Country
Thailand

Homecoming in Thailand
By Sribala Subramanian
The King’s estranged son visits Bangkok shortly before a dramatic realignment in Thai politics.

This Week in Asia: September 1, 2023
The Diplomat’s weekly video round-up of Asia news.

Thailand’s King Reduces Prison Term of Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra to 1 Year
By Associated Press
It is widely believed that Thaksin returned out of hope that a new government friendly to him would reduce his sentence, and that he may have made a deal with authorities.

Thaksin Preparing to Apply for Royal Pardon, Lawyer Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The former leader returned to Thailand in a blaze of publicity last week after more than 15 years in self-exile.

Why Thailand Should Mediate the Crisis in Myanmar
By Brian Wong and Tidarat Yingcharoen
The case for proactive, multilateral, pro-peace diplomacy.

Thailand’s New Prime Minister: The Parliamentary Vote and the Aftermath
By Tita Sanglee
Srettha Thavisin's confirmation as the country's PM was not a surprise, but the August 22 vote in Parliament offered some signs of where Thai politics might be heading.

This Week in Asia: August 24, 2023
The Diplomat’s weekly video round-up of Asia news.

What the ‘Korean Wave’ Can Teach Thailand About Soft Power
By Tim Hildebrandt
The country should draw inspiration from South Korea’s resounding orchestration of cultural ascendancy over the past two decades.

Real Estate Tycoon Srettha Thavisin Secures Votes to Become Thailand’s Next Prime Minister
By Jintamas Saksornchai
The vote came shortly after former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, the spiritual leader of Srettha's Pheu Thai Party, returned to Thailand after 15 years in self-exile.

Former Thai PM Thaksin Returns From Self-exile as PM Vote Looms
By Sebastian Strangio
The fugitive leader's return reflects the dramatic realignment that has taken place in Thai politics since the general election in May.

Thailand’s Pheu Thai Party Joins With Former Rival to Form Government
By Sebastian Strangio
The marriage of convenience between Pheu Thai and the United Thai Nation Party reflects the stunning political realignment that has occurred since May's general election.

Changing Thailand: New Ideology, Old Politics
By Watcharin Rattanataymee
Despite the PM vote setback, the success of the Move Forward Party during the election has created a new dynamic in Thai politics – one that is likely to persist.