Chairith Yonpiam
Assistant news editor
Chairith Yonpiam is assistant news editor, Bangkok Post.
Korn's Democrat exit could let him shine
The surprise departure of Korn Chatikavanij from the Democrats deals a heavy blow to the oldest political party which was already struggling in an unfavourable political atmosphere. The bold move, however, gives the prominent politician a new opportunity with speculation rife he is about to found a new party. Political observers also foresee the possibility of Mr Korn becoming a new choice for PM in the next election.
Political storms that will define 2020
The new year has begun with intensifying political confrontation, a consequence of a move to disband the Future Forward Party.
Is return of political violence inevitable?
The powers that be should not underestimate the "flash mob", the first street protest since the March 24 elections, organised last week by the opposition Future Forward Party (FFP). On the surface, the incident may stem from the resentment of FFP and its supporters over the Election Commission's (EC) move to have the new party dissolved, but it cannot be denied there are also many elements that echo dismay with the coup and subsequent election.
Pareena probe must set a precedent
The legal case against Palang Pracharath MP for Ratchaburi Pareena Kraikupt, whose poultry farm is suspected of sitting on part of a forest reserve, must be pursued seriously in order to set a precedent. If she is in the wrong, she should face the consequences to show that no one is above the law.
Young firebrands face uncertain fate
After the Constitutional Court's controversial verdict disqualifying Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit over the V-Luck shares saga, a domino effect for the business-tycoon-turned-politician and his party looks to be on the horizon.
PPRP must stay out of charter study
The opposition's move to amend the 2017 constitution has gathered steam with the formation of a panel tasked to study the charter rewrite, which is set for House debate later this month.
Army boss eyeing path to premiership?
It’s now more than evident that army chief Gen Apirat Kongsompong has become a key actor in the country’s post-coup politics. His actions over the past few months have stirred speculation about his intentions: Does he have ambitions to become the next prime minister?
Why FFP must learn art of compromise
Less than four months since the new Prayut government took office, political polarisation has evidently widened with the presence of new challengers like the Future Forward Party. Fortunately, those in the conflict are still trying to play by the rules, not taking it to the streets as we experienced some 10 years ago.
Coalition braces for vital budget bill test
With the 2020 budget bill being tabled in parliament next month, the final countdown has started for the coalition government led by army chief-turned-politician Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Karma will haunt corrupt until the end
The sight of former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom head down, listening to the Supreme Court ruling on his role in the fake government-to-government (G2G) rice deals contrasted sharply with that of the merriment of his former boss, Yingluck Shinawatra, sharing a sumptuous meal with her brother and fugitive former prime minister, Thaksin, and his youngest daughter.
