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Thai parties meet for coalition talks to form government

Thai opposition parties, led by the progressive Move Forward Party (MFP), held coalition talks after a decisive election victory. MFP, aiming to ally with the dominant Pheu Thai party and four smaller groups, needs over 300 seats in the lower house and a majority in the Senate to secure the prime minister’s position. Some junta-appointed senators are opposed to MFP’s leader, particularly due to his anti-establishment stance and plans to amend royal insult laws. The Bhumjaithai party also refused to support MFP over its stance on lese-majeste laws.

Thai govt should ‘reflect people’s will’: poll observers

Thailand’s regional poll observers from the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) called for a government that reflects the will of the people as the opposition’s bid to take power faces resistance from junta-appointed senators. The progressive Move Forward Party (MFP) emerged as the biggest party, and ANFREL praised the high voter turnout and transparency of the election. The MFP and its allies are working on a coalition but need to secure a majority across both houses, including the Senate, to secure the prime minister’s job. Some senators have expressed opposition to MFP’s leader, raising concerns about proposed lese-majeste reforms.

Taiwan’s Main Opposition Party Picks Popular Mayor As Presidential Candidate

The Beijing-friendly Kuomintang party in Taiwan nominated popular mayor Hou Yu-ih as its presidential candidate, setting the stage for a referendum on President Tsai-Ing-wen’s handling of China-Taiwan relations. Tsai rejects China’s territorial claim and has faced increased pressure, while the KMT seeks warmer ties. Hou emphasized safeguarding Taiwan and prosperity if elected, opposing Taiwan’s independence and the “one country, two systems” model. He was chosen over tech billionaire Terry Gou and will face Vice President William Lai, who supports Taiwan’s independence, in the election.

In Taiwan, UK’s ex-PM to urge West to confront ‘Cold War’ with China

Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss’s visit to Taiwan is expected to ignite a clash with both China and her successor Rishi Sunak as she calls for a tougher stance against Beijing. Truss will demand that Sunak designate China as a strategic threat, close down UK-based Confucius Institutes controlled by the Chinese government, and replace them with cultural centers run by individuals from Hong Kong and Taiwan. She will argue that the West cannot avoid a “Cold War” with China and criticize attempts to cooperate with Beijing on issues like climate change. Truss’s visit has drawn criticism and accusations of performative diplomacy.

Former SVB head draws outrage at hearing on US bank failures

Executives from failed US banks faced intense scrutiny as senators criticized their risk management practices and excessive executive pay. Former Silicon Valley Bank CEO Gregory Becker defended the bank’s management but attributed its downfall to unforeseen events. The poor management of both Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank was highlighted in government reports. Senators questioned the executives’ decisions and compensation, emphasizing the need for accountability and legislation to reclaim pay from bankers involved in bank failures.

Thai opposition claims victory as voters reject army-backed parties

Thailand’s progressive Move Forward Party (MFP) celebrated a resounding victory in the recent election, signaling a major shift in the country’s political landscape. The military-backed parties, which have dominated Thai politics for nearly a decade, were decimated by the massive surge in support for MFP. With the largest number of seats, MFP is poised to form a six-party coalition, including the opposition Pheu Thai movement. MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat expressed readiness to lead the government, emphasizing the importance of unity. However, concerns remain over potential obstacles, given Thailand’s history of coups and judicial interference.

Coalition talks underway as Move Forward Party seeks to form government

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat confirms coalition discussions with Pheu Thai and six other parties, aiming to form a government with a combined 309 seats. Pita highlights the importance of an MOU for the first 100 days and year. Army reform, Section 112 amendment, and Senate support are key considerations.

Pakistan ex-PM Khan due back in court after week of unrest

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan is set to appear in court again to face fresh charges related to the violence that followed his arrest on graft charges. The arrest sparked deadly civil unrest, prompting supporters to rampage through cities. Khan will seek bail in the new cases, including a charge linked to the death of a supporter. The country has been embroiled in political turmoil, with Khan clashing with the military and facing numerous legal cases, which he considers politically motivated.

Main Cambodia opposition party excluded from July polls

Cambodia’s National Election Committee has refused to register the main opposition party, the Candlelight Party (CP), for the upcoming national elections. The move effectively paves the way for Prime Minister Hun Sen’s ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) to compete uncontested. Critics argue that Hun Sen uses the legal system to suppress opposition, and the CP plans to appeal the decision. With key opposition figures facing disqualification and criminal cases, and opposition activists defecting to the ruling party, Cambodia’s path to plural-party democracy is increasingly uncertain.

What next for Thailand after election rejects military rule?

In a significant rejection of military-backed rule, Thai voters overwhelmingly supported opposition parties. The progressive Move Forward Party (MFP) plans to form a coalition government with the Pheu Thai party and four smaller parties. However, the road to power is uncertain due to the influence of the Senate, handpicked by the previous junta. The military-linked parties might attempt to form a minority government, but their reduced seats make governing difficult. The MFP leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, is a potential candidate for prime minister but faces an investigation that could be used to block his appointment. Judicial intervention remains a concern in Thai politics.