Thai politics
- Thailand News
Man arrested for online threats against Thai prime minister
The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) apprehended a 29 year old man for posting threatening messages against the Thai prime minister online. The accused admitted his guilt, citing his disappointment with Thai politics as the reason for his vented frustrations. He was arrested at 6.30am today following a search warrant authorised the previous day. On November 5, the Anti Online…
- Thailand News
MFP to challenge government amidst internal controversies
The Move Forward Party (MFP), the main opposition party in Thailand, is preparing to challenge the government in a general debate. Critics suggest this is a tactic to divert public attention from the party’s controversies. For the first time, the MFP is exercising its constitutional power to initiate a debate against the government, scheduled for early next year. Although the…
- Thailand News
Bangkok MFP MP defends against sexual harassment claims, refuses to resign
Bangkok’s Move Forward Party (MFP) MP, Chaiyamphawan Manpianjit, more popularly known as Puaut, who was recently admonished by the party for alleged sexual harassment claims, voiced his respect for the party’s decision yesterday. At the same time, he defended his innocence and declined to step down despite growing calls for his resignation. This controversy follows the expulsion of fellow party…
- Thailand News
Sexual harassment claims spark call for ethical code in Thai politics
A wave of sexual harassment allegations against members of the Move Forward Party (MFP) has sparked a demand for a definitive code of ethics to govern the sexual conduct of politicians. The demand emerged during a seminar organised by the Women and Men Progressive Movement Foundation on Wednesday, following the expulsion of an MFP member on the grounds of sexual…
- Thailand News
Pheu Thai government opts for Chinese frigate
An unexpected turn of events saw the Pheu Thai-led government opting for a Chinese-made frigate over a submarine, after a prolonged period of uncertainty surrounding the original submarine purchase. The shift in decision came on the heels of China‘s inability to get the German-made MTU 396 engine for the submarine, as specified in the 2017 agreement. China’s suggestion of using…
- Thailand News
New York gala sees Thai actor turned body guard steal limelight from MFP head Pita
The spotlight was stolen during former Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s visit to Thai nationals in New York by his indispensable bodyguard, popular Thai actor Tul Pakorn Thanasrivanitchai. Pita, the head consultant of the MFP, was in the city for the TIME 100 Next 2023 Gala, celebrating his inclusion in the list of 100 future influential change-makers. The…
- Thailand News
MFP charter rewrite motion rejected by Thailand House of Representatives
A charter rewrite motion, sponsored by the main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), has been rejected by Thailand’s House of Representatives. The decision was influenced by concerns that the proposed changes could lead to a biased charter amendment, as explained by Nikorn Chamnong, who leads a sub-panel tasked with gathering public opinion on a constitutional amendment referendum. The MFP intended…
- 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…
- Politics News
Internal feud rocks Pheu Thai Party: Chalerm Ubumrung severs ties with Thaksin Shinawatra
An internal feud within the ruling Pheu Thai Party is causing ripples in Thailand’s political circles, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin calling for dialogue to resolve the conflict. The dispute involves long-standing party member Chalerm Ubumrung and the party’s executives, including the influential Thaksin Shinawatra, a respected figure within the party and the former prime minister, currently residing in 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
Patongtharn Shinawatra tipped as new Pheu Thai Party leader
Anusorn Iamsa-ard, a list MP of the Pheu Thai Party, believes that Patongtharn Shinawatra is suitable to take over as the new head of the Pheu Thai Party. He sees her as capable of leading the party to become a dependable political institution for the people. On the matter of the Pheu Thai Party’s general meeting on September 27, Anusorn…
- Thailand News
MFP faces corruption probe over contentious Deputy House Speaker expulsion
The Move Forward Party (MFP) has come under scrutiny in a corruption probe following the contentious expulsion of Deputy House Speaker Padipat Santipada. Known activist Srisuwan Janya announced his intention to petition the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate the incident. The MFP’s move was viewed with suspicion, with Srisuwan and several political observers deeming it a tactic to simultaneously…
- Thailand News
Move Forward Party welcomes new spokesperson: Prisath Wasinsathu
The ex-president of the advisory board of the Move Forward Party (MFP) congratulated Parit Wacharasindhu on his appointment as the new spokesperson for the party. Supporting him in the role are two deputy spokespersons, Krunphon Tiansuwan and Phakamon Hunnanan. Former MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat shared his enthusiasm for the new spokesperson in a lively post. He expressed his joy for Prisath, referring…
- 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…
- Thailand News
MFP elects Chaithawat Tulathon as leader amid Pita MP status uncertainty
Previously the secretary general of the Move Forward Party (MFP), Chaithawat Tulathon was elected as the new leader, succeeding Pita Limjaroenrat. Pita resigned amid ongoing uncertainty regarding his Member of Parliament status. Chaithawat, however, indicated this may be a temporary measure, as he and the new executive committee members are prepared to step aside, should Pita be able to resume…
- Thailand News
Former FFP MP, Pannika Wanich, banned for life for disrespecting Thai monarchy
The Supreme Court issued an official notice, permanently banning former Future Forward Party (FFP) MP Pannika “Chor” Wanich from participating in elections and holding political positions for life, following her display of disrespect towards the monarchy. This action stems from a 2019 Facebook post by Chor, which prompted the secretary-general of the Association for the Protection of the Thai Constitution,…
