Showing 1 - 10 of 673
Deck reshuffle carries risks for Thaksin
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 02/09/2024
» It was a classic case of killing two birds with one stone. That was the incorporation of the Democrats into the Pheu Thai-led coalition to substitute for the fragmented Palang Pracharath Party.
Thaksin reclaims political centre stage
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 24/08/2024
» As the Pheu Thai Party was busy forming a new cabinet, Thaksin Shinawatra re-consolidated his power in the blink of an eye. Few, if any, political observers would have imagined this phenomenon in almost two decades of colour-coded politics that saw Thaksin, for much of that time, living in self-imposed exile.
Local voters deserve better
Oped, Editorial, Published on 05/07/2024
» The latest Provincial Administrative Organisation chairman election in Pathum Thani was not just another local poll. In fact, it was a barometer of whether the Pheu Thai Party -- which has recently seen its popularity diminish -- is still a force to reckon with in Thai politics.
Saving the amnesty bill
News, Editorial, Published on 09/10/2023
» A political amnesty is perceived as a potential solution to bridge the political divisions that have plagued Thailand for nearly two decades.
What's next for post-Thaksin Thailand?
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 08/09/2023
» The formation of a new coalition government under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has closed a two-decade chapter in Thai politics.
'Fast Backward Alliance' set to govern
Oped, Published on 01/09/2023
» After more than three months of Thailand being put on hold as the country’s political adversaries tried to figure a way out given the surprising results of the May 14 national election, a solution was finally reached among contending parties in the third week of August. It was a victory for the establishment and a modus vivendi for its various factions.
Unlikely allies create an unclear future
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 26/08/2023
» On the surface, it may look as if Thai politics has entered a new chapter as those on the opposite sides of the political spectrum have allied, leaving the real poll winner, the Move Forward Party (MFP), out in the cold.
Political drama peaks
Oped, Editorial, Published on 22/08/2023
» Political pundits and observers will have their eyes peeled as today's political events play out so that even a drama film pales in comparison.
The continuing crisis of Thai democracy
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 11/08/2023
» The prolonged volatility and instability in Thai politics attest to a continuing crisis of democracy since the military coup in September 2006. It is characterised by the nature, direction and duration of government after an election. Unless the poll-topping political party is backed by the conservative military-authoritarian regime, it is either not allowed to take power or gets overthrown while in office before completing its term. This crisis of Thai democracy has now persisted since the May 14 poll, as the formation of the next government remains stuck in a stalemate.
Only the young can change Thailand
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 09/06/2023
» If the past two decades of Thai politics has been about populism and colour-coded conflicts between the yellow-shirted pro-establishment forces against the red shirts aligned with ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the foreseeable future will likely be about structural reforms and a generational clash between the age-old established centres of power against young Thais who are rising up to determine their country's future directions. It is unsurprising that only younger Thais can change Thailand because their old compatriots have too much at stake and too many vested interests in the entrenched and deeply embedded status quo.