Showing 1 - 10 of 2,315
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.
Border traders need help
Oped, Editorial, Published on 20/02/2026
» After months of suffering in silence, businesses along the Thai-Cambodian border are finally starting to speak up, saying the security measures implemented in the wake of the armed clashes between the two countries -- including border closures -- have dealt a heavy blow to their livelihoods.
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.
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.
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.
Challenge awaits
Postbag, Published on 17/02/2026
» Re: "Anutin dismisses 'sick man of Asia' label for Thailand", (BP, Feb 15).
Take the guns away
Oped, Postbag, Published on 16/02/2026
» Re: "School shooting suspect arrested", (BP, Feb 12).
Navigating between global superpowers
News, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 14/02/2026
» Both China and the US issued new national security policies over the past year. At first glance, they seem to diverge markedly, portending a deep rupture in the world order. Yet, they may also bear some similarities in terms of self-interest and self-advancement. Collateral to that, other countries seeking to forge a middle path may wish to navigate a perspicacious route towards global equilibrium.
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.
Selective blame
Oped, Postbag, Published on 13/02/2026
» Re: "NACC timing questioned", (Editorial, Feb 11).Re: "NACC timing questioned", (Editorial, Feb 11).