What you need to know about Thailand’s general election
1 year, 7 months ago

What you need to know about Thailand’s general election

Al Jazeera  

Voters are expected to deliver a strong mandate for change, but the royalist-military establishment may seek to cling to power. Bangkok, Thailand — Voters in Thailand are heading to the polls on Sunday to elect a new parliament in what analysts have called the country’s “most pivotal election to date”. At Pheu Thai’s final rally outside the Thai capital, Bangkok, Paetongtarn urged thousands of red-clad supporters to help the party win by a landslide to “better the lives of the people”. “To end Thailand’s political crises, we have to end the cycles of coups — for good.” Facing off against the two reform parties is Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s United Thai Nation Party. Analysts see three main scenarios: Prayuth’s return with the support of the Senate, a coalition between Pheu Thai and MFP, or a partnership between Pheu Thai and the smaller Palang Pracharat Party.

Prime Parties Senate Prime Minister Vote Seats Thailand Win Polls Bangkok General Election Paetongtarn Pheu Thai Thaksin Pheu Mfp Thitinan Prayuth Thai Party Palang Pracharat  polls  need  general  election  thai  party  pheu  prime  parties  know  win  seats  thailands  vote

History of this topic

New Thai Cabinet includes 12 new faces
3 months, 3 weeks ago

New Thai Cabinet includes 12 new faces

China Daily  

This handout picture released and taken by the Royal Thai Government on Aug 18 shows Paetongtarn Shinawatra speaking during the royal endorsement ceremony appointing her as Thailand's new prime minister in Bangkok. The 35-member list includes: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Juengrungruangkit, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister …

Thai courts that have disbanded multiple governments are accused of setting back democracy
4 months, 1 week ago

Thai courts that have disbanded multiple governments are accused of setting back democracy

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “The Constitutional Court’s decision to …

Thai election body to seek dissolution of progressive party that won last year’s general election
9 months, 1 week ago

Thai election body to seek dissolution of progressive party that won last year’s general election

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Election Commission on Tuesday said it will seek the dissolution of the progressive Move Forward party, which won last year’s general election, after a court ruled that the party’s proposal to amend a royal anti-defamation law was unconstitutional. Parit Wacharasindhu, a spokesperson for Move Forward, said the party’s legal team would “try their best until the last …

Thai election authorities seek to dissolve poll-winning Move Forward Party
9 months, 1 week ago

Thai election authorities seek to dissolve poll-winning Move Forward Party

Al Jazeera  

Election commission says reformist party’s bid to change lese-majeste law undermines governance system but MFP promises to ‘prove innocence’. Thailand’s election commission has taken action aimed at disbanding the Move Forward Party, a reformist party that finished first in last year’s election on a progressive platform. “We have no intention to overthrow the democratic system with the king as the …

‘The same book over and over’: Scepticism over ruling Pheu Thai in Thailand
9 months, 2 weeks ago

‘The same book over and over’: Scepticism over ruling Pheu Thai in Thailand

Al Jazeera  

Six months after party formed government in deal with military-backed parties, voters still hanker for change. Today, the Pheu Thai government seems to hope similar economic gains could paper over the political compromises it has made – neatly summed up by one of its campaign slogans: “Democracy you can eat”. “We want to remove all the laws that violate human …

Daughter of divisive former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin named head of political party linked to him
1 year, 1 month ago

Daughter of divisive former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin named head of political party linked to him

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Thailand’s ruling party on Friday selected as its leader the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, the country’s divisive former prime minister, highlighting the family’s continuing influence more than two decades after Thaksin entered politics. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, who is Thaksin’s youngest daughter, was voted into the position at a meeting of executives and other members at the Pheu Thai …

A Role Reversal for Bangkok’s Middle Class
1 year, 2 months ago

A Role Reversal for Bangkok’s Middle Class

The Diplomat  

Thailand has a long history of rural and peripheral citizens concentrated in the country’s north and northeast voting into government political parties and politicians, only for these later to be removed by the conservative royalist establishment with the support of the large Bangkok middle class. The Move Forward Party, an ultra-progressive political newcomer, edged out the Thaksin-backed Pheu Thai Party …

Thailand’s opposition Move Forward party to pick new leader as its embattled chief steps down
1 year, 3 months ago

Thailand’s opposition Move Forward party to pick new leader as its embattled chief steps down

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — The embattled head of the Move Forward party, which finished first in Thailand’s general election in May but was denied power by Parliament, announced his resignation on Friday as its chief so the party can appoint a new member to serve as Parliament’s opposition leader. Pita Limjaroenrat, Move Forward’s 43-year-old leader, is currently suspended from his duties as …

