Showing 1 - 10 of 1,142
Move Forward case reveals autocracy
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 07/06/2024
» The Constitutional Court's announcement that it will consider the Move Forward Party's (MFP) written defence in its dissolution case on June 12 appears ominous. After several attempts to make its argument that a campaign pledge to amend the lese majeste law against royal insult is not tantamount to "overthrowing Thailand's democratic regime with the King as head of state", the party's time is up. As the biggest election winner in May 2023, the MFP's dissolution is perceived as a foregone conclusion. Such a revelation might risk Thailand being perceived as an autocratic regime based on legal manoeuvres, and power plays that do not derive from voter preferences.
A turbulent time for govt
Oped, Editorial, Published on 06/06/2024
» Winning an election and forming a coalition is one thing; running a country, another. After nine months at Government House, the Srettha Thavisin government finds itself struggling to fulfil its campaign promises. Tough issues -- such as the charter rewrite, boosting tourism, the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme and the sluggish economy -- remain a fierce challenge.
Respect 'laws of nature'
Oped, Editorial, Published on 05/06/2024
» Today marks World Environment Day, initiated in 1973 by the United Nations Environment Programme to create a global platform aimed at inspiring positive change.
Conservatives still wield 'lawfare' axe
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 01/06/2024
» Thai politics is facing a dilemma once again as key parties are being slapped with lawsuits.
Pheu Thai loses its mojo
Oped, Editorial, Published on 28/05/2024
» The latest public opinion poll by the King Prajadhipok Institute is just another survey showing the atrophy of the Pheu Thai Party.
Senators send the 'old man' a warning
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 27/05/2024
» It was a close call. Five against four was the vote by the nine Constitutional Court judges when they decided not to suspend Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from performing his duties after they voted 6:3 to accept for consideration the petition of 40 senators demanding the removal of the prime minister for allegedly violating ethical standards in appointing Phichit Chuenban as PM's Office Minister.
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.
India Inc must only cheer growth, not question it
News, Andy Mukherjee, Published on 22/05/2024
» Large parts of corporate India aren't exactly feeling the economy's world-beating growth performance. But woe to those who dare to question it.
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.
PM takes page from Thaksin's playbook
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 06/05/2024
» The cabinet reshuffle may trigger speculation about cracks in the Pheu Thai Party, owing to the departure of prominent figures like Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara. The shift indicates that ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra is taking the reins of the party.