Showing 1 - 10 of 99
Thailand's political trajectory in 2026
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 09/01/2026
» What happens in Thai politics this year and the immediate horizon will be determined by the upcoming election on Feb 8. While contesting political parties are in full campaign mode, the contemporary history of Thai polls so far in the 21st century is not encouraging. Only once in the past 25 years have voting results went the way they were meant to, in accordance with the popular will. Whether the vote in four weeks will follow the same pattern will depend on whether the conservative establishment gets its preferred outcome.
Jimmy Lai, the HK tycoon who stood up to China
News, James Pomfret & Jessie Pang, Published on 17/12/2025
» Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong media mogul and China critic, was found guilty on Monday on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of sedition under a China-imposed national security law that could see him jailed for life.
Ethics failures plague Senate
Oped, Editorial, Published on 27/11/2025
» A recent court ruling against Senator Thanakorn Thavornchinachote for stealing from victims of a fatal car accident in Chachoengsao is a disgrace not only for the Upper House but also for the Election Commission (EC).
No-confidence and poll date in flux
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 14/11/2025
» Amid the drumbeats of military conflict with Cambodia, Thailand's political environment is evidently unruly and unsettled. The minority government of Anutin Charnvirakul, the third prime minister from the third largest-winning party since the latest national election in May 2023, is hard-pressed to stay in office beyond the four-month "Memorandum of Agreement" between his Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) and the People's Party (PP), the largest camp in the national assembly.
Overreach stains Senate's credibility
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 01/11/2025
» A decision by the scandal-ridden Senate to slap Senator Nantana Nantavaropas with a serious charge for her "pork seller" remarks about a fellow senator who won her place in the Upper Chamber has raised eyebrows.
Crime still thriving
News, Editorial, Published on 16/10/2025
» The government's self-congratulation over Thailand retaining its Tier 2 ranking in the US Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report is misplaced. Remaining at Tier 2 -- for the fourth consecutive year -- is not an achievement. It's an alarm bell signalling that the country is standing still while crime spreads beneath its feet.
BJT may seek wriggle room from pact
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 20/09/2025
» Now that the dust has settled, it appears the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) is discreetly abandoning its promises regarding the push to rewrite the charter -- a major condition in exchange for the People's Party's (PP) support for its leader's premiership bid.
Five pledges will shape Anutin's time as premier
Oped, Anucha Charoenpo, Published on 10/09/2025
» Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the flexible Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), who officially became prime minister after royal endorsement on Sunday, faces tremendous challenges as head of the national government.
SAO award whitewash
News, Editorial, Published on 23/08/2025
» The annual Integrity and Transparency Assessment (ITA) -- known as the ITA awards by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) -- has raised millions of eyebrows this year.
Unfair on parents
Oped, Postbag, Published on 18/08/2025
» Re: "Grade rage rises", (PostBag, Aug 15), "Probe sought into pupil attack on teacher", (BP, Aug, 13) & InBrief, "Defamation" (BP, Aug, 7).