Showing 1 - 10 of 703
NACC sparks problems
Oped, Editorial, Published on 18/05/2024
» The decision by the Rayong Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases on May 13 to acquit Itthipol Kunplome of granting an illegal construction permit for a high-rise condo project in Pattaya again raises questions about the performance of the National Anti-Corruption Commission -- our independent graft-busting agency.
PM takes page from Thaksin's playbook
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 06/05/2024
» The cabinet reshuffle may trigger speculation about cracks in the Pheu Thai Party, owing to the departure of prominent figures like Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara. The shift indicates that ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra is taking the reins of the party.
'Big Joke' awaits another miracle
News, Published on 29/04/2024
» Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, widely known as Big Joke, is among a handful of officers whose meteoric rise in the force should lead them to being tapped as the next police commissioner-general. Pol Gen Surachate became a police general at about 40 years old but his career journey could be abruptly cut short.
The general's watches
Oped, Editorial, Published on 27/04/2024
» The latest assets declaration report of former deputy prime minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon -- an ex-junta "big brother" -- released by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) reminds us of his notorious watch saga and how the anti-graft agency failed the public in clearing the controversy.
Thai police graft highlights bigger issues
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 26/04/2024
» There is no bigger news on the current Thai political scene than corruption among the top echelons of the police force. At issue is the tussle between Thailand's two senior-most cops, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn and Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, both accusing each other of being on the take. Their high-stakes feud would normally be a run-of-the-mill story for the infamously shady Thai police but this case has become a mirror and microcosm of structural graft that is corroding the highest corridors of politics, economy, and society.
Reshuffle needs work
Oped, Editorial, Published on 20/04/2024
» After seven months of mediocre performance, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is going to reshuffle his cabinet. Yet those who wish to see a total overhaul and the exit of underperforming ministers might be let down. On the face of it, the Srettha 2.0 cabinet will merely reflect internal promotions within the Pheu Thai Party and its power consolidation.
Applause for PM in tackling RTP rift
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 23/03/2024
» After six months in office, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin may actually enjoy public applause for exercising his leadership by stepping into a high-profile rift between national police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol and his deputy, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn after their dispute greatly tarnished the reputation of the Royal Thai Police (RTP).
Justice for Chaiyaphum
Oped, Editorial, Published on 15/03/2024
» Just days before the relatives and friends of slain human rights activist Chaiyaphum Pasae mark the seventh anniversary of his death in Chiang Mai, they have learnt that prosecutors have decided not to press murder charges against the soldier who gunned him down.
The Thaksin factor in Thai politics
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 15/03/2024
» Thai politics in the near term will likely be dominated by the fate of the two largest vote winners from the general election in May 2023, the Move Forward (MFP) and Pheu Thai parties. While the MFP is at risk of another dissolution, the same as its predecessor Future Forward Party suffered in 2020, Pheu Thai's political future appears to hinge on Thaksin Shinawatra and his return from exile in what is believed to be a deal that follows the assumption of the premiership under Srettha Thavisin, and for Thaksin, a royal pardon and early release on parole.
MFP decision sparks collusion rumours
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 09/03/2024
» The decision of the Move Forward Party (MFP) and the opposition bloc to seek a general debate instead of no-confidence censure against the Srettha Thavisin government has sparked suspicion of political collusion between political opponents.