Showing 1 - 10 of 10
'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.
20-baht fare extension sought for Red Line
Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 24/09/2024
» The operator of the Red Line is seeking to extend its 20-baht flat-rate fare for a second year after the current trial expires in November, as it has led to a big increase in ridership.
Unlikely allies create an unclear future
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 26/08/2023
» On the surface, it may look as if Thai politics has entered a new chapter as those on the opposite sides of the political spectrum have allied, leaving the real poll winner, the Move Forward Party (MFP), out in the cold.
Clock ticks for Prayut and his new party
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 14/01/2023
» Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha finally broke his silence over his political future when he signed up with Ruam Thai Sang Chart, known as the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, on Monday.
PPRP's break-up all part of the 'plan'
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 19/11/2022
» When all the Apec summit formalities are over, it's likely Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha will make the uncertainty about his political future clearer, particularly over whether he will cut links with the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) and align with the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party (RTSCP), recently set up by his close aides. One thing is clear, he has no plan to leave politics.
New parties present faint flicker of hope
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 22/10/2022
» With lingering political polarisation, some people have been looking at alternative "third" parties, hoping they may be able to steer the country out of the challenges it faces.
PDRC jailings reveal Ratsadorn's fate
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 27/02/2021
» On the one hand, the Criminal Court's verdict on Wednesday, which threw core figures of the now-defunct People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) in jail for their role in the 2013-2014 protests, means a cabinet reshuffle is on the way. Particularly for the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), the ruling is a political windfall for the faction led by Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon who can now tighten his grip on the ruling party.
Korn's Democrat exit could let him shine
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 18/01/2020
» The surprise departure of Korn Chatikavanij from the Democrats deals a heavy blow to the oldest political party which was already struggling in an unfavourable political atmosphere. The bold move, however, gives the prominent politician a new opportunity with speculation rife he is about to found a new party. Political observers also foresee the possibility of Mr Korn becoming a new choice for PM in the next election.
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.
Pareena probe must set a precedent
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 07/12/2019
» The legal case against Palang Pracharath MP for Ratchaburi Pareena Kraikupt, whose poultry farm is suspected of sitting on part of a forest reserve, must be pursued seriously in order to set a precedent. If she is in the wrong, she should face the consequences to show that no one is above the law.