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
Update on reports of election irregularities www.coffeeparliament.com/p/election-a...
Election Aftermath: Reports of Irregularities
Coalition negotiations in limbo until election results are clear
www.coffeeparliament.com
February 10, 2026 at 9:51 AM
Update on reports of election irregularities www.coffeeparliament.com/p/election-a...
Takeaways from the 2026 general election www.coffeeparliament.com/p/takeaways-...
Takeaways from the 2026 General Election
How did the parties fare?
www.coffeeparliament.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:57 AM
Takeaways from the 2026 general election www.coffeeparliament.com/p/takeaways-...
Bhumjaithai on track to win general election www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
Bhumjaithai On Track to Win Election
Dark blue surge
www.coffeeparliament.com
February 8, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Bhumjaithai on track to win general election www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
One question on our minds: who's going to form the next government? Here's a diagram of what parties have said about their coalition red lines.
February 7, 2026 at 2:54 AM
One question on our minds: who's going to form the next government? Here's a diagram of what parties have said about their coalition red lines.
Some closing thoughts on the 2026 general election. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/2026-elect...
2026 Election: Closing Thoughts
An ambiguous election
www.coffeeparliament.com
February 7, 2026 at 2:45 AM
Some closing thoughts on the 2026 general election. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/2026-elect...
Cabinet choices in Thailand are usually made with little regard to expertise. But this year, many parties have pledged in advance to appoint technocrats, even as it comes at the expense of promoting longtime party loyalists.
My piece in the Bangkok Post: www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opin...
My piece in the Bangkok Post: www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opin...
Election strategies built on competence
It has long been the tradition that Thai cabinet appointments are made with little regard to the qualifications or experience of those who will go to these ministries.
www.bangkokpost.com
January 30, 2026 at 4:18 AM
Cabinet choices in Thailand are usually made with little regard to expertise. But this year, many parties have pledged in advance to appoint technocrats, even as it comes at the expense of promoting longtime party loyalists.
My piece in the Bangkok Post: www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opin...
My piece in the Bangkok Post: www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opin...
New data shows the People's Party and the Democrats gaining momentum: both are warning signs for Bhumjaithai.
Thoughts on seat forecasts and how this election will depend on whether the national triumphs over the local: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
Thoughts on seat forecasts and how this election will depend on whether the national triumphs over the local: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
Bhumjaithai's Warning Signs
Some updates from new polling
www.coffeeparliament.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:12 AM
New data shows the People's Party and the Democrats gaining momentum: both are warning signs for Bhumjaithai.
Thoughts on seat forecasts and how this election will depend on whether the national triumphs over the local: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
Thoughts on seat forecasts and how this election will depend on whether the national triumphs over the local: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
Thank you, Mark!
January 29, 2026 at 8:11 AM
Thank you, Mark!
Many Thais wouldn't turn down the chance to be millionaires. But will Pheu Thai's particular way of creating 9 millionaires a day move the needle? www.coffeeparliament.com/p/who-wants-...
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Pheu Thai announces its biggest giveaway yet
www.coffeeparliament.com
January 26, 2026 at 12:59 PM
Many Thais wouldn't turn down the chance to be millionaires. But will Pheu Thai's particular way of creating 9 millionaires a day move the needle? www.coffeeparliament.com/p/who-wants-...
In today's newsletter, I examine the dynamics of the South, where we're seeing a clash of party loyalty vs. local influence. Abhisit Vejjajiva has revived the Democrats' popularity, but will that be enough against Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham? www.coffeeparliament.com/p/the-southe...
The Southern Electoral Battleground
"You cannot give just half your love"
www.coffeeparliament.com
January 23, 2026 at 9:13 AM
In today's newsletter, I examine the dynamics of the South, where we're seeing a clash of party loyalty vs. local influence. Abhisit Vejjajiva has revived the Democrats' popularity, but will that be enough against Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham? www.coffeeparliament.com/p/the-southe...
Usually scam centers and other illicit industries!
January 19, 2026 at 10:03 AM
Usually scam centers and other illicit industries!
