Showing 1 - 10 of 10
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.
No heroes allowed here
Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 05/06/2014
» If only we had a Martin Luther King Jr, a Nelson Mandela, a Mahatma Gandhi or an Aung San Su Kyi. But even those individuals are imperfect and have their detractors.
The 'Big Man' theory
Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 16/01/2014
» To fully embrace democracy is to first offload the baggage of feudalism or absolutism. They are paternalism, patronage, tribalism, cronyism, nepotism and others. The baggage is never entirely discarded, but can and should be minimised.
Fine balancing act away from tyranny
News, Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 24/11/2013
» In the past, Thailand's politics has been defined by minority rule and minority rights. When asked about the wishes of the majority, the minority would snicker, ''Tsk-tsk, dah-ling, they'll do as they are told.''
Don't make senate a family affair
News, Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 25/08/2013
» Let's entertain the idea that's generating so much talk and controversy around the country, the amendment of the law on how senators are selected. If we are to change a law, there ought to be a benchmark, and that benchmark should be the principles of democracy.
Income tax could become the great equaliser
News, Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 07/07/2013
» Do you feel singled out, victimised? Has this democracy treated you unfairly? Are you one of only about three million Thais paying income tax? If so, raise your hand, because, blast it all, we should demand equality!
Chalerm's right, it's a cultural thing
Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 14/02/2013
» Few people know how Thailand works and how to work Thailand like deputy prime minister Chalerm Yubamrung does.
The importance of being Abhisit
News, Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 06/01/2013
» Take a second. Think about it. It's a bizarre world we live in. Stand back and look at today from the perspective of 15 years ago.
If there's a will, There's an affray
News, Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 30/09/2012
» There are a few things I've learned from the rumble in front of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) compound between the yellow People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and the red shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) last Tuesday. One, as I already suspected, the red shirts have the upper hand. The Romans and the Americans created their hegemony through the three R's: resource, reinforcement and resolve. The red shirts have all three, while the yellow shirts have simply wilted.
If you can make it there, You can make it anywhere
News, Voranai Vanijaka, Published on 12/08/2012
» At times I look at the screen names and know exactly what the comments will be. Sometimes I wonder if the Democrat and Pheu Thai parties, the yellows and the reds, have all paid some foreigners sitting half way across the world to battle on the 'Bangkok Post' website on their behalf