Showing 61 - 70 of 78
Lift order on gatherings
News, Editorial, Published on 23/12/2017
» Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has once again resorted to his absolute power and allowed political parties to do some administrative work. The partial lifting of the political ban heralds the start of the country's roadmap to an election.
Resettlement plan a sham
News, Editorial, Published on 13/12/2017
» Myanmar's government has unveiled a plan to repatriate Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh. In essence, the government of Aung San Suu Kyi, in what is known as a "phased return", will allow some returnees, beginning early next year, but not to their original villages, homes and land. It will build camps to "resettle" the Rohingya indefinitely. As the United Nations' refugee organisation and key international groups have said, the plan is unacceptable.
Leave politics to the pros
News, Editorial, Published on 08/11/2017
» The military regime has started to come out and say what many have been suspecting for years -- that there could be a chance of them setting up or possibly propping up a political party or parties.
Dress the Tak Bai wound
News, Editorial, Published on 16/10/2017
» The 13th anniversary of the Tak Bai "incident" is coming next week. Authorities in the South claim to be worried that insurgents might mark that shameful event with terrorist attacks. That is a clear and present danger, but the people who should be most worried have so far stayed silent and perhaps oblivious. The military government and the army have the power to take away the resentment and motive for violence, but once again have chosen not to act.
Prayut's path to legitimacy
News, Editorial, Published on 31/08/2017
» In his latest interview with the press, veteran politician Suthep Thaugsuban has stated loud and clear who he wants at the helm of government after the general elections -- Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Ruling will set precedent
News, Editorial, Published on 25/08/2017
» The fallout from the historic court verdict to be handed down in the case against former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra today will be visible in a spectrum far beyond Thailand's current two-tone divide.
Scare tactics can backfire
News, Editorial, Published on 10/08/2017
» As the judgement day for former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra's rice scheme case is fast approaching, it appears the military government has resorted to scare tactics against her supporters and those from opposing political camps.
The right to assemble
News, Editorial, Published on 02/08/2017
» Both the security agencies and the government would be doing themselves and the country a service if they stopped obsessing over the Supreme Court sessions concerning ex-prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
Unity chances fading fast
News, Editorial, Published on 26/07/2017
» Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has signed off on his twin plans for national strategy and national reform, the two bills for which are awaiting royal endorsement. But the premier surely realises that his other goal -- unity building -- is fraught with problems. Events beyond his direct control have harmed chances of national reconciliation. The prime minister's actions, however, have made his goal increasingly unrealistic.
Stop silencing the people
News, Editorial, Published on 22/07/2017
» Army chief Chalermchai Sittisart's recent decision to dismiss a call by 176 Thai and foreign academics for a relaxation or cessation of the rules that stop people from expressing their civil rights -- for example the ban on political gatherings -- comes as no surprise.