Longer-form commentary and opinion pieces across all geographic sections
With Thailand’s oldest political party facing collapse unless it finds a new leader to reverse its slumping popularity ahead of next year’s general election, Democrat insiders believe they have found a saviour.
Thailand’s fascination with large and powerful animals is blurring the line between pet ownership and public safety. Experts warn that the combination of lax ownership laws, online fame, and the urge to interact with predators is a recipe for disaster – especially for children.
The Thai government’s decision to hold a referendum on the fate of two pacts signed with Cambodia more than two decades ago could muddy domestic political waters, erode international credibility, while resolving none of the border and maritime disputes.
Hate speech has been raging among Thais and Cambodians since border clashes erupted on July 24 near Ta Muen Thom temple, where troops exchanged fire along the Surin-Oddar Meanchey frontier. The conflict left dozens dead, including civilians, injured many, and displaced villagers on both sides.
Experts warn Thailand’s draft Clean Air Bill will become a paper tiger if stripped of the “polluter pays” principle that would hold companies accountable for health-harming emissions.
As Thailand grapples with multiple diplomatic challenges, newly appointed Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuanketkeow steps into office with two pressing crises likely taking precedence: the protracted, anachronistic border dispute with Cambodia and the destabilizing consequences of Myanmar’s civil war.
The push for a new, people-driven constitution is facing formidable opposition from entrenched conservative elites who are desperate to preserve their traditional political dominance in Thailand, analysts warn.
The debate on reopening Thailand's border with Cambodia has intensified after Japan urged both countries to relax border checkpoint measures, which are impeding Japanese supply chains in the ASEAN free trade area.
The man tipped to become the finance minister of the new government has a stellar track record as a senior official at the Finance Ministry and is widely respected.
A minority government, led by Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party, is currently taking shape after the opposition People’s Party facilitated its creation without joining the administration. Parliament recently voted to allow an interim government to function for four months before dissolving the lower house.
The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions is due to announce its decision tomorrow in a high-profile case involving former PM Thaksin Shinawatra's six-month stay in the Police General Hospital, instead of serving his sentence in prison.
Thailand is taking concrete steps to better protect women and transgender people from sexual harassment, ending decades of impunity where abuse was dismissed as teasing.
