Follow Thai politics in English — government policy, elections, parliament and political developments, with reporting and analysis from Thai PBS World.
Science and Technology Minister Suwit Maesincee and a core member of Palang Pracharat Party said this morning that it was about time the pro-government political party formally invited Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to become its candidate for prime minister. Speaking to reporters in the northeastern province of Nong Khai during a trip by the Cabinet,
Seven political parties have demanded the Election Commission to change its poll ballot format to include the names and logos of political parties and to allow each party to use the same number for all its candidates in the 350 election constituencies. Representatives of the seven parties and their people’s networks submitted their joint statement
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday issued an executive order exempting members of university council and board members of state funds as well as their spouses and children from having to declare their assets. The executive order, issued in his capacity as head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), redefines the
After a long wait, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) finally lifted the ban on political activities today, paving the way for political parties to begin campaigning for the February-24 election in earnest. The ban on political activities, especially electioneering, was rescinded by an executive order issued by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, in
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha insisted today that he has nothing to do with the controversial new ballot design of the Election Commission and would not invoke his executive power to solve the problem. He said the poll ballot issue is the sole responsibility of the EC. He was responding to charges that he might have
The junta and the government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha are following in the footstep of the previous Thaksin government in stifling independent organizations and in taking advantage of rival political parties to make sure that they will stay on in power after the forthcoming election, said well-known political analyst Thirayuth Boonmee. He said he
A dinner party reportedly planned for December 19 in Bangkok’s neighbouring province of Nonthaburi by the pro-regime Palang Pracharat Party has become a focus of attention by critics who see it as a violation of the ban on political activities. The political party, which has openly declared its support for Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha’s return as
As resentments among political parties and politicians grow against the new poll ballot design, a former election commissioner has warned the Election Commission that the forthcoming election could end up being declared null and void. The new ballots, designed by the EC, only show the numbers and names of the candidates without the names and
The Pheu Thai party has cried foul over what its spokesman described as an “election tragedy” a proposal reportedly from Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha that the election ballots will show only the names and numbers of candidates without party logos. Instead of making it easier and more convenient for voters, Pheu Thai spokesman Anusorn Iamsa-ard
Investigation into the scandal surrounding luxurious wristwatches worn by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan is expected to be wrapped up and its findings will be sent to the National Anti-Corruption Commission around the end of this month. NACC secretary-general Worawit Sukboon said Friday that the probe panel had already received from the watch manufacturers information
It has been officially confirmed that the much-awaited election will take place on February 24, 2019 with advance voting scheduled for February 17, according to Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam. He said the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) confirmed the election date during a meeting with representatives of political parties at the Army
The National Anti-Corruption Commission is considering amending its controversial assets declaration announcement so that officials holding some positions would be exempted from having to declare their wealth and details about their assets would not be made public. Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngarm said today that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, in his capacity as the head
