Author: Aidan Jones
The political landscape in Thailand is undergoing a significant shift as the largest party in the coalition, Pheu Thai, faces a crucial decision for a new prime minister. The choice is between experienced 75-year-old Chaikasem Nitisiri and the untested Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of party patriarch Thaksin Shinawatra. Chaikasem is currently the front-runner, but there are rumors that Paetongtarn may also be nominated, potentially making her the third Shinawatra family member to hold the post. If Chaikasem wins, he will become Thailand’s oldest prime minister and a safe steward of Thaksin’s interests. The return of Thaksin after a jail sentence has…
Thailand’s Constitutional Court ousted Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for unethical conduct, leading to further political instability in the country. The court’s decision, with a narrow 5-4 vote, highlighted the failure of Srettha’s government to gain support from both parliament and the public during his brief tenure. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story. In a shocking turn of events, Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was ousted from office by the Constitutional Court for ethical breaches, including appointing a cabinet member with a criminal record. The decision, with a close 5-4 vote, has plunged the country into deeper political…
The political landscape in Thailand is heating up as real estate tycoon Srettha, who emerged as prime minister after last May’s election, faces a court ruling. His Pheu Thai party, which unexpectedly lost the election, joined hands with conservative enemies to form a government, freezing out the radical Move Forward party. The Move Forward party, previously dissolved under the lese majeste law, has now rebranded as the People’s Party with new leadership. With a focus on reform and a vow to double down on their agenda, they are gearing up for the next election in 2027, aiming to secure an…
Thailand has made history by passing a same-sex marriage bill, becoming the first Southeast Asian nation to recognize marriage equality. The Senate voted in favor of the bill, which will now undergo royal assent before becoming law. This move will make Thailand only the third Asian jurisdiction, after Nepal and Taiwan, to allow gay marriages. The passing of the marriage equality bill is a significant victory for LGBTQ activists who have long campaigned for equal rights. The new law defines marriage in gender-neutral terms, providing same-sex couples with rights previously denied to them. Human Rights Associate at Fortify Rights, Mookdapa…
A legal drama has engulfed the prime minister of Thailand after a petition alleged his appointment breached the constitution. The petition claimed that the minister must be “of evident integrity,” a requirement that the appointee allegedly did not meet. The real estate tycoon at the center of the controversy, Srettha, may face removal from office if found guilty. The resignation of Pichit Chuenban, the former prime minister’s lawyer, has added to the turmoil in the government. This move comes amidst a policy U-turn on cannabis and public disputes with the central bank. Thailand is facing challenges with unelected powers exerting…