Showing 171 - 180 of 233
Thailand's changing political narrative
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 09/09/2016
» So far in the 21st century, the main narrative of Thai politics has centred on a colour-coded class divide, characterised by an urban-rural chasm along the lines of elites versus the masses.
Let Thai electorate be referendum winners
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 12/08/2016
» Amidst the wide-ranging fallout from Thailand's second-ever referendum results, one clear outcome that should not be downplayed and marginalised is that Thai voters have more or less collectively spoken yet again. Their preference this time is to approve a military-inspired constitution that codifies longer-term military supervision of Thai politics. This sobering reality from Thai voters is not music to pro-democracy ears but it must be heeded.
Post-Obama America's 'rebalance' to Asia
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 24/06/2016
» As the United States' presidential election kicks into higher gear with the upcoming nominations of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump as the Democratic and Republican party candidates vying for top office, Asian countries, and Asean in particular, are concerned about what will happen to outgoing President Barack Obama's "rebalance" (also known as the "pivot") strategy to Asia. The "rebalance" is likely to be a lasting legacy of President Obama's foreign policy accomplishments. It has provided Asian countries from Myanmar and Vietnam to the Philippines with a counterbalance to China's increasing regional footprints. But the future of the rebalance hangs in the balance.
Military rule worsens divide
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 20/05/2016
» After two years of hope and anticipation, it is clear now that Thailand is no closer to peace and reconciliation than it was in the run-up to its latest military coup. In addition to the colour-coded divisions among civilians that have beset Thai politics over the past decade, we now suffer from a recurrent chasm between military authorities and civilian forces that was last seen more than two decades ago. As junta rule extends into a third year and possibly beyond, it looks increasingly like a combustible recipe full of tensions and risks that can only be cleared with a return to a legitimate government under popular rule.
The passing of Banharn put in perspective
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 29/04/2016
» The passing of former prime minister Banharn Silpa-archa is cause for reflection of where Thai politics has been and where it is going. By definition, as a former Thai premier, Banharn was a very important person. Yet the praise being heaped on him by many, including leaders of the current government, for his achievements and ostensibly glowing legacy, are both superficial and hypocritical.
Thailand lags as Myanmar gains ground
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 22/04/2016
» Few next-door neighbours have moved so far in an opposite political direction than Thailand and Myanmar, also known as Burma. After more than half a century of military dictatorship from 1962, Myanmar has returned to democratic rule with a free and fair election last November and now a civilian-led government under Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD) party.
Can we have 'Premocracy 2.0' in the 2010s?
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 01/04/2016
» As preparations are under way for Thailand's second-ever referendum on Aug 7, the completed draft constitution will now be dissected and digested in myriad ways, although public reactions and views will be constrained by the military-backed authorities. Because of a lack of public input and feedback for what is supposed to be a charter for the Thai people, tensions will likely mount ahead of the referendum, marked by the military government's escalating repression.
The opportunity costs of Thailand's descent
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 12/02/2016
» The Cobra Gold joint military exercise this week and the inaugural Asean-US summit in southern California next week against the backdrop of the recently inked Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free-trade area reflect the standings and priorities of Bangkok and Washington. Thailand's international engagements are increasingly on the back foot, unable to plough ahead and prone to expediency because of its political troubles at home. The US, on the hand, now has a coherent and mutually reinforcing geopolitical and geo-economic agenda for the Asia-Pacific but it may not be sustained because of impending leadership change.
The return of constitutional blackmail
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 05/02/2016
» While the second draft constitution is thoroughly dissected and digested in the weeks ahead, for all of its anti-corruption strengths and anti-democratic shortcomings, its broad contours are clear. The current draft that is being set up for a referendum this July builds on its precursor from 2007 in restricting and rolling back the democratic direction of the 1997 constitution, harking back to earlier versions from 1978 and 1991. There is constitutional continuity in Thailand's charter drafting -- but it is going back in time in a democratic regression.
China conundrum and global implications
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 29/01/2016
» It was not long ago when we were grappling with China's rise and what it meant for the world. Many were concerned about the disruptive challenges China's global ascendancy would bring, and some went so far as to foresee a China-dominated century. The narrative has now shifted. China has reached a growth plateau at home, surrounded by allies and partners of the United States in its geopolitical neighbourhood. China at a standstill or on a downward climb now looks even more worrisome than when it was rising.