Former Thai leader Thaksin goes to jail as political party linked to him wins vote to take power
1 year, 4 months ago

Former Thai leader Thaksin goes to jail as political party linked to him wins vote to take power

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — A divisive former prime minister of Thailand made a dramatic return home Tuesday to face an eight-year prison term, just as a party linked to him won a vote in Parliament to lead the government — the latest turn in the country’s tumultuous politics. Hours later, Srettha Thavisin of the Pheu Thai party secured enough votes to become prime minister, ending months of suspense, legal wrangling and horse trading that followed May’s elections. A Pheu Thai government led by Thaksin’s sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, eventually came to power but was ousted in 2014 by then-army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is now the outgoing prime minister. Leader of Pheu Thai party Chonlanan Srikaew, left, and his party lawmakers make victory signs at Parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, after securing enough votes in parliament for their nominee Srettha Thavisin to become Thailand’s 30th prime minister. Pheu Thai supporters react during a parliamentary vote on Srettha Thavisin's prime ministerial candidacy, at the party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023.

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History of this topic

Thailand’s Paetongtarn Shinawatra Sworn in as Prime Minister
3 months ago

Thailand’s Paetongtarn Shinawatra Sworn in as Prime Minister

The Diplomat  

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of divisive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was sworn into office as Thailand’s next prime minister on August 18, two days after her election by the Thai parliament. At a subsequent press conference, Paetongtarn vowed to “serve everyone equally and wholeheartedly,” and to govern for “every age, every gender, every diversity.” “I am committed to pushing …

New Thai PM aims to boost economy
3 months, 1 week ago

New Thai PM aims to boost economy

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. In the face of multiple economic challenges, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the new government's intent to focus on revitalizing the economy and improving people's welfare in …

Thailand’s slumping economy is new leader Paetongtarn’s focus in her first parliamentary speech
3 months, 1 week ago

Thailand’s slumping economy is new leader Paetongtarn’s focus in her first parliamentary speech

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Thailand’s new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra vowed Thursday in her inaugural speech to Parliament to continue many of her predecessor’s plans to solve the country’s economic woes. Paetongtarn, the leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party and daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, took office last month after a court ousted Srettha Thavisin from his post over …

Thailand swears in Paetongtarn Shinawatra as youngest prime minister
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Thailand swears in Paetongtarn Shinawatra as youngest prime minister

The Hindu  

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the heiress of Thailand’s most famous political dynasty, was sworn in as Prime Minister on Friday, capping a month of turmoil in which her predecessor was thrown out of the office and the main opposition party dissolved. Ms. Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of controversial former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, took the oath in a closed-door ceremony with King …

New Thai Cabinet includes 12 new faces
3 months, 2 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 King endorses new cabinet under PM Paetongtarn
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Thai King endorses new cabinet under PM Paetongtarn

China Daily  

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. BANGKOK --Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has endorsed members of a new cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a royal command said on Wednesday. According to the official Royal Gazette, the king appointed 35 cabinet ministers as selected by Paetongtarn, including six deputy prime ministers and other ministers, after her endorsement as the …

Thai PM says committed to further strengthening Thailand-China relations
3 months, 4 weeks ago

Thai PM says committed to further strengthening Thailand-China relations

China Daily  

BANGKOK - Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand's new prime minister, stated on Monday that Thailand and China share a "close friendship" and she is committed to further strengthening bilateral ties. Paetongtarn wrote on social media platform X that Thailand's friendship with China is based on "mutual trust and respect, a common vision towards prosperity and progress, as well as familial ties between …

Paetongtarn Shinawatra | Rise of the scion
3 months, 4 weeks ago

Paetongtarn Shinawatra | Rise of the scion

The Hindu  

Thailand is now led by a third Shinawatra as 38-year-old Paetongtarn Shinawatra was elected Prime Minister on August 18. Following in her billionaire father Thaksin and aunt Yingluck’s footsteps, Ms. Paetongtarn is the youngest and only second woman Prime Minister of the Southeast Asian monarchy. Ms. Paetongtarn, who grew up watching the dramatic rise and fall of her father in …

Watch: Who is Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s new Prime Minister?
4 months ago

Watch: Who is Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s new Prime Minister?

