ARTICLES

23 Feb 2024

Thailand’s Marijuana Politics: Down from a High?

Paul Chambers

The Thai government is racing to ban the recreational use of marijuna. It has its work cut out for it.

22 Jan 2024

Democracy Beyond the Ballot Box: Digital Resurgence of Thai Civil Society

Napon Jatusripitak

Thai democracy might have suffered some setbacks after last year’s elections. But civil society organisations and their efforts to hold the government accountable underscore the kingdom’s democratic potential.

Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand

A Pheu Thai Party campaign poster pledging a 10,000 Thai Baht handout should they win Thailand's upcoming general election is pictured in Bangkok on May 2, 2023. (Photo by Jack TAYLOR / AFP)

12 Oct 2023

Pheu Thai’s 10,000 Baht Gambit: A Political Promise That Spells Possible Economic Peril

Napon Jatusripitak

The Pheu Thai Party’s plan to provide 10,000 baht gift to Thai adults serves a dual purpose: stimulating the economy and reconsolidating its political position. However, it remains uncertain whether it will achieve success in either of these goals.

Thai Economy Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand

11 Aug 2023

Pheu Thai at the Crossroads: Navigating Thailand’s Senate-Driven Hung Parliament

Punchada Sirivunnabood|Napon Jatusripitak

The Pheu Thai Party’s path to political power is strewn with many obstacles and the need to make difficult compromises with erstwhile enemies.

Thai Elections Thailand

4 Aug 2023

Wan Nor: Hero from the Deep South but Not the Saviour of Thai Democracy

Daungyewa Utarasint

The twin burdens placed on a veteran Thai politician hailing from the south will test his political skill and stamina. No less than the future of Thai democracy may be at stake.

Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand

28 Jul 2023

One Constituency, Two Parties: Ballot Splitting and Divided Loyalties in Thailand’s Election

Ken Mathis Lohatepanont|Napon Jatusripitak

Thailand’s two-ballot electoral system has uncovered divided loyalties among the country’s voters.

Thai Elections Thailand

14 Jul 2023

Pita (and the People) Versus the Powers that Be

Napon Jatusripitak

Pita Limjaroenrat has failed to secure approval as Thailand’s next prime minister. This underscores the stark reality: leaders in Thailand are not elected by the will of the people, but permitted to rise to power with the support or at least the acquiescence of the conservative establishment.

Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand

7 Jul 2023

From Likes to Lies: Disinformation in the Philippines and Thailand

Aries A. Arugay|Surachanee Sriyai

Recent elections in Thailand and the Philippines have seen the use of disinformation. Currently, policy options to tackle such a phenomenon remain limited.

Online Misinformation Philippine Elections Thai Elections

21 Jun 2023

A Reflection on Thai Politics

Kasit Piromya

A former Thai foreign minister voices his hopes for the future of Thai democracy. It is not clear, however, that Thailand can strengthen its democracy through consensus-building if entrenched political forces continue to thwart the people’s wishes.

Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand

7 Jun 2023

Lost in Translation: Decoding Populism in Thailand’s 2023 Elections

Treethep Srisa-nga

How populism is defined and wielded in today’s Thai politics has implications for the strength and sustainability of the country’s political development.

Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand