Showing 1 - 10 of 19
Tearful Natthaphong vows to fight on
Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 10/02/2026
» People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut fought back tears as he reflected on his party’s defeat in Sunday’s election, insisting it was not the right time for him to step down and pledging to lead the party with renewed determination.
Bright future for BJT, barring missteps
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 04/10/2025
» After delivering a policy statement in parliament early this week, the Bhumjaithai-led (BJT) coalition is now in full gear. With both populism and nationalism at play in the Thai-Cambodian conflict, the party finds its popularity surging like never before.
BJT may seek wriggle room from pact
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 20/09/2025
» Now that the dust has settled, it appears the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) is discreetly abandoning its promises regarding the push to rewrite the charter -- a major condition in exchange for the People's Party's (PP) support for its leader's premiership bid.
Thaksin flies out, Pheu Thai in freefall
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 06/09/2025
» Thaksin Shinawatra's abrupt departure to Dubai has dealt a heavy blow to the Pheu Thai Party as it made a last-ditch effort, albeit unsuccessfully, to remain at the helm. Many see the latest developments as a final curtain for the embattled party.
Weed policy shift gets thumbs-down
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 17/06/2025
» Three years after Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis, health and civil society experts are raising concerns over public health and inadequate regulations which accompanied the move.
BJT-friendly Senate sits pretty, for now
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 08/03/2025
» The vote by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) board on March 6 to limit its probe into the Senate election to money laundering alone, ditching complaints of criminal association, shows the two coalition parties, Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai (BJT), embracing political compromise after their high-profile showdown.
Ties that bind and break in Thai polls
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 08/02/2025
» If anything, the Feb 1 local poll results paint a clear picture of the future of Thai politics: no party will emerge as the absolute winner in the next national poll in 2027.
'Game of Thrones', the Thai edition
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 28/12/2024
» As Thaksin Shinawatra, ex-prime minister and the de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party, is trying hard to tighten his grip on power, the local political landscape is shifting and changing. Politicians are now divided into three blocs: the ruling party, Bhumjaithai (BJT) and the People's Party, which, despite being the opposition, remains a strong force.
Response to graft cases criticised
Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 24/12/2024
» The Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT) has released a report on high-profile graft cases which it says have been a slight to the public while their impacts have also exacerbated poverty.
Govt keen to downplay Thai-Cambodian sea spat
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 26/11/2024
» The government expressed confidence on Monday that the 2001 memorandum of understanding on joint development in the Gulf of Thailand signed by Thailand and Cambodia would not trigger mass protests.