Showing 11 - 20 of 30
My general impressions haven't changed
News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 15/02/2015
» On Friday night I received an email from a longtime friend, an expatriate who has been living in Thailand for decades: "OK, so tell me whether the one-on-one train journey discussions have favourably (or otherwise) changed your views in any way?"
Ethics body should at least be given a try
News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 08/03/2015
» The National Reform Council’s panel on ethics, morality and good governance created quite a buzz last week when they announced plans to set up a National Ethics Assembly. This new body — which will draft a code of ethics — is supposed to monitor the behaviour of politicians, civil servants and private companies doing business with the state.
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.
My wish list for 2015 is not too hard to achieve
News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 04/01/2015
» It happens every time we approach the end of one year and the start of another. We reflect on the last 365 days, wonder what the next 52 weeks will bring and hope our lives will be better.
We will get new laws, but will we obey them?
News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 18/01/2015
» This week marks eight months since the National Council for Peace and Order toppled the Yingluck government. Armed with martial law, the military moved swiftly to ban political gatherings and imposed restrictions on the media to curb opposition to the coup and statements that would further deepen the political divide.
Reform and the charter should be a joint effort
News, Pichai Chuensuksawadi, Published on 26/10/2014
» Starting tomorrow, the National Reform Council will roll up their sleeves and start the arduous task of charting a roadmap of how Thailand will change. There is enthusiasm among the members, although they realise expectations are mixed — high hopes from some quarters and serious doubts among others.
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.
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?
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.
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.