ARTICLES

2 Nov 2022

The Threat and Allure of Thai-Style Party Bans

Napon Jatusripitak

There is irony in the Pheu Thai Party’s attempt to get its rival Bhumjaithai Party banned since this tactic was originally designed to eradicate Pheu Thai itself. The attempt will likely alienate Pheu Thai’s supporters and weaken its anti-regime stance.

Thai Politics Thailand

A captain of a dive boat secures the anchor

18 Oct 2022

UNCLOS and Thailand: Security, Prosperity and Sustainability

Somjade Kongrawd

Despite being a party to UNCLOS only in 2011, the Convention has served Thailand well. But UNCLOS should be updated in light of emerging maritime issues such as climate change.

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.

Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand

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

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