• OPINION

  Macaroons or not, devil still in the details

  News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 06/03/2012

  » The last time we had a meal together was over five years ago. Thaksin Shinawatra was still prime minister. The political temperature at the time was high and he announced on April 4, 2006 that he was taking leave. Soon after his return in May, a dinner was arranged for the Post group's senior editors. It was a Chinese dinner at Central, Lat Phrao. It had been a while since we'd had the chance to chat and exchange views with the prime minister and his key ministers. Not long after that, he was ousted in the coup of September 2006.

• OPINION

  Anand urges talks to ease political crisis

  News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 10/02/2014

  » Since the anti-government protests started in October last year to the present, we have had the dissolution of parliament, a caretaker government and incomplete elections. How would you describe Thailand's overall political situation?

• OPINION

  Let’s admit this is not democracy

  News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 13/07/2014

  » For decades we have been telling ourselves we are a democracy. We tell our people that elections mean we are a democracy. This is hammered home repeatedly. Consequently, we tell the world we are a democracy. But in reality, we are not. We have never been. We want it, but we don’t have it.

• OPINION

  Don’t expect the earth all at once

  News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 03/08/2014

  » The composition of the National Legislative Assembly, unveiled this week with a heavy tint of green, is no surprise. With the military at the helm one cannot expect varied representation. Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha says he is aware of the criticism but believes the public should focus more on the end result of achieving national reform within one year — the National Council for Peace and Order’s main mission.

• OPINION

  Time to look beyond the army ranks

  News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 31/08/2014

  » It’s no surprise that a significant number of senior military officers will hold key positions in the cabinet of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha. Gen Prayuth says the security situation is not yet normal and he needs men he can trust to work with him. He’s aware of the criticisms and has promised that changes would be made if his ministers don’t perform. Such promises are not new for Thai prime ministers. And under normal circumstances, we would consider such statements par for the course. Gen Prayuth needs to have his band of brothers by his side as they make way for the next wave of armed forces leaders in the impending military reshuffle. Be that as it may there is one key position which should definitely not be occupied by a military officer — the post of Foreign Minister.

• OPINION

  It’s not just about the price but the process

  News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 14/09/2014

  » Finally, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has spoken out on the controversy swirling around the installation of new microphones and the audio system at Government House. He had to speak out eventually. After all, he’s repeatedly promised us a transparent, accountable and corruption-free government.

• OPINION

  The ball sits firmly in Prayut's court now

  News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 09/11/2014

  » It's been quiet for the past five months since the May 22 military coup. Martial law has kept the situation under wraps, even though we all know that nothing has really changed. Despite all the talk of unity, reconciliation and reform, the political divide remains.

• OPINION

  Give the people a say on the charter

  News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 16/11/2014

  » It should come as no surprise that quite a number of people are asking whether it’s worth going through yet another round of drafting a new charter. We have a track record of overturning governments, ripping up charters and drafting new ones. And so the cycle goes. So why should this time be any different?

• OPINION

  Christmas? Long-term is what really matters

  News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 30/11/2014

  » Over the next three weeks we will be gradually decorating the Prayut Christmas tree. Presents are piling up under the tree with more to come, and people can start opening their presents in the final week of the year.

• OPINION

  We cannot endorse plan for election

  News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 14/12/2014

  » Usually, Thai newspapers and media do not endorse political party leaders or parties campaigning in elections under our parliamentary system. Certainly not the Bangkok Post.

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