Writer
Cameron Douglas
Cameron Douglas is an Australian business executive who visits Bangkok frequently.
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Brave Thai students put government in a quandary
Student-led protesters in Bangkok are publicly demanding a fundamental change that was once merely thinkable – reform of the monarchy Continue reading »
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Thailand’s students revive their tradition of protest
Thailand’s authorities so far are responding relatively calmly to the latest political protests. They need to: like all nations, Thailand has had enough shocks in 2020. Continue reading »
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CAMERON DOUGLAS. Thailand’s future party now past tense
Thailand’s constitutional court has what must be unique powers to decide the fate of political parties – and the shape of national politics. It exercised its powers again last week. The latest party to threaten military-backed authoritarian rule there no longer exists Continue reading »
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CAMERON DOUGLAS. Court bans Thai military opponent
Thailand’s Constitutional Court has banned as an MP the leader of a new and successful political party that opposes the military and the current prime minister. It could turn out to be step 1 in ending his political career. Continue reading »
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CAMERON DOUGLAS. Thailand’s elections – horse-trading, according to plan
The results of Thailand’s first post-coup elections went well for the military junta, following their script for keeping control of  government in the name, and name only, of democracy. Continue reading »
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CAMERON DOUGLAS. Thailand’s military erect a democratic facade
Thailand is about to return to popular elections but the democratic facade will ensure the military remains the country’s fourth branch of government. New rules should confirm the 2014 coup leader as prime minister but will leave him relying on a coalition to govern Continue reading »
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CAMERON DOUGLAS. The new Thai Constitution!
Thais will vote in their first post-coup election towards the end of next year, after approving in a referendum a new constitution that will usher in an era of paternalistic democracy. The referendum was held on Sunday, August 7, but even before the official results were declared one of the supporters of the country’s Continue reading »
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CAMERON DOUGLAS. The military coup and the Constitution in Thailand.
Thais will vote in a referendum on Sunday (August 7) to approve, or reject, a new constitution. This will be the post-coup government’s second attempt to implement a new national charter. The constitution would usher in a form of parliamentary government but the military would retain the power of veto: the system could not Continue reading »
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Cameron Douglas. Thailand and the military junta – an update.
Thailand’s military government got almost all it wanted in the country’s draft constitution, which will now be put to the people in a referendum on August 7. The next four months, however, will be a rough time for Thailand: the release of the draft was accompanied by a warning from Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha that Continue reading »
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Cameron Douglas. The Thais do many things well … governance is not on the list.
Thailand is nearing the end of extended efforts to write a national constitution – known as Constitution 20/2, as it is the second shot at putting together the 20th charter since the abolition of absolute monarchy in 1932. Thais do many things very well – from cuisine to culture to graphic design. Governance is not Continue reading »
