ARTICLES

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.

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

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

12 Jul 2022

Booster Shot? Pao Tang Digital Payment and Thailand’s Domestic Consumption

Kanpunnarin Amphunan|Kevin Zhang|Fanzura Banu

Digital payment apps, while facilitating ease of consumption, do not tackle the fundamental issue: limited disposable income of Thais, particularly among those in lower-income groups.

COVID-19 Digitalisation Monetary Policy Thai Economy Thailand

27 Jun 2022

Thailand’s Digital Divide: Leave No One Behind

Alexandra Dalferro

Thailand has a developed Internet and digital infrastructure which has helped many Thais tide through the privations of Covid-19. But more can be done to extend such services to more Thais, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Digitalisation Infrastructure Thai Economy Thailand

13 Jun 2022

Thai Monks who Drink and Their Lay Supporters

Thomas Borchert

Recent media reporting about a Thai monk caught drunk and indecently exposed follows a long line of attention-grabbing headlines about monastic misbehaviour. Even so, Thai attitudes about such rule-breaking are more nuanced than these reports would suggest.

Religion 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