Showing 1 - 10 of 5,775
When voters look beyond credentials
Oped, Anucha Charoenpo, Published on 20/02/2026
» Many observers of Thai politics may be wondering why the following individual of such distinguished standing failed to secure a seat in parliament in the Feb 8 election. He holds the title of professor and earned a doctoral degree in engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, one of the world's most renowned universities. He previously contested the 2022 Bangkok gubernatorial election, securing more than 250,000 votes. He has also achieved notable academic success and served as president of King Mongkut's Institute of Technology, Ladkrabang. With credentials such as these, his electoral defeat has come as a surprise to many.
Fix Thailand's data confusion
Oped, Jompon Pitaksantayothin, Published on 20/02/2026
» Thailand has made significant strides in building a data governance framework, most notably through the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) 2019. Data now underpins how citizens exercise their rights, how governments deliver services, how businesses innovate, and ultimately, how democracy is sustained.
Klatham left out
Oped, Postbag, Published on 20/02/2026
» Re: "BJT gains Klatham backing", (BP, Feb 17). The headline was somewhat at variance with Pai Lik, its secretary-general's words that his party had no bargaining power to join the coalition, but it implied a dislike of being in the opposition for the next four years.
The gist of Thai politics over 20 years
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 20/02/2026
» Thailand's democratic institutions have been repressed and kept weak to the point that confusion still prevails almost two weeks after the Feb 8 election, which purportedly showed a clear victory for the ruling Bhumjaithai (BJT) Party under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. On the one hand, Mr Anutin and BJT stalwarts are busy forming a coalition government with other parties. On the other hand, fraud allegations from civil society groups and the opposition People's Party have reached a critical mass with the plausibility that the recent vote might be nullified to pave the way for a new poll.
Why communities pay for mining
Oped, Christopher Rutledge, Published on 19/02/2026
» Last week, policymakers and industry executives of mining companies gathered in Cape Town for the annual African Mining Indaba. They followed a familiar script: governments would court investors, companies would promise jobs and growth, and champagne would flow as speakers tout Africa as indispensable to the global energy transition.
Japan's Takaichi wins strong new mandate
Oped, John J. Metzler, Published on 19/02/2026
» A political Tsunami swept across Japan as recent national elections delivered a resounding victory for the incumbent party and its maverick leader, Sanae Takaichi. Though the outcome was assumed, her stunning triumph in the Feb 8 election was unexpected.
Power of people’s hope
Petprakai Hansiri, Published on 18/02/2026
» Thailand's general election may have closed on Feb 8, but the fallout is still unfolding.
Not data-driven
Oped, Postbag, Published on 18/02/2026
» Re: "Harnessing data to boost road safety", (BP, Feb 17). Your special report today highlights a government initiative to tap into Japanese data collection in an effort to reduce the catastrophic number of people killed on Thai roads every year.
Nato 1.0 is dead. Long live Nato 2.0
News, Gwynne Dyer, Published on 17/02/2026
» Every year about this time, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato), the world's most powerful alliance for the past 77 years, holds a conference in Munich to examine its state of health.
Anutin 2 govt's foreign policy outlook
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 17/02/2026
» To say that diplomacy under the upcoming Anutin 2 government will differ significantly from its first, short-lived period in power would be an exaggeration. However, one thing is clear: following the electoral landslide, the new cabinet will be rock solid. A government with such stability will exert a strong influence on Thai foreign policy.