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Thailand
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Thai PM frontrunner faces election probe
Thailand’s potential prime minister faces a probe that could disqualify him due to ownership of shares in a defunct media company, violating election laws.
The investigation, expected to last for an undetermined period, may result in disqualification and a jail term of up to 10 years.
The ruling party remains confident and emphasizes the importance of people power and adherence to constitutional principles. The outcome of this investigation will impact the formation of the new government and may lead to further political unrest.
Thai coalition agrees plans but silent on royal insult reform
Thailand’s incoming government, led by the progressive Move Forward Party (MFP), has announced plans to rewrite the constitution, legalize same-sex marriage, and end military conscription. However, controversial proposals to change royal insult laws were not mentioned.
MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat remains determined to become prime minister despite opposition from the military-allied Senate.
The coalition aims to peacefully transform the government and push for their agreed-upon agenda, including constitutional reform and addressing monopolies and oligopolies in the economy.
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 opposition leader confident of forming government
The leader of Thailand’s Move Forward Party (MFP) expressed confidence in becoming prime minister despite opposition from junta-appointed senators. The MFP, emerging as the largest party after a record-turnout election, formed a coalition with two other parties, securing a majority in the lower house.
However, the appointment requires majority support across both houses, including the Senate. The MFP’s intention to amend laws against insulting the king has alarmed the conservative establishment.
While facing challenges, the MFP remains optimistic about setting up the government and finding middle ground on lese-majeste reform, a previously forbidden topic.
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.
