ARTICLES

31 Jan 2024

A Political Settlement in Thailand’s Deep South: Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back

Paul Chambers

There are some grounds to be optimistic about the dialogue process in Thailand’s Deep South. But a more permanent solution is likely to be stymied by the kingdom’s powerful military.

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

18 Jan 2024

The Kra Land Bridge: Thailand’s White Elephant Comes Charging Back

Ian Storey

Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has revitalised the idea of the Kra land bridge with gusto. Poor economic viability, environmental problems and geopolitical complications account for the project’s tepid international reception.

Thai Politics Thailand transport

18 Jan 2024

Yok’s case and Thailand’s Treatment of Child Activists

Panarat Anamwathana

The charged case of a controversial juvenile accused of insulting the monarchy illustrates the shortcomings of the Thai justice system in protecting the youngest defendants and the complications of upholding lèse-majesté laws in the twenty-first century.

Thai Politics Thailand

22 Dec 2023

Collaboration Between Pheu Thai and Move Forward Parties on Their Core Issues Will Determine Thailand’s Future

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

Thailand’s Pheu Thai-led coalition government is struggling to amend the Constitution of 2017, or to draft a new replacement for it. Not much progress can be made on that front, however, unless and until the Move Forward Party provides support.

Thai Politics Thailand

15 Dec 2023

A Tale of Two (or More) Prime Ministers

Napon Jatusripitak

Judging from Srettha Thavisin’s recent off-the-cuff comments, Thailand might have more than one prime minister at the moment.

Thai Politics Thailand

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.

Thai Economy Thai Politics Thailand

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