Thai politics
- Thailand News
Call for dissolution of Pheu Thai over alleged Thaksin influence
An anonymous complaint submitted last week called on the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) to dissolve the Pheu Thai Party. The complaint alleges that party members have permitted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a non-member, to exert undue influence over its political activities. Channel 3 reported that the dissolution request on Monday, August 19, accused the Pheu Thai Party of…
- Politics News
Thaksin drops bombshell on fallout with Prawit
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has finally broken his silence on the real reason behind his dramatic fallout with General Prawit Wongsuwan, the ex-military strongman and current leader of the embattled Palang Pracharath Party. During a question-and-answer session following his keynote speech on Thailand’s future at an event hosted by The Nation media group last night, Thaksin spilled the…
- Thailand News
Thaksin denies political deal on return from exile
Thaksin Shinawatra firmly stated yesterday that no political arrangement was crafted with his conservative adversaries to facilitate his return from a 15-year exile last year. The former Thai premier made the statement during an on-stage interview at a forum organised by a local media group. “There is no deal, no one dare do a deal with me.” The 75 year…
- Thailand News
Scandal erupts over judge’s joke about defunct MFP
A Pheu Thai MP is set to submit an urgent motion in the House of Representatives, calling for an investigation into a Constitutional Court judge’s controversial comments regarding a dissolved political party. The judge, Udom Sittiwirattham, already under scrutiny for his role in dissolving the Move Forward Party (MFP), has now sparked outrage with a flippant remark about the People’s…
- Thailand News
Thai MP faces axe for defying party and mingling with rivals
The Thai Sang Thai (TST) Party plans to boot out one of its MPs for repeatedly flouting the party’s stance and rubbing shoulders with rival factions. The ethics panel, led by TST bigwigs Khunying Sudarat Keyurapan and Pokin Polakul, has put Yasothon MP Supaporn Salapsri in the hot seat after she voted against the party line multiple times. Supaporn, a…
- Politics News
Digital wallet scheme to offer cash option for vulnerable groups
The digital wallet policy conundrum, promoted by the Pheu Thai Party, has taken a new turn, with vulnerable residents potentially receiving 10,000 baht in cash rather than digital currency. Following the leadership change, rumours about the possible cancellation of the digital wallet scheme raised concern among those eagerly anticipating the funds. Many were worried that the new Prime Minister Paetongtarn…
- Thailand News
Slapgate scandal: Prawit faces ethics inquiry
Thailand’s political scene has been rocked by an incident involving Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader, General Prawit Wongsuwon. The former deputy prime minister is now facing calls for an ethics inquiry after being caught on video slapping a reporter during a tense exchange last Friday. The News Broadcasting Council of Thailand (NBCT) and the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association have formally…
- Thailand News
Thai PM Paetongtarn’s star-studded birthday bash
Pheu Thai’s 141 MPs gathered yesterday to honour their leader, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, on the eve of her 38th birthday. The event, which doubled as a heartfelt thank you to her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was held a day before Paetongtarn’s actual birthday at the party’s headquarters in the Shinawatra 3 Building. Paetongtarn, who officially turns 38 today, kicked off…
- Thailand News
Thai Parliament rings in complaint strategy with medieval twist
The Government of Thailand reintroduced a traditional 13th-century method of lodging complaints, by encouraging residents to ring a bell outside the Parliament building to voice their grievances and concerns. Channel 3 reported today, August 20, that a brand-new bell, crafted in a traditional Thai style, was placed outside the government contact centre at the Parliament building about a week ago.…
- Politics News
Paetongtarn’s pledge: No more Shinawatra slip-ups
Thailand’s youngest Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pledged to avoid the political disasters plaguing her father and aunt. Addressing the media for the first time after her royal endorsement yesterday, the 37 year old Thai premier made a bold promise to dodge the fate of Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra. The Bangkok-born Thai politician made known she is keen to avoid her…
- Thailand News
