Thai politics
- Economy News
Thai parties pledge to tackle economic inequality, business groups sceptical
Business organisations have expressed support for the Move Forward Party’s campaign pledges to address economic inequality in Thailand, but they question the party’s ability to overcome long-standing issues. On May 22, eight political parties signed a memorandum of understanding, outlining 23 focal points for governing Thailand. These included a joint commitment to reducing inequality and promoting equitable economic growth. The…
- Politics News
Thai election uncertainty raises concerns for small business owners
A record 39 million Thai citizens participated in the recent general election, with the Move Forward Party (MFP) emerging victorious. However, the recently amended constitution poses challenges for non-military political parties, and the MFP-led coalition still requires additional upper-house votes to secure the 376 seats needed for leadership. This has raised concerns about Thailand‘s political future and its economic prospects.…
- Business News
Thapanee Kiatphaibool approved as new TAT governor
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced the appointment of Thapanee Kiatphaibool as its new governor, effective from September 1. The 48 year old, who currently serves as the deputy governor for domestic marketing, was chosen by the TAT board yesterday, following a recruitment process that began on February 20. Out of the two finalists, the nomination subcommittee, chaired by…
- Politics News
Excise Department supports Move Forward Party’s Progressive Liquor Act
The deputy director-general of the Excise Department stated that the department’s liquor policy is in line with the Move Forward Party‘s Progressive Liquor Act. The proposed Act aims to liberalise liquor production, allowing both small and large producers to enter the market. Kriengkrai Pattanaporn explained that the proposal is consistent with the department’s policy, and there would be no objections if…
- Politics News
Thai pro-democracy coalition faces obstacles amid conservative backlash
Pro-democracy parties in Thailand are facing resistance in their efforts to form a government following their historic win in the recent general election. The Move Forward Party (MFP), led by prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat, has expanded its coalition to eight parties with 313 members. However, to form a government without relying on the military-appointed Senate, the bloc needs 376…
- Thailand News
Ex-teacher charged over assault in Thai Constitution Association case
Don Mueang District Court ordered an investigation into a retired teacher‘s behaviour after he allegedly assaulted and defamed the secretary of the Thai Constitution Protection Organisation. A judgment is scheduled for 11 July The case involving Thotsaphol Thannonsophonkhun, a 67 year old retired teacher, is set to take a significant step forward. He has been accused by the Tung Song…
- Business News
Tourism boom shields Thailand’s economy amid political uncertainty
As political uncertainty continues to loom over Thailand, the country’s economy is receiving a much-needed boost from the significant increase in foreign tourists. In the first quarter of 2023, Thailand welcomed 6.5 million visitors, a stark contrast to the 498,000 recorded in the same period a year earlier. This surge in tourism is expected to help bolster the nation’s economy,…
- Thailand News
Groups urge Senate to back Thai majority’s choice for PM, Pita Limjaroenrat
Two prominent civil society groups urged the Senate to honour the majority’s decision in favour of Pita Limjaroenrat, the Move Forward Party’s (MFP) candidate for prime minister. The Rural Doctors Society (RDS) and the Law CU Student Committee, Faculty of Law, Chulalongkorn University (CU), expressed their support for the MFP to lead a coalition government with Pita at the helm.…
- Business News
Business sector urges swift government formation for economic stability
The business community in Thailand is urging the formation of a new government and the agreement of policies by coalition parties, as this will significantly impact the nation’s confidence. Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the importance of a stable government that can govern without interruption. He also noted the high level of public engagement in…
- Business News
SET index drops after MFP election win spooks investors
Despite the Move Forward Party (MFP) election victory on Sunday, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) experienced a downturn yesterday. Investors sold shares related to politics and large-cap stocks that could be negatively impacted by the MFP’s policies, according to analysts. The SET index closed 1.28% lower yesterday, with shares of Gulf Energy Development Plc (GULF), Thailand’s largest power producer,…
- Business News
Funding populist policies: borrowing or tax hikes?
