Follow Thai politics in English — government policy, elections, parliament and political developments, with reporting and analysis from Thai PBS World.
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has lived in self-imposed exile overseas since 2008, can expect at least 10 years behind bars if makes good on his pledge to return to Thailand to serve his jail terms. Thaksin faced eight criminal cases stemming from his tenure as prime minister between February 2001 and September 2006.
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in New York on a sensitive U.S. stopover on Wednesday, vowing en route not to let external pressure prevent the island from engaging with the world after China threatened retaliation if she met U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. China, which claims democratically ruled Taiwan as its own territory, has repeatedly warned U.S. officials not
A total of 36 political parties have signed a code of ethics on election campaigning, under which they agree not to resort to election cheating, vote buying and mudslinging in a way which could incite hatred or violence. No representatives of the Palang Pracharath or United Thai Nation parties were present at the event. Election
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has designated 16 public venues for campaigning by political parties on the conditions that parties must strictly comply with the regulations and seek permission at least three days in advance. The venues are: The City Square or Lan Khon Mueang in Phra Nakhon district Chatuchak Park in Chatuchak district Rodfai
The Pheu Thai Party has nominated its three candidates for the prime minister’s post, which will be announced officially on April 4th. An informed party source said on Monday that their executive committee and core members had agreed on Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the party’s chief advisor, Srettha Thavisin, advisor to Paetongtarn and Chaikasem Nitisiri, the party’s
Russia will station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday, sending a warning to NATO over its military support for Ukraine and escalating a standoff with the West. Although not unexpected and while Putin said the move would not violate nuclear non-proliferation promises, it is one of the Russia’s most pronounced nuclear signals since the beginning
Most voters in Bangkok would prefer Move Forward Party Leader Pita Limjaroenrat as Thailand’s next prime minister, followed by Pheu Thai Party’s advisory chief Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of the United Thai Nation Party. Most say, however, that they will vote for the Pheu Thai Party, followed by the Move Forward Party,
One thing has made a strong comeback in this election season. That is the role of the so-called “Baan Yai” – roughly translated as the “big clans”. This refers to members of rich and powerful families who dominate politics at the regional and provincial levels. Almost every major province, or group of provinces, has its
Taiwan on Sunday confirmed it had ended its decades-long diplomatic relations with Honduras after the Central American country said it was seeking to open relations with Beijing as the “only legitimate government” representing China. Taiwan foreign minister Joseph Wu confirmed the severing of ties at a news conference in Taipei and said it would close its embassy in Honduras and withdraw
The United Thai Nation Party has nominated Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as the party’s first candidate for next prime minister, followed by party leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga. Each party can nominate up to three candidates for the post. The party revealed its 400 candidates today (Saturday), who will run in all constituencies across the country. Akanat
Eligible voters in Thailand, who are unable to vote on election day on May 14th, can register for advance voting in their constituencies, in other constituencies or abroad from today until April 9th, according to the Election Commission (EC). Those who want to vote in advance in their constituencies can apply for registration by mail
Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan did not rule out the possibility of a military coup if the country is thrown into chaos again. Prawit’s comments came during an encounter on Thursday with a political activist, who has been campaigning against military intervention in politics and demanding reform of the monarchy. Patsaravalee Tanakitvibulpon, better known
