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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40023274

Prayut appoints Ruam Thai Sang Chart leader as PM’s secretary-general

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2022

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha appointed the leader of Ruam Thai Sang Chart (RTSC) – the party expected to nominate him as PM candidate at the upcoming election – as his new permanent secretary on Tuesday.

Prayut signed an order to appoint RTSC leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, replacing Distat Hotrakitya, who resigned from the post to become Prayut’s adviser on December 16.

Speaking to reporters after the weekly Cabinet meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said the Cabinet approved Pirapan’s appointment with immediate effect.

The PM’s secretary-general is a crucial post in the government, responsible for supervising the PM’s Office and preparing documents to be signed by the prime minister. The secretary-general also coordinates between the prime minister and other senior figures to ensure that government work runs smoothly.

The post usually goes to someone strongly trusted by the premier, as the PM’s secretary-general gives orders to government agencies in the name of the prime minister. This has earned the PM’s secretary-general the nickname “little prime minister”.

Past PM’s secretary-generals who played crucial political roles include Sqd Ldr Prasong Soonsiri (for late former PM Prem Tinsulanonda), Niphon Promphan (Chuan Leekpai), and Prommin Lertsuriyadej (Thaksin Shinawatra).

Pirapan resigned as a member of the Democrat Party on December 9, 2019 to become an adviser to Prayut and a member of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party.

Pirapan left the PPRP to help set up the RTSC, which is expected to be the political vehicle for Prayut’s bid to retain his premiership at the next general election, tentatively scheduled for May 7.

Pirapan has confirmed that RTSC will nominate Prayut as its prime ministerial candidate for the next election if he decides to join.

Earlier this month, PPRP leader and Deputy PM Gen Prawit Wongsuwan told reporters tongue-in-cheek that the RTSC was actually the same party as the PPRP. Wissanu said the next day that Prawit had only been joking.

Political observers see Pirapan appointment to the crucial post as a strong sign that Prayut will contest the next election under the RTSC banner.

The move was also seen as a signal to reluctant MPs and politicians to join the RTSC before the next election, especially those in southern provinces where Prayut still enjoys popularity.

It has been reported that two advisers to the prime minister, Trairong Suwankhiri and Chatchawal Kong-udom, will join the RTSC next week.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40023236

Parliament will convene as usual despite MP resignations: Chuan

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2022

The Parliament will convene as scheduled despite the mass resignation of MPs, Parliament President Chuan Leekpai said on Monday.

“The number of MPs attending the meeting still exceeds half of the total seats, which means the Parliament can convene as normal,” Chuan told reporters.

The press had relayed public concerns about the government coming to a halt now that so many MPs are quitting their parties to prepare for the upcoming general election.

The election has been scheduled for May 7, 2023.

When Parliament convened last Friday, the lower House attendance dropped to 439 from a total of 500.

Chuan said the House of Representatives still needs to consider several important legislations, including amendments to the University Act and the Use of Cheque Act. He said with so many items still on the agenda, MPs should attend every meeting and fulfil their duties until the last minute.

He also reminded MPs to not forgot to insert their electronic ID cards or their attendance will not be counted.

Chuan, who is also House speaker, added that he was not sure when the House would complete deliberating on the pending cannabis and hemp acts, but they have been moved to the top of the agenda.

Related Stories

Chuan urges MPs to complete their jobs despite mass resignations

Parliament will continue meeting despite MP resignations: Chuan

Thai Parliament sees 23rd meeting collapse as opposition MPs stage boycott

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40023210

Thailand’s politics in limbo, unchanged over past 5 years, survey learns

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2022

Most respondents in a recent Suan Dusit poll believe Thai politics has not changed much over the past five years.

The result of the December 11-14 online survey of 1,157 respondents was published on Sunday. Participants were allowed to choose more than one answer.

Here are some of the questions and responses:

What do you think about Thai politics over the past five years?

• 47.02%: Unchanged

• 44.68%: Worsened

• 8.30%: Improved

What kind of politicians do you like?

• 79.22%: Who are responsible and can tackle problems quickly

• 77.83%: Who are honest and not greedy for power and benefits

• 76.70%: Who are good in management and knowledgeable

What kind of politicians do you not like?

