Showing 1 - 10 of 19
Pheu Thai must pivot
Oped, Editorial, Published on 16/09/2025
» The Pheu Thai Party, once a titan in Thai politics, has no time to waste in regathering its bearings. As its ministers and administrative staff collect their belongings at Government House, the party must reflect on its short-lived, arguably ineffective tenure and urgently transform itself into a viable choice for voters.
Time to clean up visas
Oped, Editorial, Published on 26/08/2025
» The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation is taking the right step by ending the student visas for nearly 10,000 foreign nationals.
Betting on the wrong horse
Oped, Editorial, Published on 11/08/2025
» In times of economic challenge and amid simmering border tensions with Cambodia, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who doubles as interior minister, has quietly overturned a 67-year-old ban on poker, reclassifying it from gambling to a recognised sport. The sudden move, which happened without public consultation, has sparked criticism and fuelled suspicion about the government's true priorities.
Be wary of betting
Oped, Editorial, Published on 18/07/2025
» After the casino initiative, wrapped in a contentious entertainment complex bill, fell flat, the ruling Pheu Thai Party is now touting controversial legislation on legalising online gambling, citing the need to increase state revenues.
On-line betting threat
Oped, Editorial, Published on 15/05/2025
» Amid a surge of contrary opinions, it would be no surprise if the The casino-entertainment complex bill that the Pheu Thai government has sponsored runs into hurdles when it goes for its reading in parliament in July.
Trade war will test govt
News, Editorial, Published on 03/02/2025
» Canada, China, and Mexico yesterday unveiled tariff countermeasures against the US, after US President Donald Trump declared he was putting up tariffs against these countries.
Betting on risky reform
News, Editorial, Published on 23/01/2025
» The Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DES) is pushing to legalise online gambling, but it looks far from being a safe bet. DES Minister Prasert Jantararungtong said last week the cabinet had approved the ministry's proposal to manage online gambling in principle, bringing such activities into a legal framework to ensure proper taxation.
Casino policy faces doubts
Oped, Editorial, Published on 17/01/2025
» For any government that tries to legalise casino projects in Land of Smiles, public resistance often gets in the way. The latest attempt by the Paetongtarn administration is no different.
Luck of the draw
News, Editorial, Published on 21/10/2024
» The Government Lottery Office (GLO) has launched a pilot version of the N3 three-digit lotto. This number game will legalise the underground lottery, generating massive revenue for the state coffers.
Dealing with Myanmar
Oped, Editorial, Published on 10/04/2024
» As the civil war between Myanmar junta forces and ethnic rebel groups builds, Thailand will be a focal point for providing humanitarian support to large numbers of refugees expected to flee across the border. Thailand -- as an Asean member and Myanmar neighbour -- is also expected to play a role in fostering negotiations and helping Myanmar return to peace.