Thai politics

  • Politics NewsNew interior permanent secretary appointed, effective October 1

    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 NewsSrettha dismisses ‘backup PM’ rumours amid court ruling concerns

    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 NewsMFP MPs to join lesser-known TKCV if court dissolves party

    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 NewsPower play: Prawit Wongsuwan’s desperate bid for PM backfires

    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 NewsThailand PM faces ousting over controversial appointment

    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 NewsAmnesty bill committee divided on Thailand’s lese majeste inclusion

    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 NewsThai court to rule on PM Srettha’s potential dismissal on August 14

    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 NewsWan Yubamrung joins Palang Pracharath after Pheu Thai fallout

    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 NewsMFP leader asserts party will not be dissolved

    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 NewsCourt snubs Move Forward Party’s plea: Verdict moved to August 7

    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…

  • Thailand NewsPower play: Thailand’s coalition leaders unite over dinner

    Power play: Thailand’s coalition leaders unite over dinner

    Emerging from a high-profile dinner meeting at the Nai Lert Park Heritage Home, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confidently asserted that the coalition now commands the unwavering support of over 314 MPs. The informal dinner, attended by core leaders of the 11 coalition parties, underscored the unity among the partners. The 62 year old Thai premier highlighted the solidarity within…

  • Thailand NewsFormer Bangkok MP exits Pheu Thai after election controversy

    Former Bangkok MP exits Pheu Thai after election controversy

    A former Bangkok MP resigned from the ruling Pheu Thai Party following criticism for showing sympathy to a party opponent during a recent local election in Pathum Thani. Wan Ubumrung submitted his resignation at the Election Commission (EC) and announced it was effective immediately. Wan explained that his decision came after being summoned by the party to clarify his presence…

  • Thailand NewsThaksin to be officially released with innocence certificate in August

    Thaksin to be officially released with innocence certificate in August

    The Department of Corrections is preparing to issue a certificate of innocence to former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, marking the official and legal release of the former politician after the completion of his sentences. The legal proceedings began after the 74 year old ex-PM arrived in Thailand in August of last year. He initially faced eight years in prison…

  • Thailand NewsNew Thailand senators promise change and optimism in politics

    New Thailand senators promise change and optimism in politics

    Newly appointed Senators in Thailand are expected to bring a wave of change and optimism to the political landscape, asserts Angkhana Neelapaijit. Rumours suggest a significant number of the new Senators have affiliations with the Bhumjaithai Party. However, Angkhana maintains that Senators can still operate independently and prioritise the public’s interests. Angkhana, in an interview, acknowledged her minority status within…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s 30 baht healthcare policy gets public approval

    Thailand’s 30 baht healthcare policy gets public approval

    Thailand’s 30 Baht Treatment Anywhere policy has received widespread approval from the public, providing accessible health services for minor illnesses through community pharmacies in 45 provinces. The 30 Baht Treatment Anywhere policy, which allows citizens to receive healthcare services for minor ailments at designated quality pharmacies, has been warmly received by the public. This initiative, part of the National Health…

  • Thailand NewsPublic health vice minister’s sudden exit from Pheu Thai Party

    Public health vice minister’s sudden exit from Pheu Thai Party

    Wan Yubamrung, the vice minister attached to the public health minister, announced his resignation today. He is set to leave the Pheu Thai Party next week. Wan, the son of outspoken veteran Pheu Thai Party member Chalerm Yubamrung, revealed his decision in an emotional Facebook Live post. “I had never thought about leaving the Pheu Thai Party, as long as…

  • Thailand NewsElection Commission seals deal: Senatorial results get green light

    Election Commission seals deal: Senatorial results get green light

    The Election Commission (EC) finally endorsed the results of the senatorial election. Despite initial delays and mounting complaints, the EC confirmed the election’s integrity and backed all 200 winners. The EC convened today, July 10, meeting from 9am to 2.30pm, to resolve the matter. Initially slated for an announcement on July 3, the endorsement was repeatedly postponed due to a…

  • Thailand NewsThai MP aims to ‘stimulate’ economy with sex industry legalisation

    Thai MP aims to ‘stimulate’ economy with sex industry legalisation

    A Move Forward Party (MFP) MP today announced plans on social media to legalise professions related to the pornography and sex toy industries in Thailand by revising the Criminal Law of Thailand. The revision draft is expected to be proposed during Parliament today, July 10. The MFP MP, Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, shared his plan to legalise professions related to porn and…

  • Thailand NewsEx-army general open to Senate Speaker role amid security focus

    Ex-army general open to Senate Speaker role amid security focus

    General Kriangkrai Srirak, who received the highest votes in the public administration and security professional group in last week’s Senate election, responded positively to speculation that he might become the Senate Speaker. Kriangkrai expressed yesterday that if the majority of the Senate members trusted him with the position of Senate Speaker, he would not hesitate to accept the role. However,…