Thailand's new Prime Minister tells Parliament his government will urgently tackle economic woes
1 year, 3 months ago

Thailand's new Prime Minister tells Parliament his government will urgently tackle economic woes

The Hindu  

Thailand’s new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin vowed to act quickly to relieve the country's economic problems in his inaugural speech to Parliament on September 11, following four months of political uncertainty while parliamentarians were unable to agree on a government. Long-term goals cited by Mr. Srettha include boosting international trade, supporting start-up businesses, investing more in transport infrastructure, improving agricultural …

Thailand’s king approves a new Cabinet more than 3 months after elections
1 year, 3 months ago

Thailand’s king approves a new Cabinet more than 3 months after elections

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Thailand’s king has formally endorsed members of a new Cabinet, paving the way for a government headed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to take office more than three months after the general election. Srettha, representing the Pheu Thai party, was named prime minister by Parliament on Aug. 22. The Pheu Thai Party, which placed second in the election, …

Real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin secures votes to become Thailand's 30th Prime Minister
1 year, 4 months ago

Real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin secures votes to become Thailand's 30th Prime Minister

The Hindu  

Srettha Thavisin from the populist Pheu Thai party secured enough votes in Parliament to become Thailand’s 30th Prime Minister on August 22, hours after former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned from years of self-imposed exile and began an eight-year prison sentence. A Pheu Thai government led by Thaksin's sister Yingluck Shinawatra was ousted in 2014 by then-army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha, …

Who is Srettha Thavisin, the man who could lead Thailand?
1 year, 4 months ago

Who is Srettha Thavisin, the man who could lead Thailand?

Al Jazeera  

The property tycoon is set to become prime minister with the backing of Pheu Thai-led grouping that includes pro-military parties. Thailand’s parliament is set to choose a new prime minister after three months of political deadlock, with a real-estate tycoon backed by a grouping that includes several pro-military parties contesting the vote. Pheu Thai came second in Thailand’s May 14 …

Thailand’s Pheu Thai party joins with pro-military parties in coalition to form new government
1 year, 4 months ago

Thailand’s Pheu Thai party joins with pro-military parties in coalition to form new government

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Thailand’s populist Pheu Thai party announced Monday that it plans to form a new government with an 11-party coalition that includes two pro-military parties affiliated with outgoing Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha. Pheu Thai finished second in the elections but received a chance to form a government after members of the conservative unelected Senate repeatedly blocked the surprise winner, …

Thailand’s Pheu Thai allies with military rivals to form new government
1 year, 4 months ago

Thailand’s Pheu Thai allies with military rivals to form new government

Al Jazeera  

Move comes as Pheu Thai founder Thaksin Shinawatra prepares to return home after 15 years in self-imposed exile. Thailand’s populist Pheu Thai Party has formed a coalition with 10 other parties, including two allied with its former military rivals, in a bid to form a new government and end three months of political deadlock. Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew told …

Thailand court rejects election winners' challenge to derailed PM bid
1 year, 4 months ago

Thailand court rejects election winners' challenge to derailed PM bid

The Hindu  

Thailand's Constitutional Court on August 16 rejected a request from the election winning Move Forward Party to review a parliamentary decision that blocked its Prime Ministerial candidate from being re-nominated. Thailand has been under a caretaker government for five months and its biggest parties in parliament have been unable to form a government after Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the anti-establishment …

Thailand’s populist party Pheu Thai announces fresh coalition with government-aligned party
1 year, 4 months ago

Thailand’s populist party Pheu Thai announces fresh coalition with government-aligned party

The Hindu  

Thailand's populist Pheu Thai party announced Monday that it will form a coalition with a party from the outgoing military-backed administration to try to end nearly three months of political deadlock after the progressive party that won national elections was excluded from the formation of a new government. Pheu Thai, the second biggest party in the eight-party coalition, took over …

Populist party and member of outgoing administration will try to form Thailand’s next government
1 year, 4 months ago

Populist party and member of outgoing administration will try to form Thailand’s next government

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Thailand’s populist Pheu Thai party announced Monday that it will form a coalition with a party from the outgoing military-backed administration to try to end nearly three months of political deadlock after the progressive party that won national elections was excluded from the formation of a new government. Pheu Thai, the second biggest party in the eight-party coalition, …

Selection of Thailand’s new prime minister delayed again, to await court decision on election winner
1 year, 4 months ago

Selection of Thailand’s new prime minister delayed again, to await court decision on election winner

