Showing 1 - 10 of 49
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.
Efficiency over pomp
Oped, Editorial, Published on 04/02/2026
» The video of Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt opening the new Phran Nok-Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road lasts only a few seconds, yet it has gone viral for that exact reason. In an era of elaborate ceremonies, the footage is a testament to bureaucratic restraint -- proving that when leaders prioritise pragmatism over pageantry, the public wins.
Honest monks hung out to dry
Editorial, Published on 28/09/2025
» A series of monk scandals and temple corruption cases in recent months has prompted the Ecclesiastical Council to order all temples to make their accounts transparent. But good intentions are not enough. Without systemic support, the order may prove hollow.
Lumpini gets a facelift
Oped, Editorial, Published on 05/09/2025
» Lumpini Park in the heart of Bangkok is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, with a much-needed facelift.
Council needs experts
News, Editorial, Published on 09/08/2025
» For another year, the Metropolitan Administration Council -- known locally as the City Council -- has thrown cold water on a bid to have outsiders join its committees scrutinising the city budget to ensure efficiency, transparency and good governance, as proposed by the People's Party (PP).
Welcome all, equally
Oped, Postbag, Published on 18/07/2025
» Re: "Fast immigration lanes for Chinese students' families at Thai airports", (BP, July 13).
Thai politics back at the brink (again)
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 04/07/2025
» The Constitutional Court's suspension of Paetongtarn Shinawatra from the premiership is déjà vu, exposing a pattern of systematic manipulation and concoction of political outcomes. After so many dissolutions of leading political parties and repeated bans of elected representatives over two decades, it is time to call a spade a spade. Thailand is a faux democracy. Its core foundations constitute an autocratic regime that does not really care about the country's future and the collective will of its people.
Uyghurs deportation a strategic risk
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 07/03/2025
» Regardless of official spin, the government's decision to deport 40 Uyghurs to China was a strategic mistake on multiple levels.
Reining in the elite
Oped, Editorial, Published on 19/12/2024
» The cold-blooded murder of a prospective candidate for the Prachin Buri local poll has gripped national headlines and public attention. But this case is no ordinary homicide.
Bangkok traffic cure
Oped, Postbag, Published on 26/10/2024
» Re: "Congestion fee questions", (Editorial, Oct 23). Indeed, penalising parties using private cars coming to town does not alone solve the horrendous traffic jams that some Bangkokians have to endure. The crucial enticement is to provide alternatives that are reliable citi-wise and popular. In London, it is usual to see most office workers taking public transport to work and using private cars at weekends.