Profiles

Watanya Opsasi, MP from Palang Pracharath party.

Shining a light on ‘Fixed Stars’ – the rebel MPs rocking Thai coalition’s unity

The prime minister and nine Cabinet members managed to sail through the recent censure vote, but the voting has rejiggered a rift between the coalition’s two largest partners. Six MPs…

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Royalist Scholar

Arnond, the royalist scholar and loyal defender of Thailand’s monarchy

Assistant Professor Arnond Sakworawich first came under the spotlight last November, when he sparred on TV with firebrand protest leader Panusaya “Rung” Sitthijirawattanakul over royal assets. Viewers were glued to…

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Sex, drugs and Sia Po: Thailand’s bad boy rocked by more legal trouble      

Born to a wealthy family, Apirak “Sia Po” Chat-anon could have made money without courting legal trouble. But this 28-year-old macho internet celebrity chose a different path – one that…

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Election fraud conviction no laughing matter for ‘funny-man’ of Thai politics

A court ruling against Theptai Senapong has brought the curtain crashing down on one of Thailand’s most colourful political performers. Renowned for his sense of humour, the senior Democrat politician…

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All eyes on Myanmar army chief Min Aung Hlaing as military seizes power

 (Reuters) – Myanmar’s powerful military chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, is in the spotlight after politicians from the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party were detained and the…

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Samut Sakhon residents pray for governor felled in Covid battle

As the new wave of COVID-19 exploded in Samut Sakhon, the governor leading the fightback always managed to keep a smile on his face, radiating much-needed confidence to his team…

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Image Credit: Manager Online

From beauty queen to TV anchor to psychiatrist – meet the latest ‘face’ of Thailand’s virus battle    

Dr. Apisamai Srirangsan has become the second former beauty queen to join the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)’s spokesperson team, tasked with updating the public on the mission to…

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Red ‘general’ Jatuporn no longer marching to Thaksin’s tune

The old saying “there are no permanent friends or foes in politics” has been proven true once again. Jatuporn Prompan, an activist/politician and a long-time loyal ally of the Shinawatra…

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Thailand Politics

Thaksin’s top cop has a new mission – a corruption-free, developed Pathum Thani  

With fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as his role model, Pol Lt-General Camronwit Toopkrajank is on a mission to turn his hometown of Pathum Thani into a highly developed…

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Nantida Kaewbuasai ©nantidafanclub

How pop legend Nantida dances into Samut Prakan’s coveted political post

Pop diva Nantida Kaewbuasai is set to become the first woman to head the Samut Prakan Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) after scoring a landslide victory at the polls.  Unofficial tallies…

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File photo of former police chief Chakthip Chaijinda

Popular ex-police chief Chakthip gunning to become Bangkok governor

Pol General Chakthip Chaijinda has never held a political post let alone contested for one. Yet, his entry in the upcoming Bangkok governor’s race – if confirmed – will send…

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Pheu Thai party’s candidate for prime minister Sudarat Keyuraphan speaks at her party’s headquarters in Bangkok on March 24, 2019 after polls closed in Thailand’s general election. (Photo by YE AUNG THU / AFP)

The sudden fall of Sudarat, Thaksin’s right-hand woman 

A former key leader of Pheu Thai dating back to its incarnation as Thai Rak Thai in 1998, veteran politician Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan has left the opposition party abruptly.  In her…

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Sulak Sivaraksa – the ‘progressive royalist’ charged with lèse majesté 5 times

Social critic Sulak Sivaraksa, a veteran scholar who has a love-hate relationship with royalists, was the “big surprise” planned by protest leaders at their anti-establishment rally last Wednesday (November 25). …

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Man behind first ‘people’s charter motion’ says fight for democracy will go on

Jon Ungphakorn is the man behind the civil sector’s first ever constitutional-amendment motion to go before Parliament – though it was overwhelmingly rejected by lawmakers. Only three senators voted for…

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Tanaporn: The political beauty with a taste for luxury

As the saying goes, behind every successful man, there’s a woman. Except in Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow’s case, there are two – the woman he is legally…

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Patsaravalee “Mind” Tanakitvibulpon and Haruthai “Au” Muangbunsri

Haruthai and Mind: Two women on two sides of the conflict

When Thailand’s rising political conflict went international outside two embassies last week, two women with opposing viewpoints were leading the way.  Patsaravalee “Mind” Tanakitvibulpon, a 25-year-old student, led several thousand…

