The re-election of the incumbent prime minister marks an unprecedented development in Thai politics ruled over the past two decades by fragile governments and military intervention. Bhumjaithai won a majority and formed a broad coalition, at the expense of progressive movements and the demands of the younger generations. Tensions with Cambodia and the risk of economic stagnation remain in the background.

FABC, CELAM, and SECAM, the three continental episcopal conferences, released a paper that is also a shared commitment, calling on world governments to adopt a non-proliferation fossil fuel treaty. For Caritas International, the role of women is crucial in addressing climate change.

The price of a coconut in Thailand, which was 20 baht before 2020, has now dropped to as low as 2 baht, putting small farmers out of business. According to local producers, a few companies with Chinese capital now control much of the supply chain, imposing extremely low prices and distorting the market.

Crucial to the economy but ignored in public debate: workers who fled Myanmar were not among the topics of the latest election campaign. With the victory of Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his conservative Bhumjaithai party, many expect to see their situation legalised, after work permits were approved last year for refugees in refugee camps to replace Cambodian migrants.

Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NAAC) has charged 44 members of the reformist party that came second in Sunday's elections with “ethical violations”. In fact, in 2021, they had proposed amendments to Article 112, which over time had become a tool for suppressing critical voices. The mandates of some parliamentarians are in the balance, and they are expected to resign before the verdict. The United Nations is calling for changes to the controversial legislation.

Defying predictions, the Bhumjaithai Party is leading in the seat count by a wide margin. Outgoing Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, a populist businessman who got a boost by the conflict with Cambodia, also won in Pheu Thai strongholds. The reformist People's Party, unable to reach beyond young voters and urban middle class, was defeated. A yes vote in the referendum opens to the way to changes to the military-imposed constitution.