Stories about Thailand from April, 2013
Thailand Police Shame Drunk Drivers on Facebook
Bangkok's Metropolitan Police has posted photos of drunk drivers on the public Facebook page of its deputy chief. The move is an apparent effort to show the seriousness of the police in apprehending drunk drivers but some are skeptical about its effectiveness and even its legality.
The Kingdoms of Southeast Asia
There are four monarchies in Southeast Asia: Brunei, Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia. The March 2013 issue of the Kyoto Review of Southeast Asia discussed the history and prospects of these monarchies. In Brunei, the absolute monarchy is able to consolidate its rule by implementing generous welfare programs.
Thailand: Victims of 2010 Protest Crackdown
Thai independent web portal Prachatai publishes the names of 21 civilians and five soldiers who died during a military crackdown of an anti-government protest three years ago. Officials of the previous administration continue to face trial for their role in the violent crackdown.
Southeast Asia Lionizes ‘Iron Lady’ Margaret Thatcher
Southeast Asians mourning the death of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher urged their own leaders to emulate the Iron Lady's "iron" quality.
The Role of Monarchy in Modern Thailand
Cod Satrusayang explains the significance of the monarchy in establishing and strengthening the modern state of Thailand: We have created a state in which it is necessary to have a King for without him we are doomed to the mass of military arrogance, political corruption and moral decay. Even today,...
Masked Protest Against Thai Royal Insult Law
Activists entered Thailand's National Book Fair wearing masks with the face of Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, a magazine editor who was sentenced to ten years for publishing articles which were deemed to insult the monarch. They distributed flyers asserting the ‘Freedom to Read, Write, Publish and Disseminate’ to highlight the negative impact...
Filing Taxes Online in Thailand
Thanya Kunakornpaiboonsiri is satisfied with the online filing of personal income tax in Thailand: At that moment, I realised the true power of harnessing technology for government services — I filed my taxes without having to deal with a mountain of paperwork, queuing up in a mile-long line, and spending...