Showing 1 - 10 of 698
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.
50-party race comes down to just this
Oped, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 09/02/2026
» By the time this opinion piece goes into print, the unofficial outcome of Sunday's election will already have been announced by the Election Commission. Which of the two front-running parties, Bhumjaithai and the People's Party, has emerged the winner and earned the right to form the new government will also be known.
Thailand's responses to Board of Peace
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 27/01/2026
» US President Donald Trump's invitation to Thailand to join the Board of Peace (BOP) has elicited three distinct responses. The first two are succinct and clear in their rationale. The third, however, is more nuanced -- and notable for its ambivalence.
Better Canada-China ties boost Asean
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 20/01/2026
» Canada's decision to reset relations with China is extraordinary, coming at a critical time for both countries. It reflects changes in the Western Hemisphere that have led Canada to realise that boosting ties with China is a necessity. Furthermore, it will have far-reaching implications for their future bilateral relations and beyond. It is interesting to note that it took US President Donald Trump's intimidation -- both on trade and annexation -- to push straightforward Canada towards the East.
People’s Party’s diplomatic 'elegance' rings hollow
Oped, Pavin Chachavalpongpun, Published on 16/01/2026
» On Jan 11, the People’s Party held a high-profile event to showcase its “People’s Government”, offering a glimpse of its proposed executive leadership. Among the key speakers was Pisan Manawapat, a former diplomat and senator, designated as the party’s future foreign minister.
Anti-military tag harms PP poll hopes
Oped, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 12/01/2026
» War creates heroes. It also fuels a strong sense of patriotism. Hence, in the eyes of most Thais, the Thai military -- especially Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, former commander of the 2nd Army Region -- have become heroes for risking their lives, or for the lives lost and injuries sustained, during the two rounds of bloody armed conflict with Cambodian forces in July and December.
Flood resilience a national imperative
Oped, Srinivasa Popuri and Kotchakorn Voraakhom, Published on 18/12/2025
» The twin cyclones Senyar and Ditwah that struck South and Southeast Asia in November caused unprecedented flooding across the region, with Thailand among the most severely affected.
Navigating the new realities of global travel
Oped, Anna Kofoed, Published on 12/12/2025
» In our increasingly turbulent world, travelling for many no longer unfolds as a straightforward endeavour.
Syria's tragic saga a long way from being over
Oped, John J Metzler, Published on 12/12/2025
» Just one year ago Syria's brutal and seemingly eternal Assad family dictatorship was toppled.
Taking the National Universal Health Coverage experience global
Oped, Catharina Boehme, Published on 11/12/2025
» As Thailand convenes its National Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Conference 2025, the stakes could hardly be higher. The world is navigating a period of profound transition in financing of health and development. Traditional sources of global support are shifting, while new pressures -- from climate change to ageing populations -- are reshaping national health priorities. In this dynamic landscape, Thailand's leadership on UHC is both timely and essential, building on the nation's sustained progress toward achieving health for all. The World Health Organization (WHO) is looking to this conference for guidance on how best to advocate for renewed and sustained investment in health across all sectors.