Showing 1 - 10 of 191
Thaksin's comeback fuels media chaos
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 03/09/2024
» Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's return to the Thai political scene has sparked a frenzy across all media spectrums. Such a brouhaha is understandable. Thaksin is a political figure associated with multiple scandals, an ideal target for investigative journalists. Interestingly, this time around, the exposés are not coming from journos. Instead, they come from Thaksin's inner circle -- his close friends and former aides.
Govt faces reshuffle risk
Oped, Editorial, Published on 03/09/2024
» The upcoming annual military reshuffle is being watched by political pundits and society because it will happen during the tenure of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a daughter of former PM Thaksin and a niece of former PM Yingluck.
Overdue trial for Tak Bai
Oped, Editorial, Published on 28/08/2024
» The decision by Narathiwat Provincial Court to hear a lawsuit against seven high-ranking officials accused of murdering protesters in the Tak Bai incident two decades ago is a milestone for efforts to eradicate the culture of impunity in Thai society.
PM must reflect on fate
News, Editorial, Published on 19/08/2024
» As quick as the wind blows, Thailand has filled the void in leadership following the Constitutional Court's removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
Uncharted territory and a case of déjà vu
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 09/08/2024
» Another dissolution of another election winner should feel old in Thai politics. But what happened to Move Forward Party is not just déjà vu but uncharted territory. Its dissolution fits a recurrent pattern of systematic subversion of democratic institutions in favour of autocratic preferences in disregard of the will of the majority. The Constitutional Court's breakup of Move Forward also breaks new ground that is increasingly taking centre stage in Thailand's political landscape.
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.
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.
Deja vu as charter court weighs MFP ban
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 12/01/2024
» It is déjà vu in Thai politics this month as Thailand's biggest elected political party and its leader face Constitutional Court verdicts that could lead to a familiar dissolution and ban. At issue is the political future of Pita Limjaroenrat and the fate of the Move Forward Party (MFP), which he led to a stunning victory at the election last May. However the verdicts come out, they might be perceived by pundits as decided by the political winds of the day.
Broken Dems fail to rise from the ashes
News, Published on 11/12/2023
» The dust has finally settled in the Democrat Party. A new party leader, Chalermchai Sri-on, has been elected after two failed attempts to hold a general meeting for the party's leadership election.
CEO solution won't work
Oped, Editorial, Published on 08/12/2023
» The Srettha Thavisin administration's decision to revive the idea of turning governors into chief executive officers (CEO) of their respective provinces has raised many eyebrows.