Showing 61 - 70 of 267
The big issue: Are we graft-busting yet?
Alan Dawson, Published on 30/11/2014
» The charges allege that Thailand's most admired crime fighter, former Central Investigation Bureau chief Pongpat Chayapan, used his influence and a gang of insiders to run a massive corruption-and-violence operation. They allege the gang made so much money they literally could not spend it, and had to hoard it.
The big issue: Nice talking to you
Alan Dawson, Published on 07/12/2014
» Winston Churchill referred to the "riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma". He was speaking of the actions of Russia as World War II began, but his colourful phrase doesn't do half justice to the deep South of Thailand.
The big issue: Sparing country [redacted]
News, Alan Dawson, Published on 14/12/2014
» In 2002, in the wake of the 9/11 terrorism and US military pushback, the CIA opened a secret facility in central Thailand. The agency brought two high-level al-Qaeda operatives, Abu Zubaydah and Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, to the site and launched a new programme of "enhanced interrogation" techniques on them including physical assault and waterboarding, distressing many US officials.
The big issue: Flip-flop of the year
News, Alan Dawson, Published on 28/12/2014
» Our betters of the Constitution Drafting Committee went into last week with a single issue on their minds. It was whether the Thailand of tomorrow should elect its next prime minister like the US and other republics elect their presidents — directly and nationally. The CDC's sub-committee on elections said "yes", great idea.
The big issue: Hold on, one second (five satang)
Alan Dawson, Published on 11/01/2015
» For nine years, Thailand has torn itself apart in slow-motion, red-yellow-blue street protests, killings, arson and military coups, shutdowns, violence from South to North, dirty politics, back-stabbing businesses. And after five months of investigation, the 2014 National Reform Council (NRC) identified and voted 211-3 that the primary issue needing reform, the first problem that, once fixed, will bring peace to the country.
About that reconciliation ...
News, Alan Dawson, Published on 25/01/2015
» The bad news could not have come faster or more unpleasantly on Friday afternoon.
The big issue: Fight or flight
Alan Dawson, Published on 22/02/2015
» Thailand has once again strutted into the Guinness World Records. Everyone knows "world's longest kiss" (58 hours 35 minutes, 58 seconds) is cool and "most people in a seven-minute hula-hooping session" (4,483 young and young-at-heart) is awesome and "most Santa's elves in one place" (Bangkok, 700) is inspiring.
The big issue: Swaying bamboo
Alan Dawson, Published on 01/03/2015
» Pisan Manawapat has one general job and one specific job in his new role as Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the United States of America. Both could serve as plots for Mission Impossible, although a Hollywood happy ending is not assured.
The big issue: Consensus on the constitution
Alan Dawson, Published on 08/03/2015
» There were signs last week that questions are growing and doubts are rising about the 20th attempt to write a supreme law.
The big issue: We’re all dissidents now
Alan Dawson, Published on 15/03/2015
» Last week the green shirts created political unity that others could only dream of during the past 10 years of division and violence. Not only did Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his government get more than 80% of the vote on his side, he did it twice.