Thai politics
- Thailand News
Royal birthday bash amidst political firestorm
Defence Minister Sutin Klungsaeng has directed the military to orchestrate grand celebrations for His Majesty the King’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary next month, even as tensions escalate over a controversial political amnesty bill. Preparations for the King’s 72nd birthday on July 28 are underway while Parliament debates whether to include Article 112 in the amnesty bill, which imposes up to…
- Thailand News
Ex-MP Vatana to return to Samut Prakan after 15 years on the run
Former Samut Prakan MP and Deputy Interior Minister Vatana Asavahame has announced his intention to return to Samut Prakan in two months to visit locals after evading corruption charges for 15 years. A housewarming ceremony took place yesterday at the new residence of Soontorn Pansangtong, the former deputy minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the former deputy chief of Samut…
- Thailand News
MFP minister faces tough questions on foreign policy
Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Chulapong Yukate demanded that Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa reveal his vision for Thailand’s foreign policy. The call came during a House Committee on Foreign Affairs meeting, leaving the nation eager for answers. Chulapong, who serves as the deputy chairperson of the committee stated that the public wants to know in which direction the foreign minister…
- Thailand News
Over 2,000 applicants disqualified in senatorial election
The Election Commission (EC) has thrown over 2,000 hopefuls out of the senatorial race, leaving just over 46,000 contenders to vie for seats across the nation. The EC’s announcement of qualified candidates yesterday sent shockwaves through the political arena, with disqualified applicants given until Saturday to plead their case before the Supreme Court or provincial courts. Reasons for disqualification range…
- Thailand News
Election chaos: Senate vote to proceed despite district drama
In a dramatic twist leading up to the senatorial election, Election Commission (EC) Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee announced yesterday that the upcoming senate vote will go ahead as scheduled, despite significant issues in some districts. Sawaeng confirmed that two districts had no applicants, while seven districts saw candidates emerging from just one of the 20 eligible occupational groups. Nevertheless, he reassured…
- Thailand News
Paetongtarn reluctant to become PM amid Srettha’s legal issues
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, expressed her reluctance to step into the role of prime minister if Srettha Thavisin is removed from office due to a case involving the appointment of a minister with a prison record. Despite her hesitation, Paetongtarn remains optimistic about the Constitutional Court ruling in the Bangkok-born Srettha’s favour. “There should be…
- Thailand News
Yingluck’s hope for a democratic revival with new charter
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra sparked fresh hope for Thailand’s democratic future, declaring that the country will soon see a return to full democracy under the Pheu Thai Party-led government with a new people’s charter. In a poignant Facebook post marking the 10th anniversary of the coup that ousted her caretaker government on May 22, 2014, Yingluck expressed renewed optimism.…
- Thailand News
Former PM Somchai Wongsawat stuns with senate bid
Former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat made a surprise appearance at the Chiang Mai district office at 9am, marking the opening of senatorial candidate registrations. Eyewitnesses report that Somchai, whose brief tenure as prime minister lasted from September 18 to December 2, 2008, did not address the media, slipping quietly into the registration process. Somchai’s short-lived stint as prime minister was…
- Thailand News
House committee debates amnesty for lese majeste law violators
A special House committee is urging the government to decide whether to include those who violated the lese majeste law in an amnesty bill following the death of Netiporn Saneysangkhom. Nikorn Jamnong, chairman of the House sub-committee focusing on politically motivated cases, announced that the meeting addressed several key topics. Among these was the demand from Thalufah, a political group,…
- Thailand News
Black May deceased protesters honoured: Demand for democracy
In a poignant gathering to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the Black May protests, politicians, academics, activists, and relatives of those killed in the 1992 crackdown honoured the fallen democracy heroes. The Black May 1992 Memorial on Ratchadamnoen Avenue was the site of a solemn ceremony and merit-making rituals for the deceased yesterday. Officially, 44 lives were lost, though the…
- Thailand News
Red carpet rollout: Thaksin spotted at ex-redshirt’s new restaurant
In a surprising public appearance today, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra surfaced to congratulate an ex-redshirt leader on the grand opening of his second southern Thai cuisine restaurant in Bangkok. The 74 year old ex PM was warmly welcomed at Yeam Tai on Chaiyaphruk Road by a cadre of influential political figures. Among them were Bhumjaithai Party leader and Deputy…
- Thailand News
Prime minister’s wife enrolls in prestigious politics course
The corridors of power just got a fresh infusion of intrigue as the wife of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin joined the ranks of students at a top-notch political institution. Dr Pakpilai Thavisin, a prominent figure in the medical world at Bumrungrad International Hospital, secured her spot amongst the prestigious cohort at the College of Politics and Governance, King Prajadhipok’s Institute…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha’s diplomatic marathon: France, Italy, and Japan await
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set for a whirlwind diplomatic tour, spanning France, Italy, and Japan, to bolster international ties and attract investment to Thailand. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s diplomatic agenda is packed to the brim as he gears up for his second official voyage to France on May 15 to 16, followed by visits to Italy and Japan from…
- Thailand News
Ombudsman: No jurisdiction over digital wallet scheme complaints
Keirov Kritteeranon, the secretary-general of the Office of the Ombudsman, revealed that they lack the power to escalate complaints about the contentious digital wallet scheme to the Constitutional Court or any other legal forum. At the heart of the furore are the government’s ambitious plans to distribute 10,000-baht payments to a staggering 50 million adult citizens through digital wallets, alongside…
- Thailand News
Srettha’s agenda for three-day tour to three Thai provinces revealed
Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharonke revealed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s inspection tour of three provinces: Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi, spanning May 10 to 12. Kicking off yesterday afternoon, the Bangkok-born PM initiated discussions on local matters at the Lad Nam Tien floodgate in Suphan Buri Province. He also mingled with the public at the Jorakhesamphan Sluice Gates, delving deeper into…
