As Thailand’s oldest political party, the Democrats are ramping up their efforts in the South, particularly given that recent opinion polls suggest they may be gaining the upper hand in this region. Party leader Jurin Laksanawisit expressed confidence in the party’s ability to make a resurgence in the South. “We have faith that the people in the South continue to support us, and we expect a strong Democratic comeback in this region,” Jurin stated. According to the polls, many voters remain undecided, but other parties also appear to be making inroads in the southern territories. Jurin acknowledged that the Democrats are concentrating their campaign efforts on multiple regional constituencies, with the party’s secretary general and a former leader at the helm. In the 2019 election, the South used to be a stronghold for the Democrats, who claimed 22 out of 50 seats in the region. The remaining seats went to…
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UTNP coordinator Himalai Phiewphan has expressed his criticism of Paetongarn’s recent statements, in which she claimed that Pheu Thai, the leading opposition party, would not form a coalition government with past coup leaders. In her clarification, she called attention to her disdain for the two previous coups and her dedication to democracy, implicitly ruling out any partnership with Palang Pracharath PM candidate General Prawit Wongsuwan and UTNP PM candidate General Prayut Chan-o-cha. Prayut led the 2014 coup against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s aunt, with Prawit’s support. In 2006, a coup also overthrew Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s father. Himalai, however, believes that taking such a definitive stance prior to the elections is both premature and disrespectful towards fellow parties with a chance to lead the next coalition. He expressed his concern about Paetongtarn using “coup rhetoric” to gain support, urging her and Pheu Thai to focus on their policy plans…
The Move Forward Party, currently gaining momentum in opinion polls leading up to the May 14 election, seeks to reverse the “lost decade” under military-backed governance through extensive reform proposals aimed at reinvigorating Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy. Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, a 42-year-old Harvard Kennedy School of Government graduate, envisions spreading economic activity beyond Bangkok, dismantling business monopolies, and reducing the influence of the armed forces in politics. “In terms of policies, we need to do three things: de-militarise, de-monopolise, and decentralise,” said Mr. Pita in a Bloomberg TV interview, citing these objectives as his 100-day plan priority. The stakes are high in the upcoming election, as it will likely be a contested race between the current pro-establishment, military-backed coalition and pro-democracy opposition parties such as Move Forward and Pheu Thai. A key issue in the election is the revitalization of the economy, which experienced the slowest growth in the…
In a recent incident, eight police officers faced grave injuries caused by a bomb explosion in Pattani province. This unsettling occurrence took place during a night patrol, specifically on Pa Thung-Bang Kao Road at Moo 4 village in tambon Bang Kao, situated in Sai Buri district. The unsuspecting officers, part of a team of 11, were driving past in two pickup trucks when the bomb detonated, wreaking havoc in the vicinity. The injured officers were immediately rushed to Yupparaj Sai Buri Hospital for emergency medical attention. Among the wounded, one officer suffered from shrapnel wounds while the others experienced symptoms such as ringing ears and chest pains. Resulting from the explosion, the vehicles the officers occupied endured significant damage, as reported by a police source. Southern Thailand, where Pattani province lies, has been plagued by an insurgency movement for years, leading to an increased need for patrolling and security measures.…
Authorities have successfully apprehended Tasapong Suprom-in, a 32-year-old man accused of murdering a 53-year-old bank manager and burying the body in Nonthaburi. The joint efforts of Nonthaburi investigators and Din Daeng police led to Tasapong’s capture in the Din Daeng district of Bangkok on Thursday. He was subsequently taken to the Sai Noi police station for further questioning. Tasapong Suprom-in was the prime suspect in the murder and concealment of Rotenaruebet Hasadindetdamrong’s body, the Bangkok Bank manager overseeing the Silom area headquarters. Nonthaburi Provincial Court issued an arrest warrant for Tasapong following a complaint lodged by the victim’s daughter, Kritika Hasadindetdamrong. Rotenaruebet Hasadindetdamrong’s body was discovered buried in the backyard of his Sai Noi residence. Growing increasingly concerned after not hearing from her father for several days, Kritika, accompanied by her cousin, decided to visit Rotenaruebet’s home. Upon arrival, they encountered Tasapong leaving the premises. Unsettled by the encounter, they…
