Category: Uncategorized
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Don’t Overlook the Bangkok Metropolitan Council Elections
With only a few more days to go before the Bangkok gubernatorial election, the candidates for governor have, understandably, monopolized media attention and public interest. These candidates, after all, are the heavy-hitters — the big names who are running to be the city’s chief executive. Of comparatively little interest is the down-ballot race (or, to […]
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Why Pad Kaprao is Thailand’s Real National Dish
In Berkeley, California, one of the most popular Thai restaurants is a little place called Thai Basil. It is popular probably not because of the taste — with my admittedly picky Thai taste buds, most of the dishes are decidedly mediocre, except they do cook a glorious Pad See Ew — but because it sits […]
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A Summary of Thailand’s Economic Challenges
Kiatnakin Phatra recently released a a book called 50 Years: The Making of the Modern Thai Economy to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their founding. The book summarizes key developments in Thailand’s economic history since the Second World War, and it’s certainly useful reference material if you have any interest in economics or development in […]
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In the Bangkok Elections, the Democrats Face an Existential Challenge 
Photos from a Democrat Party fundraiser recently made their way online, causing a buzz within political circles. Four large posters were present: two of the Democrat Party’s previous leaders, Chuan Leekpai and Banyat Bantadtan, along with the current leader, Jurin Laksanawisit, and secretary-general Chalermchai Srion. Conspicuously absent: Abhisit Vejjajiva, Jurin’s predecessor as leader. The party […]
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A Voter’s Guide to the Bangkok Gubernatorial Candidates
I’ve compiled together a guide to all of the major Bangkok gubernatorial candidates’ policies. Their past achievements and roles were summarized and included along with their campaign platforms translated from Thai. The candidates listed are: Wiroj Lakkanadisorn Sakoltee Phattiyakul Suchatvee Suwansawat Aswin Kwanmuang Rosana Tositrakul Chadchart Sittipunt Sita Tivari The guide can be found here. […]
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Clan Politics is Bad for Democracy
The prospect that Paetongtarn Shinawatra is likely to be Pheu Thai’s nominee for prime minister at the next election brings with it a certain sense of déjà vu. Most obviously, it echoes their decision 11 years earlier to nominate Yingluck Shinawatra to run the country, and of its predecessor Palang Prachachon party to pick Somchai […]
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The Race for Bangkok Governor Edges Closer
Finally, a date to ponder. An event much speculated, oft-discussed but, it seemed, in the state of long term limbo, its certainty anything but certain. After years of deep freeze, partisan politics will be returning to Bangkok. The gubernatorial election, along with its associated local races, is soon to be officially scheduled. Not that this […]
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What Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Means for Thailand
One of the great traditions of Thai foreign policy is that of the bamboo bending with the wind, ever-shifting as it refuses to lean too heavily on any single great power. The inescapable realities of being a small state in a dangerous world dominates. It is not difficult to understand, then, why many Thais naturally […]
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The Decay of Palang Pracharath
On the evening of January 30, not long after polls closed in Lak Si and Chatuchak, the Palang Pracharath candidate Saralrasmi Jenjaka spoke to the press. Sitting next to her was her husband Sira Jenjaka, the seat’s previous holder, removed from office late last year for failing to disclose a disqualifying criminal conviction. Sira said […]
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The Government Should Push N-95 Masks
For a while, earlier in the pandemic, face masks became fashion statements. Search for “fashion masks” on the online shopping platform Shopee and you are inundated with choice. Competing with surgical masks to adorn the faces of the masses, it did not matter much in a relatively Covid-free Thailand in 2020 which mask one chose […]
Ken Lohatepanont 