Showing 1 - 9 of 9
'Old guard' weighs idea of outsider PM
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 09/08/2025
» As the Constitutional Court is set to hand down a ruling against suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for her controversial phone call with Cambodian strongman Hun Sen that was later leaked, most political pundits remain downbeat on her prospects. Should she be dismissed, the ruling Pheu Thai Party would have to form a new cabinet.
Thaksin's magic and influence fading
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 26/07/2025
» Pheu Thai's de facto leader, Thaksin Shinawatra, joined a dinner with coalition parties earlier this week in an effort to revitalise the ruling party. Yet the outcome was far from reassuring.
Next poll brings old guard new priorities
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 25/03/2023
» Now that the country is heading towards an election, which is to take place on May 14, it seems the dictator vs democracy dichotomy has largely faded as most political parties are forced to focus on measures to tackle economic problems in order to boost their chance of winning in the polls.
Blast from the past Thaksin eyes power
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 12/03/2022
» As Thai politics is about to take another turn, with the next election on the horizon, fugitive ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is making a stir by vowing to stage a comeback.
PM Prayut's future hangs in the balance
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 26/02/2022
» Although the general debate earlier this month left the Prayut Chan-o-cha government with little, if any, bruises, the time ahead will be tough for the army chief turned politician.
Voices of student dissent must be heard
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 29/02/2020
» Since the dissolution of the Future Forward Party (FFP) on Feb 21, Thai society has witnessed an escalating challenge to the Prayut Chan-o-cha government by university students across the country. Now a number of school students have joined the bandwagon with a series of flash mobs.
Political storms that will define 2020
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 04/01/2020
» The new year has begun with intensifying political confrontation, a consequence of a move to disband the Future Forward Party, which fought back by mobilising street demonstrations. The party's struggle has won substantial support as it is believed that charges against party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit are politically motivated. It is evident that the army under Gen Apirat Kongsompong is paranoid with Mr Thanathorn's move and it should be noted that a growing number of incidents which will raise the political temperature are set to take place this month.
Is return of political violence inevitable?
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 21/12/2019
» The powers that be should not underestimate the "flash mob", the first street protest since the March 24 elections, organised last week by the opposition Future Forward Party (FFP). On the surface, the incident may stem from the resentment of FFP and its supporters over the Election Commission's (EC) move to have the new party dissolved, but it cannot be denied there are also many elements that echo dismay with the coup and subsequent election.
Coalition braces for vital budget bill test
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 28/09/2019
» With the 2020 budget bill being tabled in parliament next month, the final countdown has started for the coalition government led by army chief-turned-politician Prayut Chan-o-cha.