Thaksin Shinawatra
- Thailand News
Power play: Thailand plugs into cutting electricity costs
The Government of Thailand is actively exploring methods to reduce electricity costs, as suggested by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, according to Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. Responding to Thaksin’s remarks, the de facto leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, Pichai noted that Thaksin had assured voters in Chiang Rai of the government’s intention to decrease energy prices to…
- Thailand News
PM Paetongtarn defends Thaksin amid racist remark controversy
Stepping out from a Cabinet lunch today, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra launched into a defence of her father, Thaksin, after he was caught in making controversial racist comments during a rally speech. Thaksin’s remarks yesterday, January 6, criticised as discriminatory, sparked a backlash and calls from Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit for Paetongtarn to reprimand him. Initially caught off-guard by the journalists’ pressing…
- Thailand News
Thaksin denies Cabinet reshuffle, supports energy cost cuts
Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s former prime minister and the alleged de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party, has put to rest rumours suggesting the potential dismissal of Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga in the next Cabinet reshuffle. Yesterday, January 5, Thaksin clarified that no such reshuffle is currently planned. Pirapan, for his part, denied any discord with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra…
- Thailand News
Deputy PM rolls dice on Thaksin’s bold online gambling bet
Prasert Chantrawongthong, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, has weighed in on ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s bold proposal to legalise online gambling. The 74 year old former prime minister recently sparked controversy by suggesting that bringing online betting into the open could help tackle the widespread social issues associated with the industry. Known to be…
- Thailand News
NACC denies lobbying claims in Thaksin hospital case investigation
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) firmly denies any lobbying efforts aimed at altering the commissioner overseeing the investigation into former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s detention at a police hospital. Sarote Phuengramphan, the NACC secretary-general and spokesperson, refuted claims of lobbying to replace the commissioner. These allegations were brought forth by activist and former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan during a Facebook live…
- Thailand News
Yacht fleet breakfast: Thaksin and Thamanat’s island meet-up
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and ex-Agriculture Minister Thamanat Prompow made waves yesterday, December 26 as they were spotted enjoying a private breakfast on the picturesque Koh Lipe, Satun province. The political duo arrived in style, leading a fleet of six luxury yachts to the tropical getaway. Landing unannounced at the upscale Bulow Casa Grand View Resort, they dined from…
- Thailand News
Court dismisses claims of favouritism in Thaksin hospital stay
The Constitutional Court dismissed allegations yesterday that state officials facilitated former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s hospital stay during his prison sentence. The petition, brought forward by Kongdecha Chairat, accused key figures, including Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong, the Department of Corrections (DoC) Director General, and the chief of Bangkok Remand Prison, of allowing Thaksin to serve his sentence at…
- Thailand News
Thaksin scandal: Officials probed over cushy hospital stay
A corruption storm is brewing as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) launches a probe into 12 government officials accused of giving former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra a luxurious loophole to avoid prison. NACC Secretary General Sarote Phuengramphan revealed yesterday, December 16, that the commission is investigating claims that officials from the Department of Corrections and Police General Hospital granted Thaksin…
- Thailand News
Thaksin hits the road to boost Pheu Thai’s PAO hopes
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is back in the political spotlight, gearing up to help Pheu Thai candidates in key Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) races. After a triumphant showing in Udon Thani, the party is looking to capitalise on its momentum with Thaksin as its secret weapon. A party insider revealed the 74 year old former PM will visit…
- Thailand News
Pheu Thai secures Udon Thani election win, credits Thaksin
The Pheu Thai Party celebrated a significant victory in the recent Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chairman election in Udon Thani, attributing the success largely to the influence of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. This triumph saw their candidate, Sarawut Pethpanomporn, secure a decisive win. Anusorn Iamsa-ard, a member of Parliament for Pheu Thai, highlighted the combination of Sarawut’s political experience…
- Thailand News
EC persists in Thaksin investigation despite court ruling
The Election Commission (EC) remains steadfast in its investigation into allegations against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, focusing on claims of his manipulation of the Pheu Thai Party and interference in the coalition government. This action continues despite the Constitutional Court’s recent decision to dismiss a petition accusing Thaksin and the ruling party of attempting to overthrow Thailand’s constitutional monarchy.…
- Thailand News
Thai court dismisses petition against Thaksin for lack of evidence
Thailand’s Constitutional Court has unanimously dismissed a petition against Thaksin Shinawatra and the Pheu Thai Party, citing a lack of credible evidence. This petition, filed by Teerayut Suwankesorn, accused the former prime minister and his party of undermining the constitutional monarchy under Article 49 of the Constitution. The court’s decision, made yesterday, November 22, closes the chapter on these allegations,…
- Politics News
Thaksin leads critical local election battle in northeast Thailand
The upcoming Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chief election in Udon Thani has drawn national attention as Thaksin Shinawatra, the influential figure behind the ruling Pheu Thai Party, leads campaign efforts against the emerging People’s Party challenger. The November 24 election pits Pheu Thai’s candidate Sarawut Petchpanomporn against the People’s Party’s Kanisorn Khurirangon in what analysts view as a significant test…
- Thailand News
Thaksin under scrutiny for possible VIP hospital privileges
Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand, is set to be summoned by a parliamentary committee to address allegations regarding his treatment at the Police General Hospital during his detention. These claims suggest the 74 year old politician received special privileges while at the hospital, raising questions about the standard procedures typically followed for prisoners requiring medical attention. The…
- Thailand News
Thaksin’s Pheu Thai campaign in Surin election ‘not unlawful’
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra‘s planned campaign activities in Surin province are within legal bounds, Defence Minister and Deputy PM Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed today, November 11, at Government House. Thaksin, who is widely seen as Pheu Thai Party‘s de facto leader, is scheduled to visit Surin from November 19 to 20 to support Natthamon Siriwattanawanit, a former vice CEO of…
