Showing 1 - 5 of 5
Honour models for democracy
News, Editorial, Published on 18/12/2022
» Since the 1998 ouster of the dictator Suharto -- who ruled Indonesia with an iron fist for over three decades -- the world's fourth most populous nation has undergone a series of rapid changes. Once dependent on foreign aid to exercise its basic functions, Indonesia has firmly established itself as a major economic player in the Asia-Pacific region, with the distinction of being the only Southeast Asian economy to be included in the Group of 20.
US presidential poll and implications
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 06/11/2020
» It is surprisingly unsurprising. Contrary to most polls and pundits, incumbent United States President Donald J Trump did not lose by a landslide in the presidential election this week. The final results are so close that both candidates, Mr Trump and Democratic Party rival Joe Biden, have claimed victory. Despite ongoing rancour and acrimony until the next US president is sworn in next January, several outcomes and implications are already clear.
Revamp the military
News, Postbag, Published on 23/02/2019
» Let's briefly consider local geopolitics and the Thai military. Thailand needs China like it needs another coup. However, China needs Thailand for a variety of reasons. The US has had a longstanding favourable relationship with Thailand and is its most powerful ally.
Bad flood dreams
News, Postbag, Published on 20/05/2017
» Not surprisingly the better part of Bangkok flooded during the heavy rain in the early morning of May 16 and it looks like the BMA once again was caught off guard. We live in the Bang Na area just opposite Central City and since the last rainy season ended all the equipment used to pump out water has just been left without any sign of regular maintenance. Suddenly required, the BMA will have to get hold of technicians, required spares, operators, etc.
Persecution of Rohingya is Asean's disgrace
News, Published on 14/11/2014
» With Barack Obama gracing the halls of Nay Pyi Taw this week, the world has quite rightly been calling loudly for the President of the United States of America to raise concerns regarding the backslide in human rights and democracy in Myanmar, not least of which being the institutionalised persecution and ethnic cleansing of the country's Rohingya minority.