My voter's guide for the Thailand 2026 general election is out now on Latitude Ten!
It contains an explainer of how this election works and the platforms offered by the major contenders.
Check it out here: latitudeten.com?p=1572
It contains an explainer of how this election works and the platforms offered by the major contenders.
Check it out here: latitudeten.com?p=1572
January 19, 2026 at 6:56 AM
My voter's guide for the Thailand 2026 general election is out now on Latitude Ten!
It contains an explainer of how this election works and the platforms offered by the major contenders.
Check it out here: latitudeten.com?p=1572
It contains an explainer of how this election works and the platforms offered by the major contenders.
Check it out here: latitudeten.com?p=1572
Updates from another week of campaigning.
A lot of People's Party-related news this week, including the full launch of their potential governing team and the arrest of one of their candidates.
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/2026-elect...
A lot of People's Party-related news this week, including the full launch of their potential governing team and the arrest of one of their candidates.
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/2026-elect...
2026 Election Weekly Briefing (Jan 16)
Updates on the People's Party, and a Cambodian intervention
www.coffeeparliament.com
January 16, 2026 at 2:41 AM
Updates from another week of campaigning.
A lot of People's Party-related news this week, including the full launch of their potential governing team and the arrest of one of their candidates.
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/2026-elect...
A lot of People's Party-related news this week, including the full launch of their potential governing team and the arrest of one of their candidates.
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/2026-elect...
My "vibe check" of the 2026 election campaign at its midway point. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/campaign-m...
Campaign Midway Point Vibe Check
Thoughts on latest NIDA forecast
www.coffeeparliament.com
January 14, 2026 at 5:41 AM
My "vibe check" of the 2026 election campaign at its midway point. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/campaign-m...
This week in the 2026 election campaign:
• Pheu Thai announces several new policy pledges
• Democrats top Songkhla poll
• People's Party unveils new cabinet picks
...and more!
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/2026-elect...
• Pheu Thai announces several new policy pledges
• Democrats top Songkhla poll
• People's Party unveils new cabinet picks
...and more!
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/2026-elect...
2026 Election Weekly Briefing (Jan 9)
Pheu Thai rally, Songkhla polling, and more
www.coffeeparliament.com
January 9, 2026 at 8:30 AM
This week in the 2026 election campaign:
• Pheu Thai announces several new policy pledges
• Democrats top Songkhla poll
• People's Party unveils new cabinet picks
...and more!
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/2026-elect...
• Pheu Thai announces several new policy pledges
• Democrats top Songkhla poll
• People's Party unveils new cabinet picks
...and more!
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/2026-elect...
There's been relatively little buzz around the constitutional referendum, scheduled for the same day as the Feb 8th general election.
I take a look at what's unfolding on that front: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/a-quiet-co...
I take a look at what's unfolding on that front: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/a-quiet-co...
A Quiet Constitutional Referendum
Little buzz around the question of drafting a new constitution
www.coffeeparliament.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:43 AM
There's been relatively little buzz around the constitutional referendum, scheduled for the same day as the Feb 8th general election.
I take a look at what's unfolding on that front: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/a-quiet-co...
I take a look at what's unfolding on that front: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/a-quiet-co...
It's proving highly difficult to predict how the Feb 8th election will go. Polling shows that 30-40% of voters remain undecided.
I look at the key groups of undecided voters and how parties are trying to get them to turn out:
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/undecideds...
I look at the key groups of undecided voters and how parties are trying to get them to turn out:
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/undecideds...
Undecideds Hold the Key
Unusually indecisive electorate makes for a volatile election
www.coffeeparliament.com
January 2, 2026 at 3:12 AM
It's proving highly difficult to predict how the Feb 8th election will go. Polling shows that 30-40% of voters remain undecided.
I look at the key groups of undecided voters and how parties are trying to get them to turn out:
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/undecideds...
I look at the key groups of undecided voters and how parties are trying to get them to turn out:
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/undecideds...
In the final Coffee Parliament update of 2025, I recap a busy week in Thai politics that saw all the major parties release their slates of PM candidates. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/two-prime-...
