Showing 1 - 10 of 13
The anatomy of a very tricky election
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 29/03/2019
» Thailand's first election in nearly eight years was supposed to bring some closure to a self-appointed military government and clarity to the country's democratic future. Instead, it has generated much controversy and probable continuity for the incumbent military regime with murky political directions ahead. Central to the questions and outcomes surrounding the poll on Sunday is the Election Commission (EC). Its actions and interpretations of events will have much to say about what happens next.
Poll uncertainty lingers as count nears finish line
News, Ploenpote Atthakor, Published on 29/03/2019
» Almost a week has passed since Thais cast their ballots, yet many things are still shrouded in uncertainties.
TRC dissolution turns up political heat
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 08/03/2019
» It is deja vu all over again in Thai politics. Another political party aligned to Thaksin Shinawatra, an ousted, self-exiled and convicted former prime minister, found its way to the Constitutional Court where it was dissolved in short order for "opposing the democratic system with the King as head of state".
Poster chaos a sign the times aren't changing
News, Sirinya Wattanasukchai, Published on 22/02/2019
» As the elections near, city residents have to put up with some inconveniences. I am talking about the countless campaign posters -- featuring faces of people who are offering to change the country -- which are just about everywhere.
Outsider PM unacceptable
News, Editorial, Published on 12/02/2019
» The short-lived entry of Princess Ubolratana is over, but the fallout should be careful but extensive. The immediate question concerns the fate of the Thai Raksa Chart Party, and it looks bleak. Beyond that, however, are many issues of politics and of ethics quite separate from the matter of royalty.
Royal command sets a new balance
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 11/02/2019
» Thailand's political earthquake last Friday has caught observers at home and abroad off guard. Within half a day, Thai politics went through an unprecedented political roller coaster. It all ended with a press release from the royal palace at night, effectively reversing what had taken place in the morning.
A right royal confusion
News, Alan Dawson, Published on 10/02/2019
» So a petite, 67-year-old woman stood against the tanks and the many-starred green shirts of the Royal Thai Army, and she whipped them. Public opinion agreed on that, and public opinion is how the nation's going to settle it on March 24.
Fairness needs to be ensured
News, Alan Dawson, Published on 27/01/2019
» In sports, as in politics, they call it a "tilted playing field". One or many tiny modifications to the game area give advantages that don't absolutely guarantee that the home team wins, but help to make it more likely.
Election Commission must assert itself
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 25/01/2019
» Thailand is supposed to have an independent Election Commission (EC) that oversees all electoral contests from local polls to national referendums. But as Thailand heads towards a general election on March 24, the seven-member EC has appeared less than eager and enthusiastic and too beholden to government preferences in staging what will be Thailand's first election in nearly nine years.
Go to Plan B
Alan Dawson, Published on 13/01/2019
» Normally notable for his silence, the Minister of Interior and inflatable blimp expert Gen Anupong Paojinda released the cat from his bag. His drones and workers, who had already begun setting up election facilities and security barriers, downed tools.