Showing 1 - 10 of 469
Iran war: One miscalculation after another
Oped, Gwynne Dyer, Published on 24/03/2026
» Still not four full weeks into the war, and already Donald Trump's "short-term excursion" -- decapitate the Iranian regime with a surprise attack and impose harsh terms on the defeated survivors -- has morphed into a global economic crisis and a region-wide war that could destroy the wealth of all the countries on both sides of the Gulf. At the very least.
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.
Voters in Nepal demand change
Oped, Brabim Karki, Published on 11/03/2026
» A rapper turned politician, Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, looks set to become Nepal's next prime minister. Mr Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has secured a landslide victory in the country's general election -- the first since deadly Gen Z-led protests last year, marking a major shift away from traditional old guard parties.
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.
Heat back on State Audit Office
Oped, Editorial, Published on 27/02/2026
» A music video released by the State Audit Office (SAO) came at just the right time. Without this house track, the harrowing collapse of its under-construction building might have begun to fade from public attention.
Borders, scams and stalled trust
News, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Published on 26/02/2026
» Over 10 years ago, I had the privilege of serving as president of the Human Rights Council during a pivotal moment of institutional review. I still recall our retreat in Bangkok, where we gathered for frank and candid conversations. We did not resolve every issue then.
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.
Corruption keeps getting worse
Editorial, Published on 15/02/2026
» Everyone knows corruption in Thailand is bad, but few realise how bad. By global standards, Thailand is slipping into the bottom tier.
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.
Politics at the border
Oped, Editorial, Published on 06/02/2026
» Amid a fierce election campaign, Bhumjaithai -- once a mid-sized party -- has ridden a wave of nationalism, becoming a force to be reckoned with in Sunday's poll.