Alan Dawson
Online Reporter / Sub-Editor
A Canadian by birth. Former Saigon's UPI bureau chief. Drafted into the American Armed Forces. He has survived eleven wars and innumerable coups. A walking encyclopedia of knowledge.

Commission on a mission
After the worst possible lead-up, the country holds its breath over whether this year's military appointed Election Commission can count the votes.
Full medal jacket
Harsh words about stalking and sneering at military medals have sent political soldiers running to the court, crying they have been defamed.
Campaign standards
That was the week when so many that will shape the next chapters, on voting day and in nine weeks, when final results are announced.
Scum of the Earth
The army claims the hate song <i>Nak Phandin</i> was anti-communist but in reality it was the anthem for the eventually murderous campaign to overthrow democracy.
Indictment of the innocent
Freedom and fair election took hits, but the capper was the rush to judgement around the case of Thai Raksa Chart's own goal about the Princess.
A right royal confusion
Presenting Princess Ubolratana as election candidate was the most diabolical plan - and the question is whether it will finally destroy the Evil One.
Do something!
To the water cannons that are worse than a Songkran ambush to those involved, we shall now have a token slowdown of factories that produce no PM2.5 pollution.
Inclined to be unfair
Rules, regulations, paperwork, make-work and 'no campaign posters until we say so' tilt the field to the advantage of the well-funded pro-military party.
Out of the box
A comfortable cabinet headed by the general prime minister, Gen (Ret) Prayut Chan-o-cha, recommends that children must never be encouraged to think outside the box.
Go to Plan B
Not a word from the Prime Minister about a possible election, but his fellow ex-army commander ordered his Interior Ministry to halt poll preparations.