Showing 1 - 10 of 51
Plentiful policy on offer
Oped, Editorial, Published on 19/01/2026
» Thailand is heading towards a consequential general election on Feb 8. In the weeks leading up to polling day, voters have been bombarded with policy proposals from across the political spectrum. Many are attractively packaged and, if fully realised, would seemingly transform the country overnight.
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.
Rewarding an army hero
Oped, Editorial, Published on 18/08/2025
» Calls to extend the service of Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, commander of the 2nd Army Region, may be understandable considering the widespread public distrust in the government's handling of the Thai-Cambodian border conflict. But such demands must not be entertained.
Power politics
Oped, Editorial, Published on 14/05/2025
» A recent row that saw a policeman beaten for warning a politician not to take photos inside a polling booth confirms that local politics still wields significant influence over law enforcers.
DSI skips deep probe
Oped, Editorial, Published on 07/03/2025
» Political temperatures dropped yesterday after the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) board decided to investigate only the money laundering part of the alleged collusion in last year's Senate election.
Saturday vote flops hard
Oped, Editorial, Published on 05/02/2025
» The low voter turnout for the election of Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) presidents and members last Saturday is an embarrassment for the Election Commission (EC).
Provincial election battle lines drawn
Oped, Editorial, Published on 30/01/2025
» The countdown has begun for the Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) elections on Saturday in what is shaping up to be a fierce race.
Climate policies are getting far too expensive
Oped, Bjorn Lomborg, Published on 02/11/2024
» As climate policy increasingly drives up living costs with next to no results, voters are becoming wearier of expansive green promises. We can only hope this backlash could lead to better, cheaper and more effective measures.
Two issues at stake in US president race
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 01/11/2024
» As the quadrennial presidential contest in the United States reaches its conclusion next week, the two fundamental and entwined issues at stake are how America sees itself at home and how its consequent role abroad ought to be. This is not the first time these soul-searching questions are determining who gets to rule the country, but they are a recent phenomenon. Beyond them, the rest are merely theatre, money, and manoeuvres that underpin any major election spectacle.