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — A parliamentary vote to select Thailand’s new prime minister expected on Friday was delayed again after a court put off a decision in a case involving the progressive party that won May’s election, adding to growing uncertainty about when a new government can take office. The Constitutional Court on Thursday said it needs more time to deliberate on …

Reformist Thai party is excluded from coalition to form the next government, runner-up party says
1 year, 4 months ago

Reformist Thai party is excluded from coalition to form the next government, runner-up party says

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. After its two failed attempts, Move Forward handed over the lead in forming a …

Progressive Thai party that won May election is excluded from coalition to form the next government
1 year, 4 months ago

Progressive Thai party that won May election is excluded from coalition to form the next government

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — The progressive political party that won the most seats in Thailand’s general election has been excluded from a coalition to form the next government, its former ally said Wednesday. After its two failed attempts, Move Forward handed over the lead in forming a new government to the populist second-biggest party in the coalition, Pheu Thai. Chonlanan Srikaew, Pheu …

Party that won Thai elections blocked from forming coalition government
1 year, 4 months ago

Party that won Thai elections blocked from forming coalition government

Al Jazeera  

Three months after vote, Move Forward Party excluded from talks to form the next government, former ally says. After its two failed attempts, Move Forward handed over the lead in forming a new government to the populist Pheu Thai, the second biggest party in its coalition. Chonlanan Srikaew, Pheu Thai’s leader, said at a news conference on Wednesday that after …

Subverting the mandate: The Hindu Editorial on the Thai elections and the military establishment
1 year, 5 months ago

Subverting the mandate: The Hindu Editorial on the Thai elections and the military establishment

The Hindu  

In the parliamentary elections in May, Thai voters sent a clear message to the country’s conservative military establishment, which had wrested power from an elected government in 2014. The reformist Move Forward and the pro-democracy Pheu Thai parties emerged as the largest parties, while all the pro-establishment parties did poorly. After the elections, eight Opposition parties, including the Move Forward …

Thai Parliament blocks leader of party that won election from being renominated for prime minister
1 year, 5 months ago

Thai Parliament blocks leader of party that won election from being renominated for prime minister

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — The bitter battle to name Thailand’s next prime minister took a major turn Wednesday as Parliament voted to deny Pita Limjaroenrat, whose progressive Move Forward Party won a surprise victory in May’s election, a second chance to be confirmed for the post. Thai politics experts said Pita’s fall was virtually preordained by the 2017 constitution, enacted under military …

Thailand's Pita open to coalition ally leading government if he fails in PM bid
1 year, 5 months ago

Thailand's Pita open to coalition ally leading government if he fails in PM bid

The Hindu  

Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of Thailand's election-winning Move Forward Party, on Saturday raised the prospect of a political ally leading the new government if he fails to become Prime Minister. The Move Forward leader said he will seek a second vote for the top job on Wednesday, adding if he fails again he will ask the Pheu Thai party, which came …

Thailand’s Move Forward Party leader Pita falls short in parliamentary vote for prime minister
1 year, 5 months ago

Thailand’s Move Forward Party leader Pita falls short in parliamentary vote for prime minister

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — The leader of the progressive Thai political party that outpaced its rivals to a surprise first-place finish in May’s general election failed Thursday in his initial bid to have Parliament name him the country’s new prime minister. The biggest area of disagreement between the liberals backing Move Forward and the deeply conservative Senate is the campaign pledge of …

Thailand’s Election Commission says a reformist candidate for prime minister may have broken the law
1 year, 5 months ago

Thailand’s Election Commission says a reformist candidate for prime minister may have broken the law

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Election Commission said Wednesday there is evidence that the top candidate to become the next prime minister — a reformist with strong backing among progressive young voters — violated election law and referred his case to the Constitutional Court. The commission’s decision included a request that the court order Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat to be …

Thailand PM retires from politics, 9 years following his coup
1 year, 5 months ago

Thailand PM retires from politics, 9 years following his coup

Hindustan Times  

Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha announced on Tuesday his retirement from politics, nine years after he took power in a military coup, and promised to stay in charge only temporarily. Thailand's incumbent Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha His announcement was widely expected after his military-backed United Thai Nation party was thumped in a May 14 election, in which it won just …

Thai opposition party struggles to take power after election win
1 year, 5 months ago

Thai opposition party struggles to take power after election win

Al Jazeera  

While the threats from Move Forward’s ideological foes are clear, what has been less expected are the tensions between it and the biggest partner in its coalition, the Pheu Thai party. While the threats from Move Forward’s ideological foes are clear, what has been less expected are the tensions between it and the biggest partner in its coalition, the Pheu …

Why Did Thailand’s Move Forward Party Win Big in Phuket?
1 year, 6 months ago

Why Did Thailand’s Move Forward Party Win Big in Phuket?

