Showing 1 - 10 of 804
Thailand's judiciary faces challenges
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 24/05/2024
» Thailand appears to be a country of 70 million, ultimately ruled by an unelected few. This sobering reality was on display when two connected groups of top generals seized power from democratically elected governments in September 2006 and May 2014. Unlike these blatant military coups over the past two decades, at issue now is the power and role of the judiciary. While Thailand has another democratically elected civilian government under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, the question that needs to be asked is whether the country is effectively under judicial rule.
Thai Human Rights Council aspirations
Oped, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 17/05/2024
» Thailand's quest for membership of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), Geneva, for the period 2025-2027, is rightly gaining interest among the general public. With a new foreign minister today, it is intriguing to prospect whether there will be more (or less) momentum in the competition towards the winning post -- with elections for the HRC due in New York in October.
Reshuffle cements Srettha's grip
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 06/05/2024
» After eight months at the helm, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin staged a much-anticipated cabinet reshuffle with unexpected drama and unsurprising consolidation. As head of a coalition government, Mr Srettha appears more "prime ministerial" as the reshuffle has strengthened his hand to implement the ruling Pheu Thai Party's flagship policies.
Election Commission must get new Senate poll right
Editorial, Published on 05/05/2024
» The Senate election will start by the middle of this month, with the race shrouded with ambiguity and confusion. While the appointment of a new higher chamber is touted as part of democracy, members of the public remain in the dark.
Saving the Senate
Oped, Editorial, Published on 26/04/2024
» The 250-member Senate's five-year term will end on May 10. Hand-picked by the junta, when it was known as the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), and appointed by HM the King in accordance with Section 113 of the Constitution, it is little surprise the Senate will be remembered as the legacy of the former military government led by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Public health needs more attention
News, Published on 08/04/2024
» April 7 marks the founding anniversary of the World Health Organization. It was on this day, in 1948, that the WHO constitution came into force for the first time.
Tough security law dims Hong Kong's lustre
Oped, Published on 28/03/2024
» There was no hint of dissent in Hong Kong's Legislative Council as its 88 members passed Article 23, a piece of draconian domestic Security legislation which "complements" Beijing's own 2020 Security stamp on the Special Administrative Region.
The Thaksin factor in Thai politics
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 15/03/2024
» Thai politics in the near term will likely be dominated by the fate of the two largest vote winners from the general election in May 2023, the Move Forward (MFP) and Pheu Thai parties. While the MFP is at risk of another dissolution, the same as its predecessor Future Forward Party suffered in 2020, Pheu Thai's political future appears to hinge on Thaksin Shinawatra and his return from exile in what is believed to be a deal that follows the assumption of the premiership under Srettha Thavisin, and for Thaksin, a royal pardon and early release on parole.
MFP decision sparks collusion rumours
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 09/03/2024
» The decision of the Move Forward Party (MFP) and the opposition bloc to seek a general debate instead of no-confidence censure against the Srettha Thavisin government has sparked suspicion of political collusion between political opponents.
Welfare rules need review
Oped, Editorial, Published on 27/02/2024
» Last week, Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa announced the expansion of welfare programmes to benefit newborns, the elderly and the disabled. While experts welcomed the push, it was certainly overdue.