Pita Limjaroenrat waves to supporters as he walks into the Constitutional Court to hear its ruling, which led to the Move Forward Party being dissolved, on Aug 7. (Photo: Reuters) Politicians in Thailand must reform the judiciary to prevent interventions that have the country “going around in circles,” says former Move Forward Party chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat, after two major rulings that dissolved his party and dismissed a prime minister. Mr. Pita, whose now-defunct party was blocked from forming a government last year, said a 10-year political ban would not weaken his resolve to lead Thailand and start major reforms, including stopping independent institutions from being politicized. Thailand has been trapped in a tumultuous two-decade cycle of coups and court rulings that have toppled multiple governments, as part of a power struggle between popularly elected parties and an influential establishment with powerful connections in the military and key institutions. “It’s…
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In a whirlwind of political maneuvering, a rift of substantial proportions has emerged within the ranks of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), the third largest coalition partner. At the epicenter of this discord is none other than Capt Thammanat Prompow, the party’s secretary-general and interim agriculture minister. In an audacious move, he has openly refused to communicate with Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, the party leader, and hinted at an impending exit. This political tempest coincides with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s mission to finalize her coalition cabinet following her recent inauguration. Standing tall at Government House on a typical Tuesday morning, Capt Thammanat unveiled his stance with a direct declaration. “As he does not use me anymore, I do not need to talk,” he remarked, referring to Gen Prawit. The statement was as blunt as it was revealing, illuminating Thammanat’s view of his diminished role within the party. Reflecting on his contributions,…
In December 2023, former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra captured hearts as she posed for a spirited mini-heart gesture, her warm smile radiating through the screen. The moment, shared on her Instagram (@pouyingluck_shin), encapsulated a blend of hope and familial pride, a sentiment she didn’t hesitate to extend publicly soon after. Yingluck has always been a figure of both resilience and elegance in Thailand’s political landscape. This time around, she has turned her attention to her niece, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who recently ascended to the prime ministership. Taking to the X platform on a sunny Tuesday, Yingluck expressed her heartfelt congratulations to Paetongtarn, glowing with pride over her niece’s acceptance of this monumental role. But amid the celebrations and joyful declarations, Yingluck did not shy away from the stark reality awaiting the new prime minister. The country’s economic turbulence looms large, bringing with it the twin burdens of intense pressure and towering…
It was a typical bustling morning at Government House, but tensions were simmering beneath the surface. Capt Thammanat Prompow, the steadfast secretary-general and acting agriculture minister, addressed a cluster of reporters with an air of solemn defiance. The third largest coalition partner, Palang Pracharath, a political juggernaut on the Thai scene, was now embroiled in controversy, its unity threatened by deep-seated fissures. Capt Thammanat, in his candid manner, made it abundantly clear: communication lines between him and the party leader, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, were severed. “As he does not use me anymore, I do not need to talk,” he declared with palpable frustration. For six long years, he had poured his heart and soul into the party, pledging unwavering loyalty. “One person and one party long enough,” he mused, hinting at a future unanchored by past allegiances. With the ascension of new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is currently threading…
The energy was palpable last Thursday as coalition party leaders and core figures stood united at a press conference, all in unison to rally behind the Pheu Thai Party leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This charged atmosphere was documented by Nutthawat Wichieanbut, and it’s clear why. Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, had just achieved a groundbreaking milestone. At 37, she was freshly minted as Thailand’s 31st and youngest Prime Minister, emerging victorious without any competition—a feat that sent political waves through the country. Fast forward to Monday, Paetongtarn was found delving into her studies at the National Defence College, an intensive program tailored for new executives. Despite her busy schedule, she took the time to shed light on a crucial process: thorough background checks for cabinet candidates. This move is aimed at ensuring compliance with legal standards and steering clear of controversies that might endanger the new…
Imagine the waters of the Chao Phraya River under the starless, midnight sky. A peaceful scene, disrupted by tragedy—a story that begins with a jet ski crash and ends with a legal whirlwind in Samut Prakan’s Phra Pradaeng district. A young actor by the name of Shindanai Sae Lim, aged just 21, found himself at the heart of this unfortunate event. On a seemingly regular Saturday night, Shindanai’s jet ski collided with a small boat, leading to the tragic deaths of two innocent people. Shindanai’s jet ski, though legally registered, was now grounded indefinitely as per the order issued by the Provincial Marine Office’s Samut Prakan Branch. This wasn’t just any order—it was a direct response to the egregious oversight that Shindanai wasn’t qualified to be behind the helm. Summoned to present relevant documents such as the jet ski’s registration papers and a helmsman certificate, Shindanai had one glaring omission:…
In a resolute step towards ensuring a smooth and lawful administration, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced that comprehensive background checks will be performed on all candidates for cabinet positions. These rigorous vettings aim to verify that candidates adhere to all legal stipulations, thereby preventing any potential legal entanglements that could jeopardize the new government. Ms. Paetongtarn, who made these remarks during an appearance at the National Defence College where she’s immersed in an executive training program, expressed confidence that the ruling alliance—comprising her party, Pheu Thai, and ten others—would finalize an agreement on the new cabinet formation within this week. A recent milestone in her political career, Ms. Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin, was elected by a substantial majority in the House of Representatives this past Friday. She makes history not only as the 31st Prime Minister of Thailand but also as the youngest ever…
Market vendors eagerly anticipate Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s dedication to revitalizing the nation’s economy, as soaring costs continue to cripple their businesses. In a heartfelt visit to Bang Lamphu Market in Khon Kaen’s Muang district yesterday, The Bangkok Post gathered the hopes and expectations of these vendors following the official appointment of the new prime minister. Wannida Nakcha, a spirited 29-year-old meatball vendor, voiced a collective wish for Ms. Paetongtarn to prioritize alleviating the economic woes that have plagued the public. She shared how all vendors at the market are grappling with declining sales amidst rising operational expenses. Wannida made it clear that increasing the prices of their goods isn’t a feasible option, as customers are already struggling and vocal about their own financial strain. The discussion didn’t stop at sales and costs. Wannida expressed strong support for the continuation of the digital wallet cash handout scheme, emphasizing that ongoing…
Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi (RMUTSB) has taken decisive action by expelling four students believed to be involved in a brutal hazing incident that left a first-year engineering student with serious injuries. According to a Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESRI) official named Suchada Thaensap, this incident, which occurred on Thursday, was captured on campus CCTV, revealing a fraught scene of abuse and misconduct. In total, eight students have been implicated in orchestrating this harrowing hazing ritual. As the investigation presses on, four have already faced expulsion, while the roles of the remaining four continue to be scrutinized. Ms. Thaensap suggested that they too might face similar consequences pending the ongoing probe. RMUTSB has committed its full support to the ministry’s investigation, with an anticipated conclusion within the next two days. The deeply troubling details of the hazing, described as military-style training that veered into extreme physical…
The bustling chatter of a Monday morning at the Ministry of Education set the scene for a groundbreaking announcement by Caretaker Education Minister Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob. His address to the nation highlighted a burgeoning concern that has been sweeping schools worldwide: the rampant use of digital communication devices among young students. Amid rising alarm, the Ministry is gearing up to implement strict measures to curb this electronic frenzy, driven by fears over its potential toll on child development. Imagine walking into a classroom where the glow of smartphones and tablets competing with the gleam of young, eager eyes. It’s a sight that’s becoming all too common. “Our research indicates that students engrossed in these devices spend alarmingly high amounts of time on them, often at the expense of their cognitive and emotional well-being,” Pol Gen Permpoon remarked. And it’s not just idle worry. His concerns are backed by compelling…