Longer-form commentary and opinion pieces across all geographic sections
The meteoric rise of Chaichanok Chidchob is almost unmatched in Thai politics. The eldest son of Bhumjaithai’s billionaire founder Newin Chidchob, he had been an MP for barely two years when he was appointed to the Cabinet last year as digital economy and society (DES) minister at the tender age of 35.
The upcoming Bangkok Council election may be receiving far less attention than the gubernatorial poll, but it will be equally crucial in shaping the capital’s future over the next four years.
The People’s Party’s appointment of Prof Surapon Nitikraipot to head its campaign for the Bangkok governor election has triggered shock and dismay among many of the reformist party’s supporters.
Stakeholders in Thailand’s mass media industry have voiced concern over mounting risks facing terrestrial television stations and are accusing the state regulator of dereliction of duty.
The People’s Party’s criticism of the Privy Council’s alleged involvement in government affairs has sharply divided public opinion.
Like most of his predecessors, Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt is seeking a second term – but on June 28, voters will decide whether he becomes only the fourth city chief to secure re-election.
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) reported Thailand’s GDP growth at 2.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, accelerating from 2.5 per cent in the previous quarter. After seasonal adjustment, the Thai economy expanded by 0.7 per cent from the fourth quarter of 2025.
While Thailand has signaled its intention to scrap the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on maritime claims with Cambodia, the administration under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul appears far less prepared to manage the impending legal, diplomatic and political fallout.
Flaws in Thailand’s “free education” policy are back under the spotlight as schools reopen for the new term. Hidden fees remain a problem for low-income families already struggling with rising living costs, placing millions of children at risk of dropping out.
Thailand’s Cabinet recently issued an Emergency Decree to borrow 400 billion baht, aimed at funding relief and economic restructuring amid the global energy crisis stemming from the war in Iran.
Life in Bangkok has undoubtedly changed under Governor Chadchart Sittipunt’s guidance, driven by innovations like the highly responsive complaints platform, Traffy Fondue. However, as his term nears its end on May 21, a critical question looms: Has Chadchart lived up to the high expectations of voters who handed him a landslide victory in 2022?
Millions of Thai workers are facing both short-term and longer-term threats to their jobs that require greater efforts from the government, businesses and labor representatives themselves.