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Cr.Bin Bunluerit

Heartthrob turned charity hero gives it all up to defend the monarchy

As ongoing pro-democracy protests prompt more and more Thais to choose sides, actor and charity worker Bin Bunluerit has stood up to declare himself an uncompromising royalist. He surprised the…

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Former monk Buddha Isara vows to lay his life on line for the King 

Buddha Isara, a former monk convicted for his role in violent protests seven years ago, returned to the spotlight on Friday when he caught the attention of Their Majesties the…

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Image Credit: Thai Post

Ultra-royalist Dr Rienthong resurfaces to crush ‘enemies of Thai monarchy’

As soon as political heat rises in the country, the name of ultra-royalist Maj-General Dr Rienthong Nanna starts flashing on the radar.  Last week he won media coverage not for…

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The maverick activist accused of ‘violence’ against the Queen of Thailand

Colourful solo activist Ekachai Hongkangwan has landed himself in legal trouble again – this time facing the rare charge of threatening Her Majesty the Queen.     The former lese-majeste…

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Photo from MThai News

Potjaman – iron lady of few words but strong actions

Behind every successful man there stands a strong woman, goes the old saying.   And no one illustrates this better than Khunying Potjaman Na Pombejra, who has taken much credit…

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The young lawmaker who shatters Thailand’s deepest taboo

In a move never before attempted by any Thai politician, opposition MP Rangsiman Rome has proposed a “new deal” between the people and the monarchy to ensure that Thailand becomes…

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Parit “Penguin” Chirawak

How firebrand protest leader Parit steps back from the brink

A firebrand leader of student-led protests against the Thai establishment, Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak may sound aggressive on stage and at times may seem bent on getting what he wants at…

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The politics of choosing the next finance minister 

Thailand has witnessed the departure of two finance ministers in just past two months, and a veteran politician who served as their deputy is now offering himself as a well-qualified…

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Photo from Pavin Chachavalpongpun Facebook

The man fighting against dictatorship also has an iron fist

The man behind a popular Facebook page critical of the Thai monarchy and military has been left to defend himself against allegations that he employs an authoritarian approach in running…

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File photo

Gen Apirat: Army chief with strong political views

Army chief General Apirat Kongsompong has stirred up politics and ruffled more than a few feathers during his two years as Thailand’s most powerful military figure. He has launched repeated…

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Photo from Warong Dechgitvigrom facebook

‘Loyal Thai’ Warong ready to fight ‘nation-haters’

Warong Dechgitvigrom is best remembered for his crucial role in exposing corruption in the rice-pledging scheme of the Yingluck government. And now the veteran politician is carving a niche for…

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Three activists who break Thailand’s deepest taboo

In the eyes of pro-royalists, Anon Nampa, Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul and Parit Chiwarak are trying to abolish the monarchy, but for fellow anti-establishment protesters they are heroes.   The three have become…

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photo from Nation Thailand

Uphill mission awaits new finance minister

Predee Daochai is taking on what is probably the most unenviable task — steering Thailand out of its worst economic crisis in modern history.   By accepting Prime Minister Prayut…

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Brave teenager fights to save her hometown – and environment

Khairiyah Rahmanyah from the deep South of Thailand may not be as famous as Sweden’s young environmental activist Greta Thunberg, but they both have plenty in common. Not only are…

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Gen Prawit in control of PM Prayut’s political base

It was no surprise that Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan, Palang Pracharath’s chief strategist, was elected the party’s new chief at its general meeting on Saturday, replacing Finance Minister…

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File photo

Ex-minister and his alleged ‘Hollywood’ style escape plan

Former Thai deputy commerce minister Banyin Tangpakorn was taken from the maximum-security Bang Kwang Central Prison to a court hearing on Monday morning under the watchful eye of two dozen…

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A protester points at pictures of the allegedly kidnapped Thai activist Wanchalearm Satsaksit hanged outside the Embassy of Cambodia in Bangkok on Monday.

