Showing 1 - 10 of 56
50-party race comes down to just this
Oped, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 09/02/2026
» By the time this opinion piece goes into print, the unofficial outcome of Sunday's election will already have been announced by the Election Commission. Which of the two front-running parties, Bhumjaithai and the People's Party, has emerged the winner and earned the right to form the new government will also be known.
Anti-military tag harms PP poll hopes
Oped, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 12/01/2026
» War creates heroes. It also fuels a strong sense of patriotism. Hence, in the eyes of most Thais, the Thai military -- especially Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, former commander of the 2nd Army Region -- have become heroes for risking their lives, or for the lives lost and injuries sustained, during the two rounds of bloody armed conflict with Cambodian forces in July and December.
People's Party not ready for big league
Oped, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 15/12/2025
» Alas, the reformist People's Party (PP) has shot itself in the foot, once again. The latest botch happened on Dec 11 during the joint sitting of the Senate and the House to vote on the second reading of the charter amendment bill.
Can Abhisit help the ailing Democrats?
Oped, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 22/09/2025
» Can Abhisit Vejjajiva, former prime minister and four-time former leader of the Democrat Party, Thailand's oldest political party who is reported to be keen to return to politics, save the Democrat Party from almost certain electoral doom? No one dares to bet.
Thaksin could still escape jail time
Oped, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 16/06/2025
» What does it mean for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra now that Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin's last-ditch attempt to shield his master from the prospect of being sent back to jail to serve his one-year jail term was crushed by the Medical Council of Thailand at a crucial meeting last Thursday?
Thaksin's down, but don't rule him out
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 10/02/2025
» Love him or hate him, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is still a force to be reckoned with.
Safeguards needed for legal gambling
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 13/01/2025
» The government's dream of developing an integrated entertainment complex complete with a casino in Bangkok or on the eastern seaboard is facing hurdles after the Council of State last week raised an objection on the ground that such a megaproject is not relevant to the government's policy to promote a new form of tourism industry.
Maritime woes land govt in hot water
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 11/11/2024
» On the surface, the political situation appears to be calm and the government is doing fine. Politically, if not economically, it enjoys a comfortable majority in the House, with the opposition People's Party performing its role half-heartedly. But a strong undercurrent is running underneath the surface like a time bomb waiting to explode if the government makes a faux pas.
Pheu Thai gambles in casino policy
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 16/09/2024
» 'Thaksin thinks, Pheu Thai acts." This famous slogan of the ruling Pheu Thai Party was clearly reflected in the government's policies presented to parliament by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra last Thursday.
Kingdom's top cops set poor example
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 24/06/2024
» The handling of the bitter feud between two heavyweights of the Royal Thai Police, Torsak Sukivimol and Surachate Hakparn, aka Big Joke, by a prime minister-appointed committee led by Chatchai Promlert is typical of a Thai style of conflict resolution that reflects the "mai pen rai" and "forget about it" attitude, despite the core issue being the integrity and honesty of the two officers.