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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40022332

Yingluck cries foul as top court issues arrest warrant over 2011 Thawil transfer case

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2022

In a tweet on Tuesday, former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra lamented about being constantly targeted for a decision she had made as an elected PM.

“Thailand is the only country in the world in which an elected prime minister faces legal action for transferring a permanent official. #ถูกกลั่นแกล้งไม่จบ [#ceaselesslypersecuted],” her tweet read.

She was responding to the arrest warrant the Supreme Court issued against her for ordering the removal of then-National Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri in 2011.

The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Office had issued summonses for Yingluck to be present in court on Tuesday to plead her case. However, since she was absent, the court issued an arrest warrant against her.

Public prosecutors filed a charge against Yingluck on July 20 this year, accusing her of abusing her authority and thus violating the Criminal Code’s Section 157 by “unlawfully” removing Thawil as NSC secretary-general. Thawil was shifted to the inactive post of PM adviser in September 2011.

The court accepted the suit on September 21 and issued summonses for Yingluck to enter her plea on Tuesday.

The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Office also set March 14, 2023, as the date for both sides to check each other’s evidence.

The saga began in 2012, when Thawil filed a complaint with the Central Administrative Court against Yingluck’s order dated September 30, 2011, transferring him to the PM’s Office as an adviser.

He alleged that he had been transferred to an inactive post because a new role was being sought for then-National Police chief Pol General Wichean Potephosree.

His complaint alleged that Wichean had been shifted to make way for Pol General Priewpan Damapong, the older brother of Thaksin Shinawatra’s ex-wife Potjaman na Pombejra.

In June 2013, the administrative court nullified Yingluck’s transfer order and reinstated Thawil to NSC’s top post.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40022296

EC deems local officials as state personnel, curbs their role in election campaigns

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2022

Local administrative officials are allowed to participate in election campaigns for members of the House of Representatives, as long as related laws are followed, the Election Commission (EC) said on Monday.

Thailand is expected to hold a general election on May 7 next year. Under the Constitution an election must be held within 45 days of the end of the four-year term of the House of Representatives. The current house’s term ends on March 23.

The EC announcement on Monday said Section 78 of the Organic Act on Election of Members of the House of Representatives B.E. 2561 (2018) bars state officials from unlawfully exploiting their official office or duties to perform any act that causes favourable or adverse effects for a candidate or a political party.

“Several parties are inquiring if local administrative officials are considered as state officials. And if so, should they follow Section 78 of the Organic Act and refrain from helping any MP candidate or political parties in the upcoming general election,” said the announcement.

“After consideration, the commission deems local administration officials as state officials and they must therefore comply with Section 78. These will include local administration chief executives and their deputies, secretaries-general and advisers, as well as local council members,” it added.

However, the EC made it clear that these local administrative officials can help a candidate in their election campaign as long as they do not exploit their position or power, which include not using government working hours and resources, be they budget, personnel or equipment in any election campaign.

The EC urged local administrative officials who wish to participate in political campaigns to strictly follow the stipulations in the Organic Act so as to not risk violating election laws.

Related Stories

EC sets May 7 as general election day: news source

EC tells its officials to start preparing for general election

After four years of turmoil under Prayut, what’s next for Thailand?

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40022286

Real-estate tycoon Srettha top choice as next PM among Thai CEOs: survey

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2022

Most business leaders in Thailand want to see Srettha Thavisin, president of real-estate developer Sansiri, as the next prime minister, a recent survey conducted by Krungthep Thurakij newspaper shows.

The survey, conducted from November 16 to 20, covered more than 500 CEOs from different industries like production, agriculture, energy, property, export, finance, retail, digital, service and tourism.

More than half of them (58.2%) chose Sretta, who is also Pheu Thai Party’s PM candidate, followed by Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat (10.5%) and chief of the Pheu Thai Family project Paetongtarn Shinawatra (7.7%).

Sang Anakhot Thai Party leader Somkid Jatusripitak and PM Prayut Chan-o-cha received 6.5% and 6.1% votes respectively.

Meanwhile, 59.5% of CEOs want the next ruling party to be Pheu Thai, followed by Move Forward (15.6%), Bhumjaithai (5.8%), Palang Pracharath (4.1%) and Sang Anakhot Thai (3.5%).

The issue most CEOs want the government to focus on is the economy (90.1%), followed by poverty and inequality (58.7%), improvement in laws related to the digital economy (45.2%), drawing foreign investment (44.2%) and developing infrastructure (39.3%).

Thai Chamber of Commerce chairman Sanan Angubolkul said Thailand is getting ready for the next general elections as the government’s term will come to an end in March next year.

He expects anti-government rallies but does not believe they will lead to violence.

“The next premier must focus on the economy and people’s livelihoods as a priority,” he said. “Also, the next prime minister should maintain government stability for the benefit of the country and gain confidence among investors.”

He also urged the government to follow up on deals made during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit, such as the Asia-Pacific free-trade agreement, to ensure they benefit the country and the region.

“The private sector, meanwhile, should seek opportunities to expand trade and investment,” he added.

Thai National Shippers’ Council chairman Chaichan Charoensuk said he expects Thailand’s export industry to run smoothly despite political tensions.

However, like Sanan, he also urged the government to adopt agreements made at the Apec Summit as soon as possible, especially promoting the bio-circular-green (BCG) economy model in both the short and long term.

Related stories:

• 3 takeaways from Xi’s Apec speech – and a warning for Thailand
• Pheu Thai’s PM candidate vows to tap the potential of new generation
• PTT chairman resigns ‘due to political pressure’

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40022259

Thaksin’s daughter top choice for PM in eastern provinces, says survey

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2022

Voters in eastern provinces favour the youngest daughter of fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra as their next prime minister, according to Nida Poll.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, head of the Pheu Thai Family project, won support from more than 25% of voters surveyed by the National Institute of Development Administration.

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat was a distant second with just over 16%.

The survey was conducted by phone interview from November 7 to 10 among eligible voters of various education and income levels in Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi and Sa Kaew.

Asked who they would support as the prime minister if an election was held now:

– 25.09% said Paetongtarn because they want the country to be run by a new-generation person and they approve Pheu Thai policies and the past performance of the Shinawatra family.

– 16.04% said Pita, citing his vision as a new-generation leader, as well as the policies and ideology of Move Forward.

– 13.64% said Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, saying he had integrity and should remain as prime minister for the sake of continuity.

– 13.09% were still undecided

– 8.50% said Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, Seree Ruam Thai Party leader

– 7.25% said Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, Thai Sang Thai leader

– 2.80% said Korn Chatikavanij, Chart Pattana Kla Party leader

– 2.35% said Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Bhumjaithai Party leader

– 1.6% said Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit, Democrat leader

– 1.6% said Pheu Thai leader Cholinan Srikaew

– 1.55% said Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt

– 1.55% said no comment/not interested

– 1.40% said Somkid Jatusripitak, Sang Anakot Thai Party member

Smaller percentages were shared among others, including Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, Kanchana Silpa-archa, former Chart Thai Pattana Party leader, and Srettha Thavisin, a real estate developer who is joining Pheu Thai.

Eastern voters named Pheu Thai as their favourite party for both party-list and constituency elections.

Asked which party they would vote for in constituency elections:

– 33.68% said Pheu Thai

– 19.29% said Move Forward

– 15.79% were still undecided

– 10:14% said Palang Pracharath

Smaller percentages were shared among several parties.

Asked which parties they would vote for in the party-list election:

– 33.68% said Pheu Thai

– 19.09% said Move Forward

– 16.24% said still undecided

– 10% said Palang Pracharath.

Smaller percentages were shared among several parties.

Paetongtarn was also the favourite potential candidate for next PM in Central, North, Northeast and nationwide polls, though she was beaten to the top spot in Bangkok and the South.

Related stories:

Majority of Northerners want Thaksin’s daughter as next PM: survey

Thaksin’s daughter top choice for PM in Central Thailand: survey

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40022170

Protesters rally during Apec week, demand Prayut dissolve Parliament

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022

Protesters have made three demands to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and the government at a demonstration aimed at drawing international attention during the Apec Summit this week.

