Showing 151 - 160 of 161
Subs put too many eggs in China basket
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 13/07/2015
» That Thailand’s planned purchase of three attack submarines from China has raised eyebrows is to be expected. Over the past decade, marked by two military coups in Thai politics, relations between Bangkok and Beijing have become closer than ever. If the submarine deal goes ahead, it will substantially bond military-to-military ties between the two countries and crucially shift Thailand’s geopolitical posture from its traditional hedging among the major powers to a lopsided embrace of Beijing.
Cabinet revamp vital in 'indefinite interim'
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 19/06/2015
» Thailand has a military government that unilaterally seized power by force, and it intends to stay in office for a while during a once-in-a-lifetime political transition for the Thai people.
Thailand caught in indefinite transition trap
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 22/05/2015
» Milestones and anniversaries are for marking. But few should overdo the focus on Thailand one year after its 12th successful coup in 83 years under constitutional rule. The past year is merely a large blip on a long political continuum that dates back a decade or even a century in which Thai society has been grappling with the form and content of a political order that is being contested between the forces of tradition and modernity.
A well-intentioned but problematic charter
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 24/04/2015
» Thailand's draft constitution of 2015 appears to be full of good intentions that may end up in futility.
Between democracy and authoritarianism
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 10/04/2015
» It is tempting to read too much or too little into Russian Premier Dmitry Medvedev's high-profile visit to Bangkok, hosted by the coup-appointed government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Absolute authority brings absolute risks
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 03/04/2015
» The invocation of Section 44 of the interim constitution in place of martial law is a mixed bag in disguise.
Deft diplomacy needed for coup period
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 06/02/2015
» The recent brouhaha over controversial comments by visiting United States Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel has further complicated the bilateral treaty alliance between Bangkok and Washington.
Virtual lockdown to spill over into 2015
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 26/12/2014
» In the wake of a deceptive calm following the military coup on May 22, prospects for next year are characterised by anxiety and apprehension over what is to come.
Thai military's cradle of political power
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 17/10/2014
» From a promising period of de-politicisation in the late 1990s to a manipulative re-politicisation in the early 2000s, Thailand's military has come full circle.
A 'third way' is imperative for Thailand
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 03/10/2014
» As the new government's missteps — from the insensitive comment on bikini-wearing to the microphone procurement scandal — mount, Thailand may soon revert to the same polarisation of the past decade that revolved around former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's rule and legacy.