- Thailand News
Thaksin accused of undermining Thai monarchy, court decision imminent
Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has not yet provided testimony in a legal case where both he and the ruling Pheu Thai Party face serious allegations. The accusations suggest attempts to undermine Thailand’s constitutional monarchy. This development comes as the deadline for public prosecutors to submit their findings to the Constitutional Court is fast approaching. Thus far, only lawyer Teerayut…
- Thailand News
PM Paetongtarn pledges no interference in Thaksin detention probe
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed concerns regarding her involvement in an investigation into allegations that her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, received preferential treatment during his detention at the Police General Hospital. She reassured the public and officials that she would not interfere with the ongoing probe. The 38 year old Thai premier confirmed the government’s commitment to adhering…
- Thailand News
MPs probe Thaksin’s alleged special treatment during detention
A House committee announced plans to convene tomorrow, November 5, to investigate allegations of preferential treatment afforded to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his incarceration at the Police General Hospital. The inquiry is a part of a broader discussion on reforming the justice system, with Thaksin’s case drawing significant attention. Leading the charge is the committee on state security,…
- Politics News
Phew! Thai party faces petition peril over Thaksin ties
A dramatic political twist erupted as a petition emerged demanding the dissolution of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, with claims of undue influence from former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. The party itself has made the explosive allegations. The Election Commission (EC) confirmed it is merging four petitions against Pheu Thai, alleging that the party is under Thaksin’s sway, despite him not…
- Thailand News
Thaksin and Pheu Thai Party face constitutional showdown
Independent lawyer Thirayut Suwankesorn, renowned for dismantling the Move Forward Party, has launched a scathing complaint against the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its influential patriarch, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The complaint, submitted to the Constitutional Court at 10.30am today, October 10, accuses them of a serious breach of constitutional protocol, alleging attempts to undermine the country’s constitutional monarchy.…
- Thailand News
From idol to outcast: Thaksin devotee switches allegiances
Once a die-hard fan of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a 60 year old Thai woman went as far as travelling from Thailand to the UAE just to see her political hero during his self-imposed exile. Armed with gifts, letters, and a banner, Podjanin Towatrakool wept upon meeting Thaksin in 2009, hugging him and calling him “father.” She even…
- Thailand News
Activist urges EC to dissolve Pheu Thai and five other parties
An activist has called on the Election Commission (EC) to dissolve coalition leader Pheu Thai Party and five other parties, accusing them of being influenced by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Noparuj Worachitwuthikul submitted a petition to the EC yesterday, urging the disbandment of Pheu Thai, Bhumjaithai, Chart Thai Pattana, Prachachat, United Thai Nation, and Palang Pracharath parties. All parties, except…
- Thailand News
NACC awaits CCTV in Thaksin hospital treatment probe
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has yet to receive CCTV footage from the Police General Hospital as it investigates potential preferential treatment given to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his hospital stay. Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, NACC secretary-general, stated yesterday that the commission has gathered substantial information and will soon determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with questioning. The…
- Thailand News
Thaksin visits flood-hit Chiang Rai in sensational homecoming
Thaksin Shinawatra, the once-exiled former Prime Minister of Thailand and father of current PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, made a sensational return to his homeland on Tuesday, August 27. Touching down at Mae Fah Luang Airport in Chiang Rai, he immediately set out to assess the devastation caused by severe flooding in the region—a crisis that has left hundreds struggling. Greeted warmly…
- Thailand News
PM Paetongtarn denies Thaksin’s influence on Cabinet
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra firmly asserted that she alone will decide on the composition of her Cabinet. This declaration follows concerns that her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, might interfere in her selections. Paetongtarn was officially named Thailand’s 31st Prime Minister on August 18 after securing a majority vote in Parliament. Since then, her coalition partners have been…
- Thailand News
Call for dissolution of Pheu Thai over alleged Thaksin influence
An anonymous complaint submitted last week called on the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) to dissolve the Pheu Thai Party. The complaint alleges that party members have permitted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a non-member, to exert undue influence over its political activities. Channel 3 reported that the dissolution request on Monday, August 19, accused the Pheu Thai Party of…
- Politics News
New Cabinet line-up to be finalised by weekend
The new Cabinet line-up is expected to be finalised by the end of the week, according to Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The government plans to immediately address national issues following the announcement of its policy statement in parliament next month. Phumtham, who stepped in as acting prime minister after Srettha Thavisin’s dismissal by the Constitutional Court, confirmed that…
- Thailand News
Thaksin suggests reacquisition of private transit projects for 20 baht
The Transport Ministry is considering establishing an infrastructure fund aimed at repurchasing mass rapid transit projects from private entities, following a proposal by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Public ownership of these services could potentially allow for a standard fare of 20 baht per ride. Caretaker Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced yesterday, August 24, that the ministry intends to explore the…
- Politics News
Thaksin drops bombshell on fallout with Prawit
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has finally broken his silence on the real reason behind his dramatic fallout with General Prawit Wongsuwan, the ex-military strongman and current leader of the embattled Palang Pracharath Party. During a question-and-answer session following his keynote speech on Thailand’s future at an event hosted by The Nation media group last night, Thaksin spilled the…
- Thailand News
Thaksin denies political deal on return from exile
Thaksin Shinawatra firmly stated yesterday that no political arrangement was crafted with his conservative adversaries to facilitate his return from a 15-year exile last year. The former Thai premier made the statement during an on-stage interview at a forum organised by a local media group. “There is no deal, no one dare do a deal with me.” The 75 year…
