ARTICLES

17 Oct 2022

Merge or Die: How Chart Pattana Kla Reflects a Sea Change in Party Dynamics

Napon Jatusripitak

The merger between the Kla and Chart Pattana parties is a logical outcome of Thailand’s new electoral rules, which will benefit bigger entities at the expense of smaller, party-list driven ones. The new rules mean that more of these mergers should be expected.

23 Sep 2022

Thailand’s New Electoral System: More Freedom of Choice, With a Catch

Napon Jatusripitak

Thailand’s new electoral system, which will be used in the next general elections, will yield more freedom of choice for voters. It will, however, put smaller parties at a disadvantage.

Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand

5 Sep 2022

Prayut’s Suspension: The Authoritarian System Behind the Thai Premier

Michael J. Montesano

Questions about the political fate of Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha serve as a distraction. It is more important to understand the post-2014 authoritarian system that supports Prayut.

Thai Military Thai Politics Thailand

1 Sep 2022

Between Taipei and Beijing: Education Options among the Yunnanese Chinese of Northern Thailand

Aranya Siriphon

Because of China’s soft power, some KMT Chinese in Northern Thailand have gradually shifted from being pro-Taipei to being pro-Beijing. Out of the 110 private tutoring Yunnanese schools in Northern Thailand, more than 40 have begun to accept Beijing’s support and modelled their school structure in accordance with PRC’s guidance.

China-Thai Relations Thai Politics Thailand

24 Aug 2022

Political Succession in Southeast Asia: When Dynasty Might Mean Destiny

Julia Lau

Some of the region’s political scions will be rising through the ranks in future elections, but it is not all smooth sailing in politics even if one is born with a silver spoon.

Indonesian Politics Malaysian Politics Thai Politics

23 Aug 2022

Will the Thai Military Ever Get Its Submarines and Stealth Fighters?

Ian Storey

Thailand’s military is facing a series of practical and political difficulties in its procurement processes to upgrade its air force and navy assets.

Thai Military Thai Politics Thailand

15 Aug 2022

Thai Parliamentarians Should Learn from Their Malaysian Counterparts

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

Thailand should take a leaf from Malaysia, which has effected a law to deter party hoppers in the country’s legislature.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics Thai Politics Thailand

4 Aug 2022

Bangkok’s Flawed Plan to Allow Foreign Land Ownership

Prem Singh Gill|Ratana Boy

Bangkok’s recent proposal to allow foreigners to buy land in Thailand is poorly thought out and will not be the panacea for the Thai economy that the government envisages.

investment Thai Economy Thai Politics Thailand

8 Jun 2022

Fresh From Latest Win, Thai PM Will Still Run The Gauntlet

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

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.

Thai Economy Thai Politics Thailand

31 May 2022

The ‘People’s Court’ Supports and Celebrates Marriage Equality in Thailand

Alexandra Dalferro

Amidst greater popular awareness of the struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in Thailand, activists are challenging Thai laws restricting marriage to heterosexual couples as being unconstitutional. While significant progress on human rights is unlikely to occur under the current government, Thai citizens are using their voices to call for change.

Human Rights Thai Politics Thailand