Longer-form commentary and opinion pieces across all geographic sections
50 years ago this week, growing discontent with the Thai ruling elite’s corruption and abuse of power boiled over into a major campus protest at Thammasat University, one of Thailand’s oldest universities and a hotbed of political activism, before escalating into widespread street demonstrations. They culminated in an unprecedented popular uprising that saw hundreds of
The Move Forward Party has been on the defensive ever since its shock election victory in May. The party has taken what many observers describe as “political missteps” that may have cost it the prime minister’s seat and a chance to lead the new coalition government. Instead, it now sits on the other side of
The presence of two former Thai premiers — Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister Yingluck — in Cambodia on August 5 was not only a personal visit to celebrate strongman Hun Sen’s birthday but also a clear message for the establishment of the new government in Bangkok, experts said. Pictures of the cheerful celebration at Hun Sen’s residence
Amid the ongoing political impasse in the country, made murkier by highly debatable rules, Srettha Thavisin, a property developer-turned politician, is within sight of becoming the 30th prime minister of Thailand. The spotlight, as of now, shines on this Pheu Thai aspirant for the top job. Who is Srettha? Srettha, 60, is one of Pheu
Economic experts are not happy with the policies pursued by the outgoing administration to increase the income of Thai households, as well as the proposals of the parties who could form the next government. “The income guarantee scheme for farmers implemented by the outgoing government did not work, while the debt moratorium policies proposed by
Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has endured a painful dilemma for the past 15 years – whether or not to return to Thailand and face jail terms imposed during his absence. While the statute of limitations has expired on one of his sentences, three other final verdicts against him carry accumulated penalties of 10
Southeast Asian nations are gearing up to tackle the threat of a tougher-than-usual “haze” season together, as the El Nino climate phenomenon raises the risk of soaring temperatures. Ministers and officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met in Singapore last month, where they vowed to ramp up monitoring of wildfires and efforts
The baton has passed from Move Forward to Pheu Thai, who are now busy talking to parties of all political persuasions, even its political enemies, in a bid to form a government. Pheu Thai is believed to be trying to push Move Forward away from the current coalition, as its stance on the controversial lèse
Ongoing efforts to form a new government after the May 14 general election have hit a roadblock – an impasse that may pave the way for the return of the outgoing coalition, analysts say. The eight-party coalition has failed to gather enough parliamentary votes for its prime ministerial candidate even after the election-winning Move Forward
Pheu Thai Party leader Cholnan Srikaew had intended to deliver a single message to a planned meeting with its political allies this afternoon (Tuesday). Even without the meeting, which was abruptly cancelled without explanation, the message is already clear to everyone. Cholnan told Thai PBS World on Monday that he wanted to inform the meeting
Thailand’s household debt has ballooned to almost 16 trillion baht, with more and more Thais at risk of defaulting on their loan repayments. The pressure then falls on guarantors, who are often family members or friends of the debtors. And that pressure is taking a deadly toll. Earlier this month a police captain killed
Though the eight-party coalition has resolved to put Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s name forward again in the second vote for Thailand’s next premier, Pita and his party appear to be fighting a losing battle. The two Houses of Parliament are scheduled to meet on Wednesday (July 19) for a second round of voting. Pita
