Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, deputy leader of the United Thai Nation Party (UTN), caught everyone’s attention at a parliament meeting held on July 13, 2023. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) The political landscape in Thailand is heating up as coalition partner UTN has raised a ruckus over the ruling Pheu Thai Party and the main opposition People’s Party (PP) attempt to amend sections of the 2017 constitution. A significant sticking point? The sections regarding the ethical standards for political officeholders. The intention behind Sections 160(4) and (5) of the 2017 charter was to act as a moral gatekeeper, ensuring that only those meeting certain ethical benchmarks could climb the political ladder. “Any effort to dilute these measures could open the floodgates for unscrupulous individuals to gain power,” emphasized Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana. “Sure, there’s an urgent need for charter amendments, but the real emergency right now is revitalizing our economy,” he stated passionately. “Parliament should seriously…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a recent turn of events, the United Thai Nation Party (UTN), a coalition partner, has voiced strong opposition against the ruling Pheu Thai Party and the main opposition People’s Party (PP) in their bid to amend the 2017 constitution. This includes a controversial move to revise ethical standards for political officeholders. Sections 160(4) and (5) were originally intended to prevent those lacking moral integrity from gaining public office, stated Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, deputy leader of the UTN, on Friday. Thanakorn warned that any attempt to dilute these ethical prerequisites could pave the way for unscrupulous individuals to ascend to power. “While there’s a compelling need to amend parts of the constitution, the government’s immediate priority should be to bolster the economy,” he asserted. He implored Parliament to carefully consider this issue before making any further decisions. “If both the House of Representatives and the Senate forge ahead with amending the…
Palang Pracharath Party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, unmistakable in his signature blue attire, waved to reporters as he arrived at his party’s headquarters on the bustling morning of 29 August 2024, surrounded by a cadre of fellow party heavyweights. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) The drama revolving around Gen Prawit Wongsuwon’s parliament attendance has taken a new twist. House secretary-general Arpath Sukhanunth chimed in, affirming that Gen Prawit had indeed submitted leave requests properly and had them approved by none other than Deputy House Speaker Pichet Chuamuangphan. This revelation aimed to clear the air after Prompong Nopparit, former spokesman for the Pheu Thai Party, raised concerns about Gen Prawit’s recurring absence from parliamentary meetings. Prompong’s allegations hinted at a dereliction of constitutional and ethical duty by Gen Prawit, who is a party-list MP. Arpath elaborated on the leave request policy, noting that MPs have the leeway to submit requests up to seven…
Cast out into the chilly waters of political turmoil, it has become starkly apparent who Pheu Thai deems more expendable between the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) and the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party. Despite both swimming in the same political river, their distinct origins have ultimately determined their fate. In an unprecedented move, the newly formed cabinet welcomed only a fractional party into the government, specifically the beleaguered and fractured PPRP. Once the most formidable force in the Prayut Chan-o-cha administrations, the PPRP has dwindled down to a medium-sized party with a mere 40 MPs in the last general election. The formation of the Paetongtarn cabinet was marred by the PPRP’s deepest internal rift yet, climaxing in a 20-MP faction’s split, led by former party secretary-general, Capt Thamanat Prompow. This significant schism saw Capt Thamanat breaking ties with PPRP leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, a figure he once profoundly respected. The…
The Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) is once again in the hot seat following a mix-up in the announcement of the winning candidates for teaching positions in Sa Kaeo. If you’re envisioning a scene with magnifying glasses and dramatic outbursts, you’re not too far off. A forensic twist has jolted this otherwise routine recruitment process straight into the realm of a whodunit mystery. Authorities at Obec, led by the ever-unflappable secretary-general Thanu Wongjinda, confessed they had to send those embattled test papers to the Police Forensic Science Office for further examination. Yup, fingerprints might be involved, but try not to let your imagination run wild with visions of DNA swabs and shadowy figures lurking in exam halls. This whole probing saga got its kickstart from a spurned candidate, known to us only as Khru Ben. Picture this: one day, she’s celebrating, popping the metaphorical champagne after seeing her…