The Hindu  

Who is Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s new Prime Minister? Paetongtarn Shinawatra has become Thailand’s prime minister after receiving a royal endorsement letter on August 18. Shinawatra, 37, will head Thailand’s government, barely two years after she entered politics. She replaces Srettha Thavisin from the same Pheu Thai Party as the head of a coalition that includes military parties associated with the …

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Congratulates Paetongtarn Shinawatra On Becoming Thai PM
4 months ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Congratulates Paetongtarn Shinawatra On Becoming Thai PM

News 18  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated Paetongtarn Shinawatra on becoming Thailand’s prime minister and said he looks forward to working with her to further strengthen the ties between the two countries. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, became Thailand’s prime minister after receiving a royal letter of endorsement on Sunday, two days after she was chosen by …

Former Thai PM Thaksin among pardonees in king's amnesty
4 months ago

Former Thai PM Thaksin among pardonees in king's amnesty

China Daily  

FILE PHOTO: Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra speaks to members of the media as he attends THACCA SPLASH - Soft Power Forum 2024 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand, June 28, 2024. BANGKOK - Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been included in a royal pardon to end his jail term earlier than scheduled, …

Neighbourhood troubles: On India and instability in the region
4 months, 1 week ago

Neighbourhood troubles: On India and instability in the region

The Hindu  

Thailand’s youngest Prime Minister, 37-year-old Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was elected by the Parliament on Friday after the constitutional court oustedSrettha Thavisin. Significantly, the court held Mr. Srettha guilty of ethical violations for appointing a Cabinet Minister who had been convicted for attempting to bribe a judge overseeing Mr. Thaksin’s corruption cases more than a decade ago. The developments come at a …

Thailand's new prime minister renews the legacy of her father, the divisive Thaksin Shinawatra
4 months, 1 week ago

Thailand's new prime minister renews the legacy of her father, the divisive Thaksin Shinawatra

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. Thaksin's sister Yingluck Shinawatra was …

Thailand’s new prime minister renews the legacy of her divisive father, Thaksin Shinawatra
4 months, 1 week ago

Thailand’s new prime minister renews the legacy of her divisive father, Thaksin Shinawatra

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — The election of Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Thailand’s prime minister represents a remarkable comeback for the political dynasty founded by her billionaire father, Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by a military coup in 2006. FILE - Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, with, his daughter Paetongtarn, arrives at Don Muang airport in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023. …

Paetongtarn Shinawatra becomes Thailand's youngest Prime Minister
4 months, 1 week ago

Paetongtarn Shinawatra becomes Thailand's youngest Prime Minister

The Hindu  

On the campaign trail in rural Thailand last year, Paetongtarn Shinawatra reminded voters of her influential billionaire family's legacy of populism in what was her electoral debut. She will "The country has to move ahead," Ms. Paetongtarn, the youngest of Thaksin's three children, told reporters after winning Pheu Thai's nomination on Thursday. Father’s Long Shadow Ms. Paetongtarn spent her childhood …

Thailand: Thaksin's daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra elected prime minister
4 months, 1 week ago

Thailand: Thaksin's daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra elected prime minister

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Parliament elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra as prime minister Friday, continuing the legacy of the political dynasty that began with her father Thaksin Shinawatra, one of Thailand’s most popular but divisive political figures. Leader of the People’s Party, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, standing, debates before a vote to select a new prime minister at the Parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Aug. …

Thai lawmakers to elect new prime minister
4 months, 1 week ago

Thai lawmakers to elect new prime minister

Hindustan Times  

Thai lawmakers will vote Friday on whether to appoint Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the country's new prime minister, elevating a third member of the Shinawatra dynasty to the kingdom's top job. Thai lawmakers to elect new prime minister {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}} Paetongtarn, 37, whose father and aunt have served as premier, would become the youngest leader in Thailand's history as …

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, elected Thailand's new prime minister
4 months, 1 week ago

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, elected Thailand's new prime minister