  • Thailand NewsPolitical turmoil and economic strife rock Thailand’s elite

    Political turmoil and economic strife rock Thailand’s elite

    The fate of Thailand’s business-friendly Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a former real estate mogul, hangs by a thread less than a year after taking office. Political turmoil has shaken investor confidence in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, resulting in a 15% drop in the benchmark stock index since last year. Compounded by a weaker baht, the combined wealth of the nation’s…

  • Thailand NewsThai beautician tops senator votes with 79 votes

    Thai beautician tops senator votes with 79 votes

    A 45 year old beautician emerged as one of the 200 newly elected senators, achieving the highest vote count with 79 votes. Her victory highlights a notable career in preventive medicine, skin and beauty expertise, and extensive advisory roles. Chinnachot Saengsang secured 77 votes, Police Lieutenant General Yutthana Thaiphakdi received 76 votes, General Kriangkrai Srirak garnered 74 votes, and Sopon…

  • Thailand NewsPDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban’s jail time drastically reduced

    PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban’s jail time drastically reduced

    The Appeals Court upheld the convictions of key People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) leaders, including Suthep Thaugsuban, but significantly reduced their prison sentences. Suthep Thaugsuban and Thavorn Senniam, initially handed hefty sentences by the Criminal Court, saw their prison terms cut to just one year each. Sawat Charoenphol, Suthep’s lawyer, stated that the Appeals Court made this decision without providing…

  • Thailand NewsFormer PM Niwatthamrong faces Senate election defeat

    Former PM Niwatthamrong faces Senate election defeat

    Former Deputy Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan faced an early exit in the first round of the national Senate elections yesterday, June 26. Despite his loss, Niwatthamrong, who served as caretaker prime minister following Yingluck Shinawatra’s removal by the Constitutional Court in 2013, remains unbowed and resolute. Niwatthamrong admitted that, like his fellow candidates, he had cast a vote for himself…

  • Thailand NewsThaksin’s comeback: Ex-PM delivers lecture at Pheu Thai HQ

    Thaksin’s comeback: Ex-PM delivers lecture at Pheu Thai HQ

    Paroled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a high-profile appearance at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters yesterday. As a special guest speaker for the Pheu Thai Party Academy, Thaksin delivered a riveting lecture, urging party members to continually improve their skills and embrace lifelong learning. Addressing a class comprised predominantly of Pheu Thai MPs, Thaksin commended their active participation in…

  • Thailand NewsSenators’ showdown: Bangkok hotel hosts candidate meetup

    Senators’ showdown: Bangkok hotel hosts candidate meetup

    In a bustling gathering at Bangkok’s Amari Don Mueang Airport Hotel, over 500 hopefuls vying for senatorial seats met yesterday, June 24, for an event known as the Meeting of Independent Senate Candidates. This lively assembly saw candidates from across the nation converge, all eager to make their mark on the upcoming election. Sources revealed today that each attendee paid…

  • Thailand NewsPM Srettha’s TV premier: Another propaganda show?

    PM Srettha’s TV premier: Another propaganda show?

    Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to make his TV debut as the host of Talk with Srettha tomorrow, June 22, nearly 10 months after assuming office. This tradition of Thai leaders hosting TV shows to address the nation, dubbed “the prime minister meets the people,” has a storied history. But will Srettha’s show bring something new to the…

  • Thailand NewsProgressive Movement’s senate bid: Triumph or tragedy?

    Progressive Movement’s senate bid: Triumph or tragedy?

    In a last-ditch effort to reshape Thailand’s political landscape, the Progressive Movement’s campaign to secure one-third of Senate seats and amend the junta-drafted 2017 Constitution is faltering as the election reaches its climax. Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit kicked off the campaign in April with a bold goal: securing 70 People’s Senators in the 200-member upper house. However, the initial…

  • Thailand NewsCourt orders evidence in PM Srettha’s ethics case

    Court orders evidence in PM Srettha’s ethics case

    The Constitutional Court has thrown the government into turmoil by demanding all parties in Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s ethics case submit evidence within 15 days. The court’s decision came yesterday, setting a new hearing date for July 10 but it remains uncertain whether a ruling will be issued then, leaving the government in a state of anxiety. The case revolves…

  • Thailand NewsConstitutional Court orders testimony from MFP by July 3

    Constitutional Court orders testimony from MFP by July 3

    The Constitutional Court ordered the Move Forward Party (MFP) to provide testimony for its dissolution case by July 3, for the court to examine on July 9. The Election Commission (EC) filed a petition arguing there was reasonable evidence to believe that the MFP had committed acts of subverting the democratic form of government with the king as head of…

  • Thailand NewsShock as top Senate candidates fail to advance

    Shock as top Senate candidates fail to advance

    The provincial senator election at the weekend saw 3,000 candidates advance to the national stage but not without some unexpected snubs. The Election Commission (EC) office confirmed the results of the provincial senator election on Sunday, June 16, revealing that 3,000 hopefuls will move forward to the national level. Among these successful candidates are 2,164 men and 836 women. However,…