Showing 1 - 10 of 23
What's the right kind of love for King and country?
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 05/12/2015
» When it comes to fierce, honest debates, the clashing of opposing ideas and rousing Churchillian speeches, nobody does it better than the British House of Commons.
Without change the Democrat Party faces irrelevance
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 04/08/2015
» Does anybody really think that political progress is conceivable without also reforming the Democrat Party? As they say, "honesty is an expensive gift, so never expect it from cheap people". Well, here is my gift of honesty.
Thailand's political landscape rivals that of 'Hamlet'
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 02/06/2015
» I was recently invited by the British ambassador to attend a performance of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' organised by The British Council and the British embassy at Chulalongkorn University. I must admit to never having seen Hamlet but I'm glad I finally did because it rather reminded me in parts of what's happening here in Thailand.
Time to redefine Thainess for 21st-century success
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 16/05/2015
» When the government seeks to promote Thainess, what exactly do they mean? I guess every nation has their particular traits, but what are our national traits? And are they traits which we would want to advertise or encourage?
Setting the record straight on my conservative roots
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 05/05/2015
» On Thursday, the United Kingdom will go to the polls in what looks to be one of the most closely contested general elections in British history.
In the Thai political rule book, not all crimes are equal
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 19/02/2015
» The year 2015 is a rather special year for students of British history like myself, because it marks the 50th anniversary since the death of Sir Winston Churchill and the 750th anniversary of a much less celebrated but equally vital historical landmark called the de Montfort Parliament.
Thailand can learn from my hero, Winston Churchill
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 03/02/2015
» This year marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of arguably the greatest Briton that ever lived. Those who read my column will know that I have often quoted Sir Winston Churchill, because I find his life and the principles he stood for mesmerising. Churchill personified the greatness of the British Empire and his death in 1965 marked its spiritual end. I wholeheartedly believe that our anaemic leaders in Thailand should study his legacy, because even half a century after his death, Churchillian principles still have the unique ability to inspire.
Reforms must ensure state apparatus is on our side
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 19/12/2014
» Among the reforms the National Reform Council (NRC) is expected to design is a new election system that will help Thailand mitigate the influence of vote-buying.
The seven business groups' plan provides some hope
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 07/01/2014
» The ultimate deadlock is upon us. This political chess match pitching the Pheu Thai Party against the Democrat Party and its first cousin the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) is slowly drawing to a potentially gruesome close, involving the shutdown of Bangkok and more lives being sacrificed upon the altar of our deliriously dysfunctional political system.
Mandela's legacy puts that of our politicians to shame
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 09/12/2013
» Nelson Mandela was a man greatly admired throughout the world, and in death his message lives on. This fragile, softly spoken, human rights colossus went to war against the mighty apartheid regime and won. His allies were freedom and justice. His weapons were his convictions and his indomitable spirit. In the end, numerous leaders of the free world flocked to join his cause. A believer in liberty and equal rights for all, regardless of colour or creed; a belief he was willing to die for.