Ken Mathis Lohatepanont
@kenlmathis.bsky.social
Political Science Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Michigan. Thailand/Southeast Asia analyst. Studying parties in emerging democracies and the politics of development. kenlmathis.com
Authorities both local and central have come under fire for their response to the catastrophic floods in Southern Thailand. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/floods-ove...
Floods Overwhelm the South — and the Authorities
Disaster preparedness and relief efforts come under fire
www.coffeeparliament.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Authorities both local and central have come under fire for their response to the catastrophic floods in Southern Thailand. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/floods-ove...
Bhumjaithai's nomination of two "outsider" technocrats as prime minister candidates signals a major party rebrand. Pheu Thai, on the other hand, might double-down on its family-first image. Some thoughts on a tale of two election strategies.
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai: A Tale of Two Election Strategies
Will the two parties swap places?
www.coffeeparliament.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:22 AM
Bhumjaithai's nomination of two "outsider" technocrats as prime minister candidates signals a major party rebrand. Pheu Thai, on the other hand, might double-down on its family-first image. Some thoughts on a tale of two election strategies.
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
The Anutin government may face a vote of no confidence before the end of the year. But as the party that made this government possible, how will the People's Party react?
My piece on the unenviable position the PP finds itself in: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/no-confide...
My piece on the unenviable position the PP finds itself in: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/no-confide...
No Confidence in a No-Confidence Debate
The People's Party is in a trap of its own making
www.coffeeparliament.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:05 AM
The Anutin government may face a vote of no confidence before the end of the year. But as the party that made this government possible, how will the People's Party react?
My piece on the unenviable position the PP finds itself in: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/no-confide...
My piece on the unenviable position the PP finds itself in: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/no-confide...
All Thai university students now have free access to Google AI Pro. This prompted some reflection on how politicians need to also think carefully about how to prevent "cognitive offloading":
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/ai-and-the...
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/ai-and-the...
AI and the Temptation of "Educational Populism"
Calls for "mindful AI use" won't be enough
www.coffeeparliament.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:19 AM
All Thai university students now have free access to Google AI Pro. This prompted some reflection on how politicians need to also think carefully about how to prevent "cognitive offloading":
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/ai-and-the...
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/ai-and-the...
Anutin made his debut on the international stage last week at the ASEAN and APEC summits. A summary of his diplomatic efforts: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/anutins-in...
Anutin's International Debut
New prime minister makes deals at ASEAN and APEC summits
www.coffeeparliament.com
November 3, 2025 at 6:01 AM
Anutin made his debut on the international stage last week at the ASEAN and APEC summits. A summary of his diplomatic efforts: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/anutins-in...
Thailand now finds itself in a situation where virtually all the major parties have entered into toxic alliances with supposed enemies.
fulcrum.sg/grand-compro...
fulcrum.sg/grand-compro...
Grand Compromise or Grand Damage to Thailand’s Party System? | FULCRUM
Thailand has been caught in a series of political compromises made between strange bedfellows. If this continues, voters will become more cynical about the political system’s ability to deliver out…
fulcrum.sg
October 28, 2025 at 3:10 AM
Thailand now finds itself in a situation where virtually all the major parties have entered into toxic alliances with supposed enemies.
fulcrum.sg/grand-compro...
fulcrum.sg/grand-compro...
King Rama IX was once asked by a journalist why he does not usually smile. Gesturing to Queen Sirikit, he said: “She is my smile.” The King and Queen stood side by side through a reign that transformed Thailand. A tribute to the late Queen Mother: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/she-is-my-...
"She Is My Smile"
In memory of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother
www.coffeeparliament.com
October 25, 2025 at 9:59 AM
King Rama IX was once asked by a journalist why he does not usually smile. Gesturing to Queen Sirikit, he said: “She is my smile.” The King and Queen stood side by side through a reign that transformed Thailand. A tribute to the late Queen Mother: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/she-is-my-...
If PM Anutin wants to keep his job after the next election, Bhumjaithai will likely need to double its seats.
I take a look at what Bhumjaithai's playbook may be and whether they're on track to achieve their goals:
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/can-anutin...
I take a look at what Bhumjaithai's playbook may be and whether they're on track to achieve their goals:
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/can-anutin...
Can Anutin Win?
What we've learned from his first month
www.coffeeparliament.com
October 24, 2025 at 10:06 AM
If PM Anutin wants to keep his job after the next election, Bhumjaithai will likely need to double its seats.
I take a look at what Bhumjaithai's playbook may be and whether they're on track to achieve their goals:
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/can-anutin...
I take a look at what Bhumjaithai's playbook may be and whether they're on track to achieve their goals:
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/can-anutin...
After a 6-year hiatus, former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva made a comeback as the leader of the Democrat Party. Can he reverse the fortunes of an almost 80-year old party in what had looked like terminal decline?
