Showing 1 - 10 of 35
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.
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.
Too fast on casinos
Oped, Editorial, Published on 26/05/2025
» Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat recently announced the government's controversial casino-entertainment complex bill will top the legislative agenda when parliament reconvenes in July.
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.
Govt policies lack foresight
Oped, Editorial, Published on 25/03/2025
» Conflicting statements from the Ministry of Sport and Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the recent visa-free policy for some groups of tourists have only contributed to confusion over the matter.
Vape dilemma heats up
Oped, Editorial, Published on 15/03/2025
» Photos of Chorayuth Chatupornprasith, MP of the People's Party, vaping in parliament have caused a stir, especially as there are parliamentary moves to revise policies for e-cigarettes, which are currently illegal in Thailand.
Casino bill's risky game
Oped, Editorial, Published on 12/03/2025
» The controversial Entertainment Complex Bill is no gamble. It's a high-stakes policy with lasting economic and social consequences, so the Pheu Thai-led government, which is sponsoring it, must ensure it is responsibly formulated and not rushed.
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.