Politics
- Thailand News
Legalising casinos to boost economy: Thailand House of Representatives forms committee
A 60-member committee to probe into the potential launch of entertainment hubs, inclusive of casinos, has been established by Thailand’s House of Representatives. This move seeks to rectify the issue of underground casinos and invigorate the nation‘s financial state, as suggested in a proposal put forth by members of parliament from diverse parties. The endorsers of the proposal encompassed Thoedchart…
- Politics News
Thai human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa bail hopes derailed again on less majeste charge
Arnon Nampa, a prominent human rights lawyer, faced a second denial for his bail request, as informed by Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR). The appeal court’s decision came yesterday, October 16, justifying it with the severity of the royal defamation charges against Arnon and the potential risk of him absconding if set free. Consequently, the court found no grounds…
- Phuket News
Phuket’s waste crisis and eco-tourism plans discussed by Pita Limjaroenrat
Pita Limjaroenrat, the former Move Forward Party (MFP) leader, yesterday paid a visit to Phuket to assess some ongoing projects in the seaside resort and discuss the key issues with the residents and officials. The respected former MFP leader was accompanied by three local MPs affiliated with the MFP, namely Somchart Techathavorncharoen, Chalermpong Saengdee and Thitikan Thitipruekthikul. The first stop…
- Politics News
Thai democracy forum echoes concerns over capitalism in politics
The struggle for democracy in Thailand remains a long and arduous one, as highlighted by a recent public forum. Held in memory of the brave students and pro-democracy protesters who perished during the military dictatorship five decades ago, the forum emphasised how little progress has been achieved since the historic October 14, 1973 uprising. The commemorative event, organised by the…
- Politics News
Judicial penalty box: ‘Uncle Thotsaphon’ slapped with jail time and 70,000 baht fine for assaulting political leader
The judicial court issued a six-month imprisonment and over 70,000 baht fine to a retired official, known as “Uncle Thotsaphon,” for assaulting and defaming the political leader of the Love the Nation organisation. The assault incident, which took place outside the Election Commission Office at the Government Complex Building B on 11 May, occurred after 54 year old Srisuwan Janya…
- Thailand News
Chilli reception: Thai senators to spice things up with complaint after Icelandic restaurant row
Thai senators are preparing to lodge a complaint with the Icelandic government following an incident where Doctor Porntip Rojanasunan was thrown out of a Thai restaurant in Iceland by its Thai proprietor. Last week, a video went viral on Thai social media depicting a Thai man, who identified himself as the owner of a restaurant in Iceland, expelling Porntip from…
- Thailand News
Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, gives all salary to charity
Prime Minister of Thailand Srettha Thavisin today declared that he will not accept his 125,590 baht monthly PM salary while he is in office, adding he will donate it to charity. PM Office spokesperson Chai Watcharong said PM Srettha stressed to officials that charity is a good thing and everyone can do good according to their ability. To extend the…
- Thailand News
Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra to be eligible for parole next year
Former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra will be eligible for parole in February next year, 2024. The ex-PM will not have to wear the Electronic Monitoring (EM) bracelet and will be able to express his views on Thai politics. The Committee on Human Rights, Freedom and Consumer Protection of the Thai Senate invited the Department of Corrections and Police…
- Thailand News
Thai PM’s foreign policy balancing act between US and China under scrutiny
The Thai government is confronted with the challenge of sustaining a balanced foreign policy in the face of escalating tensions between the United States and China. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, fresh from his appointment, embarked on his maiden foreign journey to New York where he is presently participating in the 78 Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) and…
- Thailand News
Thai PM denies plans to appoint Thaksin Shinawatra as adviser post-prison
Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin denied reports that he plans to appoint former premier Thaksin Shinawatra as his adviser upon his release from prison. PM Srettha addressed these reports while attending the 78 Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The 61 year old PM clarified that he was asked by a journalist if he…
