ARTICLES

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

21 Aug 2023

Vietnam and Thailand’s Rice Cartel is a Hard Sell – but Rice Farmers Need More Help

Nguyen Khac Giang

Vietnam and Thailand have repeatedly sought to form a rice cartel to influence rice prices, but such an initiative faces ethical, political and practical hurdles. A rice consortium pursuing multiple objectives offers a better option for developing the rice sector and supporting rice farmers.

Agriculture Thailand Vietnam

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

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

5 Jul 2023

Time to Tackle Illegal Foreign Businesses in Thailand

Sivarin Lertpusit

Illicit nominations of Thais as shareholders in businesses run by Chinese operators are threatening local concerns. This highlights a dense network of transnational criminal activity that the Thai authorities are up against.

Crime 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