Follow Thai politics in English — government policy, elections, parliament and political developments, with reporting and analysis from Thai PBS World.
Former deputy governor of Thailand’s Narathiwat and Yala provinces, Pateemoh Sadeeyamu, has become the first female Muslim governor of Pattani province, in an appointment approved by the cabinet yesterday (Tuesday). Her appointment has been welcomed by many people in the restive Pattani province, including “We Peace”, a network of women dedicated to the restoration of
Eligible voters in Thailand’s central region favour Paetongtarn Shinawatra, youngest daughter of fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin, as Thailand’s next prime minister and the Pheu Thai Party to govern, according to an opinion poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). NIDA conducted the poll, entitled “The Right Person, the Party I Like”, among
The opposition Move Forward Party has officially asked the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) to screen the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment contract for the Orange Line train project, before the document is submitted to the cabinet for approval. Move Forward MP Surachet Pravinvongvuth said today (Friday) that, if the OAG allows the contract to go
The Thai House of Representatives voted unanimously today (Thursday) to propose that the cabinet holds a referendum, to gauge the opinions of the Thai people about the drafting of a new Constitution. A motion seeking a referendum was jointly proposed by Pheu Thai Party deputy leader Julapun Amornvivat and Move Forward MP for Bangkok Natthaphong
Deputy Prime Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow defended the government’s plan to allow land-ownership in Thailand for residential purpose by four groups of foreigners, in his response to criticism of the plan by Move Forward Party Leader Pita Limjaroenrat in the House of Representatives. During the debate, Pita said he would like to know the government’s real
The Move Forward Party’s Progressive Liquor Bill was derailed today (Wednesday), when the House of Representatives twice voted against it twice, first by 177:174 votes and then by 196:194 votes. The failure of the Bill to pass was not unexpected, after the government issued an edict yesterday to ease restrictions on the production of liquor
The government has defended its liquor policy, as announced in an edict which came into force today (Wednesday), insisting that it is in the public interest, will put an end to the current oligopoly and is not intended to wrong-foot the opposition Move Forward Party as alleged. The essence of the edict is to allow
Move Forward Party Leader Pita Limjaroenrat said today (Wednesday) that the government’s move to ease restrictions on the production of liquor and beer is intended to derail the party’s Progressive Liquor Bill, which is due to have its second and third readings in the House tomorrow. On Tuesday, the cabinet agreed to issue an edict
The Prayut government on Tuesday moved to pre-empt the opposition’s bill to liberalize liquor production due for its second reading in the House of Representatives today by relaxing the ministerial regulations governing production of alcoholic drinks. The Cabinet yesterday approved an amendment to the existing ministerial regulations that would make it easier for small-scale brewers
The opposition Pheu Thai Party voiced its strong opposition today (Saturday) to the government’s plan to allow certain foreigners to buy up to 0.16 hectares (one rai) of land for residential purposes, hoping that the scheme will boost foreign investment and spur the economy. In its statement, the Pheu Thai Party warned that the foreign
Thai opposition parties will submit a motion to the House Speaker in mid-November, seeking a general censure debate on the government, without a vote, to “grill” it over illegal gambling and drug abuse issues and to offer recommendations to the government. Opposition and Pheu Thai Party Leader Chonlanan Srikaew said today (Saturday) that he expects
The Democrat Party, Thailand’s oldest political party, has been dealt another blow with the resignation of one of its most senior members Trairong Suwankiri on Thursday. Trairong, an advisor of the party, gave no reason for his resignation but said in a Facebook post that he decided to quit “despite my love for the Democrat Party”.
