Showing 1 - 10 of 78
Bhumjaithai's rise casts shadow over watchdogs
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 21/03/2026
» Following parliament's decisive vote for a new prime minister, Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) leader Anutin Charnvirakul is making a triumphant comeback. He now wields something akin to near-absolute power, having effectively seized control of the country's major political mechanisms and institutions.
No shield for tainted MP
Oped, Editorial, Published on 12/03/2026
» As parliament is set to convene on Saturday, it is clear that Chonnaput Naksua, a Klatham MP for Songkhla, who is implicated in an online gambling and money-laundering network, will seek parliamentary immunity as he looks to take part in the session. His participation will be a crucial test for the legislative branch.
Bhumjaithai coalition faces daunting challenges
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 07/03/2026
» As the Election Commission (EC) shrugs off legal hassles and proceeds with MP endorsements, the formation of a new coalition government, with the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) at the helm, is taking shape.
Coalition chaos
News, Editorial, Published on 07/03/2026
» Tradition holds that within days of the results of a general election being announced, winning contestants and parties let the media photograph them -- typically holding or shaking hands with someone, or hugging.
Zoonotic risk
Postbag, Published on 21/02/2026
» Re: "Wildlife smuggle bid foiled at airport", (BP, Feb 19).
Doubts mount over EC's poll handling
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 21/02/2026
» Almost two weeks after the election, the embattled Election Commission (EC) has yet to endorse any winning candidates. Instead, it finds itself under mounting pressure, facing criticism and petitions from multiple directions.
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.
BJT's chance to rebuild
News, Editorial, Published on 17/02/2026
» With 193 seats, the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) has secured far more than a clear electoral victory. For the first time, a party that came only third in the 2023 national election now holds enough leverage to call the shots and shape the national political landscape in its own image.
Implications of conservative triumph
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 13/02/2026
» The incumbent and conservative Bhumjaithai (BJT) Party has surprisingly swept Thailand's Feb 8 election with a commanding win. With the previously poll-leading and progressive People's Party (PP) coming in a distant second, Thailand appears headed for a conservative coalition government revolving around BJT and like-minded junior partners. Known for its conservative stance and being pro-status quo, it would not be surprising if the BJT-led coalition government, led by Prime Minister-elect Anutin Charnvirakul, were not challenged by the Constitutional Court, the Election Commission, and other supervisory agencies, which have derailed and dissolved reform-minded winning parties in the past.