Thai politics
- 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
Thai PM sparks debate with plans to seek advice from ex-PM Thaksin
The Thai Prime Minister and Finance Minister has sparked heated debates among politicians with his new intention to seek counsel from former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, upon his release from prison. Srettha Thavisin revealed in an interview with Bloomberg Television that he values Thaksin’s political advice, describing him as the country’s most popular prime minister, hence “it would be unwise of…
- 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
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…
- Politics News
Thailand’s ruling party seeks consensus amid dispute over House committee leadership
A dispute over who should preside over various House committees in Thailand prompted an invitation for a meeting this week, issued by the whip of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. The aim is to reconcile the differing views. Wisut Chainarun, a Pheu Thai list-MP and party whip, revealed that out of the 35 House committees, multiple parties are vying for…
- 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…
- 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…
- Business News
Thai baht instability rises due to political unrest
Political unrest is heightening baht oscillations against the US dollar, as Thailand finds itself without a stable government, the head of the Bank Thailand asserts. This turbulence introduces a greater risk factor amongst investors who are observing the foreign exchange rate, particularly between the baht and the US dollar, in light of Thailand’s current political developments. Post Thailand’s General Election…
- 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 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
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
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…
- Politics News
Thai PM fears MFP rallies might trigger political faction conflict
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is facing growing apprehensions regarding the rallies being held by supporters of the Move Forward Party (MFP) as Thailand’s politics are tumultuous as always. According to information relayed by Prime Minister’s Office Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, the Prime Minister’s concern stems from fears that these rallies could rekindle conflict among varied political factions in the country. On…
- Politics News
House speaker warns Thai MPs against ‘cobra’ behaviour in Parliament
The President of the Parliament, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, who also carries the title of House Speaker, has issued a stark warning to Thai MPs against breaching the peoples’ trust by becoming “cobras,” within the parliamentary chambers. Speaking to attendees of a seminar addressing the roles and obligations of MPs, Wan declared that true power belongs to citizens, who exercise…
- Thailand News
University students’ protest ignites over senators’ role
Activists comprising mainly students, as well as supporters of the Move Forward Party (MFP), held protests at the Kasetsart University, situated in the Bang Khen district of Bangkok, yesterday evening. The protests sparked from the increasing tension and anger against the seemingly prominent role individuals appointed as senators hold in the prolonged political disturbance of the country. This rally was…
- Business News
Thai hotel chains unfazed by political uncertainty, anticipate revenue growth
Despite the ongoing political uncertainty, Thailand’s major hotel chains remain optimistic, as long as the situation stays peaceful and avoids any violent unrest. Centara Hotels and Resorts (CHR) and Minor International Plc voiced their confidence in their ability to weather any potential political storms, providing the environment remains stable. Gun Srisompong, the chief financial officer of CHR, stated that any…
- Thailand News
Thai political parties resist joining Pheu Thai-led coalition
The political landscape in Thailand recently witnessed a dramatic event as Bhumjaithai, United Thai Nation, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), and Chartthaipattana took a united stance against joining a Pheu Thai-led coalition. Their refusal hinged on one critical determinant – the participation of the Move Forward Party (MFP) in the coalition. Bhumjaithai’s leading figure, Anutin Charnvirakul, revealed the party’s solid…
- Thailand News
Bank of Ayudhya predicts pivotal role of politics in Thailand’s economy
In light of the current political climate, a division of the renowned Bank of Ayudhya suggests that the upcoming political decisions could significantly steer Thailand’s economy this year. This report highlights the pivotal role of swift administrative formation in stabilising the economy and buoying investor confidence. However, the prospect of an emerging minority government raises considerable concerns over its potential…
- Thailand News
Sattahip naval base officer investigated over alleged ammunition theft
Investigations by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) are ongoing, following suspicions that an officer at Sattahip naval base might be guilty of stealing a significant number of cartridges. The base, located in Chon Buri in Thailand, is at the heart of a major theft case, according to naval spokesman Admiral Pokkrong Monthatphalin. This was a response to allegations on the…
- Politics News
EC defends actions amid criticism over MFP Pita Limjaroenrat’s eligibility debacle
Engulfed in the turmoil stirred by criticism over the eligibility of Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat, the Election Commission (EC) staunchly defends its actions. Critics, including Pita, have insinuated that he was not given the rightful opportunity to counter the allegations before the case saw its day in court. The EC, in a strong-worded statement, clarified that the…
- Thailand News
MFP challenges military’s role in selection of Thai PM
The Thai political landscape is witnessing a potential upheaval with the Move Forward Party (MFP) taking legislative strides. The party fervently presented a proposal to Parliament yesterday challenging the military-appointed senators‘ right to participate in the selection of the prime minister. This bid comes as a reaction to the MFP leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, falling short of amassing sufficient support for…
- Business News
Thai businesses call for swift government formation
A speedy establishment of a new administration is of paramount importance, according to the business community amid ongoing political uncertainty. Chookiat Ophaswongse, an honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association voiced concerns over the nebulous political situation, indicating the future of Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat as the next prime minister is uncertain, making the country vulnerable to…
- Politics News
Power play unleashed: New Thai prime minister set to take centre stage in thrilling joint sessions showdown
The Deputy House Speaker-elect announced today the highly anticipated installation of the new prime minister of Thailand is likely to be installed within the first three joint sessions of the House of Representatives and the Senate, scheduled over the next two weeks. Deputy House Speaker-elect Pichet Chuamuangphan said that the three sessions are planned for July 13, 19 and 20,…
- Thailand News
Thaipocrisy: United States deny meddling in Thailand political affairs
Unsurprisingly, and not for the first time, the United States has been accused of meddling in another country’s political affairs, surprisingly, this time it’s Thailand’s turn. The US has a long history of interfering in foreign affairs, as Cuba, China, Russia, Iran, Vietnam, and most South American nations can testify. It appears to be endemic in US politics. US Ambassador…
- Thailand News
Thai nurse harassed by patient: ex-politician behind the threat
A Thai nurse faced verbal threats and ridicule from a patient, sharing her concerns about the lack of support from her superiors on social media. However, a Nursing Council member recommended reporting the incident to authorities and reassessing her work environment. In a viral post, the nurse shared her frustration about receiving verbal abuse from a male patient. She expressed…
- Thailand News
Ballot bafflement: Thai EC orders recounts in 47 polling stations after votes outnumber registered voters
The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand announced plans to conduct vote recounts in 47 polling stations across Thailand on June 11 as the number of ballots cast exceeded the number of registered voters. During a meeting held yesterday, the EC disclosed that out of the 95,000 polling stations nationwide, 31 stations will have their votes recounted for the party-list candidates,…
