Thailand's political tough guy back in the fray to support military as vote nears
The last time most Thais saw politician Suthep Thaugsuban was in 2015 when he entered the Buddhist monkhood and announced his retirement after spearheading protests that culminated in a military coup against a government he detested. The military, after taking power, clamped a tight lid ...
'Fake news' crutch used by Southeast Asian leaders to control media, critics charge
Governments across Southeast Asia have a history of using laws and the judiciary to curb press freedoms — now, they have found a handy crutch to lean on as they intensify clampdowns: U.S. President Donald Trump's "fake news" mantra. Most worrying to media rights advocates ...
U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha at the White House on Oct. 3, the White House said in a statement. "The President and Prime Minister will discuss ways to strengthen and broaden bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in the ...
Thai junta leader Prayuth, backers, fuel suspicions of his plans to stay in power
In his dark suit, Thai junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha cut an incongruous figure guiding a rice tractor across a muddy paddy field in front of cameras and watching villagers. The prime minister's latest photo opportunity won applause from farmers watching in straw hats and his ...
As vote looms, Thailand's powerful army aims to preserve role
Thailand votes on Sunday for a new constitution that aims to subdue political parties and give the generals a permanent role in overseeing the country's economic development, senior military officers say. The kingdom of Thailand has a long history of coups. But interviews with officers, ...
Thai military aims to institutionalize political role
With its proposed constitution, the Thai military is seeking to keep a grip on political power.
Thailand playing a risky game with China, Russia
The Thai military regime's "bamboo diplomacy" of playing Russia and China off against the U.S. could prove to be myopic in the game of international politics.
Thai military risks weakening the monarchy
The Thai military's overuse of lese majeste law to prop up its own authority risks weakening the monarchy over the long term.
Thailand's generals shoot economy in the foot
Thailand's military junta lacks the vision to fix an economy in disarray.
Thai military delivers oppression, not happiness
The longer Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha and his cronies rule, the less likely Thailand is going to enjoy stable democracy.
Thailand's self-appointed prime minister will pay an official visit to Tokyo on Sunday to sign a deal involving on a high-speed train project and to seek Japan's endorsement of his country's military government.
Thai regime hunts for legitimacy in Myanmar
Thai Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha visits Myanmar, of all places, to try to add a layer of legitimacy to his regime following the military coup last May.
