Showing 31 - 40 of 673
Thai political order being contested
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 21/08/2020
» It has happened every time in contemporary Thai politics since the 1970s. When genuine dissent takes place against the established political order, incumbent centres of power strike back with all the means at their disposal. Each time in the past, they prevailed. This time, as political storm clouds gather again, similar campaigns and tactics are in motion to suppress dissent. Yet the final outcome may be profoundly different compared to the past.
An 'old man in a chair' pulling rabbits from his bag of 'truths'
News, Published on 27/06/2020
» An old man in a chair sits, legs crossed, next to a dark-wood bookcase stocked with hardbacks. He speaks of "the truth" about coronavirus and repeats many of the conspiracy theories we've heard elsewhere, but he does so calmly, reading from prepared notes, peering over half-moon spectacles.
The girl from the Black Country
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 01/03/2020
» My thanks to readers who pointed out that Janice Nicholls, who featured in last week's column, did not have a Brummie accent at all, but a Black Country lilt, hailing from Wednesbury, just west of Birmingham.
Don't worsen political woes
News, Editorial, Published on 22/01/2020
» The Constitutional Court's decision to acquit the Future Forward Party (FFP) of seeking to overthrow the monarchy on Tuesday offered a reprieve not just for the party but also for a boiling political climate. However, the slew of legal hurdles awaiting the FFP, its leaders and political activists in the coming months are a reminder to the international community that political turbulence in Thailand is here to stay.
Army chief a fearmonger
News, Editorial, Published on 03/01/2020
» As the army chief, Gen Apirat Kongsompong should stay out of politics. But he has always found it hard to resist the temptation of spreading or stirring biased and provocative political messages. His latest remark, which suggests possible arms robbery and associated street violence, is as weak and bewildering as ever because it is not accompanied with even a shred of evidence. It also lacks a sense of certainty. What is certain is that it is a disservice to the nation.
Will the Empire strike back at the Skywalkers?
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 17/12/2019
» The dark spectre of street politics has returned to a deeply polarised society, as the ruling conservatives try to hold on to their unstable coalition over a feast of shark fin soup.
Army boss eyeing path to premiership?
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 26/10/2019
» It’s now more than evident that army chief Gen Apirat Kongsompong has become a key actor in the country’s post-coup politics. His actions over the past few months have stirred speculation about his intentions: Does he have ambitions to become the next prime minister?
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.
Adjusting to the new world of work
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 08/04/2019
» Waking up on my first morning in Las Vegas, where the time is 14 hours behind Thailand, was not easy. Cup of coffee in hand, I walked past a group of senior citizens wearing red long-sleeved T-shirts outside a large conference hall. They were event ambassadors, hired to welcome and guide participants from all over the world, and the sight of their smiling faces helped to bring me awake. What a pleasant start to the day: I get to experience human interaction and some seniors have a chance to earn extra income, I was telling myself.
Poll uncertainty lingers as count nears finish line
News, Ploenpote Atthakor, Published on 29/03/2019
» Almost a week has passed since Thais cast their ballots, yet many things are still shrouded in uncertainties.