Showing 1 - 10 of 76
Getting soft power right
Life, Published on 08/01/2024
» After three months in office, the Srettha Thavisin government has raved on about populist policies in the guise of digital wallets and soft power projects that will create income to boost our declining economy. With optimism, we learned that Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Pheu Thai party leader and head of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee (NSPSC), has drafted a budget of 5.1 billion baht to boost festivals and creative industries. It is welcoming news to hear this government is priortising art, music, literature, design, fashion, film, food, games, sports and festivals as essential sources for the creative economy. Where this enormous chunk of budget will come from, like digital wallets, remains to be seen.
New government forms, but at what cost?
News, Published on 23/08/2023
» Thai politics is entering a new chapter as the colour-coded political divide which has polarised the country for several years is expected to end after Pheu Thai Party's prime ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin won parliament's endorsement to become the country's 30th prime minister on Tuesday.
Calling on the red shirts: Pheu Thai needs you to beat the dope vote!
News, Published on 26/06/2022
» The Pheu Thai Party has welcomed former red-shirt stalwart Nattawut Saikuar back to the fold, hoping his oratorical skills will help win support in the Northeast that has been tapped by the Bhumjaithai Party, political scientists say.
No one benefits as old regime drags out its end
Oped, Thana Boonlert, Published on 01/10/2021
» Standing together in a space demarcated as a forbidden area, two actors began to spread red paint over their bodies and create flags out of ropes and twigs. When they ran wild and cried out "Long live the people!" the message could not be clearer. Performed by the Layyim Theatre group, the gig was a part of the rally held by the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration (UFTD) to commemorate the first year of the movement. It was held in front of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre on Sunday.
Nattawut active as 'Tony' itches to return
News, Published on 08/08/2021
» Anti-government activists are back on the streets despite a surge in Covid-19 cases and a virus lockdown.
Crisis of faith is reaching a crescendo
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 31/07/2021
» The harsh words by MC Chulcherm Yugala, a staunch royalist, against the Prayut Chan-o-cha government, denouncing its poor handling of the Covid-19 outbreak, have stunned political observers and supporters of the prime minister. Given his senior royal status, the prince's criticism has triggered wild speculation over a possible new prime minister endorsed by the palace.
Straying from the course
News, Thana Boonlert, Published on 02/12/2020
» Learning history from new sources has led to the "political awakening" underlying the youth-led movement's stance against "royalist nationalism", academics say.
Thais 'yet to recover' from bloodshed, says Abhisit
News, Nattaya Chetchotiros, Published on 17/05/2020
» Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says he always feels a deep sadness whenever the May 19 anniversary of the 2010 protest crackdown rolls around, as it marks the culmination of one of the darkest chapters in the country's political history; a chapter that fuels bitter divisions in society to this day.
Red shirts plead guilty to violence
News, Published on 28/09/2019
» Four red-shirt co-leaders have pleaded guilty for their roles in a violent 2007 protest outside the home of the late Privy Council president, Prem Tinsulanonda, apparently hoping the Supreme Court will give them clemency and a less severe punishment.
Army unwilling to yield to democracy
News, Erich Parpart, Published on 31/07/2019
» For the country like Thailand where the military staged two putsches within the past 13 years, a coup d'état should no longer be necessary.