• 87.50%: Who don’t keep their promises and attack others

• 83.68%: Who misuse authority

• 78.99%: Who are not transparent

What kind of political parties do you like?

• 91.57%: Are transparent and obey the law

• 84.10%: Are united and have a clear stance

• 82.71%: Have knowledgeable members and can create high-quality politicians

What issues do you want politicians to solve?

• 76.78%: Corruption

• 68.17%: Economy

• 67.22%: People’s welfare

What do you think will help further develop Thailand’s democracy?

• 76.65%: Transparent elections

• 69.97%: Freedom of speech

• 68.49%: Awareness of true democracy.

Related stories:

• Tom yum or somtam? Which do you think is most Thai?
• Thailand’s tourism industry revving up thanks to Covid-19 downgrade, say pollsters
• Most Thais struggling to make ends meet, latest poll finds

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40023199

Most voters want Prayut to dissolve House before yearend: survey

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2022

A recent opinion survey found that most voters in Thailand would like to see the House of Representatives dissolved within December as they are unhappy with the performance of MPs.

The National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) held phone interviews with 1,310 respondents across the country recently and released the results of the survey on Sunday.

Asked if they want Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to dissolve the House before it completes its term on March 22 and when, the respondents said:

• 43.13%: Dissolve it within December

• 33.82%: Let the House complete its term

• 12.37%: Dissolve it in January

• 3.74%: Dissolve it in February

• 2.82%: Dissolve it a few days before March 22

• 4.12%: No comment

Most respondents indicated that they were quite unhappy with the performance of MPs over the past four years. According to the survey:

• 31.98%: Quite unhappy because MPs waste time quarrelling and often skip meetings

• 30.46%: Quite happy because MPs addressed the grievances of people

• 25.96%: Very unhappy because the House often lacks quorum and MPs are inefficient

• 9.77%: Very happy because MPs work with dedication and get many key laws passed

• 1.83%: Mo comment.

When asked if they were happy with House Speaker Chuan Leekpai’s performance, the response was:

• 41.98%: Quite happy

• 24.05%: Very happy

• 20.38%: Quite unhappy

• 11.76%: Very unhappy

• 1.83%: No comment.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40023159

Chuan urges MPs to complete their jobs despite mass resignations

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022

House Speaker Chuan Leekpai urged members of Parliament to “fully perform their duties until the last minute” as more and more of their peers hand in their resignations.

Chuan pointed out on Friday that each of the House of Representatives’ committees costs the country up to 3 million baht in meeting allowances. So far, these 30 or so committees with some 15 members each have held more than 40 meetings.

Chuan said MPs who are part of these panels should finish deliberating on the 17 reports they have submitted before the year is over, “so you can bring your achievements home”.
By “home”, Chuan apparently meant the MPs’ constituencies.

At Friday’s meeting of the lower House, Chuan reported that three more MPs had given up their seats, namely Palang Pracharath Party’s Phetchaburi MP Suchart Utsaha and Kanchanaburi MP General Somchai Wissanuwong, and Democrat Party’s list MP Kanok Wongtrangan.

The number of MPs has fallen to 439 from a full House of 500.

Many lawmakers have given up their seats and quit their parties to join new ones in preparation for the next general election, which is tentatively scheduled for May 7 next year.
With fewer MPs, it took a long time for the House to achieve a quorum on Friday.

MP Khrumanit Sungpoom from opposition leader Pheu Thai Party praised Chuan for “defending the House”. However, he said, the current House has seen too many meetings collapse due to the lack of a quorum.

Khrumanit also slammed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha for accusing MPs of “playing politics”, when he said it was actually the PM to blame for the frequent meeting collapses.
He went on to say that General Prayut had no understanding of the workings of the Parliament as he has never been an elected representative.

Chuan responded on the ruling coalition’s behalf by saying Khrumanit should “not be too concerned about external matters”.

On Thursday, Prayut called on all MPs to fulfil their parliamentary responsibilities, especially now that several of their colleagues have quit ahead of the next polls. The PM said it was each political party’s and MPs’ duty to fulfil their duties.

