Category: Featured

Featured articles from FORSEA contributors.


Myanmar’s Double Contagion: the Covid-19 and the Viral Discourse of Islamophobia

Over the last 8 years, another type of virus, namely Islamophobia, has effectively spread across all segments of Burmese society, with devastating impact on Muslim communities and, more acutely, the community of Rohingyas, numbering 2 millions in total.

/ April 15, 2020

Parasite VS Parasite OR Parasite VS Host?

A close-reading of Basement and Stairs.

/ April 13, 2020

Taking on the Virus, Talking with his Fists: Duterte’s Unique Approach to the COVID-19 Crisis

Duterte is floundering and clueless as a head of state. His arrogant claim to be the supreme arbiter of life and death over his countrymen has been rudely taken away from him by a virus that has put him in his place.

/ April 8, 2020
prevent the spread of the covid-19 virus At Hua Lamphong Railway Station

Contagion and the Thai State

Now, more than ever, Thailand needs free-flowing credible information, vigorous popular input into the policy-making process, and grassroots organisations to implement public health directives. Human resources need to be mobilised in a national effort to stave off disaster.

/ April 5, 2020

Regional Roundup: Asia Dares Covid Disaster

it is increasingly clear that disaster is possible for significant parts of the countries that make up 70 percent of Asia’s population unless authorities can find ways around it.

/ March 25, 2020

Can Thailand Recover from Persistent Dictatorship?

Thailand was once the hope of democracy in Southeast Asia. Two coups and two constitutions later and opposition nearly suppressed into extinction, the Bangkok elite have dragged Thailand back to something akin to absolutism. Is there any chance for democracy in Thailand? There are indications in Thailand’s Northeast, or Isaan, that networks may be able to come together in a progressive alliance.

/ March 9, 2020

The Dark Horse in the Race: Muhyiddin Yassin and the Rise of ‘Old Malaysia’

it is highly likely that Muhyiddin will prioritize political survival over policy reforms. The reform agenda of the PH government will take a back seat to policies aimed at strengthening the Malay political and economic position. As such, we are likely to see a return to the 'Old Malaysia' days of BN.

/ March 5, 2020

Malaysia’s New Perikatan Nasional Government: A Return of Barisan Nasional Policies?

Barisan Nasional's leader Muhyiddin Yassin, spent most of his political career with BN and up to his removal in 2015 was Najib’s Deputy Prime Minister. Known as a stable establishment figure, he may be most comfortable executing the staid, time-tested staple of policies that allowed Barisan to survive for more than 50 years since independence.

/ March 2, 2020

Siam Patched: A Potential Solution to Thailand’s Current Political Impasse

The royalist establishment must allow reformist elements in civil society to take part in the governing process without fear. If not, they risk more later.

/ February 27, 2020
Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit at Rally

FORSEA ประณามการยุบพรรคอนาคตใหม่ ชี้ถึงความถดถอยของประชาธิปไตยไทย

คำตัดสินของศาลรัฐธรรมนูญจะส่งผลกระทบอย่างมากต่อการเมืองไทยในระยะสั้นและระยะยาว มันทำให้เกิดคำถามถึงเรื่องความเชื่อมั่นของประชาชนต่อระบบการเลือกตั้ง คำถามว่าเสียงของผู้มีสิทธิเลือกตั้งจำนวนหกล้านคนที่เลือกพรรคอนาคตใหม่นั้น ไร้ความหมายทางการเมืองของไทยหรือไม่ 

/ February 22, 2020