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Thai General Election 2023

17 posts

Thailand Election Commission orders vote recount at 47 polling stations amidst complaints of irregularities

The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand has ordered a recount at 47 polling stations due to irregularities in the May 14 general election. Sixteen stations will recount constituency MPs’ ballots, while 31 will recount party-list MPs’ ballots. The decision came amid claims that ballot numbers didn’t match voter turnout, potentially affecting the final results. The recount is set for 11 June.

Thailand’s Move Forward Party takes on biggest political taboo

Thailand’s Move Forward Party (MFP) aims to challenge the nation’s taboo on insulting the monarchy, but MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s stance on modifying lese-majeste laws could hinder his path to power. The law, protecting the king, carries severe penalties and is viewed by critics as a tool to suppress dissent. Despite the challenges, the issue is now part of the political debate, and rejecting a prime minister chosen by a coalition government could trigger fresh unrest in the country. The MFP’s electoral success signifies a shift in the political landscape.

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.

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.

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.

Thai opposition claims victory as voters reject army-backed parties

Thailand’s Move Forward Party (MFP) emerged victorious in the election, displacing military-backed parties. MFP’s leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, plans to form a coalition government with the Pheu Thai movement. However, challenges loom as the MFP seeks to reform lese-majeste laws, potentially clashing with the royalist-military establishment.

Thais vote overwhelmingly for democracy parties, reject military

Thai voters rejected nearly a decade of military-aligned rule, backing pro-democracy parties in the election. The Move Forward Party (MFP), fueled by the energy of youth-led protests, secured the most votes. Led by charismatic Pita Limjaroenrat, the MFP aims to reform royal insult laws, potentially challenging the royalist-military elite. However, concerns remain that the election result could be thwarted, given Thailand’s history of coups and court interference.

Thais reject army-backed government, opposition to open coalition talks

Thai voters have shown a clear rejection of military-backed rule, supporting pro-democracy opposition parties in the election. The progressive Move Forward Party (MFP), aiming to reform strict royal insult laws, is set to be the largest party, potentially clashing with the royalist-military elite. However, concerns of interference and instability persist, as the final seat allocation is yet to be confirmed, and the junta-scripted constitution favors the military. The election reflects the influence of youth-led protests in 2020 demanding change and questioning the monarchy, with MFP gaining significant support.

Pita Limjaroenrat: leading Thailand’s political earthquake

Thai opposition leader Pita Limjaroenrat defied expectations as his Move Forward Party took the lead in the popular vote, challenging a decade of military-backed rule. The 42-year-old, known for his dynamic presence and promise of political reform, aims to rewrite Thai history and bring about change after years of discontent. However, he faces the challenge of forming a coalition to secure the prime minister position.