Also on Thursday, Chuan said it was business as usual despite the mass resignations. According to him the House had a sufficient quorum to deliberate on and pass the 20 or so important pending draft laws.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40023114

Mass resignation of 29 MPs sparks expectation of early election

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022

The House of Representatives on Thursday acknowledged the mass resignation of 29 MPs, leaving only 442 still working in the lower chamber.

Deputy House Speaker Supachai Phosu informed the House that 29 MPs had submitted resignations on Wednesday to take effect on Thursday.

The MPs are thought to have quit in order to contest the upcoming general election under new party banners. The election is tentatively scheduled for May 7 but could be earlier if the prime minister dissolves the House before its four-year term ends on March 22.

There is strong speculation that PM Prayut Chan-o-cha will now dissolve the House to avoid by-elections needed to fill vacant seats left by quitting MPs.

The current House now holds the record for MPs resignations. Since October 6, 36 MPs have quit – 12 from Palang Pracharath, eight from Pheu Thai, eight from Move Forward, two from Setthakij Thai, and one each from the Democrats, Seri Ruam Thai, Ruam Palang, Prarcha Piwat, Prachachart, and Chart Pattana.

Leaving even more empty seats in the House were the 14 MPs disqualified by courts and eight more suspended pending court rulings, mostly related to graft cases.

The ruling coalition has now been reduced to 250 MPs – 85 from Palang Pracharath, 62 from Bhumjaithai, 51 from the Democrats, 14 from Setthakij Thai, 12 from Chart Thai Pattana, six from New Economics, four from Ruam Palang, five Thai Local MPs, three from Chart Pattana, two from Rak Puen Pa Thai, and one each from the Ruam Paen Din Thai, Pua Chart Thai, Kru Thai Pua Prachachon, Thai Citizen, New Democracy, and New Palang Dharma parties.

The opposition benches now have 192 MPs – 123 from Pheu Thai, 45 from Move Forward, 10 from Seri Ruam Thai, six from Prachachart, six from Pua Chart, and one each from the Palang Puanchon Thai and Thai Civilized parties.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40023106

Parliament will continue meeting despite MP resignations: Chuan

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022

Parliament will continue meeting as scheduled even though several MPs have filed letters of resignation to prepare for the upcoming election, House Speaker Chuan Leekapai said on Thursday.

The MPs are quitting before the House of Representatives’ four-year term ends on March 23. They are reportedly switching to newly formed or other parties ahead of the upcoming election.

Chuan said the House would continue meeting and that it had more than 20 issues to consider before the current session of parliament ends, adding that the parliament had already spent over 2 million on the current House session.

Chuan said that he may add Fridays as another meeting day to ensure MPs have enough time to consider important issues.

He said it was not new for some MPs to be working and attending meetings, while others resign. It happened in the late 1990s during the government of General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh (1996-1997), Chuan said.

The difference now is that the current prime minister and leader of the ruling party are not MPs and, therefore, cannot give advice to other MPs in their party, Chuan said.

He also rebutted rumours that Democrat Party executives are pressuring party leader Jurin Laksanawisit to resign.

Although the party’s image is “not what it used to be ”, the Democrat Party is united, said Chuan, who is president of the Democrat Party’s advisory committee.

Related Stories

EC sets May 7 as general election day: news source

Thai Parliament sees 23rd meeting collapse as opposition MPs stage boycott

70% of voters expect Pheu Thai to win the next election, survey finds

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40023009

Prayut may reveal his political plans after Brussels trip

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2022

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha on Monday hinted that he might spell out his political future after he returns from a trip to Brussels later this week.

Before he boarded an Air Force plane at the Don Mueang military airport for a trip to Brussels on Monday, reporters approached him for comments about his political future.

A reporter asked him whether he would officially announce his political future once he returns from Brussels, Prayut replied: “I’ll answer this question when I return.”

The prime minister is attending the Asean-European Union Summit in Brussels to mark the 45th anniversary of ties between the two groupings. He is scheduled to leave Brussels on Thursday.

It has been widely speculated that Prayut and a group of Palang Pracharath Party MPs would join the new Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party in a bid to enable him to continue as prime minister for two more years after the next general election.

The election is tentatively scheduled for May 7 subject to the House of Representatives not being dissolved before it completes its four-year term on March 22.

