Commentaries | FULCRUM

Reinventing Pheu Thai

Move Forward Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat and Pheu Thai Party leader Cholanan Srikaew hold a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by eight Thai political parties in agreement to form a new government in Bangkok on May 22, 2023. (photo: Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP)

Faced with a disappointing second-place finish in Thailand’s 14 May election, Pheu Thai leaders must innovate and adapt for the sake of Thai democracy.

President Marcos Jr.’s Disaster Policy: Is a New Disaster Agency in the Works?

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led an aerial inspection over Maguindanao province, one of the hardest hit by Severe Tropical Storm “Paeng” on November 1, 2022 (Photo: Presidential Communications Office)

Instead of relying on bureaucracy to address pressing disaster management weaknesses in the Philippines, President Marcos Jr.’s administration might consider strengthening the grassroots to avoid more disasters.

Malaysia’s First Unity Government Convention: The Art of Keeping Enemies Close

Malaysia’s new Unity Government is in a state of consolidation and relative stability. The current unified coalition structure will stay in its current semi-permanent state, whereby it retains the trappings of a coalition without formalisation.

Can Vietnam Benefit from the Global Chip Rush?

Production of electronic components at Origin Manufactures Vietnam Company (a Japanese FDI enterprise) in Dong Van Industrial Park, Ha Nam province. (photo: Hóng - Tin nhanh Đắk Lắk / Facebook)

Vietnam’s semiconductor industry is expanding rapidly as firms caught in the ensuing U.S.-China trade war seek refuge in the country. But Hanoi needs to bolster support for domestic semiconductor firms to make the country a significant player in the global chip market.

Cambodia Has Benefited From BRI projects, but Must be More Strategic Going Forward

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen (C) cuts a ceremonial ribbon as Chinese ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian (3rd R) looks on during the opening ceremony of the Morodok Techo National Stadium, funded by China's grant aid under its Belt and Road Initiative, in Phnom Penh on December 18, 2021. (Photo: Lon JADINA / AFP)

Cambodia’s participation in the Belt and Road Initiative has strengthened relations with China and brought net benefits, but also highlighted the risks of over-reliance on one country and the need for a more comprehensive framework for evaluating new investments.

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.