Prawit under fire for alleged reporter intimidation (video)
Palang Pracharath party leader General Prawit Wongsuwan finds himself in hot water after allegedly intimidating a Thai PBS reporter. The incident, which has sparked outrage, is now being condemned by both Thai PBS and the Thai Journalists’ Association (TJA). General Prawit, who harboured ambitions of becoming Thailand’s prime minister, was visibly agitated when the reporter questioned him about the live…
- Politics News
Prawit punchline: PPP leader faces prison after journalist assault
Palang Pracharath Party leader Prawit Wongsuwan faces an assault charge after he lashed out in anger towards a Thai journalist after being questioned about the new Prime Minister of Thailand. The parliamentary meeting to select a new PM following the removal of ex-PM Srettha Thavisin began at around 10am today, August 16. At the end of the meeting, the leader…
- Politics News
Fate of digital wallet scheme unclear after Srettha’s departure
The future of the 10,000 baht digital wallet scheme has become unclear after the departure of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The Pheu Thai Party secretary-general insisted that it would continue, while the former deputy finance minister expressed doubts. The Constitutional Court, yesterday, August 14, removed former PM Srettha from office following a serious violation of political ethics. The former…
- Politics News
Thai MPs call for new constitution after PM Srettha’s removal
Parit Wacharasindhu, a Member of Parliament from the People’s Party, voiced concerns yesterday following the Constitutional Court’s decision to remove Srettha Thavisin from the position of Thai Prime Minister. Parit stated his party’s disagreement with the ruling, highlighting that while political leaders should uphold ethics and integrity, the interpretation of ethics is subjective. He argued that ethical matters should be…
- Politics News
Thai politics in Cabinet fever as PM race heats up, 7 candidates
Following the removal of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, several media outlets are closely watching the selection of the next PM and the formation of the new Cabinet with seven potential candidates from five coalition government parties. According to Section 159 of the Constitution, the appointment of the PM of Thailand involves five conditions: The House of Representatives must appoint…
- Thailand News
Thai PM Srettha removed over serious political ethic violation
The Constitutional Court of Thailand today removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office after ruling that he seriously violated political ethics by appointing a former criminal as a minister. The now-former PM Srettha appointed Pichit Chuenban, a renowned lawyer associated with the Shinawatra family, as the Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office. This decision raised concerns among 40 Senators, as…
- Politics News
Ex-Move Forward MPs to unveil new party after court ban (video)
Following the shock dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP), former MPs are set to rise from the ashes with a brand-new political entity. The MFP, which clinched victory in the 2023 General Election, was abruptly disbanded by the Constitutional Court yesterday, August 7, accused of attempting to undermine the constitutional monarchy by pushing to amend the lese majeste law…
- Thailand News
US Embassy concerned over dissolution of Move Forward Party
The United States of America Embassy issued an official statement of concern on Facebook after the Constitutional Court yesterday dissolved the Move Forward Party (MFP) over their attempts to alter the lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Law. After five months of consideration, the Constitutional Court yesterday, August 7, deemed the MFP‘s campaign to reform…
- Thailand News
Thai bill to legalise adult entertainment industry fails first reading
A bill aiming to legalise the adult entertainment industry and its associated products, including pornographic materials and sex toys, failed to pass its first reading in the House yesterday. Sponsored by the Move Forward Party (MFP), the bill was introduced by Bangkok MP Taopiphop Limjittrakorn last month. The proposal sought to amend Section 287 of the Criminal Code, which currently…
- Thailand News
EU denounces Thailand’s opposition party dissolution
The European Union (EU) voiced serious concerns about the dissolution of Thailand’s opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) by the Constitutional Court, highlighting its potential negative impact on the country’s democratic progress. The EU labelled the court ruling as a setback for political pluralism in Thailand, noting that the MFP garnered 14 million votes out of 39 million in the 2023…
- Politics News
