Showing 1 - 10 of 160
Control and fear inside the clergy
Editorial, Published on 12/04/2026
» Silence in the Sangha -- the official institution of Buddhist monks -- is often mistaken for virtue. In reality, it is driven by manipulation and a culture of fear.
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.
Thai neutrality key as Mideast war escalates
Oped, Anucha Charoenpo, Published on 13/03/2026
» The ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel is causing widespread concern beyond the Middle East. Thailand, like many other nations, has expressed concern about the risks of terrorism and sabotage that could threaten both citizens and foreign nationals within its borders.
The perils of creating a power vacuum in Iran
Oped, Stephen Holmes, Published on 05/03/2026
» Critics of the attack on Iran by the United States and Israel point out that US President Donald Trump has no plan for what comes next. And they are not wrong: when Mr Trump boasts that he can resolve wars in a single day, he merely exposes the limits of his attention span. But the real problem is not the shortness of Mr Trump's time horizon; it's the narrowness of his threat perception.
Board games at SSF
News, Published on 23/01/2026
» An ongoing public hearing by the Social Security Fund (SSF) board suggests a change of the rules governing how employees' representatives are elected may be on the cards, switching from one vote for seven candidates to one vote per candidate.
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.
Another wasted year in Thai politics
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 26/12/2025
» As Thailand winds down 2025 with an early election looming on Feb 8, the most consequential issue to watch in the coming year will be whether recent topsy-turvy political patterns of polls, protests, and military and judicial interventions give way to a compromise between the old guard clinging on to vested interests and the new generation clamouring for reform and change.
Baht headache
Oped, Postbag, Published on 18/12/2025
» Re: "BoT cracks down on surging baht", (Business, Dec 17). While the baht's currency strength is an ever-more concerning issue, as pointed out numerous times, what is rarely mentioned is the likely excess Thai foreign reserves, nearing an astonishing US$270 billion.
Baht bets rising
Oped, Postbag, Published on 15/12/2025
» Re: "BoT measures to halt rapid baht uptick", (Business, Dec 5).
Securities and Exchange Commission shows its timidity
Oped, Editorial, Published on 08/12/2025
» From the surface, the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) probe into seven listed firms over suspicions that some shareholders may be linked to an international scam network is a welcome move.