ARTICLES

6 May 2025

Bangkok Politics in 2025: Beacon of Thai Pluralism

Paul Chambers

Bangkok’s penchant for political pluralism has persisted. In the 2026 elections, this would see a popular and independent incumbent pitted against an up and rising opposition party.

2 May 2025

Thai State Audit Office Has Only Itself to Blame For Tragic Collapse of Building

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

Dubious partnerships, corruption, and poor construction materials seem to have caused the destruction of the 30-storey building in the 28 March quake.

Corruption Thai Politics Thailand

30 Apr 2025

Why Importing More Will Not Save Thailand from Trump’s Tariffs

Wannaphong Durongkaveroj

Thailand is trying to increase imports from the US to tackle the challenge posed by new US tariffs slapped on Thailand. This is unlikely to significantly improve Thailand’s position.

Thai Economy Thai Politics Thailand U.S.-Thailand Relations

29 Apr 2025

After the Grand Compromise: Voter Profiles in Thai Politics

Napon Jatusripitak|Mathis Lohatepanont

The grand compromise, forged at the elite level between Thailand’s conservative establishment and Thaksin Shinawatra’s Pheu Thai Party, could lead many Thai voters to shift their party allegiance in the next general election.

Thai Politics Thailand

11 Apr 2025

Thailand’s New Semiconductor Strategy: Ambitious but Challenging

Juthathip Jongwanich|Archanun Kohpaiboon

Thailand has ambitious plans to upgrade its semiconductor sector. There are challenges ahead, however, which require good governance and oversight.

Technology Thai Economy Thailand

1 Apr 2025

How the ‘Deal to Sell Out the Country’ Paved the Way for Thaksin’s Return as Thailand’s Biggest Red Herring

Napon Jatusripitak

Unsurprisingly, Thai premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra has survived a no-confidence motion in parliament. But the debate over the motion obscured deeper political dilemmas that will continue to bedevil the country.

Thai Politics Thailand

28 Mar 2025

Thailand’s Land Bridge: Navigating Geopolitical and Investor Concerns

Eugene Mark

Thailand’s land bridge project faces challenges in managing geopolitical rivalries and competing with advanced ports in neighbouring countries. Additionally, logistical issues such as transit times and reloading processes could diminish potential time savings. Thailand could instead pursue more cost-effective options to improve existing port and overland infrastructure and boost competitiveness.

China-Thai Relations Thailand

27 Mar 2025

Why Theravāda Buddhist Nations Struggle with Democracy

Duncan McCargo

This commentary memorialises the late political scientist Alfred Stepan (1936-2017), a leading light in comparative politics. In it, the author considers Stepan’s research and thinking on the complicated relationship between Theravāda Buddhism and democracy.

Buddhism Democracy Myanmar Thailand