ABC  

Thailand's parliament has voted to approve the daughter of the divisive former leader Thaksin Shinawatra as the new prime minister, two days after a court removed the last incumbent over an ethics violation. Ms Paetongtarn is Thailand's second female prime minister and the country's third leader from the Shinawatra family, after her father and her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra. Adam Simpson, …

Thailand’s Parliament elects as prime minister the daughter of divisive former leader Thaksin
4 months, 1 week ago

Thailand’s Parliament elects as prime minister the daughter of divisive former leader Thaksin

LA Times  

Leader of the Pheu Thai party and the new prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, arrives at the party’s headquarters in Bangkok on Friday. Thailand’s Parliament elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra as prime minister Friday, continuing the legacy of the political dynasty that began with her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, one of Thailand’s most popular but divisive political figures. She was named one of Pheu …

Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s daughter to be nominated as new Prime Minister
4 months, 1 week ago

Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s daughter to be nominated as new Prime Minister

The Hindu  

Thailand's populist Pheu Thai party on Thursday said it will nominate its party leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, in a Parliament vote for the country's new leader after former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was removed by a court order over an ethical violation. Ms. Paetongtarn is the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is seen as force behind Pheu …

Daughter of former exiled Thai PM nominated as candidate to lead new government
4 months, 1 week ago

Daughter of former exiled Thai PM nominated as candidate to lead new government

ABC  

Thailand's governing alliance has backed 37-year-old political newcomer Paetongtarn Shinawatra as its candidate for prime minister, after the country's constitutional court dismissed the previous leader earlier this week. Ms Shinawatra is the daughter of divisive political heavyweight Thaksin Shinawatra, a former prime minister himself who fled into exile after a military coup against his government. Former Thai prime minister Thaksin …

Thailand political turmoil: Ex-Prime Minister's daughter likely to be nominated as new Thai Premier
4 months, 1 week ago

Thailand political turmoil: Ex-Prime Minister's daughter likely to be nominated as new Thai Premier

India TV News  

Thailand's populist Pheu Thai party announced on Thursday that it will nominate its party leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, for the position of Prime Minister in an upcoming Parliament vote. This decision comes after former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was ousted from office by a court order citing an ethical violation. If Paetongtarn is approved by Parliament's vote, which is scheduled for …

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha removed from office by court order over ethics violation
4 months, 1 week ago

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha removed from office by court order over ethics violation

The Hindu  

A court in Thailand on Wednesday removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office over an ethical violation, further shaking up Thai politics after the court-ordered dissolution of the main Opposition party a week ago. Mr. Srettha had appointed Pichit Chuenban as a Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office in a Cabinet reshuffle in April. The petition against Mr. Srettha was …

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin removed from office by court order over an ethics violation
4 months, 1 week ago

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin removed from office by court order over an ethics violation

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. Please try again later {{ …

Court removes Prime Minister Srettha from office in another ruling shaking up Thailand’s politics
4 months, 1 week ago

Court removes Prime Minister Srettha from office in another ruling shaking up Thailand’s politics

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office over an ethical violation Wednesday, further shaking up Thai politics after ordering the dissolution of the main opposition party a week ago. Phumtham Wechayachai of Srettha’s Pheu Thai party and first deputy prime minister and commerce minister under him is expected to become acting prime minister. The United …

Thai Prime Minister Srettha removed from office by a court order
4 months, 1 week ago

Thai Prime Minister Srettha removed from office by a court order

LA Times  

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin listens to a question from a reporter during a news conference in Bangkok after a court removed him from office Wednesday. A court in Thailand on Wednesday removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office over an ethical violation, further shaking up Thai politics after it ordered the dissolution of the main opposition party a week …

Thailand's constitutional court removes Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office over ethical violations
4 months, 1 week ago

Thailand's constitutional court removes Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office over ethical violations

ABC  

Thailand's Constitutional Court has removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office for violating the constitution over a cabinet appointment. Thai court dissolves progressive Move Forward Party Photo shows a crowd of thai politicians do a thumbs-up gesture Thailand's Constitutional Court has ruled to dissolve the opposition Move Forward Party. The same court last week dissolved the anti-establishment Move Forward Party, …

