Follow Thai politics in English — government policy, elections, parliament and political developments, with reporting and analysis from Thai PBS World.
Pheu Thai’s party-list MP Adisorn Piengkes said today (Monday) he and other MPs will propose an urgent motion to the House of Representatives, questioning the suitability of Padipat Suntiphada to remain as deputy House speaker. The veteran MP, who is also the government’s chief whip,said that he and Chousak Sirinil, another party-list MP and legal
The Thai Appeals Court has rejected human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa’s application for bail, on the grounds that the lèse majesté offence, of which he has been convicted, carries a lengthy prison term, from which he may try abscond if bailed were granted. Arnon was found guilty by the Criminal Court on Tuesday of committing
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s vow to curb generational poverty has failed to convince several experts, who point out that his government policies are mainly designed for short-term economic gains. “If you examine the ruling Pheu Thai Party’s policies, you see that they are only aimed at stimulating the economy. Economic stimulus does not equate to
The board of directors of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRT) has decided to cut fares on the Purple Line train service to a maximum of 20 baht, effective from December 1. Fares for children and the elderly will be cut to between 7 and 10 baht. Previously, the State Railways of Thailand
The cost of his five-day visit to Singapore was much less than the amount approved, claims Deputy House speaker Padipat Suntiphada. Padipat led an 11-member team on an official visit to Singapore last week. The trip was harshly criticised for being unnecessary and a waste of taxpayers’ money. The approved budget for the trip was
Last week’s Supreme Court ruling banning former MP Pannika Wanich from elections and political office for life has been criticized as political “capital punishment” by many observers. Ending her political life was too harsh a penalty for the young politician to pay, they said. Even Pannika’s political enemy, Pareena Kraikupt, showed sympathy, saying that she
The Move Forward party will press for more change in Thai society, expand its political base across the country and transform the party into a political institution of the people, newly-elected party leader Chaithawat Tulathon told supporters at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s youth centre (formerly Thai-Japanese youth centre) in Din Daeng on Sunday. Speaking at
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is following the old approach to Thailand’s foreign affairs in a bid to rebuild confidence in the country on the global stage. The prime minister is in New York, his first overseas assignment, to attend the 78th United Nations General Assembly from September 18-24. Following in the footsteps of the previous
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has hinted that convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra could be assigned an advisory role in his government, once he completes his time in prison. “I believe he has value to add to the government and to the people of Thailand,” Srettha said during an interview with Bloomberg Television in New
Pannika Wanich has vowed to stay engaged in political activities, despite being banned from election or appointment to political office for life by the Supreme Court. Writing on her Facebook page on Thursday, Pannika thanked people for the support and concern extended to her. “The court’s ruling means I cannot run for parliament or accept
Pita Limjaroenrat, the initial frontrunner to become Thailand’s 30th prime minister, has made a huge sacrifice in a bid to secure the post of opposition leader for his Move Forward Party (MFP) while also helping MFP’s Padipat Suntiphada keep his seat as deputy House speaker. Pita stepped down as leader of the opposition’s largest party last Friday
Thaksin Shinawatra, who is currently serving a prison sentence, underwent surgery last week and is in recovery, according to his youngest daughter Paetongtarn today (Tuesday). She declined to disclose any other details, saying she would consult with his doctors who would be the best people to explain the reason for the operation. Thaksin has been