During the general election, political parties presented various populist pledges aimed at attracting voters. Among these were the controversial 10,000-baht digital wallet handout for individuals aged 16 and over, increasing minimum daily wages, raising minimum monthly salaries for university graduates, suspending debts for farmers, cutting electricity tariffs, and increasing the monthly allowance for people aged 60 and over. The Thailand…
- Business News
New government has room to spend 2 trillion baht on populist pledges
The upcoming government is expected to have around two trillion baht at its disposal for implementing its populist policies, according to an anonymous source from the Finance Ministry. The figure takes into account the 500 billion baht needed for the Pheu Thai Party’s pledge to provide digital wallet handouts of 10,000 baht to those aged 16 and over. Should the…
- Thailand News
NACC requires political parties to submit policy corruption risk assessments to EC
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has announced that it requires every political party to submit their policy corruption risk assessment criteria reports to the Election Commission (EC) urgently as the EC will forward the findings to the NACC after this Sunday’s election. The NACC stated that it wanted to clarify the urgent letter issued on May 3 to all political…
- Thailand News
Campaign urges senators to back winning party in forming Thai government
A campaign led by a group of academics is calling for the support of senators for the political party that secures the most House seats in Sunday’s election, in hopes to establish a new government efficiently. The public can contribute their views on this initiative from midday on Monday until midday Wednesday by voting through the QR code provided by…
- Thailand Election News
Election commission provides Braille campaign guide for visually impaired voters
The Election Commission of Thailand has recently launched a Braille guidebook to assist visually impaired citizens in voting for the upcoming general election. This initiative, carried out by the Office of the Promotion of Citizenship, is designed to ensure that visually impaired individuals are well-informed about the election process and can exercise their democratic rights on Sunday, May 14. The…
- Business News
Thai business leaders’ wishlist for first 100 days under new government
Business executives are contemplating Thailand’s prospects for the first 100 days under a new administration as the election approaches. Key areas of focus for the incoming government include the appointment of suitable ministers and the prioritisation of business sector policies. Jareeporn Jarukornsakul, the 42-year-old chairman of industrial developer WHA Group, emphasises the importance of appointing knowledgeable and capable ministers to…
- Economy News
PPRP offers upskilling for welfare card holders to tackle poverty
The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) has proposed new initiatives for the holders of its Pracharath welfare cards aimed at empowering them to break free from the poverty trap. Charnkrit Detwithak, a spokesperson for the party’s election strategy committee, stated that the party leader and prime ministerial candidate, General Prawit Wongsuwon, is focused on core issues and the need to boost…
- Politics News
TDRI warns political parties of excessive campaign spending and economic risk
The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) has issued a warning to major political parties that their primary election campaign projects might be unnecessary as an economic stimulus, given that the country is not currently experiencing a recession. Yesterday, TDRI published a report intended to study and analyse the budget management of political parties, offering recommendations for adapting their future strategies.…
- Politics News
Kanit Sangsubhan joins Palang Pracharath Party to boost southern Thailand’s economy
The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) recently announced the appointment of Kanit Sangsubhan, previously a special adviser to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office, as a member of its economic team. This move is intended to bolster the economy in Thailand’s southern border provinces. PPRP leader Prawit Wongsuwon expressed his delight at welcoming Kanit as a key member of the party,…
- Thailand News
Angry Thai man crashes car into PPRP election poster
An angry Thai man was prosecuted for damaging an election campaign poster belonging to the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). He deliberately crashed his pickup into the poster. The suspect’s family revealed he was angry at the party because his request for unemployment compensation was rejected. With the General Election set to take place on May 14, every political party has begun…
- Politics News
Officials drug stray dogs for visit of PM Prayut in Sing Buri
Animal rights activists and Thai netizens were outraged after learning stray dogs in the central province of Sing Buri were drugged so that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha could visit the area without any drama. PM Prayut visited Sing Buri on Monday, October 24, to check the province’s flood situation and offer his support to victims affected by the floods. The…
- Thailand News
3 men jailed for insulting PM Prayut & Deputy PM Prawit
Three men face eight months in prison for spreading fake news about Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan. The incident happened four years ago in 2018 when Prayut served as Thai PM and Head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), and while Prawit served as the Deputy PM and Defence Minister. A court…
- Thailand News
Political activist finds refuge in noodles shop after being shunned by family
A noodles shop in Bangkok has provided a safe refuge for a political activist ostracised by her family who disagrees with her views. Talented artist Thorpad Autta-a-nan uploaded a drawing to her Instagram account that some zealous monarchists may consider offensive. The drawing certainly offended her family and as a result, the 27 year old artist was shunned by her…
- Thailand News
Former MP jailed after casting votes for colleagues
A former Member of the House of Representatives from the Pheu Thai Party, Narisorn Thongtirat, was sentenced to 16 months in jail after he was found guilty of signing and casting votes for colleagues. The Criminal Division for Politicians under the Supreme Court yesterday sentenced Narisorn, the former MP of the northeastern province of Sakon Nakhon. An investigation found Narisorn…
- Thailand video news
Thailand News Today | Royalist group targets german activist who protested against the Thai govt
A royalist group now targets a one-person activist who protested against the Thai government last week. Police are under pressure from royalists to prosecute the German activist who staged a one-person protest against the government of Thailand. The founder and leader of the King Protection Group, Songchai Nienhorm, filed a complaint against the activist, Moritz Pfoh, at Nua Khlong police…
- Politics News
Super Poll: Most Thais welcome acting PM Prawit as the next PM
A Super Poll research centre survey has revealed that the majority of Thai people trust the judicial administration of Thailand and are willing to give a chance to caretaker Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan to serve as the kingdom’s next PM. Super Poll research centre director Noppadon Kannika yesterday announced the result of the survey titled Trust the Court, the Peaceful…
- Politics News
UPDATE: German activist gets a warning from Thailand police
The German activist, who earlier this week held a one-man protest against acting Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, acknowledged that his visa might not be extended if he continues his protest against the Thai government. Moritz Pfoh and his Thai wife arrived in Bangkok today in preparation for a protest in the capital tomorrow and revealed that police officers visited him…
- Politics News
German’s one-man protest against the government of Thailand
A foreigner held a one-man protest against the government of Thailand today in the central province of Rayong. The German man, Moritz Pfoh, was spotted walking on an island in the middle of Sukhumvit Road in Tapong sub-district, Mueng district, holding a portrait of acting Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan with a red cross on his face. The 35 year old,…
- Thailand video news
Tenant fined 140,000 baht for keeping dog in Bangkok condominium | GMT
Hotly-contested bill favouring small parties in elections killed. Southeastern Bangkok submerged as rain lashes central Thailand. Court issues arrest warrant for Sia B’s father, the ‘real owner’ of Mountain B. Tenant fined 140,000 baht for keeping dog in Bangkok condominium. All this and more on today’s Good Morning Thailand.
- Thailand News
Thailand News Today | New traffic rule to affect entire country
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha warned Thailand to brace itself for another deluge of water this month. The 68 year old PM ordered governors in provincial areas to prepare for potential flooding after weather forecasters predicted more heavy rainfall until the end of the month. Thailand witnessed a heavy taste of what is to come over the past 24 hours…