New interior permanent secretary appointed, effective October 1
The Cabinet appointed Ansit Samphantharat as the new permanent secretary of the Ministry of Interior, effective from October 1. He will succeed Suttipong Juljarern, who will retire at the end of this month. Ansit currently serves as the director of the Department of Provincial Administration within the ministry. His appointment came alongside the approval of Supachai Pathumnakul as the Permanent…
- Politics News
Srettha dismisses ‘backup PM’ rumours amid court ruling concerns
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin dismissed rumours suggesting a “backup prime minister” is being considered to replace him. Speculation arose due to concerns about his potential removal over the appointment of ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a PM’s Office Minister in the latest Cabinet reshuffle. The Thai premier assured the public of his commitment to his role. “I am still the prime…
- Thailand News
MFP MPs to join lesser-known TKCV if court dissolves party
All MPs from the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) will transition to the lesser-known Thinkakhao Chaovilai Party (TKCV) if the Constitutional Court rules to dissolve the MFP next week. The court is set to decide whether the MFP should be dissolved for violating Section 92 of the organic law on political parties, following a complaint filed by the Election Commission…
- Thailand News
Power play: Prawit Wongsuwan’s desperate bid for PM backfires
Palang Pracharath (PPRP)’s political manoeuvres seem to have backfired, with internal rifts threatening to tear the party apart. Samart Jenchaijitwanich’s attempts to bolster Prawit Wongsuwan’s chances of becoming prime minister by luring politicians from rival parties have caused an uproar. The latest recruit, Wan Yubamrung, was presented alongside Prawit on July 23, following his exit from the Pheu Thai Party.…
- Thailand News
Thailand PM faces ousting over controversial appointment
Debate is intensifying over whether Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin should be ousted from office following his controversial decision to appoint Pichit Chuenban, a former convict, as a PM’s Office Minister in the latest Cabinet reshuffle. Former senator Wanchai Sornsiri expressed confidence that the Constitutional Court will likely dismiss the case against PM Srettha, pointing out that no court ruling has…
- Thailand News
Amnesty bill committee divided on Thailand’s lese majeste inclusion
The House Committee tasked with studying an amnesty bill has concluded its work but has not reached a decision on whether offences under Section 112, the lese majeste law, and Section 110 of the Criminal Code should be included. Pheu Thai MP and Committee Chairperson Chusak Sirinil announced that the panel has endorsed a report for submission to the House.…
- Thailand News
Thai court to rule on PM Srettha’s potential dismissal on August 14
The Constitutional Court will deliver its ruling on the potential dismissal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on August 14. “The Constitutional Court has considered and finds the case is a legal matter and there is sufficient evidence to decide the case.” The proceedings stem from a complaint by 40 military-appointed senators in May, which the court accepted. The controversy centres…
- Thailand News
Wan Yubamrung joins Palang Pracharath after Pheu Thai fallout
Wan Yubamrung, who resigned from the Pheu Thai party last week, officially joined the Palang Pracharath Party today and was warmly received by its leader, Prawit Wongsuwan. “I was invited by several members from other political parties but I chose Prawit’s party.” Wan, the son of outspoken Pheu Thai MP Chalerm Yubamrung, made headlines when he left Pheu Thai following…
- Thailand News
MFP leader asserts party will not be dissolved
Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Chaithawat Tulathon stands firm, confidently asserting that his party will not be dissolved by the Constitutional Court next month. However, not everyone shares his optimism. MP Rangsiman Rome has voiced serious doubts about their chances. Chaithawat appeared upbeat despite the looming court decision on August 7. In stark contrast, party-list MP Rangsiman Rome expressed deep…
- Thailand News
Court snubs Move Forward Party’s plea: Verdict moved to August 7
The Constitutional Court has thrown out the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP)‘s request for an inquiry, claiming it has ample evidence to make a ruling. The Election Commission (EC) has been pushing for the party’s dissolution and a 10-year political ban on its executive committee, due to their election campaign advocating for the amendment of the lèse majesté law. Despite…
