Showing 1 - 10 of 44
Implications of conservative triumph
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 13/02/2026
» The incumbent and conservative Bhumjaithai (BJT) Party has surprisingly swept Thailand's Feb 8 election with a commanding win. With the previously poll-leading and progressive People's Party (PP) coming in a distant second, Thailand appears headed for a conservative coalition government revolving around BJT and like-minded junior partners. Known for its conservative stance and being pro-status quo, it would not be surprising if the BJT-led coalition government, led by Prime Minister-elect Anutin Charnvirakul, were not challenged by the Constitutional Court, the Election Commission, and other supervisory agencies, which have derailed and dissolved reform-minded winning parties in the past.
Thailand's political trajectory in 2026
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 09/01/2026
» What happens in Thai politics this year and the immediate horizon will be determined by the upcoming election on Feb 8. While contesting political parties are in full campaign mode, the contemporary history of Thai polls so far in the 21st century is not encouraging. Only once in the past 25 years have voting results went the way they were meant to, in accordance with the popular will. Whether the vote in four weeks will follow the same pattern will depend on whether the conservative establishment gets its preferred outcome.
Another wasted year in Thai politics
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 26/12/2025
» As Thailand winds down 2025 with an early election looming on Feb 8, the most consequential issue to watch in the coming year will be whether recent topsy-turvy political patterns of polls, protests, and military and judicial interventions give way to a compromise between the old guard clinging on to vested interests and the new generation clamouring for reform and change.
Flood response fix
Postbag, Published on 07/12/2025
» Re: "New sub-committees 'to boost readiness'", (BP, Dec 5) and "Disaster struck as preparation fell short", (Opinion, Dec 3).
SEA Games pose new test for govt
Editorial, Published on 07/12/2025
» All eyes are turning to the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, which officially kick off this Tuesday. Regrettably, the focus is not on the love of the game or our national athletes.
Footpath chaos
Oped, Postbag, Published on 14/11/2025
» Re: "Public safety No.1," (Editorial, Oct 22). I am also a pedestrian and walk regularly. It is good for taking care of my health, especially my heart condition. To some extent, Thailand's walking paths are obviously good for citizens.
Axeing parties not helpful
Oped, Editorial, Published on 08/08/2024
» The Constitutional Court's ruling on Wednesday, ordering the dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP) -- the winner of last year's general election -- was no surprise.
Will Cupid's aim improve this year?
Oped, Todd G Buchholz, Published on 14/02/2024
» Cupid may be hitting the mark in the shopping aisle, but he's not having much luck coaxing couples down the wedding aisle. Although Valentine's Day spending on significant others will reach a record high in the United States this year, fewer Americans are marrying and having sex, leading to fewer babies being born. But there is evidence to suggest that Cupid's aim will improve in coming years. If we want to survive as a species, we should be rooting for the pudgy cherub's success.
A 14th century warning for the 21st century
News, Max Hastings, Published on 12/02/2024
» A history student told me recently that he loves researching the 20th century but can't see the point of the Middle Ages. I responded that it can be a big help to understanding our own times -- very troubled times -- to view them in the context even of the remote past.
A 14th Century warning for fans of 21st Century demagogues
Max Hastings, Published on 11/02/2024
» A history student told me recently that he loves researching the 20th Century but can’t see the point of the Middle Ages. I responded that it can be a big help to understanding our own times — very troubled times — to view them in the context even of the remote past.