Showing 1 - 10 of 23
Conflicts of interest worsen crisis
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 06/04/2026
» Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn's resignation as head of the committee handling the oil crisis caused by the war in the Middle East has spared him from public criticism over a potential conflict of interest linked to his family's oil trading business.
Testing times could prove govt mettle
Oped, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 09/03/2026
» A honeymoon period seems out of the question for the new administration led by the Bhumjaithai Party, which may come into office in late April or May, depending on how quickly the processes of electing the House Speaker and his two deputies, and the election of the prime minister in parliament, take place.
Now, who to take to the coalition ball?
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 29/12/2025
» Thailand formally entered election mode in earnest over the past weekend, as candidates from all parties flocked to registration venues nationwide to submit their candidacies for the Feb 8 general election.
Talking peace with a tyrant: Who'd do it?
Oped, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 25/08/2025
» Peace is a beautiful word. It is an ideal condition under which people of different countries, religious faiths, races, cultures and political views can co-exist happily, without having to fight with each other, without having to shed blood as being witnessed across the world from Ukraine in eastern Europe to Gaza and Yemen in the Middle East, and even along the Thai-Cambodian border before a ceasefire agreement was signed late last month.
Thaksin vies for top spot with PM
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 27/01/2025
» You can call Thaksin Shinawatra a former prime minister and de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party and, lately, also de facto prime minister, as you wish -- because none of those names are wrong. It would, however, be fiercely denied by the guardians of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who insist she is still in charge of the government and running the country.
Deck reshuffle carries risks for Thaksin
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 02/09/2024
» It was a classic case of killing two birds with one stone. That was the incorporation of the Democrats into the Pheu Thai-led coalition to substitute for the fragmented Palang Pracharath Party.
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.
Paetongtarn must avoid past trends
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 30/10/2023
» It came as no surprise that Paetongtarn Shinawatra, former prime minister Thaksin's youngest daughter, was overwhelmingly voted as the new leader of the Pheu Thai Party on Friday.
Well, that was a wild ride to Govt House
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 04/09/2023
» Finally, the Pheu Thai-led coalition government of 11 parties has been formed and is expected to assume office either this week or early next week, depending on when the government's policy statement is delivered to parliament by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
Edging towards a moment of truth
Oped, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 21/08/2023
» It appears that Thailand may, finally, have its 30th prime minister after the joint sitting of the House and Senate tomorrow -- after a general election that took place three months ago on May 14 -- if everything goes smoothly. That is what many people, the private sector in particular, are expecting. But uncertainty still prevails.