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Thailand
Thailand’s High-Speed Railway: On the Fast Track to Ties With China, But at What Cost?
By Prem Singh Gill
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has pledged to move the project forward after years of delays and sluggish progress.
Despite Criticisms, Thailand to Press Ahead With $13.8 Billion Stimulus Plan
By Sebastian Strangio
The plan, which will disperse 10,000-baht payments to 50 million Thais, has been come under fire from economists and the political opposition.
ISOC Once Again Puts Thailand’s Government Between the People and the Military
By Mark S. Cogan
Thai progressives have long called for the abolition of the military's notorious Internal Security Operations Command. But don't expect it to happen under the current government.
Thailand’s Buffet Cabinet 2.0: A Case of Political Indigestion
By Douglas Rhein and William Jones
With a reformist opposition gathering strength, Thai officials may see the current government as the last chance to gorge themselves at the public's expense.
Thailand Announces Reduced Subsidies for EVs as Sales Boom
By Sebastian Strangio
The Thai government is hoping to maintain the upward trajectory of EV sales while reducing pressure on its budget.
Debt Bondage in Space, and Taiwan
By Peter Bengtsen
Sky-high recruitment fees and debts for migrant workers lurk behind the Taiwanese firms supplying multinational satellite, electronic, and car companies.
Thailand’s Overlooked ‘Misstep’ in the Israel-Gaza War
By Tita Sanglee
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's response to the hostage crisis has laid bare the lack of security and foreign policy expertise in his cabinet.
This Week in Asia: October 27, 2023
The Diplomat’s weekly video round-up of Asia news.
A Bad Idea Revisited: Thailand Pitches Prayut’s ‘Land Bridge’ to Beijing
By Mark S. Cogan
The costly infrastructure project would damage the environment and create an unhealthy economic dependence on China.
Thailand Will Replace Chinese Sub With Frigate, Defense Minister Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The diplomatically sensitive submarine procurement has seen deadlocks for several years due to engine troubles.
Thai Protesters Demand an End to Gaza Bombing
By Prem Singh Gill
While the Thai public may be sympathetic to the plight of the Palestinians, Bangkok has maintained a studiously neutral position on the Israel-Hamas war.
Thai PM Heads to China in Bid to Bolster Trade, Investment
By Sebastian Strangio
Srettha's four-day visit, his first to China as prime minister, centers around this week's Belt and Road Forum in Beijing.