Does COVID-19 weaken democracy?

21 Sept 06:41 Key points summarised by AI

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global trend of power centralization, with leaders invoking emergency powers and bypassing traditional democratic processes for swift action.
Several leaders, including Donald Trump, Prayut Chan-o-cha, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Viktor Orbán, are seen as leveraging the crisis to extend their authority, suppress dissent, or gain political advantage under the guise of public health necessity.
The crisis exposes a fundamental tension between democratic principles of deliberation and checks and balances, and the perceived need for rapid 'contain and control' measures, suggesting democracy is taking a 'break' or being 'exposed' rather than simply weakened.

Six injured after car smashes into On Nut shopping mall

Today 22:44 Key points summarised by AI

A 67-year-old woman drove her car through the glass frontage of a Bangkok shopping mall, injuring six people, including a six-year-old girl.
The driver claimed she accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake after being startled, causing the vehicle to surge forward.
She apologized to the victims, promising insurance coverage and additional financial aid, while police continue to gather statements before filing charges.