Chairith Yonpiam
Assistant news editor
Chairith Yonpiam is assistant news editor, Bangkok Post.
In our politics, time really can stand still
A number of political developments, ie the waning pro-reform movement and the major loss of the Move Forward Party in local elections, may have given the Prayut Chan-o-cha government and the Palang Pracharath Party such a false sense of confidence that they feel they can now move to delay the process of rewriting the constitution.
How this censure might differ from last
All eyes are on opposition parties as another motion of no-confidence in the government draws near. The debate, tentatively scheduled for Feb 16-19, will be a test to see whether the bloc can make a difference, unlike in the previous attempt.
PM's words ring hollow over scandals
Scandals involving gambling dens and migrant labour smuggling, which have been blamed for the latest coronavirus outbreak, are a test of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's leadership.
Maybe pause for reflection is needed?
The temporary break in the political rallies announced by firebrand protest leader Parit "Penguin" Chiwarak may give the impression that the pro-reform Khana Ratsadon movement is waning.
New charter may not be democratic
Today marks Thailand's Constitution Day, arguably one of the most forgotten political dates in national history.
Ray of charter hope for end to unrest
Progress in the charter rewrite process, with parliamentary endorsement of two draft bills proposed by the government and the opposition, gives a ray of hope that there could be a peaceful solution to the ongoing political conflict.
Light at end of tunnel for unity panel?
At first glance, it seems the formation of the reconciliation committee has hit a snag as the idea is opposed by some opposition parties, and the anti-dictatorship movement. But there are signs that those opposed to it may get back to the negotiating table, signalling light at the end of the tunnel.
New rules needed as endgame nears
Society is holding its breath as today marks the deadline of the anti-dictatorship movement's demand for embattled Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to resign. Will there be a confrontation? How will it end?
Rally needs public support to succeed
The recent anti-dictatorship movement may have to encounter an inconvenient truth in its forthcoming rally on Wednesday if the number of protesters is not as big as it had hoped. This possible setback is from the movement's misguided strategy.
Charter rewrite backtracking a mistake
A political crisis seems unavoidable after politicians in the government coalition and the military-appointed Senate colluded in a charter rewrite vote which, in effect, slows down the rewrite process by another month.
