Showing 51 - 60 of 146
Stifled speech stunts plans for future
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 24/07/2018
» While all eyes were fixed on the dramatic Tham Luang cave rescue, the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) approved the 20-year national strategy in a unanimous 179-0 vote. Under the plan, with binding effects for future governments and penalties for non-compliance, Thailand will become a fair and equitable society by 2036.
Out of cave murk comes shining hope
Oped, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 10/07/2018
» The bowels of Tham Luang cave are described as being pitch-black with near-zero visibility. As an international team of experts race against time to rescue the remaining four footballers and their coach trapped inside the labyrinthine cavern for more than two weeks, the dark place seems to shine with the light of hope and faith in humanity.
'Time' for PM to answer the big question
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 26/06/2018
» Give the military regime some credit. At least it has the sense not to ban the Asia edition of Time magazine with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on the cover.
NCPO pat on back a slap in face for media
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 19/06/2018
» It would be comical if it was not true. Last Sunday, government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd blasted the media for spreading supposedly "false news" that the cabinet had approved a bonus for 600 National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) officials.
Grumpy PM no martyr for progress
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 12/06/2018
» Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha is grumpy and has been for the past week, almost four years actually. What with his lamenting that he is all too human, that people should respect the premiership or how he could have left the country in a civil war had he not staged the May 22 coup.
Standing still on the road to nowhere
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 24/04/2018
» Ever wonder why Thailand can't do anything about its taxis? Or overpriced lotteries? Or illegal motorcycle racing? Why do cab drivers continue to reject customers, even dump them mid-way through a journey whenever they feel like it? Why can't the authorities tackle the problems?
Injustice can't just be washed away
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 06/03/2018
» The graffiti showing a black leopard with a silence sign on a wall near Sukhumvit soi 58 was erased soon after it went on display. A swift and convenient end to the "trouble'' for whoever had it whitewashed? You have your spray paints, I have mine. You can create street art, I can kill it.
Any excuse will do in an anarchic state
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 27/02/2018
» Because we are poor. Because we are in a rush. Because other people also cut corners. Because these people are our brothers and sisters, or friends.
Prettier words won’t disguise the discord
Oped, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 20/02/2018
» What is in a name? Will a new proposal to stop using the word salim, literally referring to a multi-coloured traditional Thai dessert but later used to describe a pro-coup, pro-elite, conservative group of people, especially those who prefer to overlook social injustice to maintain bourgeois lifestyles, help with reconciliation?
'Sovereignty' belongs to the people
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 06/02/2018
» Rip up the constitution? If the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) is more powerful than the charter, what is the point of having the highest law?