Showing 21 - 30 of 65
We can learn from Selma marches
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 12/03/2015
» This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches which were led by Rev Martin Luther King Jr and many other civil rights activists. These three marches by ordinary American men and women, mostly of African descent, still stand as historical landmarks of the triumph of the human spirit over grave injustice and the dark forces of segregation.
Asia's last 'benevolent dictator' was a giant of a man
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 25/03/2015
» There is little doubt that Singapore owes an enormous debt of gratitude to this giant of a man named Lee Kuan Yew, or Harry as he was known to his friends and family.
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 should steadfastly reject 'the China model'
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 25/02/2015
» Thailand is now becoming increasingly isolated by the West. We have effectively been subjected to a "democracy downgrade", which has pushed us ever closer into the sinister embrace of Asia's only superpower, China. Thailand continues to do what we do best, play one side off against the other. But recent overtures to China by the junta and the unrestrained lauding of what is termed "the China model" as a suitable system of government for Thailand, have made me sick to my stomach.
Only real democracy will solve Thailand's problems
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 29/01/2015
» In my view, the Yingluck Shinawatra impeachment proceedings were shameful and will go down in history as one of the most horrendous events in modern Thai history.
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.
The more things change, the more they stay the same
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 06/01/2015
» I'm in the hotels and resorts industry, so most of my staff are local to each hotel's location. The majority of my people have few if any formal qualifications apart from the undying will to work hard and to make something of their lives. As the chief executive, I'm constantly called on stage to make the opening speech at our annual staff parties.
Thailand after six months behind the iron curtain
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 28/11/2014
» We have marked six months since Thailand ventured into dangerous − but historically familiar − political waters. Slowly, but surely, an iron curtain has descended upon this country, snuffing out many forms of civil liberties we once took for granted.
It's in the regime's best interests not to silence students
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 04/12/2014
» I'm sure we have all heard the prime minister utter the following words in one form or another: "Please understand that I'm trying to do what's best for the country. Just trust me and let me get on with doing my job."
True statesmen share power and avoid victor's justice
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 10/12/2014
» As a staunch supporter of democracy and as a writer, I now face what I shall call the "democrat's dilemma".