ARTICLES

18 Jun 2024

Is the Bank of Thailand Overly Independent?

Peter Warr

The tussle between the Thai government and the Bank of Thailand reflects the fact that central banks are never completely independent of governments.

12 Jun 2024

Pheu Thai’s Shift in Communication Strategy

Alexandra Colombier

The Pheu Thai Party has shut down the Voice TV media outlet, as part of a strategy to boost its flagging political fortunes.

Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand

10 Jun 2024

The Future of Thailand’s Move Forward Party in a Fluid Political Landscape

Eugene Mark

What’s next for the beleaguered Move Forward Party, harbinger of Thailand’s progressive political future?

Thai Politics Thailand

29 May 2024

The Thai Prime Minister’s Occupational Hazard as a Political Proxy is Being in the Line of Fire

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

Nine months into his premiership, the Thai prime minister faces uncertainty about his political future.

Thai Politics Thailand

28 May 2024

The Good Reasons for a Thai Economic Stimulus

Richard Yarrow

A range of data suggests Thailand’s economy has not reached maximal employment. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has some good grounds to inject economic stimulus—but should reconsider the policy’s design.

Thai Economy Thai Politics Thailand

27 May 2024

The Thai Senate: A Crisis of Representation in the Making

Napon Jatusripitak

The convoluted selection process and the likelihood of self- or vested interests overshadowing public ones in Thailand’s senatorial race mean that the odds of a truly representative body are slim.

Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand

16 May 2024

Thailand’s Minimum Wage Conundrum: Populist Promise or Productive Policy?

Peter Warr

At the May 2023 election, Prime Minister Sretta Thavisin’s Pheu Thai Party promised to double Thailand’s minimum wage. His administration should focus on raising labour productivity rather than pursuing short-term populist policies.

Thai Economy Thai Politics Thailand

8 May 2024

Stimulus Package Glosses over Digital Divide

Surachanee Sriyai

Thailand’s controversial digital wallet scheme has been criticised by some quarters. One aspect that is ignored is the kingdom’s digital divide.

Thai Economy Thai Politics Thailand

7 May 2024

Pheu Thai’s Military Reforms: Keeping the Military Onside

Paul Chambers

Pheu Thai proposed reforms of the powerful Thai military are relatively modest, all the more to prevent the ignominy of suffering yet another coup.

Thai Military Thai Politics Thailand

2 May 2024

Political Stakes of Pheu Thai’s 10,000 Baht Digital Wallet Initiative

Napon Jatusripitak

The Pheu Thai Party is seeking to push through its 10,000 baht digital wallet scheme. If it fails, there would be significant ramifications for the party. Yet, even if it succeeds, there is no guarantee that the party will regain its electoral dominance.

Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand