https://www.scmp.com/rss/15540/feed Pavin Chachavalpongpun is an associate professor at Kyoto University’s Centre for Southeast Asian Studies. He is the author of several books, including “Reinventing Thailand: Thaksin and His Foreign Policy”. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Last week, Thailand’s junta-appointed legislature voted to delay the implementation of an election law that would effectively postpone the general election to 2019. This is the fourth time the generals have broken their promise to return power to the voters. If investors’ confidence is shaken, it might threaten the Thai economy and the position of the military government. But, for the Thai junta, current political uncertainties may threaten its long-term political interests. The postponement... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2131026/thai-militarys-grip-power-wont-ease-any-time-soon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2131026/thai-militarys-grip-power-wont-ease-any-time-soon?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Jan 2018 08:45:20 +0000 Thailand’s latest constitutional draft will be judged in a referendum on August 7. The junta has reiterated that the process of writing a constitution is in accordance with a road map to democracy. Implicitly, the military government wants to show that it has been transparent and willing to confront criticism. Ironically, though, those who speak out against the process risk being jailed. ‘Not in line with democracy’: former Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra risks junta’s wrath by rejecting... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1998647/juntas-tight-control-ensures-thai-referendum-will-be-no?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1998647/juntas-tight-control-ensures-thai-referendum-will-be-no?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Aug 2016 04:17:35 +0000 Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej turns 87 today. Crowned in 1946, he is the world's longest reigning monarch. For the past seven decades, Bhumibol has been successful in transforming the monarchy, once unpopular, into the country's most powerful political institution. But the Bhumibol era is coming to an end. The looming royal succession heightens anxiety among the royal elites about the monarchy's uncertain future. They have for a long time invested in the royal institution to achieve their... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1655397/eye-throne-thailands-crown-prince-appears-be-putting-his?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1655397/eye-throne-thailands-crown-prince-appears-be-putting-his?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Dec 2014 04:45:45 +0000 Since seizing power from an elected government more than three months ago, Thailand's National Council for Peace and Order - the governing body of the coup makers - has continued to violate people's freedoms. Last week, Amnesty International launched a report detailing human rights abuses that have taken place. It may herald stronger sanctions from the West against the military regime under Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha. Martial law remains in operation and it curbs many forms of... https://www.scmp.com/comment/article/1594567/human-rights-abuses-thai-junta-reinforce-climate-fear?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/article/1594567/human-rights-abuses-thai-junta-reinforce-climate-fear?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Sep 2014 06:00:30 +0000 Four days after the Thai military overthrew the elected Puea Thai-led government, King Bhumibol Adulyadej endorsed the coup, giving legitimacy to the unlawful intervention. Indeed, the royal endorsement will be crucial for implementing the junta's cast-iron policies to fully control politics. The coup makers have strangled the space for freedom of expression. The main targets are the media and free-thinking academics. The coup makers issued a number of orders, including one that academics should... https://www.scmp.com/comment/article/1520254/despite-threats-i-will-not-bow-thailands-despots?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/article/1520254/despite-threats-i-will-not-bow-thailands-despots?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 May 2014 10:30:30 +0000 King Bhumibol Adulyadej celebrated his 86th birthday yesterday, which was also Thailand's national day. This much-anticipated event came amid escalating political conflict between the Yingluck Shinawatra government backed by her fugitive brother, former prime minister Thaksin, and its opponents in the old establishment camp represented by the elitist opposition, the Democrat Party. Street protests have returned to Bangkok, leaving at least four dead and a dozen injured. On the surface, the... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1373791/thai-kings-birthday-raises-questions-about-monarchys-role?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1373791/thai-kings-birthday-raises-questions-about-monarchys-role?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Dec 2013 13:30:30 +0000 China and Thailand have forged even closer ties with the recent exchange of visits of key policymakers. Foreign Minister Wang Yi , during his visit to Bangkok this month, praised Thailand for playing a "significant" role in promoting relations between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The two countries agreed to increase bilateral trade to US$100 billion by 2015. Last year, two-way trade stood at nearly US$70 billion, as a result of the successful Sino-Thai free trade... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1242092/cosy-sino-thai-relations-affecting-asean-unity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1242092/cosy-sino-thai-relations-affecting-asean-unity?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 May 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Japan has renewed its diplomatic activism following the victory of the Liberal Democratic Party, which saw Shinzo Abe return as prime minister. As soon as the cabinet line-up was announced, Abe sent his deputy Taro Aso, a former prime minister himself and now also the finance minister, to Myanmar. Japanese media wondered about the choice of a relatively small country like Myanmar for such a trip. But Abe was quick to clarify that his new foreign policy would focus on strengthening the Japanese... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1123131/myanmar-trip-signals-more-assertive-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1123131/myanmar-trip-signals-more-assertive-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Jan 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Thailand's former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his deputy Suthep Thaugsuban have been charged with murder in connection with their role in a military crackdown against pro-Thaksin protesters in 2010. The Department of Special Investigation's case centres around a taxi driver, Phan Khamkong, who was shot dead by the army in May 2010. The case could pave the way for the wider investigation into the use of violence by the Abhisit government. More than 90 people were killed in the unrest,... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1102285/verdict-abhisit-murder-case-will-raise-storm-thailand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1102285/verdict-abhisit-murder-case-will-raise-storm-thailand?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Thailand could be heading towards a new round of violent political confrontations. Late last month, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra reshuffled the cabinet for the third time in just over a year. She brought in a number of trusted allies of her brother Thaksin, the country's former premier who is believed to be the real power behind the current government. Among the loyalists to gain favour was Surapong Tovichakchaikul, who was promoted to deputy prime minister while keeping his post as... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1080039/thailand-should-brace-more-bruising-politics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1080039/thailand-should-brace-more-bruising-politics?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Myanmar's president, Thein Sein, has ended his first-ever visit to the United States. Last week, he was in New York for the annual UN General Assembly and held an eagerly awaited discussion with US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Thein Sein also caught up with Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD), who was invited by the US Congress to receive one of its highest awards given to a foreigner. Remarkably, Suu Kyi seems to have become the de... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1053191/hurdles-myanmars-democratic-reform?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1053191/hurdles-myanmars-democratic-reform?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Oct 2012 16:00:00 +0000 The monsoon season has started in Thailand. Already, some provinces have seen some flooding, and the Yingluck Shinawatra government is nervous about its readiness to handle the crisis. Last year, deadly floods inundated hundreds of factories and disrupted the global supply chains for electronics and auto parts. Estimates of financial loss rank the 2011 floods among the most devastating natural disasters in the world. The problem isn't just the government's inability to cope with the floods;... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1033567/monsoons-return-raises-political-storm-thailand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1033567/monsoons-return-raises-political-storm-thailand?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Sep 2012 16:00:00 +0000 In the past few weeks, violence in Thailand's restive south has re-emerged. First, a roadside bomb killed five policemen. Then, four soldiers died when their patrol was ambushed by Islamic terrorists. Within hours of that attack, three civilians were shot dead in separate incidents. Back in March, a group of terrorists staged the most deadly co-ordinated attacks in years, killing over a dozen people and injuring 340 others with car bombs that targeted shoppers and a high-rise hotel in the deep... https://www.scmp.com/article/1014309/politics-gets-way-peace-thai-south?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1014309/politics-gets-way-peace-thai-south?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:00:00 +0000 On Sunday, Thailand will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the abolition of absolute monarchy. After so long, however, not only has democracy struggled to take root, the monarchy has refused to step aside. Instead, it continues to dominate the political body and obstruct democratisation, deepening political polarisation. Critics argue that the almost unrestrained power of the king, protected by the lese-majeste law, has hindered development of elective institutions. Thai royalists often paint... https://www.scmp.com/article/1004652/royalty-and-democracy-make-unhappy-match?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1004652/royalty-and-democracy-make-unhappy-match?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Known in Thailand as 'Uncle SMS', Amphon 'Akong' Tangnoppakul died last week in detention, less than six months after being sentenced to 20 years in jail for violating the lese-majeste law. Akong was accused of sending four text messages to a secretary of former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, messages that were deemed to be extremely insulting to the queen. Lese-majeste, or the crime of injury to royalty, is defined by Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Code, which states that defamatory or... https://www.scmp.com/article/1001037/thais-collision-course-over-lese-majeste-law?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1001037/thais-collision-course-over-lese-majeste-law?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Burma has undergone serious political reform. The by-elections on April 1 saw the overwhelming victory of Aung San Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy. Political changes will make Burma more accessible for outsiders. Under such conditions, the country is likely to become more integrated into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the broader Asia-Pacific region. The process of opening up will make Burma's foreign policy more predictable, and its decision-making less... https://www.scmp.com/article/999370/burma-rediscovers-its-voice-global-affairs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/999370/burma-rediscovers-its-voice-global-affairs?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a fugitive from Thai law, continues to raise the political temperature at home. Recently, while visiting South Korea, he said he would return to Thailand at the end of the year. This was not the first time Thaksin had teased his supporters about his homecoming. He has constantly sought to measure the public response to his possible return to politics. Yet, Thaksin today remains at the centre of Thai politics, despite being ousted from power almost... https://www.scmp.com/article/996117/thaksin-return-wont-bring-reconciliation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/996117/thaksin-return-wont-bring-reconciliation?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:00:00 +0000 The Thai political crisis has reached another boiling point, with hardline royalists accusing a group of young law professors from the esteemed Thammasat University of attempting to overthrow the monarchy. These professors, calling their group Nitirat (law for the people), have proposed the amendment of the draconian lese-majeste law. If successful, it would put the interests of the Thai elites aligning themselves with the monarchy in jeopardy. The royalists have even threatened to behead... https://www.scmp.com/article/991937/thai-university-row-arouses-fear-bloodshed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/991937/thai-university-row-arouses-fear-bloodshed?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Myanmar is opening up. In recent months, foreign leaders, including US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and British Foreign Secretary William Hague, paid high-profile visits to the country that has long isolated itself from the world. They rushed to congratulate Myanmar for its progress in democratisation. Meanwhile, Myanmar's neighbours, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, China and India now perceive the new government in Naypyidaw as 'lawful' and feel ever more... https://www.scmp.com/article/990004/isolated-state-keen-open-doors-investors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/990004/isolated-state-keen-open-doors-investors?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000 The increasing number of lese-majeste cases in Thailand in recent years has dangerously worsened the human rights situation in the country. The case of Amphon 'Akong' Thangnoppakul, 61, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison, highlighted the misuse of the law to undermine political opponents. Amphon was found guilty on four counts under the lese-majeste law and computer crime laws. While this incident angered many Thais, it was celebrated by the royalists. And just this month, Joe... https://www.scmp.com/article/988155/archaic-law-serves-only-weaken-monarchy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/988155/archaic-law-serves-only-weaken-monarchy?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Parts of Bangkok and much of the country's central plain have been submerged in floodwaters for a while now, devastating people's livelihoods. Equally damaging is the political backwash that now threatens to shorten the term of Yingluck Shinawatra's government. The floods were already at crisis level early last month, but the prime minister was slow to act. The media criticised her for lacking leadership and crisis management skills. This was partly true. But Yingluck alone is not... https://www.scmp.com/article/985176/thai-floods-become-target-politicking?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/985176/thai-floods-become-target-politicking?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Thailand is drowning in what is believed to the worst floods in more than half a century. The north and the central plains have been submerged in water, in places up to 2 metres deep, and the Yingluck Shinawatra government is now trying to protect Bangkok. The natural disaster is turning out to be a crisis of leadership for her. Thai officials are rushing to reinforce barriers and widen canals in Bangkok, but their enthusiasm may come too late. The deluge began in late July, so far killing... https://www.scmp.com/article/981857/one-woman-show-isnt-enough-tackle-floods?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/981857/one-woman-show-isnt-enough-tackle-floods?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Five years ago today, the Thai military staged a coup which overthrew the elected government of Thaksin Shinawatra. Some Thais blamed Thaksin for triggering the crisis. But little did they know that the coup that was supposed to kill the 'Thaksin disease' was itself a disease that undermined Thai democracy. It is crucial to look back on the past five years and examine the changes to the political landscape. First, the coup opened the door for the military to intervene in politics in... https://www.scmp.com/article/979497/five-years-are-enough-do-lasting-damage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/979497/five-years-are-enough-do-lasting-damage?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Former Thai prime minister turned fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra is apparently pursuing the first step in a political comeback. But his high-profile visit to Japan has caused controversy at home and could jeopardise the newly formed government under the leadership of his sister, Yingluck. Thaksin claimed that his Japan tour was primarily to assist in the reconstruction of two cities in the northeastern region devastated by the earthquake and tsunami. He was also scheduled to meet Japanese... https://www.scmp.com/article/977186/thaksins-risky-steps-comeback-trail?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/977186/thaksins-risky-steps-comeback-trail?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0000 The electoral win of Yingluck Shinawatra, leader of the Puea Thai party, was finally endorsed by the Election Commission on Tuesday. After a week of political manoeuvring and widespread rumours of a 'judicial coup', Yingluck is now on her way to become Thailand's first female prime minister. She is able to cross this hurdle now, but more obstacles lie ahead. Clearly, she will have no time to enjoy her political honeymoon. First is how Yingluck will tackle the reconciliation issue. If... https://www.scmp.com/article/974055/one-hurdle-down-more-are-come-yingluck?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/974055/one-hurdle-down-more-are-come-yingluck?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Yingluck Shinawatra, leader of the Puea Thai party, has made history. She is expected to become the first female prime minister of Thailand after her party won the election with a slim majority of 265 out of the total 500 parliamentary seats. As a local newspaper put it, a 'red tide' has 'swept Thailand'. Yingluck, the sister of former premier-turned-fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra, looks set to lead a five-party coalition with 299 seats. Thus, a solid coalition government is in the making. But... https://www.scmp.com/article/972675/yinglucks-true-political-tests-are-still-come?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/972675/yinglucks-true-political-tests-are-still-come?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Almost all recent polls put the Peua Thai party, backed by loyal fans of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, ahead of the ruling Democrats in the run-up to the Thai election on July 3. The leader of Peua Thai, Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin's sister, has also emerged as the most preferred premier. The traditional elite are well aware of Peua Thai's growing strength. Pre-emptive measures have been launched, although they may prove ineffective. For example, on June 14, the... https://www.scmp.com/article/971215/pro-thaksin-poll-victory-may-be-too-much-bear?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/971215/pro-thaksin-poll-victory-may-be-too-much-bear?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Thai politics has gradually been transformed into a two-party system. As in American politics, leadership and ideology have emerged as key determining factors behind the success or failure of political parties. In this context, the focus for the July 3 election is now on the charisma and policies of the two leading contenders: Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the pro-elite Democrat Party, and Yingluck Shinawatra, leader of the pro-poor Peua Thai party. Much has been said about... https://www.scmp.com/article/968702/old-and-new-money-race-thai-votes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/968702/old-and-new-money-race-thai-votes?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 May 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Could two little-known temple complexes on the Thai-Cambodian border spark the fiercest clashes between the two neighbours in years? Hidden deep in the jungle off the main tourist trail, the two temples - Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Tom in Thai, or Ta Krabei and Ta Moan in Khmer - might have set the scene for the eruption of violent conflict last month. Until now, the two countries have failed to conclude even a temporary ceasefire. Thailand blamed Cambodia for being insincere and untrustworthy.... https://www.scmp.com/article/966893/domestic-politics-driving-border-row?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/966893/domestic-politics-driving-border-row?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 May 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Is Thailand ready for its first female prime minister? From his base in Dubai, former-premier-turned-fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra reportedly said that he wanted to nominate his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, 43, as the new leader of the fragmented opposition Peua Thai party in the upcoming election, due in late June. The crisis of leadership in the Peua Thai party has compelled Thaksin to come out of his cave and reorganise the election strategy. Thaksin had been silent during the past few... https://www.scmp.com/article/965068/paving-political-path-thaksins-sister?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/965068/paving-political-path-thaksins-sister?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:00:00 +0000 The 'yellow shirt' royalist movement, the People's Alliance for Democracy, may soon end its months-long demonstrations against Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and give up political activities for good. Since January, the alliance has returned to the streets demanding the government adopt a harsher stand against Cambodia over the Preah Vihear temple issue and the ongoing territorial disputes. Once a powerful pressure group, the alliance was responsible for toppling the governments of... https://www.scmp.com/article/742409/royalists-head-revolving-political-door?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/742409/royalists-head-revolving-political-door?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Has Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva just let the 'red genies' out of the bottle? Last week, seven co-leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, the movement that represents the anti-government 'red shirts', were released on bail. They had been detained for nine months on terrorism and other charges related to the violence during the anti-government protests in April and May last year. The release of the so-called 'enemies of the state' is significant for many... https://www.scmp.com/article/739460/abhisit-should-not-overlook-red-menace?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/739460/abhisit-should-not-overlook-red-menace?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:00:00 +0000 The rise of the anti-Cambodia movement in Thailand has been alarming following the arrest last month by Cambodian authorities of seven Thais for encroaching on Cambodia's territory. Thai nationalists have pressed the Abhisit Vejjajiva government to take a tougher line towards Cambodia if those arrested were not all freed. A Cambodian court did free five of them last week, including Panich Vikitsreth, a member of parliament. But the remaining two, members of the Thai Patriots... https://www.scmp.com/article/736618/nationalists-stoking-anti-cambodia-anger?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/736618/nationalists-stoking-anti-cambodia-anger?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:00:00 +0000 'Sorry' seems to be the hardest word for the Abhisit Vejjajiva government in Thailand. Seven months after it ordered a deadly crackdown against the red-shirt protesters, which resulted in 91 people being killed and over 1,900 injured, the government has yet to deliver a satisfactory account to the public. On the contrary, the state security forces have maintained that they did not shoot at the protesters. Their position clearly contradicts a leaked report of the Department of Special... https://www.scmp.com/article/733929/denial-culpability-discredits-abhisit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/733929/denial-culpability-discredits-abhisit?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will dissolve parliament during the first quarter of 2011, and he has already carefully planned his election campaign, according to a member of the Democrat Party. This news may indeed not come as a surprise. Abhisit said last month: 'Yes, it is possible early next year. I have said this several times.' There are indications that Abhisit is serious about an election. Early in November, Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart travelled to the Norwegian... https://www.scmp.com/article/732573/restoring-voter-trust-way-out-crisis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/732573/restoring-voter-trust-way-out-crisis?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Dec 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Viktor Bout, a suspected Russian arms smuggler, said goodbye to his Thai jail last week as he boarded a private jet bound for the United States. The Thai government finally extradited Bout amid Russia's strong protest. Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya reasoned that his government's decision complied with the Thai-US extradition treaty and that Bout could defend himself in the US with Russian assistance. Bout, dubbed the 'Merchant of Death' by a former British government minister, had been... https://www.scmp.com/article/731287/extradition-exposes-us-bias-foreign-policy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/731287/extradition-exposes-us-bias-foreign-policy?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Nov 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Some Western governments will not like to hear this, but it is futile to continue to delegitimise the election in Burma, due to take place on Sunday, the first in 20 years. They repeatedly call the election a farce, and criticise the Burmese military junta for exploiting the election process to prolong its grip on power. It is true this election will not be free and fair. But focusing attention on the election alone would only constrain thinking on how to deal with the post-election... https://www.scmp.com/article/729530/west-cant-just-dismiss-flawed-election?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/729530/west-cant-just-dismiss-flawed-election?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Nov 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Thai-Cambodian relations are once again suffering from the vicious game of domestic politics. Last week, Thailand's Department of Special Investigation alleged that a number of 'red shirt' militants were being trained in Cambodia. The department claimed that those arrested have confessed that they were 'politically indoctrinated' and trained how to use weapons at a jungle base in Cambodia's Siem Reap province. The Cambodian government was furious. It immediately denied any involvement in the... https://www.scmp.com/article/727935/playing-cambodian-threat-own-gain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/727935/playing-cambodian-threat-own-gain?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Human rights groups were swift to slam the Thai government for extending emergency rule in much of the country this month. Officials cited fears of lingering unrest to justify the move, but the groups accused them of exploiting the emergency decree to eradicate political rivals and silence the media. Long after the deadly protests of April and May, the buildings gutted by fires set during the riots have not been demolished. They stand as a monument to the red-shirted protesters' resentment of... https://www.scmp.com/article/720091/thaksin-steps-his-role-gadfly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/720091/thaksin-steps-his-role-gadfly?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Jul 2010 16:00:00 +0000 The hunt for former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra continues. Bangkok's ruling elites are using their international networks to try to bring the billionaire-turned-fugitive home to serve time for conflict of interest charges. More recently, Thaksin has been accused of leading a terrorist network that includes 'red shirt' protesters who took part in a violent attack on public property as government troops moved to end the weeks of street rallies. In the years since the military coup... https://www.scmp.com/article/717730/thaksin-bashing-wont-solve-political-crisis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/717730/thaksin-bashing-wont-solve-political-crisis?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Many in Thailand felt more optimistic about the political future following Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's offer to hold elections on November 14. But that optimism quickly waned when the 'red shirt' United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) came up with its own conditions and demands. The UDD wants Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban to face charges for ordering the deadly crackdown on the red-shirted protesters on April 10. If the government refuses, the rally at... https://www.scmp.com/article/714073/road-map-stops-far-short-goal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/714073/road-map-stops-far-short-goal?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 May 2010 16:00:00 +0000 The prolonged political crisis in Myanmar increasingly threatens the Southeast Asian regional order as well as the credibility of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The trial of Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD), over a bizarre charge of allowing an American intruder, John Yettaw, into her residence is the military regime's latest act of defiance in the face of international pressure. Observers argue that the charge pressed against Ms Suu Kyi was a... https://www.scmp.com/article/688675/major-rethink-needed-myanmar-strategy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/688675/major-rethink-needed-myanmar-strategy?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:00:00 +0000 UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari visited Yangon last week - his fourth trip to Myanmar since a crackdown on protesters last September and the devastation of Cyclone Nargis in May. After failing to meet chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, General Than Shwe, and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Dr Gambari has defended his visit, saying it was not worthless. Yet, his mission to push for the political inclusion of Ms Suu Kyi and her party, the National League for... https://www.scmp.com/article/650660/un-has-taken-wrong-approach-myanmar?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/650660/un-has-taken-wrong-approach-myanmar?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:00:00 +0000