- Thailand News
Trading doubts for trust: Thai Trade representative addresses past controversy
The newly designated Thai trade representative recently responded to lingering media scepticism regarding her background and qualifications. Nalinee Taveesin insisted that any past misunderstandings had been resolved. This was a reference to her blacklisting by the United States Department of the Treasury approximately ten years ago. This was due to her alleged business connections with the then-sanctioned regime of Zimbabwean president, Robert…
- Thailand News
Bangkok Special Prison seeks ‘checkup’ on ex-PM Thaksin at police hospital
Bangkok Special Prison is set to send an inquiry to the medical team at the Police Hospital about the condition of former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been receiving treatment there. Thaksin has been in the hospital for almost a month, and the prison officials, led by Nasathi Thongplod, insist on following doctors’ orders above all else. Even…
- Thailand News
Firearm amnesty: Illegal Thai gun owners given 30 days to ‘trigger’ compliance
In an attempt to crackdown on illegal firearm possession, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin drafted a 30-day amnesty for gun owners without permits. They now have a month to turn in these firearms at any police station before stricter enforcement measures are applied. This initiative was implemented yesterday, September 13, following a raid where a team of 100 officials targeted 21…
- Thailand News
Principled leadership: MFP chief Pita stresses substance over style for new Thai Cabinet
Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party, shared his views on the newly formed Thai Cabinet, asserting that his judgment of individuals will be based on principles rather than appearances. He extended his well wishes to the new Cabinet, expressing hope that they would successfully fulfil the promises made during the election campaign. Pita noted that during the…
- Politics News
Chapter closed: Thai politics bids farewell to General Prayut with final Cabinet snapshot
A significant chapter in Thai politics came to a close on Tuesday, as the outgoing administration convened for its last Cabinet meeting. Headed by caretaker Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, the meeting culminated in a group photograph featuring ministers and staff members. The former PM expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards every individual who had contributed towards the government’s work and…
- Thailand News
Architect’s ‘dirty’ pledge: Faeces target as Pheu Thai Party’s political coalition stirs surprise
Thai architect Duangrit Bunnag has turned an unusual promise into a reality, offering himself as a target for faeces-throwing after the Pheu Thai Party forged an unexpected coalition with the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). Duangrit is a member of Creative Action for Revival & People Empowerment (CARE), a group associated with the Pheu Thai Party led by Deputy Leader Phumtham…
- Thailand News
Thai fortune teller envisions political and economic upswing in Thailand
A shift in Thailand’s political and economic landscape is anticipated, with improvements expected from November to April, according to renowned fortune teller Navaracha Pinitlokakorn, also known as Mor Plai. Despite her failed prediction regarding the identity of Thailand’s new prime minister, she views this as a fortunate turn of events. She advised patience and granting the new PM the opportunity…
- Politics News
Pheu Thai candidate Srettha sues over tax evasion allegations from Chuwit
In a recent turn of events surrounding the Pheu Thai Party, Srettha Thavisin, the prime ministerial candidate, commanded his legal counsel to start a legal battle against the well-known whistleblower Chuwit Kamolvisit. This move comes in response to allegations raised by Chuwit that Srettha was complicit in tax evasion incidents related to land acquisitions by the property giant, Sansiri Plc.…
- Thailand News
Cannabis clash to coalition: Bhumjaithai’s olive branch to Pheu Thai Party PM candidate
The fickle nature of Thai politics once again reared its ugly head when the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party extended an olive branch to the Pheu Thai Party prime ministerial candidate who levied against their cannabis legalisation policy during the General Election campaign. Pheu Thai Party leader Chonlanarn Srikaew yesterday invited Anutin Charvirakul and the Bhumjaithai Party to a press…
- Thailand Election News
Thai democracy at risk following Pheu Thai’s exclusion of MFP in coalition
A collective of democratic organisations has appealed to the Pheu Thai Party to reconsider its choice to exclude the Move Forward Party (MFP) from a coalition government, declaring the move as a setback for Thai democracy. Yesterday, a joint statement from 32 unit network cautioned that sidelining of MFP, the party with the most parliamentary seats following the May 14…
- Thailand News
Thaksin Shinawatra’s return to Thailand delayed amid prime ministerial vote postponement
The return of Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister of Thailand and reputed de facto head of the Pheu Thai Party, has been delayed. The strategy appears aimed at facilitating his smooth return, once a government led by his party comes into play, disclosed an unnamed source within Pheu Thai yesterday. The initial return plan for Thaksin was for Thursday, August…
- Thailand News
Move forward, lese divide: Thai election winner MFP sparks coalition clash over lese majeste law revision
Thai General Election winner the Move Forward Party (MFP) is refusing to abandon its ideology, insisting it will revise the lese majeste law, leading to a division among the Pheu Thai Party and the eight coalition parties. As a consequence, the Pheu Thai Party insisted that they cannot work with the MFP and announced they will form a government with…
- Thailand Election News
Pheu Thai party prepares for coalition meeting
In the latest political development, the Pheu Thai Party, one of the primary political entities in Thailand, plans a strategic meeting with its seven coalition partners next week. The primary focus of this meeting is to mull over the future direction of the eight-party coalition. Following this, they intend to update other parties outside of the bloc and opposition members.…