In a recent statement, the Bhumjaithai Party offered clear opposition to any planned activities centered around World Cannabis Day, slated for Thursday. The party emphasized that consuming cannabis in public remains illegal, and those considering staging related events should cancel them. Public cannabis smoking is currently in violation of Section 74 of the Public Health Act, and the consequences for such an offense include up to one month in jail and/or a fine of up to 2,000 baht, resulting from causing a public nuisance. Party registrar Supachai Jaisamut made this announcement in response to reports that several activities that included cannabis smoking were being organized in numerous locations. Some of these venues included popular tourist spots in Bangkok, specifically Khao San and Rambutri roads. The Bhumjaithai Party had previously advocated for the decriminalization of cannabis, citing the plant’s potential as a valuable economic crop and its various medicinal applications. However,…
Chiang Mai Zoo management has disclosed more information about the recent loss of Lin Hui, the 21-year-old female giant panda, who was under medical care for a nosebleed. The exact cause of her passing remains a mystery, awaiting the arrival of Chinese experts who will conduct a post-mortem examination. Top officials from the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand (ZPO), Chiang Mai Zoo, and other relevant agencies gathered to discuss the details surrounding Lin Hui’s death. The zoo’s director, Wuthichai Muangman, explained that the panda research team had alerted him to her nosebleed while she was in the exhibition zone. Upon receiving the report, Wuthichai notified ZPO director Atthaporn Srihiran and immediately shut down the exhibition zone, enabling Lin Hui to receive prompt medical attention. Following the incident, the ZPO instructed Chiang Mai Zoo to contact the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) in Beijing, which in turn advised them to consult…
The Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) has been working hand-in-hand with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) on an ambitious coral reef rehabilitation project in Koh Samui district, Surat Thani province. This joint effort aims to rejuvenate the marine ecosystem in four key areas of Koh Samui, and according to the latest reports, the endeavor is making excellent progress. Viboon Wongsakul, the Governor of PWA, stated that the collaboration between PWA and DMCR has been ongoing since 2018. As mandated by the National Environment Board, the PWA has implemented various measures to prevent and reverse the environmental impacts of undersea sewage pipelines. These measures encompass the creation of artificial corals and the restoration and replanting of existing coral reefs, with the project set to achieve its objectives within five years. The extensive coral planting and restoration efforts are focused on four specific areas, including Koh Samui Coral Reef Area…
As Indonesia gears up for the much-awaited general election in February 2024, the spotlight is on the top contenders for the Presidential and Vice Presidential tickets. Let’s dive into the profiles of these prominent political figures and what they bring to the table: Presidential Candidate: Prabowo Subianto Currently serving as Indonesia’s Defence Minister and leader of the Gerindra party, Prabowo Subianto is a seasoned political veteran who has run unsuccessfully in the past two elections. Despite his previous losses, Prabowo’s expertise in military affairs and political experience make him a respectable contender. As an elder statesman, the 2024 election might be his last chance to secure the top spot. Vice Presidential Candidate: Erick Thohir Erick Thohir, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) and chairman of the Indonesian football association (PSSI), has earned praise for his management of FIFA’s cancellation of the Under-20 World Cup. Regarded as a strong minister who fights…
From past protests to current electoral campaigns, a group of young activists led by Chonthicha “Lookkate” Jangrew in Thailand is now advocating for change through the ballot box. Despite facing multiple charges for participating in the 2020 student-led protest movement, Chonthicha is running in the May 14th election under the Move Forward Party. Breaking new ground, these activists have brought previously off-limits issues like the role of the monarchy in society to the forefront. The Move Forward Party is not only seeking to change but also reduce the severity of punishments within Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the lese-majeste law which deals with royal defamation. Given its significant implications, anyone convicted under this Section is disqualified from the House of Representatives. For these young activists, the path to change in Thailand involves both street movements and participation in the political process. As Chonthicha explains, “Both paths need to move…