The Rassadorn Yoot Apec2022 (People stop Apec2022) group gathered at Lan Kon Muang square outside City Hall on Wednesday in a bid to publicise the main problems in each region and the government’s “unrighteous” attitude.

Leader Patsaravalee Tanakitvibulpon said the protest aimed to criticise the government under Prayut and the Bio-Circular Green (BCG) economy model policy as this is being pushed through without getting any opinions from the public.

She mentioned three demands to Prayut:

1. Cancel the BCG policy and related regulations as the “public’s opinion wasn’t taken into account and the policy affects the country’s resources”;

2. Suspend his role as host of the Apec Summit as he lacks any “righteous right to sign agreements with Apec leaders”;

3. Dissolve Parliament, while the Constitutional Court must pass organic bills on the election and the Office of the Election Commission must be clear on the calculation process for MPs and electoral districts. A new election must also pave the way for the drafting of a new constitution to respond to people’s demands.

The group’s three-day protest will be different each day to publicise and communicate their demands during the Apec summit.

Patsaravalee also mentioned that protesters might move from the current venue, as she wants the group to voice its demands as close to the summit venue as possible.

She also said the group would like foreigners to know that it is strong in its fight against the government and a variety of problems.

Patsaravalee however admitted that she was concerned about moving the protest, but it would finally depend on the situation and summit security.

She said people have a right to demonstrate anywhere and the government must listen to them.

If there is any violence, she added, it would be because of government officials, so they should think carefully before stopping the protest as it was in line with democracy and it would form a basis on how the globe views the country and the situation.

As for the protesters camping out overnight, she said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration did not allow them to do so, so she tried to negotiate with officials as “some protesters came from other provinces and their numbers were increasing”.

Related stories

• Security beefed up ahead of APEC summit in Bangkok
• Police officer slightly injured in blast near Pattani school
• Cooperation will help Apec overcome uncertainty: CEO Summit chairman

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40022141

Jurin to be Democrat Party’s PM candidate in next election

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2022

The Democrat Party is still united under the leadership of Jurin Laksanawisit who will be nominated as the party’s prime minister candidate despite mass defections of former MPs and speculation about resignations by current MPs, the party’s spokesman said.

Democrat spokesman Rames Ratanachaweng said on Wednesday the party is confident that its supporters acknowledge and accept the capability of Jurin who has proved himself with integrity during his long political journey.

“We are confident that the people have realised about the long political journey of Jurin, who has proved his capability and his integrity,” Rames said.

“He has experience in both the executive and legislative branches with clear-cut achievements. For the next general election, Jurin will be the Democrat prime ministerial candidate and we are confident he will receive public support.”

He said the Democrat has fully made preparations for the next election in both party’s platform and tentative candidates in several provinces.

“We are simply waiting for the right timing to announce the candidates,” the spokesman added.

The Election Commission has announced May 7 as the tentative election date, if the current House completes its four-year tenure as scheduled on March 24.

The Democrat spokesman said the party cannot tell whether the House would be dissolved before March 24 because the power to dissolve the House belongs to the prime minister.

“It won’t be long before the next election will come up and the Democrats are always ready for it,” the spokesman added.

Regarding mass defections of former MPs and speculation of many current MPs also bolting the party, Rames said the resignations had nothing to do with the party.

He said individual Democrat politicians make their own decisions for their own political career and the party respected their decisions.

“They had personal reasons for resignations and they had no conflicts with the party, the party leader, secretary-general or with the executive board,” Rames said.

“It’s not fair to say that they quit because of internal conflicts. We hereby affirm that the party is not reeling from the resignations. We still move on by adhering to the public and national interests,” Rames said.

There have been rumours that several active MPs of the Democrat, Thailand’s oldest political party, would quit the party once the House is dissolved or shortly before the House completes its term so that they could join new parties to contest the next election.

It has been reported that many were unhappy with Jurin’s leadership and had decided to leave – mostly quietly to avoid damaging the party’s reputation.

Jurin was elected Democrat leader after Abhisit Vejjajiva failed to lead the Democrat to political victory in the 2019 election. Many blamed the party’s defeat on Abhisit’s announcement before the 2019 election that the Democrat would not support General Prayut Chan-o-cha for prime minister.

