Pita Limjaroenrat, the charismatic chief adviser to the Move Forward Party, waved enthusiastically to supporters as he made his way to the party’s bustling headquarters in Bangkok on Wednesday. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) In a dramatic turn of events, a thorough investigation is now underway into the ethical conduct of 44 politicians from the recently dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP). These politicians threw their support behind a controversial bill aiming to revise the country’s lese majeste law. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) confirmed on Thursday that there are sufficient grounds to proceed, launching an inquiry into these members of parliament. NACC Secretary-General Niwatchai Kasemmongkol unveiled that the commission has initiated this probe following a petition from February. The petition, submitted by lawyer Theerayut Suwankesorn, urged the Constitutional Court to halt all MFP campaign activities related to their efforts to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code. This appeal was grounded in…
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During a pivotal House of Representatives session on July 31, Padipat Suntiphada found himself in the limelight, albeit for unfortunate reasons. A Constitutional Court ruling not only dissolved the Move Forward Party but also stripped Padipat of his MP status, along with banning 11 executives. This has set the stage for a new election for the first deputy House Speaker to replace him, as indicated by the government’s chief whip, Wisut Chainaroon. Wisut, a prominent MP from the Pheu Thai Party, emphasized the urgency of filling this position with someone from the current governing coalition. Discussions among coalition partners are imminent. Bhumjaithai, the coalition’s second-largest party, has made it clear that they’re eyeing the position. Nonetheless, Wisut pointed out that there are many variables in play. “Let’s wait and see. We’ll have the new first deputy House Speaker by next week,” Wisut assured on Thursday. The criteria for the new…
A counter-demonstrator holds a sign ahead of an anti-immigration protest in Derby, England on Wednesday. (Photo: Reuters) The Royal Thai Embassy in London has issued a cautionary advisory to Thais planning to travel to the United Kingdom or currently residing there. The advisory urges them to avoid anti-racism rallies across England and Northern Ireland. This warning comes in light of a tumultuous week marked by near-nightly riots, where mosques and migrant-related facilities became targets of anti-immigrant mobs. The embassy specifically addressed anti-racism counter-demonstrations scheduled for Wednesday, amid British authorities’ concerns that such events could spark violent reactions from far-right groups. However, thanks to a robust police presence in various English towns and cities, these rallies transpired almost entirely peacefully. The police made it emphatically clear that any violence instigated by suspected far-right agitators would not be tolerated. Earlier incidents of violence were reportedly triggered by misinformation circulating on social media…
A troubling scene has emerged from a military compound in Chiang Mai, where an army officer was filmed subjecting a private to grueling humiliation—forcing him to crawl naked on the harsh cement. This incident, brought to light by the Sai Mai Tong Rot Facebook page, has ignited a fiery call for justice against such abusive practices within the military ranks. At the forefront of this crusade is Ekkaphop Luangprasert, who recently filed a petition with the House committee on military affairs, urging the Ministry of Defence to take decisive action. The spark that ignited this movement was a heartrending account from the younger sister of one of the privates based in Chiang Mai. She recounted the horrific maltreatment her brother and other soldiers endured—they were not only beaten but also forced to stand naked in the pouring rain for over five grueling hours. This disturbing incident took place in March…
The water level in the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom province surged dramatically to 9.5 meters on Thursday, hovering just three meters shy of the critical threshold after days of relentless rain. (Photo: Pattanapong Sripiachai) The Thai Meteorological Department has confirmed that the La Nina climate pattern is now influencing the local weather, bringing a mixture of heavy rainfall and the threat of insufficient water in reservoirs for the upcoming dry season, which spans from November to April. This climatic phenomenon, which began impacting Thailand in July, is projected to persist until early next year. Consequently, the country should brace for increased rainfall and potential tropical storms in August and September. According to weather forecasters, the cumulative rainfall from May 20 to August 1 was up by an impressive 15% compared to the previous year, resulting in flooding across 37 provinces. Currently, parts of 12 provinces are submerged, with the…