If Prayut wins the prime minister’s post again, he will be able to remain in office until 2025 in accordance with a ruling of the Constitutional Court.

A reporter asked Prayut to comment on a recent opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration that Ruam Thai Sang Chart has little chance of deciding the next coalition leader. Prayut replied: “I don’t know who carried out the survey and whom they interviewed.”

Asked whether the survey’s results would affect his political decision, Prayut shrugged his shoulders and said: “Not at all”.

When asked whether he had any concerns during his trip, Prayut replied that he had no worries because he had put in place a system for governance to proceed systematically and he has entrusted all policies to respective committees and ministries to carry out.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40022979

Interior top official defends Bangkok governor over ‘disloyalty’ charges

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2022

The Interior Ministry’s permanent secretary has called on Thai social networkers to stop spreading rumours of Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt being disrespectful to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Suthipong Juljarern, permanent secretary for Interior Ministry, spoke up in defence of the governor on Sunday after photographs of him standing in front of the seated princess went viral last week.

The image shows Chadchart standing while taking an award from the princess at the opening ceremony of the annual Thai Red Cross Fair in Bangkok’s Lumpini Park.

The picture raised an uproar because it was published alongside a photograph of Suthipong kneeling while taking his award.

Suthipong said Chadchart was standing because he had been instructed to do so by the Royal Household Bureau.

He said the two photographs were not only widely shared on Facebook, but also sent to his personal Line account.

Suthipong said he responded to the posts by explaining that the governor was only following the instructions of palace officials.

“The governor has done nothing wrong and it’s a sin criticising him like this,” the permanent secretary said.

He added that Princess Maha Chakri also granted audience to more than 100 members of the public, many of whom were also standing when receiving awards for their contributions to the event.

“They also stood to show loyalty during the royal audience, just like the governor did,” Suthipong said.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40022977

70% of voters expect Pheu Thai to win the next election, survey finds

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2022

Pheu Thai will win the next election and lead a coalition that will replace the current one, but there is little if any chance that it will work with the leading party in the current ruling coalition, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), according to a survey released on Sunday.

More than 70% of the 1,310 adults surveyed said Phue Thai was certain (32.44%) or highly likely (40.38%) to win the next election.

None of the other six major political parties came close, according to the survey conducted nationwide by the National Institute of Development Administration from December 7 to 9.

The respondents were asked whether it was possible for each of the six parties to lead the next government and given four choices: certainly, highly possible, little chance and impossible.

The six parties are Pheu Thai, led by Cholnan Srikaew, Move Forward (Pita Limjaroenrat), the PPRP (Gen Prawit Wongsuwan), the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party (Pirapan Salirathavibhaga), Bhumjaithai (Anutin Charnvirakul), and Democrat Party (Jurin Laksanawisit).

The results to the first question were:

Pheu Thai

– Certainly: 32.44%

– Highly: 40.38%

– Little Chance: 16.88%

– Impossible: 8.24%

– No comment: 2.06%

Move Forward

– Certainly: 11.00%

– Highly: 30.23%

– Little Chance: 31.45%

– Impossible: 23.66%

– No comment: 3.66%

PPRP

– Certainly: 10.76%

– Highly: 20.38%

– Little Chance: 32.60%

– Impossible: 33.51%

– No comment: 2.75%

Ruam Thai Sang Chart

– Certainly: 5.73%

– Highly: 15.73%

– Little Chance: 31.45%

– Impossible: 43.12%

– No comment: 3.97%

Bhumjaithai

– Certainly: 4.96%

– Highly: 21.60%

– Little Chance: 39.16%

– Impossible: 30.84%

– No comment: 3.44%

Democrat

– Certainly: 4.58%

– Highly: 13.20%

– Little chance: 40.69%

– Impossible: 38.93%

– No comment: 2.60%

When asked whether Pheu Thai would work with the PPRP in a coalition government after the next election, most respondents expressed disbelief:

– 45.65% said it was completely unbelievable

– 29.24% said it was rather unbelievable

– 16.64% say it was rather believable

– 5.19% say it was completely believable.

The Election Commission has set a tentative election date of May 7, 2023. This date was selected based on the assumption that the House of Representatives would complete its term on March 22.