Commentaries | FULCRUM

The Move Forward Party: Surge in Momentum, But Obstacles Ahead

Move Forward Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat leads a victory parade with fellow party members and supporters outside Bangkok City Hall on May 15, 2023. (photo: Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP)

The historic win of the Move Forward Party in Thailand’s general election cannot be reduced to merely its campaigning strategy and policies. It reflects the pent-up grievances and aspirations for a better future of millions of Thais.

South Korea: A Global Pivotal State, Not Quite

A man holds up a banner with (L) South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol, US President Joe Biden and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a rally against Kishida's upcoming visit, in Seoul on May 6, 2023. (ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP)

South Korea has far-reaching geopolitical ambitions but focusing on the regions closest to it will bring more dividends in a competitive world.

Thailand’s Pheu Thai is Painting Itself Into a Corner

Move Forward Party leader and candidate Pita Limjaroenrat arrives at a rally in Bangkok on April 22, 2023. (photo: Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP)

Even if Thailand’s leading opposition party sweeps the popular vote on 14 May 2023, its latest demands to prospective coalition partners mean that it may not be able to form a coalition strong enough to win the premiership.

ASEAN at a Crossroads: Did Indonesia as Chair Live Up to Expectations?

Now that the ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo has concluded, it is time to give Indonesia its interim report card as Chair.

‘Melayu Raya’ Celebrations in Thailand’s Conflict-Stricken Deep South

An estimated 40,000 people attended the Melayu Raya 2023 event held at Pantai Taluban, Pattani, on April 30, 2023. (Photo: Civil Society Assembly for Peace / Facebook)

A community event by and for young Malay/Muslims in Thailand’s south reflects identity and community aspirations amidst political uncertainty in the wider nation-state.

Indonesia’s Presidential Nominations, May Day, and the Fragmented Politics of Labour

Said Iqbal, third from left, with Partai Buruh comrades at the May Day Fiesta held on May 1, 2023. (photo: mediapukbekaert/Twitter)

The small but vocal Partai Buruh (PB), a newcomer to Indonesian politics, could disrupt the 2024 elections if its questioning of the status quo succeeds. For now, the odds remain low.

Addressing Rapid Changes in Urbanscapes: A Tale of Two Cities

Golden Mile Complex was sold off during the en-bloc sale in 2018. (photo: hiddenthread_ / Twitter)

In Yogyakarta and Singapore, youth movements have sprouted to address the negative impacts of rapidly changing cityscapes.

Viva “Elektabilitas”! Indonesia’s Policy-Free Coalition Fever

Sandiago Uno talking to Ganjar Pranowo on the sidelines of a regional coordination meeting in Semarang, Central Java, on 27 April 2023 (Photo: Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno / Twitter)

The question of electability has turned Indonesian voters’ attention towards potential running mates for the putative presidential candidates in the 2024 race.