The telegenic leader of a Thai political party who rode to prominence during last month's election on a wave of millennial support stands accused of inciting unrest, he said Wednesday (Apr 3), blaming his latest legal woes on a "dark influence". Thai tycoon Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, leader of the Future Forward Party, arrives at the fffice of the attorney general in Bangkok AFP/Lillian SUWANRUMPHA Billionaire Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit heads up the youth-oriented Future Forward Party, which came out of nowhere to amass more than 6 million votes in the Mar 24 vote, the first since a 2014 coup. Future Forward has joined an anti-military government coalition with six other parties claiming the right to form a government in the aftermath of a disputed vote whose full results will not be ratified until May 9. But the fierce critic of the military government said on Facebook he has now been summoned to appear at a Bangkok police station Saturday to hear incitement charges … [Read more...] about Rising Thai political star faces fresh legal woes after election
Thai political parties
Thai party leader contrite after rebuke for princess’ PM candidacy
A Thai political party leader expressed public contrition on Tuesday for selecting a princess as a candidate for prime minister, days after the move provoked a rebuke from her brother, King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Thai Raksa Chart party leader Preechaphol Pongpanit expressed contrition for selecting the king's sister as candidate for prime minister THAI NEWS PIX/AFP Thai Raksa Chart, a party linked to the powerful Shinawatra clan, on Friday proposed Princess Ubolratana as its prime ministerial candidate for March polls, an unprecedented bid in Thailand where the royal family is seen as above the political fray. But Thai monarchs have intervened in times of political crisis since 1932 when the country became a constitutional monarchy. King Vajiralongkorn quashed the candidacy the same day it was filed in a royal command calling it "highly inappropriate", prompting an immediate reversal from the party. Thailand's wealthy and powerful monarchy is revered by Thais and protected by … [Read more...] about Thai party leader contrite after rebuke for princess’ PM candidacy
Thai PM begins election campaign on social media
The Facebook page of Thai Prime Minister Prayut Cha-o-cha, which was launched on October 14 (Source: www.bangkokpost.com) Bangkok (VNA) – Prime Minister of Thailand Prayut Chan-o-cha has launched his election campaign by joining social media, as political parties have started their campaigns for the election scheduled to take place next year. Over the weekend, he launched a website, www.prayutchan-o-cha.com, available in Thai and English, along with opening Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. In a statement, the Thai leader noted that since many people use Facebook for communication, he would jump onto the platform too. "I would like to open my Facebook personal account as another channel to communicate my policies and work, as well as those of the government," the Thai PM wrote on the launch of the @prayutofficial Facebook account on October 14. He also encouraged Thai people to exchange views or state their problems on his social media. The … [Read more...] about Thai PM begins election campaign on social media
Thailand’s ruling junta eases ban on political activities
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha (Source: Xinhua) Hanoi (VNA) – Thailand’s ruling junta on September 14 partially eased its ban on political activities, paving the way for the general election scheduled to take place on February 24, 2019. Under the decision, which was announced by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, political parties are now permitted to elect their leaders, recruit new members and hold general party meetings if they are able to summon at least 250 members. However, election campaigning, including holding public gatherings, is still forbidden. Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, who is in charge of the government’s legal affairs, said election campaigning would be allowed after a law on the election is issued, possibly in December. After the military staged a coup in 2014 to oust then Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, a ban was imposed throughout the country on all political activities. This included a ban on any … [Read more...] about Thailand’s ruling junta eases ban on political activities
Thai political parties to get 60-day election campaign
Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha (Source: VNA) Bangkok (VNA) – Thai Deputy Prime Minister in charge of legal affairs Wissanu Krea-ngam has said political parties will be given 60 days to campaign for the general election scheduled for December 2018 after the junta partly lifted a ban on political activities. PM Prayut Chan-o-cha and Cabinet members are not allowed to run for election though they could become members of executive boards or consultants of political parties. If the general election is held in February 2019, local elections are slated for May the same year. Meanwhile, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan denied rumour about a Cabinet reshuffle, which is considered to pave the way for government members to run for election. At the recent Thailand Forum 2018 held in Bangkok with the theme “Political roadmap and election”, politicians committed to raising local income. The Democratic Party vowed to narrow the … [Read more...] about Thai political parties to get 60-day election campaign