Thaksin Shinawatra: Former Thai PM indicted in royal insult case
6 months ago

Thaksin Shinawatra: Former Thai PM indicted in royal insult case

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 former prime minister Thaksin …

Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin is in trouble again as he’s indicted for royal defamation
6 months ago

Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin is in trouble again as he’s indicted for royal defamation

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was indicted and arraigned Tuesday on a charge of defaming the country’s monarchy in one of several court cases that have rattled Thai politics. His case is just one of the several that have complicated Thai politics since the Pheu Thai government took office after the Senate — a conservative, military-appointed body …

Thaksin indicted for alleged insult of monarchy, granted bail
6 months ago

Thaksin indicted for alleged insult of monarchy, granted bail

China Daily  

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra greets his supporters after landing at Bangkok's Don Mueang airport on August 22, 2023. Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was on June 18 indicted for allegedly insulting the monarchy in a media interview nine years ago, but was granted bail by a court, helping him avoid pre-trial detention. On June 18, Thailand's Criminal …

Why four court cases could unleash a new crisis in Thai politics
6 months, 1 week ago

Why four court cases could unleash a new crisis in Thai politics

Al Jazeera  

Courts due to hear cases on Tuesday on PM Srettha Thavisin, the Move Forward Party, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra and the Senate elections. The future of Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin as well as its leading opposition party looks set to be decided this week in four key court rulings that risk triggering a new political crisis. The courts are …

Former Thailand PM Thaksin Shinawatra to go on trial for royal insult
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Former Thailand PM Thaksin Shinawatra to go on trial for royal insult

Al Jazeera  

The case relates to an interview the billionaire politician gave to South Korean media while in self-imposed exile in 2015. Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who returned home last year after 15 years in exile, will go on trial next month on charges of insulting the monarchy. Prayuth Pecharakun, a spokesman for Thailand’s attorney general, said 74-year-old Thaksin would …

The Constitutional Court of Thailand agrees to hear a case that could imperil the prime minister
7 months ago

The Constitutional Court of Thailand agrees to hear a case that could imperil the prime minister

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Constitutional Court accepted a petition Thursday from members of the country’s outgoing Senate to begin an ethics probe against the prime minister over his appointment of a Cabinet member. The court ruled that Srettha’s appointment of Pichit Chuenban as minister of the Prime Minister’s Office was in violation of Section 160 of the constitution, which requires those …

What Thaksin Shinawatra’s Parole Says About Thai Politics
9 months ago

What Thaksin Shinawatra’s Parole Says About Thai Politics

The Diplomat  

On February 13, Thailand’s jailed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was granted parole, as anticipated, paving the way for his release on February 18. Srettha added, “I believe that Thaksin can give good advice to his daughter to serve the country.” Thaksin’s parole represents a watershed in Thai politics. By sealing the former leader’s rehabilitation, it effectively draws a line …

Thai court acquits former PM Yingluck Shinawatra on charges of mishandling government funds
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Thai court acquits former PM Yingluck Shinawatra on charges of mishandling government funds

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — A Thai court on Monday acquitted former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, now living in exile, on charges of mishandling funds for a government project in 2013, the latest legal victory for the powerful family of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin’s release, after almost two decades of antipathy between his populist political machine and Thailand’s conservative royalist ruling …

How Thailand’s Thaksin Shinawatra went from prime minister to fugitive abroad and back home again
10 months ago

How Thailand’s Thaksin Shinawatra went from prime minister to fugitive abroad and back home again

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Thaksin Shinawatra, the billionaire former prime minister of Thailand, made a dramatic return home after more than a decade of self-imposed exile. In 2011, Thaksin’s sister Yingluck Shinawatra led the Pheu Thai party to an landslide election victory. Thaksin’s desire to return home seemed finally possible as Thais last year headed to a general election in which the …

As Thailand’s Thaksin goes free, questions about his political future loom
10 months ago