- Thailand News
Interim leader steps in for embattled MFP amidst legal tension
Pending a legal verdict, 45 year old Chaithawat Tulathon assumes the role of interim leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP) after his predecessor stepped down. Chaithawat was elected alongside the board of executives, taking over from Pita Limjaroenrat, who resigned from the MFP leadership earlier this month to facilitate the transition to a new opposition leader. Pita’s position as an…
- World News
Malaysian Economy Minister roasted over ‘eating out’ remark amid global financial turmoil
Malaysians are expressing their frustration towards their Economy Minister, following an interview where he claimed the public’s financial struggles are due to their preference for eating out, rather than being economical. This criticism comes as various countries worldwide are grappling with economic issues, particularly income disparity and poverty. Malaysia is among those nations facing these issues, with most of its…
- Thailand News
Civilian defence minister to navigate Thai military reforms amid coalition challenges
The newly appointed Defence Minister, Sutin Klungsang, is in the spotlight as he is expected to navigate through various challenges within the military while maintaining stability within the Pheu Thai-led coalition government. As the first civilian to take the defence minister position without also holding the role of the prime minister, Sutin is expected to manage military reform, the southern…
- Thailand News
One Family, One Soft Power policy introduced to promote Thailand’s soft power
The new government of Thailand, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has introduced a policy known as One Family, One Soft Power (OFOS). This policy aims to promote Thailand’s soft power, starting by improving the skills of Thai people with free training programmes and workshops. The political campaigns of the Pheu Thai Party gained a lot of interest from the…
- Thailand News
Justice whispers: Thaksin’s sentence may shrink yet
Undisclosed sources within the Justice Ministry leaked news that the sentences handed to Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra could be reduced further. Thaksin’s return to Thailand on Tuesday, August 22 this year marked the initiation of legal proceedings against him, encompassing three charges that had been levied against him before he departed from the country in 2008. The 74…
- Thailand News
BREAKING NEWS: Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra granted royal pardon, sentence reduced to 1 year
Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted a royal pardon, effectively reducing his punishment to a one-year sentence. According to the announcement published in the Royal Gazette this afternoon, King Rama X extended royal clemency to the 74 year old Thaksin, slashing his previous sentence of seven years, eleven months, and 20 days down to one year. The royal…
- Thailand News
Unconscious decision: MFP MP faints during Thailand’s PM selection
Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Arnuparp Likhitamnuaychai stunned yesterday’s Parliament meeting to select Thailand’s new prime minister after he lost consciousness during the voting process. The MP is reportedly in stable condition but remains in hospital. The incident occurred when during the alphabetical process to vote for the new PM. A group of MPs sitting in the MFP area requested an…
- Thailand News
New Thai PM, Srettha, vows to elevate Thai well-being, royal PM appointment postponed
The newly elected Prime Minister of Thailand promised to elevate the well-being of the Thai people after yesterday’s Parliament meeting to select a new PM. However, the scheduled royal ceremony for the installation of the new PM at 8pm encountered a delay. During the Parliament meeting to select a new PM, the Pheu Thai Party’s candidate, Srettha Tavisin, managed to…
- Thailand News
New era in Thailand: Srettha Tavisin voted 30th Prime Minister of Thailand
Thailand can finally hail a new leader after Pheu Thai Party candidate Srettha Tavisin secured enough votes from members of the National Assembly of Thailand to become the kingdom’s 30th prime minister. Today, August 22, marked a day of significance for Thailand, as the nation witnessed two important events. Leading the headlines was the return of a former Thai PM,…
- Business News
Political change, Thai PM appointment poised to boost stocks
The anticipated appointment of Thailand‘s 30th prime minister this week is predicted to bolster stocks likely to benefit from political change and the policies and stimulus measures proposed by the Pheu Thai Party, reported Bangkok Post. Brokerage firm Asia Plus Securities (ASPS) projects the 11-party coalition, which declared on Monday its possession of 314 MP seats, will secure enough senatorial…
- Thailand News
