017
» Last week Bangkok was badly hit by floods that brought back the haunting memories of the big floods of 2011. Despite assurances by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha that a flood on the scale of that of 2011 would not occur again, I felt we are not really safe.
Hong Kong connects
Asia focus, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 16/10/2017
» Two decades after its return to the "motherland", some people lament that Hong Kong is not the place it used to be. Political protest, symbolised by the "Umbrella Movement" of 2014, has tarnished the island's image of stability and Western-style open society. The tightening grip of Beijing has worn down the territory's mojo, to the dismay of the creative classes, artists and publishers who helped make Hong Kong a bastion of freedom of expression in Asia.
Yingluck gone but populism sticks around
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 30/08/2017
» Ousted premier Yingluck Shinawatra has gone -- some might say -- with the wind. And the way she fled the country was so sly, like a Hollywood film noir where the femme fatale coolly sashays out of the scene having outwitted everyone.
Nice try, but policy doesn't hold water
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 14/08/2017
» It seems like the latest flooding in the Northeast still haunts Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Last week he decided he would make use of his sweeping powers under Section 44 of the interim charter to form a new national water management unit.
Risky legacy for regime's pet projects
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 12/06/2017
» Leaders are always remembered for their legacy or their pet projects. For example, the Isan Khiew project, a grandiose plan to green the largely arid and infertile northeastern region, always comes to mind whenever I think of former prime minister Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, who floated the idea, in 1997.
An election singing the same old tune
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 05/06/2017
» The harsh public criticism against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his "four questions" gives an impression that people in country look forward to an election. Putting aside the fact that some politicians can be unscrupulous, or there might be a possibility of street demonstrations, it appears people are willing to give democracy a chance. After all, it is my belief that Thais have special relations with democracy.
Regime must do better for forest people
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 22/05/2017
» Today marks three years since the junta government took control over the Land of Smiles. Many of us might be counting every minute, waiting impatiently for the day we can cast the ballot again, while others may wish the junta would remain in power for another five years to complete its "return happiness" mission.
Who's keeping tabs on Obor mission?
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 15/05/2017
» Mark my words. The acronym "OBOR" will become a new global buzz word before long. No, it has nothing to do with a new model of mobile phone.