Follow Thai politics in English — government policy, elections, parliament and political developments, with reporting and analysis from Thai PBS World.
Newin Chidchob, a veteran politician and the unofficial patriarch of Bhumjaithai Party, pledged Tuesday to help Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to become prime minister after the next general elections. Newin used his birthday celebrations in the northeastern province of Buriram to make known Bhumjaithai’s ambition to be a key player in Thailand’s future politics.
Anti-Prayut protesters, led by Sombat Boonngarm-anong, launched a campaign today (Sunday) demanding the ouster of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, by pasting stickers which read “Out Prayut” on a wall surrounding the site of what used to be the Scala theatre in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district. The well-known political activist told the media that the group will
Protesters staged a rally at the Victory Monument in Bangkok at about 4pm today (Saturday), to oppose Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha remaining in office after the Constitutional Court ruled yesterday that his 8-year term in office has not yet expired. Chartchai Kaedam, a protest organiser, told the media that his request to stage the protest
In his first reaction to the ruling by the Constitutional Court which reaffirms his premiership, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha pledged to forge ahead with mega-projects initiated by his government. In a post on his Facebook page, Prayut welcomed the ruling and thanked his supporters. “I want to convey my highest regards to the ruling of
Thailand’s Constitutional Court has ruled by a majority that, in accordance with the 2017 Constitution, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s 8-year term in office did not expire on August 24th. The court reasoned that the prime minister’s term should be calculated from the promulgation of that Constitution on April 6th, 2017. The court took less than
Thailand’s Constitutional Court and its offices have been declared restricted areas from 7pm Thursday night until 6am on Monday, ahead of the court’s ruling on the 8-year term in office of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Friday afternoon. Only authorised persons and their vehicles are currently allowed entry to the restricted areas and they are
The economic czar for several previous administrations, Somkid Jatusripitak is back in the spotlight and bidding to take the helm of the next government. The renowned economist recently announced his readiness to be a prime ministerial candidate for the Sarng Anakot Thai Party at the next general election, tentatively scheduled for May 7. Somkid, 69,
Thailand’s Election Commission announced a set of strict rules today (Tuesday) defining what political parties, potential election candidates and holders of political offices can and cannot do during the 180-days between now and March 23rd, 2023, when the 4-year term of the House of Representatives is due to expire. The announcement, by EC Secretary-General Sawaeng
The Chart Pattana party was officially renamed Chart Pattana Kla party at its extraordinary general meeting in the north-eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima today (Monday). Former Kla party leader Korn Chatikavanij and about 40 members of the Kla party, including Atavit Suwannapakdee and Korbsak Sabhavasu, also attended the meeting. Korn, who was earlier tipped to
Former Palang Pracharath (PPRP) party-list MP Watanya Bunnag, aka “Madame Dear”, officially joined the Democrat party today (Thursday) and received a warm welcome from party leader Jurin Laksanawisit and other executive members. Jurin, also a deputy prime minister, said that it was an honour to welcome a new-generation politician with high potential like Watanya, who
Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) has tentatively designated May 7th next year as the date for the next general election, if the House of Representatives is not dissolved by the prime minister before the end of its four-year term on March 23rd. According to the current Constitution, a general election must be held within 45 days
Thailand’s Supreme Court Criminal Division for Political Office Holders found former Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban not guilty today (Tuesday) of corruption in connection with the Royal Thai Police’s project for the construction of 396 police stations across the country. Besides Suthep, the other five defendants charged by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) with similar
