It’s set to be an eventful Monday as senators gather to discuss a crucial referendum bill, prompted by an ad hoc Senate committee’s proposal to tweak the voting requirements for issues concerning charter amendments. Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja has marked Sept 30 on the calendar for this significant meeting, underscoring the urgency of the matter. The special committee, under the leadership of Pol Maj Gen Chattawat Saengphet, has delved deep into the bill and emerged with a recommendation to implement the “double majority” requirement for charter amendment proposals. As reported by a source, this change would solely apply to amendments concerning the charter. So, what exactly does the “double majority” entail? This rule, outlined in Section 13 of the Referendum Act, demands not one but two conditions be met for a referendum result to be binding. First, more than half of all eligible voters must participate in the referendum. Second,…
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Senators are set for a high-stakes meeting on Monday to deliberate over a crucial referendum bill, following recommendations from an ad hoc Senate committee proposing a change in the voting requirements for issues concerning charter amendments. This urgent gathering, summoned by Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja, is scheduled for September 30, according to insider reports. The special committee, led by Pol Maj Gen Chattawat Saengphet, has meticulously reviewed the bill and suggested implementing the “double majority” rule for charter amendments. Insights reveal that this proposed adjustment is exclusively focused on amendments to the charter. The essence of the “double majority” requirement, embedded in Section 13 of the Referendum Act, is twofold: first, more than half of the eligible voters must participate in the referendum, and secondly, the majority of those votes must favor the proposal. This rule has faced significant criticism for complicating the approval process, thus, making it incredibly challenging…
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) found itself in deep sorrow yesterday, expressing their regret over a tragic accident that occurred at the bustling Prachanukul intersection on Wednesday morning. The disheartening incident took place around 8:25 AM when bus No.49 collided with a motorcycle, leaving an indelible mark on the families of two women who died as a result of the accident. These two unfortunate souls, identified as 34-year-old Pimnipa and 31-year-old Manassanan, were both dedicated employees at a local bank in the Wong Sawang subdistrict of Bang Sue district. The driver of the bus, 55-year-old Chamnong Boonchan, recounted the harrowing moment. As he was maneuvering the bus to the right at the intersection, he felt an unexpected resistance under the vehicle’s right wheels. Realizing something might be terribly wrong, he promptly halted the bus and stepped out to investigate. To his horror, he discovered that the bus had struck…
Political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has spotlighted a potential ethical dilemma for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, calling on the Election Commission (EC) to probe further into her recent ministerial appointments. The focus of his concerns? The appointments of Somsak Thepsutin as Public Health Minister and Pol Col Tawee Sodsong as Justice Minister, both of whom are alleged to have accorded unwarranted privileges to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his detention at the Police General Hospital. In his formal plea to the EC, Mr. Ruangkrai outlined potential violations against Section 160 of the Constitution and Article 8 of ethical standards. These alleged breaches, if proven, could instigate the termination of the ministerial roles of the three named individuals under Sections 170 and 160. Central to his argument is a report from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), dated July 30, which accused the two ministers of facilitating preferential treatment for Thaksin.…
Politics can be a tricky game, often resembling a high-stakes chess match where every move counts. In Thailand’s political landscape, Bhumjaithai’s increasing sophistication and strategic maneuvering could be positioning the party to dethrone Pheu Thai as the ruling force in the next election. However, for Anutin Charnvirakul, the leader of Bhumjaithai, proving he has what it takes to be the next prime minister is no small feat. Bhumjaithai, currently the third-largest party in parliament and the second-largest in the government, has been turning heads with its savvy political moves. A political insider reveals that despite Bhumjaithai’s current alliance with Pheu Thai, the two parties are quietly jousting for dominance as they seek to expand their political territories ahead of the next election, now three years away. If the Paethongtarn administration manages to last that long, the competition will be fierce. Pheu Thai is burning the midnight oil to rebuild its…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is gearing up for her debut international journey since ascending office, as she prepares to attend the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit in Doha, Qatar, from October 2-4. This diplomatic event promises to be a riveting chapter in her tenure, offering her a platform to foster new alliances and invigorate existing ones. Get ready to witness Paetongtarn’s eloquence as she delivers a statement that resonates with the forum’s ambitious goals and engages in bilateral talks with the leaders of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia. It’s a prime opportunity to bolster cooperation and deepen ties across a spectrum of critical areas. Her itinerary doesn’t stop there. Once the ACD concludes, she’s slated to shed light on the intertwined fates of Southeast Asian nations by partaking in a series of Asean-related summits in the charming city of Vientiane, Laos, from October 8-11. The…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra appeared to face some conflicting ideas with her deputy finance minister yesterday, following rumors that the government intends to halve its 10,000-baht cash handout scheme during its second phase next year. Despite the circulating gossip that financial constraints might force the payout down to just 5,000 baht per eligible person, Ms. Paetongtarn assured the media that participants would receive the full sum as initially planned. “People will definitely receive all the money,” she affirmed, adding that responsible agencies would provide more details after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Sirikanya Tansakul, an MP from the main opposition People’s Party, mentioned that while her party favored the scheme aimed at aiding vulnerable groups first, she doubted it would have the sweeping impact the government claimed, dismissing the idea of it creating an economic “whirlwind.” Initially, the handout was planned for 45 million recipients but was later scaled down…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has officially launched a significant expansion of the 30-baht universal healthcare coverage scheme, delighting Bangkok residents with the promise of more accessible healthcare. Speaking at the celebratory launch ceremony, Ms. Paetongtarn reflected on the scheme’s evolution since its inception by her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, during his time as Prime Minister. “The time has come to take this transformative healthcare initiative to new heights,” she declared. The program is evolving from “30-baht treatment for all diseases” to an even more inclusive “30-baht treatment at all locations.” Initially rolled out in four pilot provinces on January 7, the scheme’s updated version has now reached the bustling metropolis of Bangkok. Presently, it spans 46 provinces across Thailand, including the capital city. The expanded coverage means that cardholders in Bangkok can now access minor medical care at various local healthcare units near their homes—ranging from pharmacies and primary clinics to…
House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha has signaled the start of an intriguing investigation, granting the go-ahead for the House Ethics Committee to delve into the frequent absences of Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader Prawit Wongsuwon. This move comes on the heels of a petition filed earlier this week by Prompong Nopparit, a former spokesman for Pheu Thai, who has raised robust concerns over Gen Prawit’s habitual no-shows at parliamentary sessions. The petition outlines a rather shocking attendance record: since July 3 of last year, Gen Prawit has graced only 11 out of 95 parliamentary sessions with his presence. He has submitted personal leave requests 83 times and has taken one sick day—bringing his tally to a whopping 84 absences. In the wake of these revelations, the House Speaker has committed to an ethical review, though he acknowledges the complexities involved. “It’s a tangled web we must unweave,” Wan Noor…
In a recent development that has sent ripples through the community, the Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) have launched a thorough investigation into the food quality at Rajaprajanugroh 47 School in Phetchaburi. This probe follows the widespread circulation of photos online, depicting meals that many have deemed substandard and potentially unsafe. Acting Sub Lt Thanu Wongjinda, the secretary-general of Obec, announced on Friday that a fact-finding mission had been promptly initiated. The trigger for this investigation was a series of shocking images shared by the Facebook page “Watch Dog.” These images showcased the boarding school’s breakfast and lunch meals, which quickly garnered the attention and concern of the community. One particular photo that drew significant criticism showed a rather disheartening breakfast consisting of plain rice and deep-fried cocktail-sized sausages. What was even more alarming was the revelation that some of these sausages…