The Diplomat  

The ultra-progressive Move Forward Party defied expectations by sweeping the popular vote in Thailand’s 2023 general election last month, even beating the populist Pheu Thai Party, which was projected to win the most votes, albeit by a slight margin. The PTP, despite constantly voicing support for Pita’s premiership and denying “secret deals” with the conservative wing, could reverse its stance …

A ‘new generation’ of women set to shake up politics in Thailand
1 year, 6 months ago

A ‘new generation’ of women set to shake up politics in Thailand

Al Jazeera  

Incoming MPs see their gender as a strength and say they are determined to push through the reforms Thai people voted for. “It’s a new generation, a new paradigm shift,” Ruengrawee said, adding that the more Thailand democratises, the more women will get involved in politics. “I realised I needed to make a better society for my children.” Now that …

A vote for change: The Hindu Editorial on the result of the Thai parliamentary election
1 year, 6 months ago

A vote for change: The Hindu Editorial on the result of the Thai parliamentary election

The Hindu  

For Thai voters, the May 14 parliamentary election offered a stark choice between the royalist, military-backed government and the pro-democratic, reformist opposition. Both the Move Forward and the Pheu Thai have promised to stand up to the military, which captured power in 2014 through a coup, and address the country’s economic issues. The Move Forward, a political upstart led by …

Will Thailand’s election winners have the chance to lead?
1 year, 6 months ago

Will Thailand’s election winners have the chance to lead?

Al Jazeera  

More than two weeks ago, Thailand held its elections and there was a clear winner. Thailand’s Phak Kao Klai came through with three times the votes of the leading government party. The people of Thailand, led by the youth, came out in a move against the country’s military, monarchy, and ruling elite. But to truly claim victory and power, Move …

Explained | Does the 2023 Thailand election result mark the start of a new era? Who will form the government?
1 year, 6 months ago

Explained | Does the 2023 Thailand election result mark the start of a new era? Who will form the government?

The Hindu  

The story so far: It has been over two weeks since Thailand’s progressive Move Forward Party and populist Pheu Thai Party claimed victory in an election that gave a thumbs-down to military-backed parties which ruled on and off for a decade. MFP’s main ally Pheu Thai, the populist party led by the billionaire family of the self-exiled former Premier Thaksin …

Thailand’s Move Forward Party, allies agree on coalition platform
1 year, 7 months ago

Thailand’s Move Forward Party, allies agree on coalition platform

Al Jazeera  

Thailand’s progressive Move Forward Party has signed a coalition agreement with seven other parties, promising to draft a new constitution, end monopolies and allow same-sex marriage if they are allowed to form a government, but the deal made no mention of a controversial proposal to revise royal insult laws. Move Forward, along with Pheu Thai, a populist party linked to …

Thailand’s General Election: 4 Things to Watch
1 year, 7 months ago

Thailand’s General Election: 4 Things to Watch

The Diplomat  

On May 14, Thai voters will go to the polls to elect their next government, with the country’s political landscape more fractured and complex than it has been in many years. While the PTP stands a good chance of winning an overall plurality of the vote, and the largest bloc of seats in Parliament, this does not guarantee that it …

Leader of Thai opposition party that won election announces 8-party coalition plan to take power
1 year, 7 months ago

Leader of Thai opposition party that won election announces 8-party coalition plan to take power

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The leader of the progressive opposition party that won a …

Thailand's Move Forward Party confident of more support to form government
1 year, 7 months ago

Thailand's Move Forward Party confident of more support to form government

The Hindu  

The leader of the progressive Move Forward Party that secured a stunning victory in Thailand's election this week said on May 18 he was confident of building more support and being able form a stable and balanced government. Speaking at a press conference as part of an alliance of eight parties with about 313 of the 500 lower house seats, …

New Thai government ‘firmly taking shape’, potential PM says
1 year, 7 months ago

New Thai government ‘firmly taking shape’, potential PM says

Al Jazeera  

Seven parties agree to form a government with Pita Limjaroenrat’s Move Forward Party and make him prime minister. Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat said at a news conference on Thursday that the proposed coalition would have 313 seats in the House of Representatives, a solid majority of its 500 members. Move Forward’s progressive agenda resonated with a public weary …

Thailand election: Will military elite let opposition take power?
1 year, 7 months ago

Thailand election: Will military elite let opposition take power?

