Showing 31 - 40 of 57
Lost in the fake-real news morass
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 29/05/2018
» People told you to beware of fake news. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in particular has been so concerned he seems to have made a campaign against fraudulent or misleading information his personal crusade.
Doi Suthep exposes state hypocrisy
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 10/04/2018
» It's a rare reversal of roles but the judiciary seems to have found itself on the other side of the bench in the court of public opinion with its decision to build a one-billion-baht housing and office project at the foot of the forested Doi Suthep mountain in Chiang Mai.
So what's so hard about transparency?
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 09/01/2018
» For law-abiding Thais living under the "peace and order" regime, what should annoy us the most?
The 'anti-graft govt' needs to watch itself
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 27/12/2017
» Let's make some assumptions. Let's say the military regime definitely plans for a long stay in Thai politics. Let's say Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha is positioning to come back for a second term. Let's say the rules of the game, both for the next election and post-poll political landscape have been set to favour this military-guided "democracy" scenario.
Confusion over colours clouds future
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 31/10/2017
» A sense of uncertainty hangs in the air as Thais shed all-black outfits for coloured ones and, by extension, a "normal" lifestyle after the royal cremation ceremonies for the late, much beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej ended on the weekend.
Tower views little solace to Thais below
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 04/07/2017
» Viewed from 459 metres above the ground in the soon-to-be-built 4.6-billion-baht Bangkok Observation Tower, Bangkok is sure to offer a postcard-perfect image of modern skylines set against the sluggish flow of the Chao Phraya River.
'Rich' number bid dials pain for the poor
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 21/03/2017
» Is this a case of "irrational exuberance"? The military regime keeps telling us we live in a time of political security and that the economy is picking up. For ordinary Thais, the bright and breezy statements are becoming increasingly painful to hear.
Little basis for charges against Veera
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 14/03/2017
» Should the powers-that-be find the candid opinion survey by anti-corruption activist Veera Somkwamkid annoying? Probably. For them, it must be infuriating that Mr Veera used lines from the song composed by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha himself, a song of sublime promises and sacrifice, as the very means to hurt the country's leader and his government.
Cracks widen as govt goes to S44 extremes
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 28/02/2017
» When Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha invoked Section 44 of the interim charter which gives him absolute power over the legislative, executive and judicial branch in late 2014, he promised to use it "constructively".
Military goes 'post-truth' on poll date
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 10/01/2017
» The maths don't lie. If all agencies involved take the maximum time allowed to complete their missions according to the military regime's tentative roadmap to democracy, the election can be held in about 16 months from now, which means it would definitely not be this year.