Dr Termsak Chalermpalanupap is a Visiting Fellow and Coordinator of the Thailand Studies Programme, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
Previously he had been a researcher on ASEAN political and security cooperation at the Institute’s ASEAN Studies Centre. Prior to joining the Institute in July 2012, Dr. Termsak had served at the ASEAN Secretariat for nearly 20 years. His last post before retirement in July 2012 was director of the APSC Department’s Division of Political and Security Cooperation. Prior to joining the ASEAN Secretariat in early 1993, Dr Termsak had worked at The Nation, an English-language daily in Bangkok.
Thai premier General Prayut Chan-o-cha, a former career military officer, is evolving to become a full-fledged politician who dangles goodies and hustles deals with other people of his ilk.
Thailand’s hasty legalisation of marijuana and hemp without necessary control measures has sparked concerns about illicit trade and abuse of ‘legalised’ marijuana. It also threatens to disrupt ASEAN’s regional effort to create a “drug-free” community; the other nine ASEAN members still treat marijuana as a banned narcotic.
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has finally announced his intention to be the prime ministerial candidate of the United Thai Nation Party. Many questions remain, however, about how he intends to proceed in the run-up to the next general elections.
Thai premier Prayut Chan-ocha has steered through the successful passing of a budget bill. But he has other political minefields to cross before his term in office ends in March 2023.