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is preparing to indict three state officials for allegedly misusing public resources, such as vehicles and fuel reimbursements, for personal purposes. The officials in question are Pokpong Umyoo, the former director of the Rayong Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Centre; Kitchai Kulsamrit, a former Uthai Thani provincial local administration officer; and Chakrawut Yangsantia, also known as Chaiyan Petaipaiwan, the permanent secretary for the Na Kham Tambon Administrative Organisation, as the NACC announced yesterday. Mr. Pokpong allegedly utilized the centre’s car and pickup truck to transport materials to the site of his house under construction and conducted inspections during work hours for a period of 5 to 6 months in 2019. Moreover, he reportedly assigned 11 staff members from the centre to assist in relocating two trees, valued at approximately 4,000 baht, from the centre to his residence. These employees were also instructed to help with…
A group of construction workers commute to work on a songthaew in the bustling Rama IV area of Bangkok. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul) The eagerly anticipated nationwide daily minimum wage hike to 400 baht has hit yet another snag. Initially slated for October 1, the increase has been postponed due to insufficient attendance at the wage committee meeting. This committee, comprising employees, government officials, and employer representatives, requires at least ten members present to form a quorum. Unfortunately, only nine showed up, leaving crucial decisions in limbo. Permanent Secretary for Labour Pairoj Chotikasathien voiced his disappointment after Friday’s meeting. “We couldn’t proceed with the vote due to the lack of a quorum,” said Mr. Pairoj, explaining that without the necessary two-thirds of members present, they couldn’t finalize the wage rise matter. The discussions veered instead towards the potential impacts of the proposed wage hike, leaving crucial decisions still hanging in the…
A couple jubilantly holds a mockup of a marriage registration alongside a vibrant rainbow flag in support of the Marriage Equality Bill at the bustling Bangkok Arts and Cultural Centre on Friday. The photo, captured by Somchai Poomlard, symbolizes a beacon of hope and progress for many. Civil society groups are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the Marriage Equality Bill in the Royal Gazette by October 2, with plans for enforcement starting in January next year. Waaddao Anne Chumaporn, the passionate founder of Bangkok Pride, said on Friday that the bill had successfully passed the Senate on June 18 this year. Additionally, former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin submitted it for His Majesty the King’s endorsement on July 4. In Thailand, a bill must gain royal endorsement and be documented in the Royal Gazette within 90 days. Hence, activists are optimistic that this critical milestone will be met by October 2.…
Imagine a world where every second counts and heroes in high-vis uniforms race against the clock to save lives amidst natural disasters. This isn’t just a plot from a heart-pounding action movie; it’s the everyday reality for courageous rescue volunteers across Thailand. On a fateful Friday, at the “Joining Force, Joining Hearts” event held at the historic Santi Maitri Building in Government House, an inspiring proposal was put forth that could revolutionize the way rescue missions are conducted. Presided over by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the event was brimming with shared aspirations and heartfelt discussions. Notable attendees included Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, key ministers, rescue volunteers, and private sector representatives—all united by a common goal: to improve rescue operations and safeguard lives more effectively. The gathering was a tapestry of selflessness and solidarity, woven with stories and suggestions aimed at refining the nation’s disaster response framework. Prime Minister Shinawatra took…
At Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, the pygmy hippo named Moo Deng has become an unexpected superstar. But recently, controversy erupted after a foreign TikToker accused the zoo of imprisoning the lovable animal, sparking a wave of online debate. The zoo’s director, Narongwit Chodchoy, quickly responded to these allegations, standing firm on the zoo’s reputation and practices. He stressed that Khao Kheow Open Zoo maintains four core missions aimed at conserving animal species, conducting vital research, providing educational opportunities, and ensuring a relaxing experience for all visitors. Indeed, Khao Kheow Open Zoo is more than just a place to see exotic animals. It’s an institution dedicated to the conservation and reintegration of wildlife. Director Chodchoy highlighted the zoo’s successful breeding programs, which aim to return animals to their natural habitats. Recently, the zoo released sarus cranes, banteng, and black-necked storks back into the wild, signaling their commitment to…