Explore the life and career of Chaikasem Nitisiri, Thailand’s former Attorney General and ex-Minister of Justice. From his elite legal background to his key role in the Pheu Thai Party and recent appointment as Prime Minister’s advisor, this episode unpacks the journey of one of Thailand's most influential legal minds in politics.

As tensions escalate following a leaked phone call between Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, questions arise about hidden political debts, secret leverage, and the growing risk of another military coup. With coalition partners fleeing and protests swelling, is Thailand heading for another power reset? Thailand Explained investigates the rising chaos, Hun Sen’s shadowy influence, and whether the kingdom stands on the brink of military intervention once again.

Urgent Update:

The leaked phone call between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has ignited a political crisis in Thailand. As Cambodia unites over the border dispute, Thailand struggles with internal divisions and leadership challenges. This breaking news exposes the fragile state of Thai diplomacy and escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border.

In this episode of Thailand Explained, we uncover how state-linked crime syndicates operate in plain sight in Cambodia—from “pig butchering” cyber scams to elite money laundering through the Huione Group.

We break down U.S. sanctions on military officials, the blacklisting of Huione, and the rise of reputation laundering via education and corporate PR.

Why is the U.S. targeting Cambodia now? And how is the Cambodian government brushing it all off as politics?

An analysis of Thailand's progressive political movement, focusing on the People's Party (2024) as its latest incarnation. It outlines a cyclical pattern of political struggle where popular progressive parties, advocating for democratic reforms and social equality, frequently face judicial dissolution by entrenched conservative forces. We trace this lineage from the 1932 Khana Ratsadon to the more recent Future Forward Party (FFP) and Move Forward Party (MFP), both of which were dissolved by court rulings.

In this episode of Thailand Explained, we break down the dramatic fall of Dr. Anchalee Teerawongpaisan—also known as “Dr. Air”—the former police doctor and influencer now at the center of Thailand’s biggest drug trafficking scandal of the year.

From her rise as a trusted public figure to the shocking allegations involving the use of over 370 deceased identities, massive sedative orders, and an 80-million-baht operation, we explore how image, privilege, and public trust collide in this unfolding story.

We also revisit earlier controversies—like her promotion of U.S. birth tourism and defamation disputes—that hint at deeper systemic issues long before her arrest.

Whether you’re interested in Thai politics, police corruption, or how social media shapes authority, this episode provides a thoughtful, accessible overview of a case that’s shaken public confidence.

It’s been over 2 years since Thailand’s general election in May 2023. Instead of a clear mandate, we got confusion.  The coalition that did seems held together by duct tape. And now — coup rumors are back in the air.

How did we get here? What’s Thaksin’s role in all this? And are we looking at a reset, or collapse?

In this episode, we explore the life, career, and legacy of General Suchinda Kraprayoon, a career soldier who rose to the highest political office in Thailand without ever being elected. Despite his role in the 1992 Black May crackdown and subsequent resignation in disgrace, he passed away in June 2025.

How does Thailands shared history of conflict, trade, occasional alliances, and nationalism continue to shape todays conflict.'