‘I can’t breathe’: Uproar after yet another Thai activist in exile disappears

Wanchalerm Satsaksit is not the first activist living in exile in a neighbouring country to mysteriously disappear since the 2014 military coup, and he may not be the last. At…

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The life and fights of government’s fiercest “guardian”

Ranking among the country’s most talked-about female MPs, former Miss Congeniality Pareena Kraikupt has received huge media coverage ever since she joined the Palang Pracharath Party. The coverage has not always…

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Chaturon Chaisang

Chaturon casts himself a new political role

In his 34 years as a politician, Chaturon Chaisang has never been out of the spotlight. Despite being ousted by three coups, seeing his parties dissolved twice and being banned…

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Dr. Panprapa Yongtrakul becomes the new face of the CCSA.

From beauty queen to new face in Thailand’s COVID-19 battle

Crowned Miss Thailand 2008, Dr Panprapa Yongtrakul returned to the spotlight last week as assistant spokeswoman of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). Her task in this new position…

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Nurak Mapraneet was named privy councillor on May 4th. (Image Credit: The Constitutional Court)

New Privy councillor in spotlight over past role in disbanding political parties

Former Constitutional Court president Nurak Mapraneet was named privy councillor on Monday (May 4), becoming the 17th since His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s accession to the throne in 2016. Following…

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Governor Chaiwat Chuenkosum leading a campaign to clean up the streets of Ratchaburi when he was its governor.

Loei governor rises as “savior” in Covid-19 struggle

Given his humble background and inspirational rise to the top, Loei governor Chaiwat Chuenkosum knows exactly where to find people in dire need. Hence, his destination one day recently was…

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– Photo from Dr Taweesin’s Facebook

Dr Taweesin: Shining the light of clarity on Covid-19 situation

A crucial weapon in the battle against any public crisis is concise information that can be understood by each and every one of us. However, since the outbreak of Covid-19,…

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Photo from Pita Limjaroenrat Facebook

Real tests await Pita as leader of Future Forward’s reincarnation

With just two years in the field of politics, Pita Limjaroenrat has taken on the challenging mission of leading more than 50 MPs elected under the banner of the now-defunct…

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Korat gunman wanted “revenge” and seemed capable of it

Grudge and weaponry expertise can be a very bad mix, as proven tragically in the case of Sergeant Major Jakrapanth Thomma, the gunman in what is Thailand’s first massive random…

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Sorrayuth’s cursed success

Sorrayuth Suthassanachinda started off like any young, promising journalist —  bold, relentless, working hard, getting great exclusives and building good, widespread connections. He, however, has ended up on a treacherous…

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Thammanat, new lightning rod and hot potato

Being a complete political outcast is difficult, especially in Thailand, where one man’s villain is easily another man’s hero. Deputy Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao has not fallen into the “ostracized”…

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(Photo) Team Lung Tu Facebook page

It’s not how Cabinet looks; it’s how Prayut formed it

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha may have taken one step closer to the brink with the Cabinet he has set up. But it’s not quite about the “faces”, which are a…

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Prem Tinsulanonda: Man who let his action do the talking

For someone whose name was largely associated with “half-baked democracy”, to be generally accepted as a “statesman” is unique. Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda, who passed away this week at…

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New Democrat chief Jurin has mountain to climb

Jurin Laksanavisit’s first job as Democrat leader is tackling an immense dilemma that brought down his immediate predecessor Abhisit Vejjajiva. A social media cynical post has it that Jurin had…

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Admirers hope Piyabutr is not “too fast to live” kind

Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, secretary-general of the Future Forward Party, is travelling at the speed of light politically. A virtual nobody last year, he has come under a major media spotlight along…

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Jurin steps into biggest limelight

If Jurin Laksanawisit is a footballer, he will be called a “utility player”. By that, he can help the team by playing any role no matter how small, how big,…

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Photo from Korn Chatikavanij FB

Korn in mid of Democrats’ “soul-searching”

Because of his height and good look, Korn Chatikavanij is an outstanding man. In politics, though, he is the sort of men who let many people, including those less qualified,…

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Anutin: “Kingmaker” or a lot more?

Amid all the uncertainties in the aftermath of Sunday’s general election, one man has gone virtually and mysteriously underground. Everyone’s radar, though, has been searching for Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul,…

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Future Forward grapples with political complications

All eyes will be on Future Forward leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit next week when he and two other party executives face the prosecutors for a Facebook Live session that allegedly discredited…

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Somkid will be ready when called upon

Spareparts are usually unseen, but if you happen to need them you are glad you have them. Somkid Jatusripitak is like that. News that he would be in the Palang…

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Photo from Chadchart’s Facebook

Watch out for this Pheu Thai “decorative flower”

Thaksin Shinawatra’s camp always springs a surprise when it comes to who it picks as prime minister. Late Samak Sundaravej was a veteran, but everyone had ruled him out when…

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Suthep’s long and winding road

The Thai politics nowadays may be crawling with estranged allies. Sudarat Keyuraphan is said to have upset many in the Thaksin camp. Jatuporn Prompan is not seeing eye to eye…

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What is holding back Prayut’s announcement?

