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From Our Own Correspondent

Thailand’s Young Reformers

From Our Own Correspondent

BBC

News, News Commentary

4.41.3K Ratings

🗓️ 29 April 2023

⏱️ 29 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Kate Adie presents stories from Thailand, Israel, Laos, Switzerland and Ireland. Thailand is standing at a crossroads, with many wondering if the country can move on to a more dynamic, democratic future in the forthcoming election on 14th May. Recent polls put progressive parties ahead, and on target to win a majority of the seats - but can they overcome the conservative status quo? Jonathan Head has been on the campaign trail with one of the young, progressive candidates hoping for change. Israel has been in the grip of nationwide protests over the right-wing coalition's plans for judicial reform, but Israeli Arabs have been conspicuous by their absence. Rhodri Davies spoke to people about why this is in an Arab city in northern Israel. Laos is the most bombed country in the world per capita and is still suffering the consequences of American air strikes 50 years ago. Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent heard stories of the dangers posed by unexploded ordinance to farmers and children. In Switzerland, thousands of older Swiss women, nicknamed 'Climate Grannies' are bringing a case against their government to the European Court of Human Rights, claiming the government's lack of action on climate change is putting their health at risk. Imogen Foulkes heard about their fight. And finally, as world leaders, both past and present, have descended on Ireland recently, and after Ireland's victory over England in the Six Nations Rugby grand slam, James Helm reflects on Irish soft power around the world. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Producer: Louise Hidalgo Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith Production Coordinator: Helena Warwick-Cross

Transcript

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0:00.0

BBC Sounds, Music, Radio, Podcasts

0:05.6

Today, as Israel has been gripped by protests over the Supreme Court, we hear how Arab

0:11.8

Israelis have largely refrained from joining this fight and why.

0:17.2

We visit the most bombed country on Earth, the Southeast Asian nation of Laos, which

0:23.0

is still suffering the consequences of American air attacks half a century ago.

0:29.3

The Switzerland's glaciers melt at a rapid pace, we meet the women fighting climate change

0:35.0

by taking their government court.

0:37.6

And as world leaders, both past and present, have descended on Ireland recently, we reflect

0:43.4

on Irish soft power around the world.

0:47.2

Now to Thailand, where everyone is wondering whether the country can move on to a more dynamic

0:53.0

democratic future at the upcoming election, or whether it will fall back into the same

0:59.1

patterns of military coups and street protests, which have dominated its politics for the

1:04.7

past two decades.

1:06.8

The current Prime Minister, Pryut Januchar, who seized power in a coup nine years ago,

1:12.6

is facing a powerful challenge from more reformist parties backed by younger ties.

1:18.8

Poles suggest these parties will win a majority of seats in the Thai Parliament, yet, whenever

1:25.5

an anti-military party has won in previous elections, conservative forces have found

1:31.2

ways to exclude them from power.

1:34.3

Jonathan Head has been on the campaign trail of a young candidate for the most progressive

1:39.3

party contesting this election.

1:42.4

With a dazzling smile and plenty of youthful energy, Chantichar Jangru is quite a hit

1:48.0

with the crowds at the main market in Patum Tani, an area of farms, factories and small

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