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/the-democr...
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/the-democr...
The Democrat Old Guard Mounts a Comeback
Abhisit Vejjajiva returns as Democrat leader
www.coffeeparliament.com
October 19, 2025 at 8:15 AM
After a 6-year hiatus, former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva made a comeback as the leader of the Democrat Party. Can he reverse the fortunes of an almost 80-year old party in what had looked like terminal decline?
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/the-democr...
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/the-democr...
The new government has proposed holding a referendum on MOUs 43 and 44, highly technical agreements with Cambodia on demarcating the border. This has triggered controversy over whether such a vote would be wise.
My overview: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/a-national...
My overview: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/a-national...
A National Vote on National Security
The government pushes a referendum on border agreements with Cambodia
www.coffeeparliament.com
October 9, 2025 at 3:45 AM
The new government has proposed holding a referendum on MOUs 43 and 44, highly technical agreements with Cambodia on demarcating the border. This has triggered controversy over whether such a vote would be wise.
My overview: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/a-national...
My overview: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/a-national...
In his policy declaration, PM Anutin made a clear break with the previous Pheu Thai government, demonstrating that he didn't intend to be just a lame duck carrying out policy continuity. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/not-a-lame...
"Not a Lame Duck But a Mouse"
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul makes his policy declaration
www.coffeeparliament.com
October 3, 2025 at 4:16 AM
In his policy declaration, PM Anutin made a clear break with the previous Pheu Thai government, demonstrating that he didn't intend to be just a lame duck carrying out policy continuity. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/not-a-lame...
We have some of the first polling results since Bhumjaithai took power, showing a big slump for the People's Party and a major boost for Anutin. Analysis of how the numbers have moved: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/analyzing-...
Analyzing Initial Polling Results in the Anutin Era
People's Party slumps; Anutin rises; Pheu Thai still yet to recover
www.coffeeparliament.com
September 29, 2025 at 3:02 AM
We have some of the first polling results since Bhumjaithai took power, showing a big slump for the People's Party and a major boost for Anutin. Analysis of how the numbers have moved: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/analyzing-...
The agreement between Bhumjaithai and the People's Party requires that Prime Minister Anutin begins the process of creating a new constitution. What does this entail? A summary here: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/the-road-t...
The Road Towards a New Constitution
Bhumjaithai fires the starting gun
www.coffeeparliament.com
September 23, 2025 at 8:15 AM
The agreement between Bhumjaithai and the People's Party requires that Prime Minister Anutin begins the process of creating a new constitution. What does this entail? A summary here: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/the-road-t...
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's cabinet was formally announced today. Some observations: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/the-anutin...
The Anutin Cabinet is Confirmed
Breakdown by party and some observations
www.coffeeparliament.com
September 19, 2025 at 7:31 AM
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's cabinet was formally announced today. Some observations: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/the-anutin...
This week, the Coffee Parliament examines some major changes in the United Thai Nation and Democrat parties, which could impact Bhumjaithai's opportunity for growth. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/rupture-an...
Rupture and Renewal
Major changes in the United Thai Nation and Democrat parties
www.coffeeparliament.com
September 18, 2025 at 8:01 AM
This week, the Coffee Parliament examines some major changes in the United Thai Nation and Democrat parties, which could impact Bhumjaithai's opportunity for growth. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/rupture-an...
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has unveiled several "outsider appointments" to his prospective cabinet.
In this newsletter, I look at the historical context of cabinet technocrats in Thailand and unpack Bhumjaithai's strategy: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
In this newsletter, I look at the historical context of cabinet technocrats in Thailand and unpack Bhumjaithai's strategy: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
Bhumjaithai's Big Technocratic Bet
Prime Minister Anutin welcomes outside experts to his cabinet
www.coffeeparliament.com
September 12, 2025 at 2:38 AM
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has unveiled several "outsider appointments" to his prospective cabinet.
In this newsletter, I look at the historical context of cabinet technocrats in Thailand and unpack Bhumjaithai's strategy: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
In this newsletter, I look at the historical context of cabinet technocrats in Thailand and unpack Bhumjaithai's strategy: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
Thailand has a new prime minister.
My profile of Anutin Charnvirakul, recently elected as Thailand's 32nd PM, and his Bhumjaithai Party. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/anutin-cha...
My profile of Anutin Charnvirakul, recently elected as Thailand's 32nd PM, and his Bhumjaithai Party. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/anutin-cha...
Anutin Charnvirakul Elected Prime Minister
A profile of Thailand's 32nd prime minister and his Bhumjaithai Party
www.coffeeparliament.com
September 5, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Thailand has a new prime minister.
My profile of Anutin Charnvirakul, recently elected as Thailand's 32nd PM, and his Bhumjaithai Party. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/anutin-cha...
My profile of Anutin Charnvirakul, recently elected as Thailand's 32nd PM, and his Bhumjaithai Party. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/anutin-cha...
