Recent Commentary
Human rights and democracy remain an elusive combination in Thailand
The United Nations signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 and now marks the event annually on 10 December with the commemoration of Human Rights Day. As this day passes year after year,…
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Democracy Promotion in the Indo-Pacific: Prelude to a ‘Biden Doctrine’?
Sometimes, it’s helpful for American presidents to have a doctrine, as they help guide policy and sharpen both strategy and messaging. Former President George W. Bush sharply defined his presidency on the doctrine of “either…
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Thailand’s disappointing UPR highlights the need for reform
Each member state of the United Nations takes part in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process every five years. The aims are simple enough: evaluate and improve the human rights situations in all 193 UN…
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Behind COVID-19 and decaying mental health lies a deep digital divide
After almost two years of interrupted education in Thailand due to the drawn out effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, children are feeling drained, exhausted, and depressed. The United Nations warned recently that a return to…
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Quad and Indo-Pacific: The counter-terrorism strategy
In the smoky aftermath of the Taliban’s quick retaking of Afghanistan, Quad members India, Japan, Australia met for the first time in person in September this year, discussing a wide range of agenda items, from…
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Thailand’s inescapable debt is creating a real ‘Squid Game’
When it was released in mid-September, the South Korean survival drama Squid Game captivated the world’s attention. Within four weeks, more than 140 million Netflix subscribers binge-watched the television programme, making it the streaming giant’s most-watched…
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Thailand fails the COP26 test despite having much to lose from climate change
Last Monday, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha, at the United Nations Global Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland told the assembled crowd that climate change is the “gravest challenge of our time” and highlighted that Thailand…
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Future flood mitigation in Thailand will require individual accountability
Heavy and persistent rain during the month of October—partially caused by tropical storms Dianmu and Kompasu—brought severe flooding to both central and northeastern Thailand, causing rivers to overflow their banks. According to the Department of…
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Five years after Bhumibol’s passing, images reveal missed opportunities
National unity, harmony and popular legitimacy are in short supply in Thailand. The illusion of two out of the three—unity and harmony—disappeared the day King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away five years ago this week. Popular…
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Thailand’s anti-corruption commission needs more transparency and critical reforms
NACC) must reveal the findings from its 2018 investigation into the wristwatch scandal of Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan. The court ordered the NACC to disclose the findings of the now-infamous case, in which Prawit was…
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