ARTICLES

Srettha Thavisin, Thailand's newly-elected 30th Prime Minister, attends Bangkok Post Forum 2023, themed 'Thailand: The Era of Change,' at Centara Grand at CentralWorld in Bangkok, Thailand on October 3, 2023. This forum serves as a platform to discuss the policy frameworks set by the new government, with a spotlight on economic recovery and holistic development across all sectors. (Photo by Matt Hunt / ANADOLU AGENCY / Anadolu Agency via AFP)

30 Oct 2023

Thailand’s Exposure to Northeast Asia’s Slowdowns

Richard Yarrow

World events have not been kind to Thailand’s economic plans. Besides high oil prices and U.S. interest rates, Thailand faces prolonged slowdowns in its Northeast Asian economic partners. The challenges and opportunities are many, and ultimately hinge on stable democratic leadership.

12 Oct 2023

New Thai PM Faces a Crisis of Confidence

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

As a political novice, Thailand’s new Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin is facing an uphill struggle to prove that he is the right man for the job. His political survival depends on support from his coalition partners – without which he risks being unseated in a no-confidence motion in the House of Representatives.

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

Thailand's sixth civilian defence minister, Sutin Klungsang, reviews the guard of honour upon his arrival at the ministry on September 13.

22 Sep 2023

Thailand’s New Defence Minister: Keeping the Armed Forces Sweet

Tita Sanglee|Ian Storey

The appointment of Thailand’s new defence minister underscores the Pheu Thai Party’s desire to deter yet another coup and ensure the longevity of the 11-party coalition government.

Thai Military Thai Politics Thailand

13 Sep 2023

Thailand’s Elite Reconfiguration: Old Wine in New Bottles

Napon Jatusripitak

The installation of a Pheu Thai-led government with the aid of conservative elements underscores a significant transformation in Thailand’s ruling structures.

Thai Politics Thailand

Protesters point their torches to the sky to protest Pheu Thai Party’s decision to form a new government

29 Aug 2023

Pheu Thai’s New Coalition Betrays the Faith of Voters

Michael J. Montesano

In choosing to align itself with military-backed parties, the Pheu Thai Party has betrayed the faith of voters who believed that democratic principles would best ensure Thailand’s future.

Thai Politics Thailand

21 Aug 2023

Thaksin’s Machinations and Overturning the People’s Mandate

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

Exiled prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has sought a route for his return to Thailand. Unfortunately, any new political configuration would involve a compact between the Pheu Thai Party and its erstwhile enemies. This would subvert the electoral mandate of the people.

Thai Politics 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

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

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