If you’re a follower of Top News FC, Thai Pakdee, and Thailand Vision, one thing you would know for certain. Everything that’s wrong with this government, from alleged corruption to gross ineptitude, is the fault of dirty politicians. In fact, if General Prayut Chan-o-cha would just get rid of theseContinue Reading
On Friday, 19 June, Chatchai Phromlert, Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministery, sent an urgent letter to all provincial governors. They must allocate vaccination for all ThaiBev employees and their families nationwide. Weekend social media went nuts with cries against privilege and VIP treatment. By Sunday, Chatchai said the letterContinue Reading
There’s a simple formula to corruption. Mark up the price. Exchange the goods. Receive the change. Spread the change among the patronage network. Everyone is happy because everyone makes money. Courtesy of taxpayers. But of course, such practice no longer exists in Thailand because General Prayut Chan-o-cha has eradicated corruptionContinue Reading
Have you ever imagined how a disgruntled Sukhotai-era feudal lord behaves at home? After a bad day (or a bad seven-year) at work, how he complains to his 250 servants? Of course, you’ve never imagined such a thing. But that’s what General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s yesterday rambling diatribe to the 250Continue Reading
“He breathes in and breathes out work. Sometimes I worry for him, and I tell him, Mr. Prime Minister, sir, take some rest. At 9pm or 10pm, he still issues orders. I worry for him. But he works hard. This is why we must do our best for him [ทํางานถวายหัว,Continue Reading
On 7 June, the group Bad Student posted a leaked Line chat. Teachers in Ubon Ratchatani Province discussed online learning amidst COVID-19. The gravest concern was loyalty, tradition, and discipline. Therefore, this was the policy introduced: [Translation from the leaked chat.] “Students are ready to salute the national flag atContinue Reading
The Attorney General’s Office has filed corruption charges against Palang Pracharat Party’s Viraj Rattanaseth, chairman of the government whip. These charges involve the budget for building provincial school futsal stadiums. The allegations are over contracting private companies owned by “friends” to build the stadiums with alleged kickbacks, gift baskets, andContinue Reading
“Debate like a lion, vote like a mouse.” The phrase hit social media as last night (2 June), the parliament voted 268 to 201 in favor of the first reading of the 3.1 trillion baht budget bill for the 2022 fiscal year starting 1 October. During the two-day debate, coalitionContinue Reading
Here are 10 quotes from General Prayut Chan-o-cha during this week’s parliament debate (so far). On being an awesome leader: “There’re a million complaints lodged at the Prime Minister’s Office. I’ve already solved over 90%. These are problems that have never been solved before.” “I don’t monopolize power in theContinue Reading
On 30 May, outspoken government critic Lakkana “Kam Phaka” Punwichai tweeted: “Mom called. She said the police came to our Chiang Mai home. They told the village head they are here on duty. They took photos and left.” The incident is an illustration of Thailand’s rule of fear. Presently, theContinue Reading
