Showing 51 - 60 of 168
Honour models for democracy
News, Editorial, Published on 18/12/2022
» Since the 1998 ouster of the dictator Suharto -- who ruled Indonesia with an iron fist for over three decades -- the world's fourth most populous nation has undergone a series of rapid changes. Once dependent on foreign aid to exercise its basic functions, Indonesia has firmly established itself as a major economic player in the Asia-Pacific region, with the distinction of being the only Southeast Asian economy to be included in the Group of 20.
Cabinet rejig serves who?
Oped, Editorial, Published on 27/10/2022
» Increasing calls for a cabinet reshuffle by coalition parties must be giving Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha a headache. While reshuffles have become known to be little more than a form of political horse trading, the prime minister must think of the country and the public first before making any decisions.
Elections and old ties grip SE Asia
News, Editorial, Published on 23/10/2022
» The Southeast Asian region is entering election mode -- starting with the upcoming snap election in Malaysia next month, followed by the national election next year in Thailand, which is tentatively set for May, and Cambodia's poll in July.
Be careful, Prawit
News, Editorial, Published on 17/10/2022
» Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon is expected to be among the prime ministerial candidates nominated by the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) in next year's general election, expected in May.
Opening an old wound
News, Editorial, Published on 06/10/2022
» Today the nation again commemorates the Oct 6, 1976 massacre of leftist protesters on a college campus during a violent crackdown by police and right-wing paramilitaries, one of the most tragic incidents to blight Thailand's history.
City poll a harbinger?
Oped, Editorial, Published on 26/05/2022
» Chadchart Sittipunt's landslide victory in the gubernatorial election in Bangkok on May 22 has helped restore hope that the political divisions which have riven society for nearly two decades may be drawing to a close.
Local bodies no panacea
Oped, Editorial, Published on 10/05/2022
» The Progressive Movement's leader, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, recently floated the idea of abolishing local administrative positions, which are appointed by the Interior Ministry, as their authorities overlap with those of members of local administrative bodies, which are elected by the people.
Stop hot air on energy
Oped, Editorial, Published on 22/03/2022
» Last week, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which is responsible for the nation's energy policies, publicly warned consumers that their electricity bills will reach a record high soon, as the price per kilowatt-hour unit increased above four baht for the first time.
Time for government to loosen grip
Oped, Editorial, Published on 12/03/2022
» Since the 2014 coup, publicly elected local administration bodies have been weakened. The junta-appointed government made it a point to issue many laws designed to facilitate its bid to centralise power.
Myanmar poses Asean quandary
News, Editorial, Published on 13/02/2022
» In the year following the coup in Myanmar which unseated Aung San Suu Kyi, the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner and then State Counsellor (a position equivalent to prime minister), the country's military has continued to pursue a policy of violence against detractors, leaving the world aghast. It has also left Asean in a quandary over how to handle the situation in a manner befitting its aspirations for growth, future prosperity and influence on the world stage.