Chaithawat’s Verbal Jabs: The Thaksin Tango and Tumultuous Thai Politics In the vibrant and ever-turbulent arena of Thai politics, there’s never a dull moment, and the latest episode features an all-out verbal slugfest courtesy of Chaithawat Tulathon, who seems to have Thaksin Shinawatra’s number. But before we dive straight into the drama, let’s backtrack a bit—local elections, once tossed aside as irrelevant, have sprung back with a vengeance, now considered the grand opening act for the national elections waiting in the wings. Enter the Province Administrative Organisation (PAO) chairman elections, a glittering stage where political juggernauts parade, hoping to foreshadow their main-event performance in the national elections. To many, these provincial polls have evolved into political litmus tests, juicy appetizers setting the tone for the hefty entrée of upcoming national contests. The players? None other than the mighty People’s Party (PP) and their erstwhile allies turned adversaries, Pheu Thai. The…
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The Election Commission (EC) finds itself in a puzzling predicament as it navigates the labyrinthine logistics of the upcoming Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) elections scheduled for February 1st. While the EC secretary-general, Sawaeng Boonmee, remains cautiously optimistic, there’s an audible undercurrent of concern about the anticipated lower-than-desired voter turnout. As of now, more than half of eligible citizens are predicted to cast their votes, but Sawaeng is cheerfully crossing his fingers for a turnout between 65% and 70%. He’s somewhat of an optimist, encouraging the media to rally voters and champion the democratic cause. This election isn’t just a typical affair; it’s the second installment of the PAO elections for an intriguing 29 provinces. These elections follow the previous round, where PAO chiefs made a surprising beeline for the exit before the termination of their terms on December 19th. Out of those courageous and somewhat hasty 29, an impressive 20…
The tragic story of Chaimet Sitsanitphong’s untimely demise has rocked the tranquil province of Prachin Buri, creating a whirlwind of political drama and intrigue. Chaimet, affectionately known to locals as “Sor Jor Tong,” was a looming figure, not only due to his stature as a former provincial council member but also through his notable endeavors in the world of Thai boxing. Alas, at 48, he was found lifeless, riddled with bullets at the residence of Soonthorn Vilawan, the venerable yet controversial 85-year-old president of the Prachin Buri Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO). This sinister twist of fate has spurred a cascade of emotions and decisions, particularly for his widow, Napapat Anchasanichamon. Napapat was poised to step into the political arena, championed by the Pheu Thai Party, a move endorsed by none other than the former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. Her candidacy aimed to fill the void left by her husband’s ambitions.…
In a whirl of political discussions and diplomatic intricacies, Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is set to play a pivotal role in resolving a tense situation that has kept four Thai fishermen in foreign waters longer than anyone expected. On December 19, with diplomatic finesse and determination, Maris intends to engage in critical talks with Myanmar authorities, with the goal of expediting the release of the crew members who have been caught up in a bureaucratic labyrinth, awaiting their freedom. The stars of this diplomatic drama include none other than Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who, in a sequence of strategic dialogues with Myanmar’s deputy prime minister and the country’s ambassador to Thailand, found herself navigating the sticky web of legal procedures. The PM’s genuine concern for her countrymen was palpable as she relayed her earnest wishes to the Thai ambassador in Myanmar, expressing a hope that the resolution would come…
The Election Commission (EC) recently raised an eyebrow over the anticipated voter turnout for the upcoming nationwide election dedicated to selecting Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) members. Scheduled for February 1, this election has attracted attention due to its predicted lower than usual participation rates. “While we expect more than half of those eligible to cast their ballots, the turnout is expected to be on the lower side,” noted Sawaeng Boonmee, the EC’s vigilant secretary-general. With optimism, the EC is crossing its fingers, hoping that the final figures will reflect a turnout between 65 to 70%. It’s pinning its hopes on the media to play a crucial role in invigorating the populace, urging them to flock to the polls and uphold their voting rights. This February 1 election deviates from the norm. As part of the electoral cycle, it is marking the second half of the PAO elections across 29 provinces.…
