Showing 1 - 10 of 15
How did China surpass Thailand?
Oped, Peerasit Kamnuansilpa and Wei Yang, Published on 22/12/2022
» Thailand revolutionised its political and administrative systems in 1932, well before China, which did not start until 1949. The shared drive for this revolution was the economic hardship of the populace. Both Thailand and China were poor nations. Their economy stagnated and was under the control of the privileged groups, the elite rulers in the case of Thailand, and the bourgeois in China. People in the countryside were left with economic plight and suffering. Initially, Thailand had taken a leap toward reform by changing into a constitutional monarchy following a coup led by Khana Ratsadon (the People's Party), supported by young military personnel and Thai students who graduated overseas, to spur economic development and improve the economic well-being of the public.
Rebel with a cause Netiwit riles 'adults'
Oped, Wasant Techawongtham, Published on 05/03/2022
» When I read a while back that Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal -- a young political activist, was going to Chulalongkorn University, it struck me as inconceivable.
No one benefits as old regime drags out its end
Oped, Thana Boonlert, Published on 01/10/2021
» Standing together in a space demarcated as a forbidden area, two actors began to spread red paint over their bodies and create flags out of ropes and twigs. When they ran wild and cried out "Long live the people!" the message could not be clearer. Performed by the Layyim Theatre group, the gig was a part of the rally held by the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration (UFTD) to commemorate the first year of the movement. It was held in front of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre on Sunday.
Rebel courage can be a force for needed change
Oped, Thana Boonlert, Published on 03/09/2021
» Clad in khaki uniform, a civil servant gave a three-finger salute even though he knew he could face a disciplinary probe. Nevertheless, he made a moral choice in defiance of the rules and norms that expect bureaucrats to remain politically impartial.
Anti-govt protesters must avoid violence
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 14/08/2021
» Thailand has witnessed a rise of violence in a series of clashes over the past weeks between anti-Prayut Chan-o-cha government protesters and riot control police that have resulted in injuries on both sides.
Shift from tourism
Oped, Postbag, Published on 21/04/2021
» I commend Nareerat Wiriyapong for her April 19 article, "Tourism revival in doubt again" which presented a clear-eyed, factual analysis. My only criticism is that an earnest revival is but probably impossible. As roughly 60% of Thailand's tourists came from the West, Thailand can expect little recovery in Western tourists, because of the rise of unemployment, fear of health safety as well as mounting bankruptcies. Even more, few Western tourists are likely to be interested in travelling in an era of face mask wearing, social distancing, field hospitals, ever-changing policies and draconian penalties related to Covid-19 related measures as well as unpredictable lockdown.
Court incident leaves anti-govt protesters in lurch
Oped, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 17/04/2021
» Patiwat Saraiyaem, alias Mor Lum Bank, one of the core leaders of the anti-establishment Ratsadon group was eventually granted bail by the Criminal Court last week after he pledged not to criticise the monarchy and not join future political protests.
The anatomy of waning youth protests
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 19/03/2021
» By all accounts, Thailand's youth protest movement over the past year has lost steam. Its key leaders have been charged on anti-monarchy grounds and jailed without bail, while the rank-and-file are demoralised, still on the move but in thin numbers. On the other side, the incumbent centres of power have reasserted control and put down what at its peak was the most vociferous and vigorous anti-establishment movement Thailand had seen in decades.
Maybe pause for reflection is needed?
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 19/12/2020
» The temporary break in the political rallies announced by firebrand protest leader Parit "Penguin" Chiwarak may give the impression that the pro-reform Khana Ratsadon movement is waning.
A deafening silence
Oped, Published on 19/12/2020
» Several predictions have been made about the country's political climate remaining placid at least for another month or until after the New Year.