Opinion pieces and commentary on Thailand's current affairs, in English, from Thai PBS World contributors.
Yesterday’s Constitutional Court verdict, which allows controversial Deputy Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompow to retain his ministerial post and MP status, despite his drug trafficking conviction in Australia in the 1990’s, has sparked outrage and ridicule and has added to the feeling of hopelessness, even though it was somewhat expected. Lowest point and legal precedent set
An icon for the youth-led movement seeking to topple General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s government, detained protest leader Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak is gambling with his life by refusing to consume solid food since March 15. Observers and his lawyer have voiced concern for Parit, who was taken to Ramathibodi Hospital suffering severe fatigue on April 30 –
Only about 5 percent of Thailand’s vulnerable population have so far booked a free COVID-19 vaccination jab since the government’s appointment process was launched on Saturday. The slow uptake is being blamed on two major factors: hiccups on the booking platform and reluctance to receive the jabs amid reports of undesirable side effects. At noon
When General Prawit Wongsuwan took control of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party in June last year, among his core tasks was to manage the internal power struggle between party factions. The deputy PM’s first move was to oust the “Four Boys” from the Cabinet and party executive. The Four Boys oversaw Thailand’s economy and were
As a media, we have to ask ourselves whether the information we have is enough to support what is to be published. If it is enough, with solid evidence, there is no law that can win over us, said Chairman of the Thai Broadcast Journalist Association, Peerawatt Chotithammo. Peerawatt reflects on the latest Press Freedom Index, by French organization
After 46 days on hunger strike, Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak failed again on Thursday (April 29) to secure bail release for himself and several other anti-establishment protest leaders. This was the ninth time the Criminal Court has rejected the 22-year-old’s request for release. Parit and his fellow activists are behind bars on charges of sedition, lese
Bangkok is now home to the world’s largest parliament complex, after almost eight years and Bt22.9 billion was spent on its construction. The complex, officially called “Sappaya Sapasathan,” covers a floor area of 424,000 square meters, knocking Romania’s 365,000sqm Palace of the Parliament off the top of the list of the world’s largest legislatures. However,
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his government are suffering a barrage of attacks from critics and political rivals as Thailand is hit by a third wave of COVID-19 infections. Some observers are warning of a popular uprising if the government fails to tackle this fresh outbreak successfully. The attacks came after the number of daily
With COVID-19 cases now rising by more than 1,000 per day, many Thais are wondering whether the country’s healthcare sector will crumble under the pressure. Despite the launch of field hospitals and “hospitels” (hotels turned into hospitals) concern is rising that the limited medical workforce may soon be overburdened. Those fears intensified this week after
The televised address by Thai prime minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, on Friday was widely criticized. Experts said it is not just because of the issue of communication skills, but also the expectation and the surrounding situation that led to that moment, and the momentum was missed. Asst.Prof. Dr.Tavida Kamolvej, the dean of the faculty of Political
Supporters of the anti-establishment movement are calling on two detained protest leaders to end their hunger strike as concerns for their health grow. The calls are mounting as Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak begins his second month without solid food, and Panusaya “Rung” Sithijirawattanakul enters her third week of fasting. The duo launched their hunger strikes to press
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s communication style has never been impressive, especially when it comes to tackling crises like the COVID-19 outbreak that hit the country early last year. His regular address to the nation often draws criticism and has done little to boost public confidence in the government. His 23-minute televised speech on Friday