Al Jazeera  

Move Forward Party wins election, but a military-appointed Senate and the ambitions of ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra may yet thwart its bid to govern. And according to the Constitution, there’s no time limit.” Pheu Thai’s ‘other options’ In the event of a deadlock, Pheu Thai may take the lead in trying to form a government — without Move Forward. Move …

Projected winner of Thailand’s election says he will ‘demilitarize’ country
1 year, 7 months ago

Projected winner of Thailand’s election says he will ‘demilitarize’ country

CNN  

Bangkok, Thailand CNN — The unofficial winner of Thailand’s election has told CNN he will work to “demilitarize” the country, in his first one-on-one interview since Sunday’s poll. “It’s pretty clear that people have demanded change here in Thailand… it’s very clear that the sentiment of the era has changed and we have developed a consensus for a new day …

Thailand’s opposition parties, after stunning election win, set plans to enlist allies to take power
1 year, 7 months ago

Thailand’s opposition parties, after stunning election win, set plans to enlist allies to take power

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Following a stunning election victory in which they together captured a majority of seats in the House of Representatives, Thailand’s top two opposition parties began planning Monday for the next stage in their bid to replace the military-dominated government. Pheu Thai stumbled despite the star power of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, the former populist prime minister …

Thailand election results see opposition surge ahead of junta in victory for democracy
1 year, 7 months ago

Thailand election results see opposition surge ahead of junta in victory for democracy

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thailand’s opposition Move Forward party …

Thailand Election: Will military and establishment let pro-democracy parties take power?
1 year, 7 months ago

Thailand Election: Will military and establishment let pro-democracy parties take power?

Firstpost  

On Sunday, Thailand’s Opposition secured a massive win against its conservative rivals in the general election. The pro-democracy Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties won 151 and 141 seats respectively in Thailand’s Lower House, while Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s United Thai Nation Party has just 36 seats. Let’s take a closer look: Pro-democracy parties prevail Pheu Thai, which had won …

Thailand Election: Countdown begins for junta power as Opposition parties secure majority I What's next?
1 year, 7 months ago

Thailand Election: Countdown begins for junta power as Opposition parties secure majority I What's next?

India TV News  

Thailand's opposition racked up a stunning majority of the 500 seats at stake in the race for the House of Representatives, dealing a major blow to the establishment parties and the former general who has led the Southeast Asian country since seizing power in a 2014 coup. The party of incumbent Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former army general who …

Thailand elections: Opposition crushes military-backed conservative party fulfilling voters’ hopes of change
1 year, 7 months ago

Thailand elections: Opposition crushes military-backed conservative party fulfilling voters’ hopes of change

India TV News  

Many voters in Thailand breathed a sigh of relief on Sunday after the country's main opposition parties emerged victorious in the general election. With 99% of the votes counted by early Monday morning, the junior opposition Move Forward Party had eked out a small edge over the favored Pheu Thai Party, whose leaders earlier in the night conceded they might …

Thailand's opposition wins big election victory, challenging army-backed conservative establishment
1 year, 7 months ago

Thailand's opposition wins big election victory, challenging army-backed conservative establishment

The Hindu  

Thailand’s main opposition parties easily bested other contenders with virtually all the votes counted from Sunday’s general election, fulfilling many voters’ hopes that the balloting would serve as a pivotal chance for change nine years after incumbent Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha first came to power in a 2014 coup. With 99% of the votes counted by early Monday morning, the …

Thailand election results: Opposition trounces military parties
1 year, 7 months ago

Thailand election results: Opposition trounces military parties

Al Jazeera  

Bangkok, Thailand – Thailand’s reformist opposition has won the most seats and the largest share of the popular vote in a general election after voters roundly rejected the military-backed parties that have ruled the Southeast Asian country for nearly a decade. Analysts described the outcome for MFP as “outstanding” as pre-election surveys had predicted that it would be Pheu Thai, …

Opposition favored to top Sunday's Thai election, but faces hurdles in taking power
1 year, 7 months ago

Opposition favored to top Sunday's Thai election, but faces hurdles in taking power

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Voters …

Move Forward galvanises Thai voters with vows of royal reforms
1 year, 7 months ago

Move Forward galvanises Thai voters with vows of royal reforms

Al Jazeera  

Bangkok, Thailand – On a busy intersection outside the Thai capital Bangkok, a young woman with a heavy megaphone urged passersby to vote for her in Sunday’s general election, promising a “new kind of politics” that would curb the monarchy and the military’s stranglehold over the Southeast Asian country’s affairs. It’s time to remove the military from Thai politics.” Chonthicha, …

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