Two Prime Ministers and Their Technocrats
And a weekly election briefing (December 26)
www.coffeeparliament.com
December 26, 2025 at 10:25 AM
In the final Coffee Parliament update of 2025, I recap a busy week in Thai politics that saw all the major parties release their slates of PM candidates. www.coffeeparliament.com/p/two-prime-...
A summary of the first PM candidates' debate: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/pm-candida...
PM Candidates Participate in First Debate
A debate dominated by national security and grey capital
www.coffeeparliament.com
December 24, 2025 at 2:58 AM
A summary of the first PM candidates' debate: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/pm-candida...
Bhumjaithai is the early frontrunner in the 2026 election, thanks to its formidable "baan yai" strength.
Here's why, if current trends continue, I think Anutin has a good chance of remaining prime minister:
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
Here's why, if current trends continue, I think Anutin has a good chance of remaining prime minister:
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
Bhumjaithai's "Big House" Edge
Why Bhumjaithai is the early frontrunner in this election
www.coffeeparliament.com
December 22, 2025 at 2:47 AM
Bhumjaithai is the early frontrunner in the 2026 election, thanks to its formidable "baan yai" strength.
Here's why, if current trends continue, I think Anutin has a good chance of remaining prime minister:
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
Here's why, if current trends continue, I think Anutin has a good chance of remaining prime minister:
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/bhumjaitha...
I'll be publishing an Election Guide, but might leave the Observer's Guide to be updated after the election!
December 19, 2025 at 8:34 AM
I'll be publishing an Election Guide, but might leave the Observer's Guide to be updated after the election!
First edition of The Coffee Parliament's 2026 general election weekly news roundup:
• Pheu Thai unveils PM picks
• Chart Pattana declines to contest election
• Foreign Minister Sihasak to join Bhumjaithai?
• People's Party shows off picks for DPM
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/2026-elect...
• Pheu Thai unveils PM picks
• Chart Pattana declines to contest election
• Foreign Minister Sihasak to join Bhumjaithai?
• People's Party shows off picks for DPM
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/2026-elect...
2026 Election Weekly Briefing (Dec 19)
Chart Pattana declines to contest election, Foreign Minister Sihasak to Bhumjaithai reports, and more
www.coffeeparliament.com
December 19, 2025 at 3:52 AM
First edition of The Coffee Parliament's 2026 general election weekly news roundup:
• Pheu Thai unveils PM picks
• Chart Pattana declines to contest election
• Foreign Minister Sihasak to join Bhumjaithai?
• People's Party shows off picks for DPM
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/2026-elect...
• Pheu Thai unveils PM picks
• Chart Pattana declines to contest election
• Foreign Minister Sihasak to join Bhumjaithai?
• People's Party shows off picks for DPM
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/2026-elect...
You're right. (Technically Suriya also studied engineering I believe?)
December 17, 2025 at 3:51 AM
You're right. (Technically Suriya also studied engineering I believe?)
The People's Party nominated a programmer and Pheu Thai nominated a scientist for prime minister. Both are unusual backgrounds for Thailand's PMs. These parties appear to have entered a STEM-themed election not by choice but by circumstance: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/the-progra...
The Programmer and the Scientist
The People's Party and Pheu Thai launch their campaigns
www.coffeeparliament.com
December 17, 2025 at 3:41 AM
The People's Party nominated a programmer and Pheu Thai nominated a scientist for prime minister. Both are unusual backgrounds for Thailand's PMs. These parties appear to have entered a STEM-themed election not by choice but by circumstance: www.coffeeparliament.com/p/the-progra...
Today's Coffee Parliament newsletter: some legal questions about whether the border conflict could lead to an election postponement, and a look at the Q4 NIDA poll.
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/could-the-...
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/could-the-...
Could the Election Be Delayed?
And some more NIDA polling results
www.coffeeparliament.com
December 15, 2025 at 6:38 AM
Today's Coffee Parliament newsletter: some legal questions about whether the border conflict could lead to an election postponement, and a look at the Q4 NIDA poll.
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/could-the-...
www.coffeeparliament.com/p/could-the-...