Showing 1 - 10 of 670
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.
Thailand: Back around in the circle again?
Oped, Gwynne Dyer, Published on 02/05/2023
» There have been occasional violent episodes in Thai politics and one recent massacre (2010), but the struggle for a genuine democracy has usually been relatively restrained. Maybe that is why it has lasted so long.
Prayut running down clock to aid UTN
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 03/03/2023
» There is something odd about Thailand's upcoming election. By all indications, it is slated to take place on May 7. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has announced that he will soon dissolve the Lower House to set the poll in motion. But no such dissolution has yet been announced, while the end of parliament's four-year term falls on March 23. The ambiguous election-setting scene is portentous and telling for several reasons.
Pheu Thai eyes riding red tide to victory
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 02/07/2022
» Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest daughter of fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, is emerging as the leading candidate for the premiership to breathe new life into the Pheu Thai Party, according to recent polls by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida).