Showing 1 - 10 of 12
We don't need 'Seven Dangerous Days'
Oped, Peerasit Kamnuansilpa, Published on 27/02/2026
» Every Thai driver recognises the moment. The light turns green. Naturally, you can move; yet in Thai-style traffic, your instincts tell you to be hesitant. Despite the traffic light, a reckless motorcycle may still cross. A pickup may not stop. Drivers behind start honking as they wait to pass through the intersection. For a brief second, drivers just cannot afford to be certain about how others will behave.
From FDI to homegrown growth
Oped, Peerasit Kamnuansilpa, Published on 11/09/2025
» For decades, Thailand has leaned heavily on foreign direct investment (FDI) as the engine of growth. That strategy once delivered jobs and exports, but today it yields diminishing returns. Inflows are volatile, competitiveness is slipping, and dependence on external capital leaves the economy vulnerable to global shocks. Thailand must change course.
Lessons and hopes from May 11 poll
Oped, Peerasit Kamnuansilpa, Published on 22/05/2025
» The May 11 municipal elections across Thailand, although extensive in scope, offered little to celebrate in terms of democratic progress. Rather than signalling a political shift or new energy in local governance, the results underscored a deeply familiar pattern: vote buying remains the dominant strategy in Thai politics.
Drug crisis deepens our economic woes
Oped, Peerasit Kamnuansilpa, Published on 11/12/2024
» Thailand faces a dual crisis that threatens the foundation of its future economic development: declining fertility rates, leading to a shrinking population and a simultaneous surge in drug addiction rates.
On why Thailand is politically unstable
Oped, Peerasit Kamnuansilpa, Published on 15/11/2023
» Since the 1932 revolution -- triggered by a coup by progressive elites that replaced the absolute monarchy with a constitutional monarchy -- Thailand's politics have been marked by persistent conflict and instability.
Don't underestimate the power of hope
Oped, Peerasit Kamnuansilpa, Published on 27/10/2023
» Most Thais live with the hope of a better future. Their hopes play a crucial role in promoting the well-being of citizens and society. When people hope, they are more likely to persevere in adversity and take steps to overcome obstacles to improve their lives. In other words, hope motivates them to pursue meaningful goals.
Progress through decentralisation
Oped, Peerasit Kamnuansilpa, Published on 30/05/2023
» The results of the latest general election have indicated a clear direction that most citizens would like the country to go. However, because of the entrenched power structure, the effort by a coalition of opposition parties to form a new government that could radically transform Thailand may be futile. The first reason is the Election Commission's scrutiny of the claims that Mr Pita Limjaroenrat, the Move Forward Party's leader, owns ITV shares. Second, he may be unable to garner the needed 376 votes from the Senate and parliament. Finally, will the dispute over the House speaker position affect the coalition?
Less local control a threat to Thai democracy
Oped, Peerasit Kamnuansilpa, Published on 19/11/2021
» After an almost seven-year suspension, Thailand held its first local elections for chief executive officers (CEO) and council members of provincial administrative organisations (PAO) on Dec 20, 2020, followed by the election of mayors and city council members on March 28 of this year.
Participatory democracy: A way forward for Thais
Oped, Peerasit Kamnuansilpa, Published on 25/06/2021
» A functional parliament is a strong foundation of a participatory democracy. Globally, the governing bodies of the socio-economically and politically advanced countries operate under some form of participatory democracy.
Leading by serving, not ruling
News, Peerasit Kamnuansilpa, Published on 24/05/2021
» About two weeks ago, through a Facebook group, more than half a million Thais expressed a desire to leave Thailand to settle down in countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Australia and New Zealand, among others.