Longer-form commentary and opinion pieces across all geographic sections
Thailand’s abstention on a UN vote last week to condemn Russia for its annexation of eastern regions of Ukraine week is still a puzzle and has prompted criticisms from leading foreign policy experts who question the reason behind the decision. But the move was also praised by many social media users who believe Thailand has
The recent mass shooting in Nong Bua Lam Phu province was the deadliest in Thailand’s history. The tragedy revealed even more shocking statistics, particularly the country’s high ranking for gun violence and possession. It also restarted the conversation on gun laws. Gun violence trend Thailand is currently ranked 15th among countries with the highest number
The shocking mass killing of mostly very young children in Nong Bua Lam Phu province has exposed far-ranging problems in Thai society, law enforcement and healthcare. Under the spotlight are not only the country’s drug plague but also deep flaws in the police force, lax gun laws, mental health issues and a shortage of psychiatrists.
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has been facing the delicate task of navigating the baht and the economy through turbulent waters. As the government has apparently almost run out of tricks to jump-start the economy due to the high debt it is saddled with, the responsibility has fallen on the central bank as well. The
When Newin Chidchob, the de facto patriarch of Bhumjaithai Party, vowed last week that he will have its leader Anutin Charnvirakul installed as the next prime minister, he was definitely not bluffing. In fact, he was echoing one of the most talked about possible scenarios in the aftermath of the next general elections. Bhumjaithai is
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has faced a total of five Constitutional Court cases that threatened to unseat him since taking power after the March 2019 general election General Prayut has managed to survive all five cases — mostly by unanimous decision of the court’s nine judges. However, the most recent case differed, with judges
US President Joe Biden’s decision to skip the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Thailand in November is a reflection of the Thai government’s weak international image and the fallout of a democracy deficit, many political observers believe. “The decision comes as a bolt from the blue, destroying the dream of Prime Minister Prayut
The Constitutional Court has given Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha a political lifeline with a ruling that allows him to at least complete his current term of office. The big question, however, is what it means to his political future. In the much-awaited ruling, the court this afternoon determined that constitutionally speaking Prayut’s tenure as prime
All eyes across Thailand will be on the Constitutional Court on Friday (September 30), when it is scheduled to rule on whether General Prayut Chan-o-cha has completed eight years as prime minister. Speculation and conspiracy theories have been rife for the past month, from the time the court accepted the opposition’s petition on August 24
Drug addicts sometimes commit shocking crimes in their quest for a fix, even attacking their own family members. In some cases, parents push for the arrest of their drug-crazed children and in the worst scenarios have even pulled the trigger in self-defense. These problems continue in Thailand even though many drug abusers now get the
More than 13,000 victims are estimated to have suffered losses of several billion baht as a result of the latest alleged Ponzi scheme, under the name Forex 3D, supposedly engaged in forex trading. The alleged Ponzi scheme is currently under police investigation and some of the suspected masterminds are in custody, including some celebrities from
Attending funerals on behalf of the United States is normally a straightforward assignment for a vice president, but Kamala Harris will confront controversy at nearly every turn as she visits Asia for the memorial honoring former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. American allies are seeking clarity after mixed messages over whether President Joe Biden would