Over 20 former MPs have left the party since the 2019 election. The latest resignation was of veteran Democrat member Trairong Suwannakhiri, who was reported to have joined the newly-established Ruam Thai Sang Chart (RTSC) Party. Trairong quit the Democrat on October 27.

Big-name Democrats who quit this year included Thavorn Senniam, Thawil Praisont, Witthaya Kaewparadai, and Ekkanat Promphan.

Assoc Prof Dr Yutthaporn Isarachai, a political science lecturer at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, said in his recent political analysis that Jurin’s leadership might not be well accepted among Democrat veterans and the party under his leadership lacks unity.

Yuthtaporn expects some 10 Democrat MPs to follow Trairong and join the RTSC. He said the Democrat Party may win fewer than 30 House seats in the next election.

Related story:

Thailand’s oldest political party reeling from possible defections of MPs

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40022139

Paetongtarn: Thais expect benefits from Apec Summit as in 2003

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2022

Thais are expecting benefits from economic partnerships and international politics during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit this week, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s youngest daughter said on Wednesday.

In a Facebook post, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the so-called “Pheu Thai Family”, urged the present government led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to host the summit in such a way that it brings maximum benefit to the country and people.

Paetongtarn explained that in 2003, the then government, led by the Thai Rak Thai Party, had organised the Apec Summit to boost the country’s economy after the “Tom Yum Kung” financial crisis and the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak.

Thaksin was the leader of the government at that time.

Eight months after a military coup forced him into exile, the party was dissolved on May 30, 2007, by the Constitutional Tribunal for violating electoral laws.

“At that time, the Apec Summit was an important opportunity to create as much benefits as possible for the people,” she said.

Paetongtarn said the government was committed to creating cooperation among 21 Apec economies with the aim to create jobs and opportunities, generate income for farmers and exporters, and help the economy recover.

“We hope Thailand will benefit from the Apec Summit this year too, similar to 19 years ago,” she said, adding that the Thai Rak Thai-led government had paid attention to people’s needs.

She also pointed out that many Apec economies were interested in Thailand at that time, adding that the kingdom had been dubbed the “fifth tiger of Asia”.

“What we are expecting is not who has been invited to Thailand or how big the Apec Summit is, but what Thai people will receive from economic partnerships or international politics,” she added.

Thailand was selected to host the all-important Apec Summit in 1992 and 2003.

Related stories:

• Majority of Northerners want Thaksin’s daughter as next PM: survey
• Flood victims welcome Prayut in Singburi, Thaksin’s daughter in Ubon Ratchathani
• Thaksin’s daughter, Pheu Thai Party top choices for Isaan voters, poll finds

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40022017

Thaksin’s daughter top choice for PM in Central Thailand: survey

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2022

A recent opinion survey found that former PM Thaksin Shinawatra’s youngest daughter is the top choice among most voters in Thailand’s Central region.

The survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) found that Paetongtarn Shinawatra topped the list of preferred PM candidates, followed by Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrate and incumbent Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

The telephone survey conducted from November 2 to 5 covered 2,002 respondents aged 18 and above. The respondents were sampled from 17 central provinces and results were announced on Sunday.

The response to who the most preferred prime minister candidate would be and why was:

• 24.18%: Paetongtarn because the country should be run by the new generation, Pheu Thai Party’s policies are great, and they have faith in the Shinawatra family.

• 16.73%: Pita because Move Forward Party’s policies are very good.

• 16.23%: Prayut as he is a man of integrity who brought peace to the country.

• 13.54%: Undecided

• 7.04%: Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, Seree Ruam Thai Party leader

• 6.19%: Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, Thai Sang Thai leader

• 3.10%: Korn Chatikavanij, Chart Pattana Kla Party leader

• 2.05%: Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Bhumjaithai Party leader

• 1.80%: Not interested/no comment

• 1.60%: Kanchana Silapa-archa, former Chart Thai Pattana leader

• 1.50%: Cholnan Srikaew, Pheu Thai leader.

The remaining 6.04 per cent was shared by several other politicians.

The survey also found that most voters in the Central region will vote for constituency-based candidates from Pheu Thai Party, with 32.42% choosing the party.

