Showing 1 - 10 of 11
Bhumjaithai's rise casts shadow over watchdogs
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 21/03/2026
» Following parliament's decisive vote for a new prime minister, Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) leader Anutin Charnvirakul is making a triumphant comeback. He now wields something akin to near-absolute power, having effectively seized control of the country's major political mechanisms and institutions.
Doubts mount over EC's poll handling
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 21/02/2026
» Almost two weeks after the election, the embattled Election Commission (EC) has yet to endorse any winning candidates. Instead, it finds itself under mounting pressure, facing criticism and petitions from multiple directions.
Leave no stone unturned in graft probes
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 05/04/2025
» The collapse of the State Audit Office's (SAO) under-construction building last week following a powerful quake in Myanmar set a world record -- but not in a way that Thai people would take pride in.
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.
Is Pheu Thai's Udon win hollow glory?
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 30/11/2024
» As the Pheu Thai Party celebrates its candidate's victory at the Nov 24 PAO chairman election in Udon Thani, analysts see the poll victory differently.
People's Party eyes future despite hurdle
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 07/09/2024
» The People's Party did not win the Ratchaburi provincial administration organisation (PAO) chairman election last Sunday. However, this is not a major loss for the party, given the substantial increase in voter support it got for its candidate, almost threefold from the previous poll. Going forward, the party has good prospects for next year's local election and the general election of 2027.
Hopes fade of calmer political climate
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 09/10/2021
» After brief yet fierce political turbulence, it seems Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has consolidated power in the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), with hope of another term as premier.
Referendum bill delay a perilous game
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 27/03/2021
» As the charter amendment bill was shot down in parliament earlier this month, it is apparent that the process -- a crucial factor for national reconciliation -- will not be completed during the tenure of the Prayut Chan-o-cha government. The failure of the amendment push came as no surprise as it was the aspiration of Meechai Ruchupan, the head of the charter drafting committee, to make changes an uphill task.
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.
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.