As Thailand’s Thaksin goes free, questions about his political future loom

Al Jazeera  

Ex-prime minister’s release caps a period of reconciliation between his populist movement and the conservative establishment. Thaksin’s sister Yingluck Shinawatra served as Thailand’s first female prime minister from 2011 until 2014, under the banner of the Pheu Thai Party, which was born out of the remnants of Thaksin’s Thai Rak Thai. Thaksin’s return to Thailand in August following nearly 16 …

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra released on parole from police hospital
10 months ago

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra released on parole from police hospital

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 Former Thai prime minister Thaksin …

Former Thai PM Thaksin released on parole after serving 6 months in hospital
10 months ago

Former Thai PM Thaksin released on parole after serving 6 months in hospital

The Hindu  

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released on parole early Sunday, February 18, 2024, from a Bangkok hospital where he spent six months serving time for corruption-related offenses. Thaksin was seen in a convoy of cars leaving the Police General Hospital just before sunrise and is believed to be headed to his residence in western Bangkok. A polarising figure …

Thaksin Shinawatra, former Thailand prime minister and one-time owner of Manchester City, released early from prison
10 months ago

Thaksin Shinawatra, former Thailand prime minister and one-time owner of Manchester City, released early from prison

ABC  

In short: Thaksin, twice elected prime minister, was released early on Sunday morning after being treated at Bangkok's Police General Hospital Thaksin, twice elected prime minister, was released early on Sunday morning after being treated at Bangkok's Police General Hospital His eight-year sentence was cut by King Maha Vajiralongkorn within days of his return to Thailand from exile last August …

Thailand’s ex-PM Thaksin leaves hospital after six months in detention
10 months, 1 week ago

Thailand’s ex-PM Thaksin leaves hospital after six months in detention

Al Jazeera  

Thaksin returned to Thailand in August after nearly 16 years of self-imposed exile. Thailand’s jailed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has left the hospital where he spent six months in detention following his return to the kingdom after more than 15 years of self-imposed exile. Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said earlier this week that Thaksin, who was jailed for …

Jailed former Thai PM Thaksin gets parole, capping a reconciliation with military that ousted him
10 months, 1 week ago

Jailed former Thai PM Thaksin gets parole, capping a reconciliation with military that ousted him

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who last year returned from more than a decade of self-imposed exile to serve a prison sentence for misdeeds committed while in office, has been granted parole and could be released this weekend, the country’s justice minister announced Tuesday. Parole for Thaksin would be a symbol of reconciliation between his populist political …

Thai officials, accused of coddling jailed ex-PM, say not calling him ‘inmate’ is standard practice
11 months, 1 week ago

Thai officials, accused of coddling jailed ex-PM, say not calling him ‘inmate’ is standard practice

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is serving a prison sentence after being convicted of wrongdoing in office, but he shouldn’t be called an inmate, the country’s Correction Department declared Tuesday. It was responding to critics who charge that Thaksin, a billionaire populist and unofficial patron of the political party that returned to power last year, is being …

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 …

New Thai prime minister pays friendly visit to neighboring Cambodia's own new leader
1 year, 2 months ago

New Thai prime minister pays friendly visit to neighboring Cambodia's own new leader

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. Please try again later {{ …

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 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, …

Thai king cuts ex-PM Thaksin's jail term to one year
1 year, 3 months ago

Thai king cuts ex-PM Thaksin's jail term to one year

The Hindu  

Thailand's jailed former Premier Thaksin Shinawatra had his prison sentence cut from eight years to one by the King on Friday, just days after he returned from a decade and a half in exile. Mr. Thaksin, twice elected Prime Minister and ousted in a 2006 military coup, was sent to prison last week immediately after returning to the kingdom for …

Thailand’s king reduces former Prime Minister Thaksin’s 8-year prison term to a single year
1 year, 3 months ago

Thailand’s king reduces former Prime Minister Thaksin’s 8-year prison term to a single year

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Thailand’s king on Friday reduced former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s eight-year prison term to a single year following the divisive politician’s return last week from 15 years of self-imposed exile. Hours after Thaksin’s return, Srettha Thavisin of the Thaksin-affiliated Pheu Thai party won enough votes in Parliament to become prime minister, ending more than three months of uncertainty …

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