Showing 1 - 10 of 11
Army unwilling to yield to democracy
News, Erich Parpart, Published on 31/07/2019
» For the country like Thailand where the military staged two putsches within the past 13 years, a coup d'état should no longer be necessary.
Hong Kong violence has to end
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 29/07/2019
» It all began with hundreds of thousands of people marching through the streets of Hong Kong against a proposed extradition law. It was a sight to behold because it was a non-violent protest against a repressive law that would have allowed the Communist Party of China to pursue its political opponents in the self-ruled city, dare I say, country. Then it turned ugly.
Cost of doing business in Land of Smiles
News, Erich Parpart, Published on 15/07/2019
» Several government megaprojects and ultra-lucrative concessions have long been a source of alleged corruption, questionable monopolies or "stupid" state incompetency in Thailand to the point it is sad that no one has been willing to do anything about it all these years.
British, Thai democratic systems can't be compared
News, Erich Parpart, Published on 30/05/2019
» The National Council for Peace and Order's (NCPO) appointment of their allies, friends and family members to sit in the 250-member Senate has turned the NCPO members, particularly its leader and incumbent premier Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha into the subjects of accusations of nepotism.
Media freedom in the dock
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 18/02/2019
» The decision by Philippine authorities to arrest journalist Maria Ressa and the move by Thailand’s broadcast regulator to suspend the broadcaster Voice TV are the latest examples of how press freedom in Southeast Asia is deteriorating.
Dark enough for you?
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 20/08/2018
» 'Dark tourism" is an interesting concept that did not come to my attention until I watched a Netflix series recently. Few countries actively promote offbeat or slightly dangerous pursuits but it's a niche with potential, if managed carefully -- even if it's hard to explain to your insurer.
Save us from climate deniers
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 30/07/2018
» Are natural disasters happening more frequently or are we just hearing more about them because we live in a communication-saturated world?
America the unwelcoming
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 28/05/2018
» If you saw the recent Asia Power Index complied by the Lowy Institute, you may have been surprised to see the United States ranked above China as the pre-eminent power in Asia in 2018. One major factor giving America the edge was "cultural influence".
Eyes open in Bangladesh
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 07/05/2018
» In many ways, my trip last month to the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka and to the world's biggest refugee camp at Kutupalong was a life- and perspective-changing experience.
Lese majeste law and reality
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 26/03/2018
» The lese majeste law in Thailand is a sensitive subject that most people prefer to avoid talking about. Under Article 112 of the criminal code, anyone can file a lese majeste complaint against anyone else and the police are obligated to investigate every single complaint. The courts can sentence anyone who "defames, insults or threatens the king, the queen, the heir-apparent or the regent" to jail terms of between three and 15 years.