- Thailand News
Thailand initiates senatorial election process
Thailand’s senatorial election has begun, appointing a new group of 200 senators following the end of the five-year term of the current 250 senators who were appointed by the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). The Election Commission (EC) announced that candidates can now obtain application forms and necessary documents from district offices in Thailand’s capital and provincial registration…
- Thailand News
Seasoned diplomat poised to replace Thai foreign minister
Seasoned diplomat Maris Sangiampongsa is reportedly the primary candidate to replace Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara as Thailand’s foreign minister following the latter’s sudden resignation. Maris, having served as a diplomatic advisor to Parnpree and ambassador to various nations, including Australia, Nepal, and Canada, is widely anticipated to take up the mantle. Maris’ diplomatic career spans over two decades, during which he worked…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s EC investigates potential senator election manipulation
The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand is currently probing into claims of potential manipulation in the upcoming senator election process. The EC has cautioned potential candidates about registering with a questionable website. The EC indicated that the act of encouraging individuals to form groups for the Senate election competition could be a breach of election laws. Consequently, they have initiated…
- Thailand News
Thai anti-corruption commission lets go of Yingluck’s exoneration
Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has unanimously chosen not to contest the Supreme Court’s ruling, which exonerated former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and five others from malfeasance charges linked to a 240-million baht public relations campaign, according to an insider familiar with the situation. The NACC filed allegations against Yingluck, former Prime Minister’s Office minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan, Yingluck’s secretary-general at…
- Thailand News
Former deputy PM’s 87 million baht car collection revealed
Former Deputy Prime Minister and chairman of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), General Prawit Wongsuwon, has been exposed for his staggering wealth, including a fleet of luxury cars worth 87 million baht, as reported by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The NACC, responsible for scrutinising the assets of political office-holders and government officials, made public Gen. Prawit’s lavish holdings,…
- Thailand News
Charter change up for a vote: Referendum needed, House speaker
A referendum is required to get voters’ approval before the charter amendment proposals can be considered, according to Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, the House Speaker. He was responding to questions about a possible special House session for the first reading of the 2025 fiscal year’s budget bill. He added that it remains undetermined if other significant legislation will be discussed…
- Thailand News
Senators’ lavish overseas jaunts spark outrage
Former Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi has launched a scathing attack on a cohort of senators set to embark on overseas study trips, labelling their plans a disgrace to their dignity. In a fiery Facebook post today, Plodprasop condemned the European excursions planned by several Senate committees, whose terms are set to conclude on May 10, citing the hefty 81…
- Thailand News
Pheu Thai Party eyes House Speaker position
The Pheu Thai Party is reportedly planning to reclaim the House Speaker position from the Prachachat Party, according to a source yesterday. This move is part of the ruling party’s strategy to restructure its parliamentary operations, and it is predicted that the position might be given to a prominent member of the party, possibly a minister who may be removed…
- Thailand News
MFP bill to penalise officials ignoring Parliament summons
The Move Forward Party (MFP) has tabled a bill in the Parliament penalising ministers and state officials who disregard summons to testify before House committees. The bill, proposed by Rangsiman Rome, an MFP list-MP and the head of a House committee on state security, was formally presented to Parliament yesterday, April 18. Under the proposed legislation, MPs who ignore their…
- Thailand News
Move Forward Party’s fate hangs in balance
The Constitutional Court is set to discuss extending the deadline for the Move Forward Party (MFP) to submit its defence in a crucial dissolution case. Sources revealed that President Nakharin Mektrairat announced that the court will convene next Tuesday, April 16, to mull over the pivotal decision of granting a 15-day extension. Nakharin hinted at the likelihood of the court…
- Thailand News
MFP vows bold defence against dissolution threat
Move Forward Party (MFP) chief Chaithawat Tulathon declared the party’s unwavering resolve to counter the looming spectre of dissolution, revealing plans to submit a comprehensive rebuttal to the Constitutional Court following the upcoming Songkran festivities. The 45 year old Chaithawat affirmed that the MFP would not simply lodge its defence with the court but would also make it accessible to…
- Thailand News
Former Thai MP returns after 15 years political asylum
Former Thai politician Jakrapob Pemkair returned to Thailand after 15 years of political asylum in Cambodia. Upon his return, he was apprehended due to two remaining arrest warrants but was later granted 400,000 baht bail. Jakrapob previously served as a government spokesperson under former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from 2003 to 2005, and later as a minister of the…
- Thailand News
Exiled former celebrity minister Jakrapob returns to Thailand
A former television celebrity and one-time Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office has set tongues wagging with his unexpected announcement of returning to Thailand. This marks his comeback after a self-imposed exile lasting 15 years, undertaken to avoid lese majeste charges. Jakrapob Penkair posted on Facebook yesterday: “At 7.35 am on March 28, I will return to serve Thailand.” The…
- Thailand News
Thaksin Shinawatra’s secretive meet-up sparks political uproar
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s sudden appearance at the Pheu Thai Party’s headquarters has sparked intense speculation about his true intentions. To dispel mounting rumours, Phumtham Wechayachai, former Pheu Thai Secretary-General, clarified that Thaksin’s scheduled rendezvous on Tuesday was merely a gesture of convenience. “It’s not about control. It’s about respect.” Phumtham asserted that the visit was solely to facilitate…
- Thailand News
Srettha fires back: Defends overseas trips amid criticism
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin staunchly defended his international excursions and trips to neighbouring nations, asserting their vital role in ramping up foreign investment in Thailand and fostering stronger regional ties. Addressing critics head-on, the 62 year old PM justified his frequent forays into provinces to tackle local issues, such as combating the PM2.5 airborne pollution blighting Chiang Mai. Responding to…