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is not playing hard to get. In keeping people waiting for his decision to vie for post-election premiership, he probably does not want to get bombarded…

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This photo taken on September 3, 2018 shows Myanmar journalist Wa Lone being escorted by police after sentenced by a court to jail in Yangon.

“Thumbs up” pics for Myanmar Reuters reporters as they mark year in jail

Messages of solidarity poured in Wednesday from around the world on the one-year anniversary of the arrest of two Myanmar Reuters journalists who exposed a massacre of Rohingya Muslims in…

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Star to fallen idol: The Japanese rise and fall of Carlos Ghosn

The once-revered Carlos Ghosn’s life was even made into a manga comic but soon after Monday’s arrest his successor at Nissan referred to the ‘dark side’ of his tenure Carlos…

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Vichai, an unlikely legend of football

“This puts football into perspective”. A famous line among those involved in the world’s most popular sport when a human tragedy strikes has to do with the fact that there…

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Introducing Prayut’s “Queen” in cut-throat power play

As former coup leader Gen Sunthorn Kongsompong’s son, new Army chief Gen Apirat Kongsompong can never say what many people think regarding toppling a government by military force. The real…

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From anti-rice pledging scheme crusader to Democrat leadership challenger

Few people believe Warong Dechgitvigrom could dethrone Abhisit Vejjajiva in the Democrat Party’s leadership battle, but flying under the radar to hit the target seems to be what the former…

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From anti-rice pledging scheme crusader to Democrat leadership challenger

Few people believe Warong Dechgitvigrom could dethrone Abhisit Vejjajiva in the Democrat Party’s leadership battle, but flying under the radar to hit the target seems to be what the former…

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A happy couple after 62 years of marriage.

Mahathir’s recipe for happy married life: Tolerance

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohammad, the oldest elected leader in the world, has spilled the beans on his secret to being happily married to his soulmate Tun Dr Siti…

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Democrat leadership choice – a field wide open

There’s something ironic about Warong Dechgitvigrom, but his emergence as one of the candidates to challenge Abhisit Vejjajiva for the leadership of the Democrat Party is probably one of the…

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Spotlight on Alibaba CEO Zhang as Jack Ma starts retirement countdown

BEIJING/SHANGHAI (Reuters) – Unlike his charismatic boss, Jack Ma, Alibaba chief executive, Daniel Zhang isn’t usually one to grab the limelight, let alone make kung fu movies with superstars or dance in…

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Will “Wan Nor” help Thaksin make inroad into deep South?

Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, better known as Wan Nor, has re–emerged into the political limelight by launching a new political party seeking to appeal to Thai Muslims, particularly in the…

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Like father like son…Wan tries to sell his “tough guy” image just like his father Chalerm once did to win votes

Is Pheu Thai smart to have Chalerm as presenter?

Not many people doubt Chalerm Yubamrung’s claim that the Pheu Thai Party will win the majority in the next election. A lot more, however, must be wondering why he has…

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Kofi Annan struggled to escape the curse of history

GENEVA (Reuters) – Kofi Annan, the former United Nations Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who died on Saturday, will be remembered as a dedicated humanitarian whose career was tarnished…

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9 years on, Mong Thongdee still hopes for Thai citizenship

Remember the little stateless boy born to a family of Myanmar migrant workers in Chiang Mai who won Thai people’s hearts with his superb paper plane skills back in 2009? …

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Chatu Mongol…for real or just seat warmer?

It may have surprised many when M.R. Chatu Mongol Sonakul, a former governor of the Bank of Thailand, was picked as the leader of the Action Coalition for Thailand Party (ACT), a…

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Surin Pitsuwan used his style of diplomacy and exceptional leadership to put ASEAN on the world stage.

Remembering “people’s leader” Surin Pitsuwan

Trying to describe someone like Dr. Surin Pitsuwan has never been easy.  You can call him a great diplomat, an ASEAN spokesman, a visionary or a great orator, and yet…

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