With a vote to select the next prime minister of Thailand scheduled for tomorrow, it looks like Pheu Thai may now be out of cards. Barring a last minute shock, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul increasingly looks like an inevitability. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/out-of-cards
Out of Cards
Vote for PM scheduled for September 5th
www.coffeeparliament.com
September 4, 2025 at 4:06 AM
With a vote to select the next prime minister of Thailand scheduled for tomorrow, it looks like Pheu Thai may now be out of cards. Barring a last minute shock, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul increasingly looks like an inevitability. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/out-of-cards
Anutin Charnvirakul is almost Thailand's 32nd prime minister. In a bid to stop him, Pheu Thai has requested a dissolution of parliament, sparking a constitutional crisis.
We're entering uncharted waters in Thai politics. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/anutin-is-...
We're entering uncharted waters in Thai politics. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/anutin-is-...
Anutin is Almost Prime Minister. Can Pheu Thai Stop Him?
We're entering uncharted waters for Thai politics
www.coffeeparliament.com
September 3, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Anutin Charnvirakul is almost Thailand's 32nd prime minister. In a bid to stop him, Pheu Thai has requested a dissolution of parliament, sparking a constitutional crisis.
We're entering uncharted waters in Thai politics. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/anutin-is-...
We're entering uncharted waters in Thai politics. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/anutin-is-...
What is Pheu Thai doing with Chaikasem Nitisiri? When will the People's Party announce their decision? Will Phumtham dissolve parliament? Are we about to see a knight in shining armor?
Today's Coffee Parliament update: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/government...
Today's Coffee Parliament update: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/government...
Government Formation Update: A Day of Twists
Political maneuvering continues
www.coffeeparliament.com
September 2, 2025 at 1:42 PM
What is Pheu Thai doing with Chaikasem Nitisiri? When will the People's Party announce their decision? Will Phumtham dissolve parliament? Are we about to see a knight in shining armor?
Today's Coffee Parliament update: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/government...
Today's Coffee Parliament update: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/government...
Today's update: Pheu Thai has also accepted all of the People's Party conditions for a confidence and supply arrangement. But it looks like they're facing an uphill task to form a new government. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/pheu-thai-...
Pheu Thai Makes an Offer to the People's Party
An attempt to let bygones be bygones
www.coffeeparliament.com
August 31, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Today's update: Pheu Thai has also accepted all of the People's Party conditions for a confidence and supply arrangement. But it looks like they're facing an uphill task to form a new government. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/pheu-thai-...
An alternative coalition led by Bhumjaithai has emerged.
It's a political innovation: fueled by renegade factions and likely dependent on a confidence and supply agreement with the People's Party. We've never seen a coalition like this in Thailand.
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
It's a political innovation: fueled by renegade factions and likely dependent on a confidence and supply agreement with the People's Party. We've never seen a coalition like this in Thailand.
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
Bhumjaithai's New Coalition Emerges
Dark blue PM, kaleidoscope government, orange guarantor
www.coffeeparliament.com
August 30, 2025 at 3:01 AM
An alternative coalition led by Bhumjaithai has emerged.
It's a political innovation: fueled by renegade factions and likely dependent on a confidence and supply agreement with the People's Party. We've never seen a coalition like this in Thailand.
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
It's a political innovation: fueled by renegade factions and likely dependent on a confidence and supply agreement with the People's Party. We've never seen a coalition like this in Thailand.
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been removed by the Constitutional Court. Here, I lay out four potential scenarios on what comes next. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/paetongtar...
Paetongtarn Shinawatra is Out. Who Will Succeed Her?
Four possible scenarios
www.coffeeparliament.com
August 29, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been removed by the Constitutional Court. Here, I lay out four potential scenarios on what comes next. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/paetongtar...
Pheu Thai first promised a 20 baht flat rail transit fare in Bangkok in 2011. It's now 2025: will it ever happen? www.coffeeparliament.com/p/will-twent...
Will Twenty Baht Transit Fares Happen?
Pheu Thai's 14-year old policy pledge still faces challenges
www.coffeeparliament.com
August 26, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Pheu Thai first promised a 20 baht flat rail transit fare in Bangkok in 2011. It's now 2025: will it ever happen? www.coffeeparliament.com/p/will-twent...
There's been a lot of speculation recently that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra could resign before the Constitutional Court issues a ruling on her ethics case. Will she stay or will she go? www.coffeeparliament.com/p/will-she-s...
Will She Stay or Will She Go?
Speculation intensifies that the Prime Minister could resign
www.coffeeparliament.com
August 18, 2025 at 7:13 AM
There's been a lot of speculation recently that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra could resign before the Constitutional Court issues a ruling on her ethics case. Will she stay or will she go? www.coffeeparliament.com/p/will-she-s...