Follow Thai politics in English — government policy, elections, parliament and political developments, with reporting and analysis from Thai PBS World.
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Offices acquitted former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and five other co-defendants today, from charges of abuse of authority over the bidding for the “Thailand 2022 Roadshow” project, worth 240 million baht. The court also revoked the arrest warrant issued against Yingluck. The Supreme Court voted unanimously
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is the most influential person in Thai politics, more so even than Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Pita Limjaroenrat, advisor to Move Forward party leader, according to an opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). The NIDA poll gauged the opinions of 1,310 Thais aged over 18
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is in the southernmost province of Yala today, to promote tourism and economic development in the region. He is expected to meet with local residents and authorities to listen to their needs and problems. He also plans to visit various tourist attractions, as part of his first official visit to the
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin paid a private visit to former prime minister and prison parolee Thaksin Shinawatra at his Ban Chan Song La residence in Thonburi on Saturday morning. He was seen arriving in a brand new “sonic titanium” Lexus LM350H Executive 4-seater prime ministerial staff car. He lowered the window to “wai” reporters and
The Criminal Court rejected bail applications for two hunger striking monarchy reform activists today, Tantawan Tuatulanon and Natthanon Chaimahabutra, on the grounds that they are now under the close observation of doctors in hospital and there is no need to change that. The Criminal Court has previously refused to grant bail for the pair, who
The father of monarchy reform activist Tantawan Tuatulanon submitted a petition to the Criminal Court today, seeking bail for her daughter and another activist, Natthanon Chaimahabutra, promising to restrain his daughter from engaging in future political activities. Sommai Tuatulanon told the media that the health of both activists has deteriorated after more than 11 days
Cambodia’s former PM Hun Sen travelled by private jet from Phnom Penh to visit former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra at his Bangkok residence today. Hun Sen is the first foreign leader to visit Thaksin since his return to Thailand. Thaksin was convicted and sentenced on three corruption charges and was released on parole on
Prosecution of the lèse majesté case against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been postponed, after the attorney-general ordered further investigation into the case today, in response to Thaksin’s appeal for justice. Thaksin, who was released on conditional parole yesterday, reported to the Office of the Attorney-General this morning (OAG), to be informed of Attorney-General
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said today that he has been informed that convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be released on parole from the Police General Hospital on Sunday, but he does not know at what time. He said he believes the release is in compliance with the country’s justice process. Asked when he
The opposition Move Forward party has called for justice equality and an end to double standards, citing the privileges allegedly accorded to convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. In a statement issued following Thaksin’s release on parole this morning, after having spent 180 days at the Police General Hospital, the Move Forward party said that,
Southern and Move Forward MPs unanimously voiced their opposition to the government’s ambitious land bridge mega project, questioning the credibility of its feasibility study. They remain unconvinced that the project is worth the staggering one trillion baht investment or its impacts on the environment and lucrative tourism industry in the region. During a debate in
Opposition and Move Forward Party leader Chaithawat Tulathon has demanded that a deputy Interior Minister provide evidence to support the claim that Move Forward is involved with monarchy reform activists. Chada Thaised, a Bhumjaithai MP, implied in his statement, during a parliamentary session yesterday, that a Move Forward MP’s assistant has been providing financial support