Chuwit urges Big Joke probe into Pheu Thai PM candidate’s tax scheme accusation
A former Thai politician urged the Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Tha Police (RTP) to initiate an investigation into allegations levelled against the Pheu Thai Party’s prime ministerial candidate. After the Pheu Thai Party announced that they would propose Srettha Thavisin as their PM candidate, former politician and soapy king Chuwit Kamolvisit announced that he had evidence which could prove…
- Politics News
Pheu Thai Party confides challenges in forming new Thai coalition government
In an evolving political landscape where the constitution, power structures and group conflicts have become major challenges, the Pheu Thai Party acknowledged that manoeuvring the formation of a new coalition government is far from simple. According to Pheu Thai’s Deputy Leader, Phumtham Wechayachai, the party has to remain committed and steadfast in its approach to lead the nation out of…
- Thailand News
Parliament’s prime delay: PM selection meeting postponed as Constitution Court weighs Pita renomination
Parliament President Wan Muhamad Nor Matha (Wan Nor) officially announced today that the prime minister selection meeting, scheduled for tomorrow, is postponed until further notice. The delay is a result of the postponement of the Constitution Court to decide on the renomination of Pita Limjaroenrat as a PM candidate. The Thai Ombudsman last week requested the Constitution Court to determine…
- Thailand News
MFP calls out Pheu Thai Party’s lies on lese majeste law revision
The Move Forward (MFP) yesterday accused the Pheu Thai Party of lying. The MFP insist the Pheu Thai Party never requested them to withdraw their plan to revise the lese majeste law. The Pheu Thai Party yesterday announced an official split from the MFP and six other aligned parties, which had earlier agreed to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding…
- Thailand News
Thai Transport Minister accused of illegally holding shares in partnership company
Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Pakornwut Udompipat accused the current Minister of Transport of violating the constitution by holding shares in a partnership company. The accusation was first brought into the public domain in the censure debate on July 19 of last year. Pakornwut presented his information stating that Saksayam Chidchop, from the Bhumjaithai Party, concealed his shares, in Buri…
- Thailand News
MFP member alleges death threats from Pheu Thai Party employee
Move Forward Party (MFP) Rakchanok Srinork yesterday revealed she received death threats from an employee of former Pheu Thai Party MP Wanchalerm Ubumrung. The Bang Born district of Bangkok MP took her first steps on the political ladder in May’s General Election. Her victory was a surprise because the area was previously a safe Pheu Thai Party seat under Wanchalerm.…
- Thailand News
MFP seeks reconsideration of Pita’s prime ministerial candidacy
The Move Forward Party (MFP) is determined to push for a reconsideration of Pita Limjaroenrat’s renomination as a prime ministerial candidate, urging the National Assembly to handle the matter internally without involving the Constitution Court. The scheduled Parliament meeting for prime minister (PM) selection, initially set for July 27, took an unexpected turn when Parliament President Wan Muhamad Nor Matha,…
- World News
Olive branch withers as US ‘undoes’ progress with Beijing trash-talking
A week after extending an olive branch to China, attempting to smooth over the perpetual political tensions between the two economic powerhouses, the United States once again undid any progress with another round of Beijing trash-talking. It seems there is a song, but the US are singing from different song sheets. A week before, US diplomat Henry Kissinger met with…
- Thailand News
Thai Ombudsman deems rejection of MFP leader’s renomination as PM as unconstitutional
The Thai Ombudsman yesterday declared Parliament‘s rejection of Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s renomination as a prime ministerial candidate as unconstitutional. As a result, the case will be forwarded to the Constitutional Court for further review. This request followed a solution passed by the Parliament Assembly, which blocked Pita’s bid to become PM. The Ombudsman believes that this…
- Thailand News
Flour protest: Activist group targets Palang Pracharath members at Pheu Thai office
Political chaos erupted outside the Pheu Thai Party head office in Bangkok yesterday, as the Thalu Wang activist group staged a disruptive protest, demanding the party cease negotiations with Thailand’s military-backed factions. The protest, which saw flour being poured on Palang Pracharath Party (PPP) members, resulted in the cancellation of a press conference. The roots of this turmoil can be…
