Showing 1 - 10 of 21
The anatomy of a very tricky election
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 29/03/2019
» Thailand's first election in nearly eight years was supposed to bring some closure to a self-appointed military government and clarity to the country's democratic future. Instead, it has generated much controversy and probable continuity for the incumbent military regime with murky political directions ahead. Central to the questions and outcomes surrounding the poll on Sunday is the Election Commission (EC). Its actions and interpretations of events will have much to say about what happens next.
Poll uncertainty lingers as count nears finish line
News, Ploenpote Atthakor, Published on 29/03/2019
» Almost a week has passed since Thais cast their ballots, yet many things are still shrouded in uncertainties.
Pheu Thai leads, but PPRP strong second
Published on 24/03/2019
» An exit poll in Thailand's first election since a 2014 coup indicated the ousted Pheu Thai Party of exiled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra won the most seats at 163, while the military proxy party came second at 96 seats.
TRC dissolution turns up political heat
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 08/03/2019
» It is deja vu all over again in Thai politics. Another political party aligned to Thaksin Shinawatra, an ousted, self-exiled and convicted former prime minister, found its way to the Constitutional Court where it was dissolved in short order for "opposing the democratic system with the King as head of state".
Poster chaos a sign the times aren't changing
News, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 22/02/2019
» As the elections near, city residents have to put up with some inconveniences. I am talking about the countless campaign posters -- featuring faces of people who are offering to change the country -- which are just about everywhere.
Hashtags on the hustings
News, Published on 17/02/2019
» Political rookies in Thailand are embracing hashtag campaigns to make their way to the House.
Coup rumours prove false ... for time being
News, Wassana Nanuam, Published on 13/02/2019
» The coup scare of recent days is baseless, given the brotherly bond between Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and army chief Apirat Kongsompong, according to a highly placed source in the army.
Outsider PM unacceptable
News, Editorial, Published on 12/02/2019
» The short-lived entry of Princess Ubolratana is over, but the fallout should be careful but extensive. The immediate question concerns the fate of the Thai Raksa Chart Party, and it looks bleak. Beyond that, however, are many issues of politics and of ethics quite separate from the matter of royalty.
Royal command sets a new balance
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 11/02/2019
» Thailand's political earthquake last Friday has caught observers at home and abroad off guard. Within half a day, Thai politics went through an unprecedented political roller coaster. It all ended with a press release from the royal palace at night, effectively reversing what had taken place in the morning.
Fairness needs to be ensured
News, Alan Dawson, Published on 27/01/2019
» In sports, as in politics, they call it a "tilted playing field". One or many tiny modifications to the game area give advantages that don't absolutely guarantee that the home team wins, but help to make it more likely.