Showing 1 - 10 of 610
Corruption keeps getting worse
Editorial, Published on 15/02/2026
» Everyone knows corruption in Thailand is bad, but few realise how bad. By global standards, Thailand is slipping into the bottom tier.
Navigating between global superpowers
News, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 14/02/2026
» Both China and the US issued new national security policies over the past year. At first glance, they seem to diverge markedly, portending a deep rupture in the world order. Yet, they may also bear some similarities in terms of self-interest and self-advancement. Collateral to that, other countries seeking to forge a middle path may wish to navigate a perspicacious route towards global equilibrium.
One year of marriage equality
Oped, Niamh Collier-Smith, Published on 13/02/2026
» Every year on Feb 14, the world pauses to celebrate love -- traditionally through flowers, romance and promises. But this Valentine's Day in Thailand goes beyond sentiment, marking over one full year of legal marriage equality.
50-party race comes down to just this
Oped, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 09/02/2026
» By the time this opinion piece goes into print, the unofficial outcome of Sunday's election will already have been announced by the Election Commission. Which of the two front-running parties, Bhumjaithai and the People's Party, has emerged the winner and earned the right to form the new government will also be known.
Reflect, respect and celebrate
Oped, Angela Macdonald, Published on 26/01/2026
» Australia Day 2026 is an opportunity to reflect on our nation, history and achievements. We are grateful to celebrate this occasion with our colleagues, partners and friends here in Thailand, a country with whom Australia shares a long and enduring partnership, and a country close to Australians' hearts.
Trump's 'America First' in overdrive
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 23/01/2026
» President Donald Trump's extraterritorial capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on cocaine-trafficking and terrorism-related charges earlier this month and repeated demand to take over Greenland at the World Economic Forum this week are part and parcel of a belligerent and transformative "America First" paradigm that dates back at least four decades.
Dark horse, deep state in upcoming polls
Oped, Nattaya Chetchotiros, Published on 15/01/2026
» The national election may be 20 days away, yet political analysts are already reading the tea leaves. Surprisingly, their predictions point in the same direction -- the next coalition could be a surprising mix of the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), Pheu Thai and -- hold your breath -- the Democrat Party.
NY bash takes turn for better
Editorial, Published on 11/01/2026
» A spectacular display of fireworks is traditionally the crowning moment of any major festival, and the recent New Year celebrations were no exception.
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.
‘Mai pen rai’ paradox: from kindness to toxic silence
Juranan Soranet, Published on 07/01/2026
» "Mai pen rai" (It’s okay/never mind) is perhaps the most classic Thai phrase, symbolising kindness, compromise and a go-with-the-flow attitude. It is the hallmark of Thai charm. However, in a modern world driven by consumer rights and accountability, the harmless phrase is becoming a double-edged sword. We are witnessing the rise of "Toxic kreng jai" — an excessive form of considerateness where we suppress our own rights just to avoid being labelled "demanding".