Showing 1 - 5 of 5
Post-poll transitions and directions
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 14/06/2019
» Almost three months after the March 24 poll, Thailand has barely managed to come up with a new government leader, who remains Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, but a cabinet has still yet to be announced owing to haggling and bargaining over portfolios.
Poll results point to clear way forward
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 26/04/2019
» Despite the controversy and confusion over Thailand's March 24 election outcome, its immediate and far-reaching implications are indisputable.
Army-backed regime pulls poll disguises
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 15/03/2019
» At issue in the looming election is less about Thailand's return to democratic rule and more about the country's slide into long-term military-authoritarianism with democratic disguises. The most recent military seizure of power on May 22, 2014, appears increasingly like a coup to remake all coups. However the votes are decided, the army-backed junta under the National Council for Peace and Order, spearheaded by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, intends to stay for the long haul.
An ex-cop who has no fear of the generals
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 14/12/2018
» Over the past four and a half years of military government, the Thai people have been physically cowed. Sure, there are many, possibly a silent majority, who may be waiting for the poll to have their say in opposition to the military junta that seized power in May 2014, led by then-army chief Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the incumbent prime minister. But few have been able and willing to stand up and stare down the ruling generals who routinely resort to intimidation and coercion, armed with guns and the law, which they sometimes interpret as they see fit. Just about everyone in Thailand is physically afraid of the junta in one way or another. Otherwise, there would have been more anti-junta demonstrations in public view.
Democrats risk political oblivion in city poll
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 08/02/2013
» Over the past decade, Bangkok's governor race has provided telling implications for national politics. The winner, in that time, has come from the opposition party in national politics. In other words, the largest national winning party lost in Bangkok consecutively in 2004, 2008 and 2009. This time, ahead of the March 3 poll, the Bangkok governor race is yielding counterintuitive poll numbers that may portend a pattern for the next national election due by 2015.