Showing 1 - 10 of 109
EU rules don't prohibit Musk's German far-right chat on X
AFP, Published on 06/01/2025
» BRUSSELS (BELGIUM) - Elon Musk's controversial plan for a live chat with a German extreme-right leader on X this week is allowed under European Union laws but will be scrutinised for potential violations of electoral interference rules, Brussels said on Monday.
China takes aim at democracy
News, Published on 06/01/2025
» In April 2024, a spokesman for former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte suggested that the Philippines and China had entered into an undisclosed "gentleman's agreement" between 2016 and 2022. China would not challenge the status quo in the West Philippine Sea, and the Philippines would send only basic supplies to its personnel and facilities on the Ayungin Shoal. But now, the Philippines is emerging as an essential player in resisting China's strategic ambitions in the region, with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr's administration asserting Philippine maritime claims through naval confrontations and new legislation.
Thailand needs middle power ambition
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 18/10/2024
» Having participated in the recent Asean-related summit meetings in Vientiane, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her team must now work out Thailand's foreign policy priorities and posture. Foreign policy projection peaked around 20 years ago when Thailand was recognised as an emerging regional leader with the potential of a middle power. Since then, foreign policy has been patchy and hostage to polarisation and domestic political volatility. It is time to chart a way forward for Thailand's international standing and role despite ongoing political conflict at home.
Shift from elections to governance
Oped, Published on 01/10/2024
» With half of the global population having already voted or preparing to do so in 2024, the "year of elections" has had a profound impact on democracies worldwide. Now, as the year enters its final quarter, it is becoming increasingly apparent that 2025 will be an equally transformative "year of governance".
Divisions on the horizon?
News, Published on 06/07/2024
» Paroled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra is no stranger to legal proceedings, and the latest indictment against him could present a crucial test of the conservative-bloc parties' strength as coalition partners.
If you think it's all over...
News, Published on 29/06/2024
» The Senate election was as much anticipated as it was convoluted with plenty of ironies.
Must media democratisation be bad for us?
News, Published on 29/04/2024
» Sometimes, the fulfilment of a promise feels like punishment. When the radio was invented more than 100 years ago, the German playwright Bertolt Brecht observed that its full potential could be explored only after it had become a communication tool, rather than merely a distribution channel. After all, there is a big difference between the few being able to speak to the many, and everyone being able to speak with everyone else.
Senate poll must be fair
News, Editorial, Published on 08/04/2024
» The military-appointed senators will end their five-year term on May 10. That marks an end to their controversial time in Upper House.
A free and fair Senate
Oped, Editorial, Published on 14/03/2024
» With the election of a new set of senators on the horizon, curiosity is growing to see if past blunders can be avoided so as not to stigmatise the Upper House.
Thailand upgraded in global freedom survey
Published on 29/02/2024
» Thailand has been upgraded to “partly free” from “not free” in an annual survey by the US advocacy group Freedom House, despite its observation that the winner of the 2023 election was prevented from forming a government.