Showing 41 - 50 of 65
Mandela's legacy puts that of our politicians to shame
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 09/12/2013
» Nelson Mandela was a man greatly admired throughout the world, and in death his message lives on. This fragile, softly spoken, human rights colossus went to war against the mighty apartheid regime and won. His allies were freedom and justice. His weapons were his convictions and his indomitable spirit. In the end, numerous leaders of the free world flocked to join his cause. A believer in liberty and equal rights for all, regardless of colour or creed; a belief he was willing to die for.
Give power to the people, say no to Suthep
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 03/12/2013
» Never in recent memory has Thai politics seen such divisiveness. The air is rife with political propaganda and animosity.
Charter court proves a worthy adversary
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 23/11/2013
» I am going to attempt to cut through the legal jargon and make a citizen's interpretation of the Constitution Court's latest landmark judgement. The court's ruling on the draft charter amendment to change the composition of the Senate deemed the proposed changes unconstitutional for basically two reasons. Firstly, the amendment violates Section 291 of the constitution, which governs the correct procedure for charter reform, and secondly it violates section 68 of our constitution which speaks to "intention".
Root cause of corruption is an uninformed citizenry
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 21/11/2013
» Two of my dearest friends to this day are directly involved in the rally on Ratchadamnoen Avenue. Needless to say they are Democrats.
Amnesty of betrayal can't rewrite history
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 05/11/2013
» There is nothing that unites the "We Hate Thaksin" brigade more than the possibility of an amnesty for the exiled former prime minister.
Seven essential qualities for a Thai premier
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 01/10/2013
» Being prime minister is not an easy job. So hats off to anyone who even wants the job in the first place, because it can be a thankless endeavour. In this article I'd like to explore what the essential qualities are that we seek in a prime minster of Thailand, and whether anyone measures up to it.
Nation needs more conviction politicians
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 21/09/2013
» The World Wildlife Fund recently placed the Leather Back Turtle, the Javan Rhino and the Western Lowland Gorilla on their critically endangered list. I'd like to add another to this list: The Conviction Politician.
Everyone suffers when lunatics run the asylum
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 14/09/2013
» Thailand has reached a tipping point. A point of no return, and from here it could just be a race to the bottom. As a society and as a democracy, we're damaged goods. We're essentially Humpty Dumpty that can't be put back together again. Why do I say this? Just look around. The lunatics are running the asylum.
Thailand needs to grow up and find its way in the world
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 07/09/2013
» The best gift my parents gave me, in particular my father, was his insistence that I be educated in Britain; England to be precise. I guess being sent to England at a young age has become part of our long family tradition, and although it does have some drawbacks, I believe the pros far outweigh the cons.
The great Thai cop-out ranks faith above fact
News, Songkran Grachangnetara, Published on 03/09/2013
» One of the most common labels I'm lumped with is the term "contrarian". I wouldn't describe myself as a contrarian, but if standing firm for what I think is right by basing my beliefs on evidence rather than on faith makes me a contrarian, then so be it.