Showing 1 - 7 of 7
Quick-fix political remedies set us back years
Oped, Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 14/05/2018
» News media described it as a "shock", an "upset" and a "political earthquake" among other things. Few, if any, predicted it or expected it. But alas, the seemingly invincible populist regime with the mass working class as its support base is defeated in the national election. The victor? An opposition that's historically backed by the traditional establishment and urban elite.
Scandals confirm what we already know
Oped, Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 07/05/2018
» Thailand has no shortage of national scandals; one after another in less than six months, starting from November of last year. It began with junta leader Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha berating a fisherman down south for daring to matter-of-factly ask him tough questions. Next came deputy junta leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon flashing his posh taste for luxury watches, which supposedly were borrowed from generous friends.
Out with the outdated Thai regime
Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 25/12/2013
» A friend of mine who is a businessman was asked why he was not out in the streets protesting. Is he not against corruption? But of course, he’s against corruption. In fact, he hates it so much that he has filed a lawsuit against a certain government ministry over unethical practices.
Waiting for Yingluck to start giving back
Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 12/09/2013
» In March this year, there was an article detailing Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s globetrotting. It concluded that since she took office in August 2011 she had visited about 30 nations - that's about 1.6 foreign trips for each of her 19 months on the job.
Forget the political noise, the military is key
Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 15/08/2013
» It’s rather difficult to assess whether Pheu Thai has a stockpile of brilliant strategists ready to handle and triumph over any situation, or if this government is just getting by on dumb luck, coupled with the lack of a potent opposition.
A society in decay
Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 17/01/2013
» The greatest threat to Thailand is not from any foreign power. It is not the man in Dubai, nor is it the invisible hand. It is not the polarisation caused by the political divide, nor is it even the corruption.
Rise of the planet of the merchants
News, Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 28/10/2012
» When the merchant elites buy up the provincial lords, what do the traditional elites have left in their hands? The answer requires a bit of background.