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 Pavin Chachavalpongpun

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Pavin Chachavalpongpun
For Pavin Chachavalpongpun's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jan 15, 2018
A Sino-Japanese tug of war taking place in Thailand
Thailand has emerged as a critical Southeast Asian theater in the Japan-China rivalry.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Dec 19, 2017
Japan-Thailand ties in a new era of uncertainty
Thailand's changing political landscape raises several important questions for bilateral relations.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Oct 11, 2017
Saying a final goodbye to King Bhumibol
King Bhumibol successfully transformed the declining monarchy into the most important political institution in Thailand.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Sep 26, 2017
Japan can do more for the Rohingya
The intention was to rebuild a peaceful political society in Myanmar, but the Rohingya have been left out.
COMMENTARY / World
Sep 9, 2017
A very wealthy monarch grows wealthier
By gaining full control over the Crown Property Bureau, King Vajiralongkorn has taken another step to bolster his authority.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 3, 2017
Trial of Yingluck sparks deeper crisis for Thailand
The outcome of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's trial will change Thailand's political trajectory.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 2, 2017
Incident in Germany raises issues over Thai king's security
An air gun attack on King Vajiralongkorn in Germany last month raises questions about the adequacy of the security measures surrounding the Thai monarch.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 2, 2017
Dhaveevatthana prison: Hell on Earth in Thailand
A prison on the grounds of Dhaveevatthana Palace in Bangkok has become a symbol of cruelty under the reign of Thai King Vajiralongkorn.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
May 12, 2017
Land of fear, under Vajiralongkorn
Loathed by the public, Thailand's King Vajiralongkorn is seeking to win over his subjects not by reverence, but fear.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Apr 10, 2017
Two peas in a pod: Duterte in Bangkok
The Thai junta and the fiery Philippine president appear to have found a convergence of interests.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Mar 3, 2017
China's shadow looms large in Japan-Thailand relations
The need to protect its interests and to compete with China explains Japan's embrace of Thailand's military regime.
COMMENTARY / World
Feb 10, 2017
Cobra Gold set to shift order in Southeast Asia
The U.S. is signaling rekindled interest in Thailand, with the aim of keeping it out of China's camp.
COMMENTARY / World
Jan 9, 2017
Why is Thailand's middle class so quick to reject democracy?
The Thai middle class and civil society organizations place top priority on their political interests rather than democracy.
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 6, 2016
Thailand in 2016: The end of the Bhumibol era
Concerns over the future are running high in Thailand amid the change in monarchs.
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 8, 2016
Witch hunts follow Thai king's death
Thailand's much revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away Oct. 13. His death has heightened the anxiety felt by some members of the Thai public about the country's uncertain future without the charismatic monarch. Increasingly many royalists are expressing their concerns through a series of witch-hunt operations against the supposed critics of the late king.
COMMENTARY / World
Oct 14, 2016
Controversies surrounding Thailand's next king
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn's accession to the Thai throne could be good news for Thai democracy.
COMMENTARY / World
Sep 30, 2016
Thai monarchy could be heading for a crisis
The Thai monarchy is ill-prepared to cope with the uncertainties that will accompany the next king.
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 31, 2016
Thai military junta playing a dangerous blame game
The junta's effort to blame recent terrorist attacks on its political opponents leaves the country more vulnerable to terrorism.
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 4, 2016
A light on the dark secrets of Thailand's military
One bold woman has thrown the institution into controversy in her pursuit of justice.
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 31, 2016
Thai military aims to institutionalize political role
With its proposed constitution, the Thai military is seeking to keep a grip on political power.

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A statue of "Dragon Ball" character Goku stands outside the offices of Bandai Namco in Tokyo. The figure is now as recognizable as such characters as Mickey Mouse and Spider-Man.
Akira Toriyama's gift to the world