Browsing Tag

Thailand

96 posts

Billionaires, generals, democrats: A guide to Thailand’s election

Thailand’s upcoming election sees a clash between military generals and a resurgent opposition. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha and former ally Prawit Wongsuwan lead the military-backed parties, while Paetongtarn Shinawatra represents the opposition Pheu Thai party, and Pita Limjaroenrat leads the youth-led Move Forward Party. Coalitions will play a crucial role, and the possibility of another coup looms if certain outcomes arise. Dissolution of parties, as seen in 2020, is also a potential consequence.

Thaksin’s daughter carries Shinawatra torch in Thai election

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the scion of Thailand’s political dynasty, seeks victory for the opposition Pheu Thai party. After giving birth, she swiftly returned to the campaign trail, aiming to become Thailand’s youngest-ever prime minister. Paetongtarn faces the military establishment and the challenge of connecting with young voters.

Thai elections 2023: the PM candidates

The candidates vying for Thailand’s next prime minister include incumbent Prayut Chan-o-Cha, known for his role in the 2014 military coup, Prawit Wongsuwan, the “Rolex general” with a history in the military, Pita Limjaroenrat, a fresh-faced entrepreneur, and Anutin Charnvirakul, the health minister and leader of the Bhumjaithai party, who decriminalized marijuana in 2022.

Self-exiled ex-PM Thaksin seeks return to Thailand by July

Thailand’s exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra announced his intention to return to the country before his birthday in July. Despite corruption charges, Thaksin’s opposition party is leading in the polls, fueling speculation about his comeback. He expressed readiness to face justice and reunite with his family after 17 years of exile.

Thailand chokes on pollution but greens struggle to be heard in election

Green candidates in Thailand’s election struggle to gain support despite record-breaking pollution. The public acknowledges the environmental issues but lacks hope in politicians’ ability to solve them. Environmental concerns have taken a backseat to other political priorities in the election campaign.

Suspected Thai cyanide serial killer charged with 14 counts of murder

Thai woman Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn has been charged with 14 counts of murder and one count of attempted murder over a series of poisonings using cyanide. She allegedly lured 15 people, swindled them out of thousands of dollars and then poisoned them. Her husband, a high-ranking policeman, also faces fraud and embezzlement charges related to the murders.

Thai woman charged with cyanide murder as list of victims grows

Thai police have charged Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn with premeditated murder and increased the number of victims to 13 in the ongoing cyanide poisoning investigation. Police suspect the motive was money, but have also noted that Sararat has previously been diagnosed with psychiatric issues. They found a substance believed to be cyanide in her home and suspect she poisoned victims’ food and drink. Sararat is four months pregnant and experiencing stress, blurry eyes, and headaches. Her police officer husband and other witnesses have been interviewed, and police urge the public to provide information on potential cases.

Ex-headmaster loses death sentence appeal over Thai shooting

Former headmaster, Prasittichai Khaokaew, has had his final appeal rejected by Thailand’s Supreme Court for the murder of three people during an armed robbery in 2020. The victims included a two-year-old boy, a security guard and a sales assistant. Prasittichai was sentenced to death for his “cruel and inhuman” actions, with the court confirming the death sentence imposed by lower courts.

Thai woman accused of killing nine people with cyanide

Thai police have arrested the wife of a senior officer on suspicion of murdering nine people by poisoning them with cyanide, officials said Wednesday. Investigators believe money was the motive in the killings.

Thai PM touts experience ahead of tough election

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha emphasized the need for an experienced leader as candidates began registering for next month’s general election. Facing stiff competition from opposition parties, Prayut’s United Thai Nation party is lagging in the polls behind Pheu Thai and the pro-reform Move Forward Party. However, Thailand’s 2017 constitution gives military-favored parties an advantage in forming a government, as 250 military-appointed senators must also vote for the prime minister.