Showing 31 - 40 of 54
Why corruption continues to plague us
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 31/01/2017
» Those following news reports over the past few weeks likely have the impression that corruption is rampant in Thailand, with a series of bribery cases emerging one after another starting with the shady Rolls-Royce deals. The poor ranking by Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index 2016 speaks volumes about the state of corruption in the country.
'Reset' by charter drafters fails to deliver
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 22/11/2016
» The Constitution Drafting Committee's (CDC) current effort to deliberate the draft organic laws to "reset" independent organisations fails to touch on anything of real substance.
Short-sighted policies will not help poor
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 29/11/2016
» In its last-ditch effort to spur economic growth, the Prayut Chan-o-cha government is banking on spending in the consumption sector as it offers another cash handout package for the urban poor. Such a one-off package, which will be disbursed by next month, will not create sustained economic opportunities for low-income earners.
Shutting out parties is recipe for trouble
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 06/12/2016
» The gag order issued by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) after the 2014 coup which prohibits political gatherings of more than five people will be a key obstacle for parties when preparing for the next general election.
PM faces big decisions in cabinet revamp
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 13/12/2016
» As Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha prepares for a cabinet reshuffle, some political observers, including myself, watch with anxiety.
Unity in mourning, without angry crowds
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 18/10/2016
» Thailand has been mourning the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej -- the father to the land and the country's pillar of stability and unity.
Challenges of democracy after Trump win
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 15/11/2016
» As Donald Trump becomes the president-elect of the United States, challenges to modern democracy are noted.
Challenges await city governor, NCPO
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 25/10/2016
» Prime Minister and head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha finally rid the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) of its last elected governor, MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra. The dismissal order came a little less than two months after he suspended the governor over investigations into alleged irregularities at the BMA.
Rice politics and the death of Thai farmers
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 01/11/2016
» The latest dramatic fall in the price of rice could not have come at a worse time for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
New US president and Thai foreign policy
News, Suranand Vejjajiva, Published on 08/11/2016
» After Americans cast their ballots today, Southeast Asian nations will have to deal with a new US presidency. Notwithstanding whoever wins the election, Thailand and its Asean neighbours will need to come up with strategic positioning and get their acts together.