Opinion: When Society Curbs Its Own Freedom of Expression
In Thailand, limits on freedom of expression are not only imposed by various laws on the book, but also by members of society themselves. Two recent incidents in demonstrated my point.
Opinion: How To Turn Thai Journalists Into PR Servants of the State
In a quasi-dictator’s wet dream, the ‘democratic’ state gets to decide who can become a journalist, who not, and what journalists cannot write about – basically turning them into public relations servants.
No, Thailand is Not a Colony of the US. Nor the Junta, For That...
By Pravit Rojanaphruk
Senior Staff Writer
Senior Staff Writer
Opinion: Coronavirus Shows Thai Gov’t Doesn’t Trust Its Citizens
Whether you agree with this latest policy and the government’s advice to Thais abroad not to return home just yet, it reveals the government’s lack of faith in the people.
Opinion: What’s Plan B, Plan C and More If Pita Fails To Become PM?
On Thursday morning at 9am to be exact, parliamentarians will vote to select the new prime minister and Move Forward Party PM candidate Pita Limjaroenrat’s future will become clear, if not clearer.
Reconquering Our Collective Memory of Ayutthaya
Today, April 7, marks 250 years since the fall of the old capital of Ayutthaya. As a Thai, it’s a sober time of remembrance. After 417 years, the old capital was irreversibly sacked by Burmese invaders. A visit to Ayutthaya’s old ruins today harrowingly reminds Thais, myself included, of the ravages of war and sends us on a flight of imagining the glories of the old capital with its magnificent temples and palaces.
Thailand’s Draconian Cyberlaws Tipping Toward Totalitarian
Amendments to the criminal code removing judicial oversight of wiretapping combined with new laws on cybercrime, cyber security and even the digital economy all suggest the Good People running the country can no longer distinguish between internal security and external threats.
Opinion: From American Racism to Thai Chauvinism
The anti-racist protests and riots in the United States across 70 cities as a result of the police killing of black man George Floyd on May 25 have got some in Thailand reflecting upon their own society.
Opinion: Thailand is Failing Its Neighbor in Myanmar
The execution of four anti-junta activists in Myanmar earlier this week and the Thai government’s reluctance to even condemn the barbaric act of the Burmese junta speak volumes about how the Prayut Chan-o-cha regime has failed to act in a dignified manner.
Opinion: Why Ekachai Hongkangwan Is a Formidable Political Activist?
Anti-junta-cum-monarchy-reformist Ekachai Hongkangwan has emerged as one of the most persistent opponents to the conservative powers in Thailand over the years.
