Showing 1 - 10 of 17
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.
Three main parties and two directions
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 16/01/2026
» Although Thailand's election campaign is reaching fever pitch ahead of voting day on Feb 8, the dynamics and contours of its final outcome can be gleaned from past polls over the last 25 years. Only once in January 2001, as was indicated in this space last week, were voter results fully honoured and carried out. Other elections were either upended by military coups or manipulated by judicial interventions.
Anutin's new cabinet is a mixed bag
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 26/09/2025
» The composition and size of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's 36-member cabinet suggest that he intends to stay in office for as long as possible, clinging to the terms of the government-enabling Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and calling an early election only if circumstances make it unavoidable.
Thamanat aiming to push Bhumjaithai out of coalition
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 17/05/2025
» The latest “cobra” incident — involving a politician defecting to the Klatham Party — demonstrates Capt Thamanat Prompow’s fervent attempts to make his party an alternative choice for the Paetongtarn Shinawatra government.
Anocha saga reopens
News, Editorial, Published on 02/12/2024
» Anocha Panjoy's disappearance 46 years ago remains a haunting chapter in Thailand's history.
Next poll brings old guard new priorities
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 25/03/2023
» Now that the country is heading towards an election, which is to take place on May 14, it seems the dictator vs democracy dichotomy has largely faded as most political parties are forced to focus on measures to tackle economic problems in order to boost their chance of winning in the polls.
PM finally nails colours to political mast
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 09/01/2023
» All eyes will be on the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre after 4.30pm today. Representatives of Thai and foreign media outlets and many defectors from other parties, including Palang Pracharath (PPRP) and Pheu Thai, will be there for a major political event -- the formal registration to join the United Thai Nation Party (UTN), or Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party.
Coalition braces for vital budget bill test
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 28/09/2019
» With the 2020 budget bill being tabled in parliament next month, the final countdown has started for the coalition government led by army chief-turned-politician Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Dems have tough decision ahead
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 08/04/2019
» Having suffered a humiliating defeat in the March 24 elections, the Democrat Party appears to arrived at a point where it has to make an important decision about which political path it wants to follow -- whether to join the pro-Prayut Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP)'s coalition alliance, or to play the role of an independent opposition.