Achara Ashayagachat
Senior reporter on socio-political issues
Bangkok Post's senior reporter on socio-political issues.
Put people at Asean's heart
I was just a child when the strongmen from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand announced the formation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in the mellow Thai resort town of Bang Saen in 1967.
Bail and compassion
Criteria for bail are necessary but our system currently approves bail for convicted murderers and not for those merely charged with free speech.
Enfant terrible
The young man and political dissident called Pai Dao Din - a pain to authorities but without doubt a youth with courage and fighting spirit.
Asean's Rohingya dilemma
Myanmar held a timely, face-saving meeting on the growing Rohingya crisis last Monday, and now the rest of the world has retreated to its corner, so to speak.
Migrant workers need full protection
Having worked as a domestic helper for a Thai family for five years, Kon has blended in well with her neighbourhood. Most people are not aware she is a migrant worker.
Building the firewall
The National Legislative Assembly will disappoint civil groups and business alike with a new law to enable the military regime's control of everything cyber.
The failed watchdogs
Blame the middle class, at least in part, for holding back Thailand from becoming a successful society based on reasoning.
Wrong road travelled
The NCPO power-holders could have reached out and embraced stakeholders, but have chosen to consolidate power through military cronyism.
Same as the old boss
The new army commander in the deep South is the younger brother of the current, retiring army commander - and that's a problem.
Self-styled saviours
Suspicion for last week's bombs is focussed partly on the southern BRN group, which has acted to "save Islam" in the past.