The Transport Ministry of Thailand is gearing up for a railway revolution, setting aside nearly 300 billion baht to lay down an impressive expanse of dual railway tracks next year. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit unveiled this ambitious blueprint as part of a strategic push into the second phase of expansion, which will see the launch of six vibrant dual-track railway projects. Collectively, these routes will spread their iron wings over an astounding 1,312 kilometres, drawing from a massive budget pool of 298.06 billion baht. They’ve already made the leap past the Budget Bureau’s hurdles and are now poised for the discerning eyes of the Finance Ministry and the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). As Suriya confidently anticipates, feedback will grace the ministry by month-end, with the ultimate cabinet nod expected not long after, possibly as soon as January. So, what are these alluring railway paths?…
In the sweltering arena of Thai politics, where loyalties shift as swiftly as a summer squall, the local elections have become a surprising barometer of national sentiment. For too long, these elections were sidelined, considered more of a village fair than a true reflection of public opinion. Yet, times have changed, and with national parties sharpening their swords, the once-quiet corners of local politics are now bustling with activity. The Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chairman elections, in particular, have taken center stage. These elections not only determine the leaders of local governance but are seen as a sneak peek into the upcoming national elections. The stakes are high, and the heavyweights of Thai politics are taking notice. Prominent figures from major parties are gracing campaign rallies, convinced that these local contests can offer a valuable preview of a party’s appeal before facing the national electorate. This newfound interest isn’t without…
As the festive season edges closer, a delightful wintry surprise may be on the horizon for those in Thailand! The northern regions are on the cusp of experiencing a slight dip in temperature that could usher in a chilly December delight, persisting until the 27th. This is thanks to a new high-pressure system making its way into the upper parts of the country. Meanwhile, folks down south are advised to pull out their umbrellas, with rains predicted to be a bit more enthusiastic than usual, according to the ever-vigilant Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). As if introducing a plot twist worthy of a meteorological rom-com, the cold front is expected to collide with an “easterly wave” — a tropical atmospheric trough known for bringing cloudy skies and rumored thunderous drama. Starting yesterday and leading into Monday, the lower Northeast, East, and Central regions, including the bustling hubbub of Bangkok, are expected…
With the glint of a new year on the horizon, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is gearing up for a significant diplomatic endeavor as she sets foot in Malaysia for the first official visit of her prime ministership. Her agenda is brimming with promise as she prepares to co-chair the much-anticipated 7th annual consultation in none other than the sophisticated city of Putrajaya, located just shy of the vibrant Kuala Lumpur. This diplomatic rendezvous kicks off tomorrow, as shared by the deputy government spokesperson, Sasikarn Watthanachan. But this isn’t just any trip. This visit marks the dawn of a new era of Thai-Malaysian relations as both nations aspire to cement their shared vision of “Common Peace and Prosperity.” As Prime Minister Shinawatra prepares to meet her counterpart, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, she will be accompanied by her trusty Secretary General, Prommin Lertsuridej, to ensure that the aspirations and negotiations carry the…
In the bustling grandeur of Hua Lamphong station this past Friday, a poignant scene unfolded. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra gracefully led her daughter by the hand, reminiscent of a mother hen guiding her chick, as they embarked on the journey to attend a pivotal seminar in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan. Accompanied by none other than former prime minister Srettha Thavisin and a cadre of Pheu Thai party elites, the stage was set for political discourse unlike any other. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) Against this backdrop of political reunion, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra emerged as a vocal advocate for Thailand’s territorial rights, particularly regarding the picturesque island of Koh Kut in Trat. His resolve was unwavering as he addressed the fervent crowd, asserting that the 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) on maritime claims was but a scaffolding for peaceful dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia. The air was electric with anticipation…