Move Forward MPs prominently displayed the three-finger salute in parliament on Wednesday, a symbolic act following the Constitutional Court’s directive to dissolve the party. As it stands, all 143 of Move Forward’s MPs are set to migrate to a newly established party to be announced on Friday. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) In light of the party’s dissolution, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin addressed growing international concerns on Thursday. While acknowledging the apprehensions from other nations, he reassured that Thailand remains a sovereign and democratic country, independent of foreign sway. Addressing queries about the US State Department’s recent statement following the court’s decision, he unwaveringly insisted, “Thailand is fully capable of managing its own affairs without any external influence,” Mr. Srettha asserted with conviction. He emphasized, “I am certain that all Thai people understand we will not allow a foreign nation to interfere with our sovereignty.” While adopting a diplomatic tone, he added,…
Sirikanya Tansakun, deputy leader of the recently dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP), is anticipated to spearhead a newly formed political entity that will be officially unveiled this Friday. (Photo: @MFPThailand on X) All 143 Members of Parliament from the disbanded MFP have signed up for membership in the new party, a reassuring sign that there will be no “cobras” – a term referring to defectors within political ranks. In a tweet on their official X account, the party announced, “Move Forward is moving to a new party — all 143 of our parliamentarians are coming with us,” emphasizing their unity and promising no defections. The history of the party is marred with similar upheavals; when the MFP’s predecessor, Future Forward, was dissolved by a court order in 2020, 10 out of its 81 MPs switched loyalties to military-aligned factions. However, these defectors faced electoral defeat in 2023, a move that…
King Power Mahanakhon is thrilled to unveil a series of special promotions in celebration of Thailand’s Mother’s Day, promising families unforgettable experiences. Three Highlight Events and Promotions: MOMS FREE Mahanakhon SkyWalk On Monday, 12th August 2024, mothers are treated to FREE access to the Mahanakhon SkyWalk, provided they have one paying guest accompanying them. This fantastic offer is available from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the last admission at 6:30 PM. Ascend to the 78th floor to revel in breathtaking views from Bangkok’s loftiest observation deck. Explore the cutting-edge AR and VR experiences at the indoor observatory on the 74th floor and make memories to last a lifetime. MOM & ME Sky Yoga Event Embrace tranquility and fun at a unique yoga session held at the indoor observatory on Saturday, 17th August 2024. From 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM, join the renowned celebrity yoga instructor, Nan Chalita Fuangaromya, for…
IRPC Public Company Limited, with the dynamic leadership of Arisara Suthasut, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Company Secretary, has taken a heartwarming step towards a greener and more inclusive future. In an inspiring initiative named “From Waste to Walk,” the company donated 2,401-litre plastic bins to Dr. Ratcha Lormaneenoparat, M.D., who leads the Prosthetic and Orthotic Clinic at the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health. These specially designated bins will play a crucial role in collecting polypropylene waste generated from the manufacturing of prosthetic and orthotic products. But that’s not where the story ends. IRPC is taking on the significant task of recycling this waste. They will convert it into recycled polypropylene (PP) which will then be handed over to Eastern Polypack Co., Ltd. This company will skillfully craft the recycled plastic into new sheets. The cycle doesn’t just…
In a remarkable display of financial prowess, IRPC Public Company Limited reported an impressive net revenue of 148,710 million baht for the first half of 2024. This 1% increase from the same period in 2023 showcases the company’s resilience in a turbulent market. The driving force behind this growth includes a notable 9% rise in selling prices, in sync with higher oil prices, and profits generated by oil stocks, amounting to a substantial 2.138 billion baht. This culminated in an EBITDA of 6.118 billion baht—a staggering 187% increase—paving the way for a net profit of 812 million baht. IRPC, under the astute leadership of Kris Imsang, the Director, President, and Chief Executive Officer, is setting its sights on ambitious business expansion goals. The company has zeroed in on Jet A1 fuel, which meets Joint Inspection Group (JIG) standards, to bolster the aviation industry worldwide. Kris Imsang emphasizes, “IRPC has achieved…