This was followed by Move Forward (19.98%), undecided (13.99%), Palang Pracharath (10.54%), and Democrat (7.54%). The remainder was shared among several other parties.

Pheu Thai continued to top the list as the most favourite party for party-list MPs, with 32.57% of respondents citing it.

It was followed by the Move Forward (19.83%), undecided (14.28%), Palang Pracharath (10.49%), and Democrat 7.14%. The rest of the respondents cited other parties.

Paetongtarn was also the top choice in other polls in the North, Northeast and nationwide, though she was beaten slightly in Bangkok and the South.

Related stories:

Thaksin’s daughter most popular choice for next PM: survey

Majority of Northerners want Thaksin’s daughter as next PM: survey

Thaksin’s daughter, Pheu Thai Party top choices for Isaan voters, poll finds

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40022008

Ex-spokesman lauds Prayut’s EV vision, predicts another term as PM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2022

General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s government is making great headway in pushing for Thailand to become a hub for electric vehicle manufacturing, former government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Saturday.

He said the country has attracted many big electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers to set up EV plants and EV battery factories. These include BYD, which is China’s top EV maker, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, MG, GWM, and Volt.
Thanakorn said these carmakers have chosen Thailand as their production base for the domestic market as well as for other Southeast Asian and Asian countries.
Also, Thailand’s very own Energy Absolute (EA) has the region’s largest lithium battery factory in Chachoengsao province, he said.
Thanakorn, a party-list MP of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party, congratulated the prime minister on his government’s success in bringing “economic prosperity” to the country.
He also praised Prayut for his three-pillared strategy to drive Thailand forward — and developing the EV industry is one of them.

“Over the past eight years, Gen Prayut has taken Thailand and the Thai people to progress through his quick and serious work,” Thanakorn said.
He believes the prime minister is working silently for the country’s future and economic progress, “without resorting to political PR”.
Thanakorn also voiced confidence that Prayut would succeed if he sought another term in office, due to huge support from voters who trust him.
The former spokesman also asked opposition politicians to focus on working for the people instead of “playing old politics” and resorting to discrediting the government.
Thanakorn had to step down as spokesman for Prayut’s government in August when he became a party-list MP of the ruling party, replacing the office holder who quit the party and lost her MP seat.
In October, PM Prayut spelt out his three-pillared strategy aimed at boosting welfare, distributing wealth and putting the country on the right track. The strategy calls for the development of three key areas — the EV industry, infrastructure, and banking.
Prayut said the EV industry would grow to become one of the world’s largest and Thailand should join this trend now to capitalise on the wealth generated.
“If we succeed, it will set our country on a path to prosperity for another 20 to 30 years.”

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/politics/40021934

Chuwit ready to fight Santhana in the ring as conflict threatens to get out of hand

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2022

A conflict between two firebrands who have become the Thai media’s darlings — Chuwit Kamolvisit and Santhana Prayoonrat — is threatening to take an ugly turn as Chuwit on Thursday challenged the latter to a fight in the ring.

In response to an offer by a boxing promoter to organise a special fight between him and Santhana, Chuwit said on Thursday that he was ready for such an encounter if notified in advance.
“I’ll just push him lightly and he will fall down. If he can stand longer than one minute, I will kowtow before him,” Chuwit said.
He also offered a cash reward of 100,000 baht to anyone who comes forward to him with a piece of evidence, including a video clip, that could implicate Santhana for his alleged wrongdoing.

Chuwit admitted that he could be criticised for resorting to violence. “My response is that sometimes violence fits someone,” he said.

Chuwit and Santhana had confronted publicly at least twice over the recent days. They were involved in a war of words before a large group of reporters and cameramen — first outside Chuwit’s Davis Hotel and again at Bangkok’s Thong Lo Police Station.
Santhana filed a police complaint claiming drug abuse at an entertainment venue inside Chuwit’s hotel. Chuwit said Santhana was coming after him because he had exposed illegal activities involving a Chinese syndicate.
Chuwit has often made headlines with claims of knowledge about underground business in Thailand. He recently claimed that unnamed powerful Thai figures were involved with questionable Chinese businesses.
A former MP and the leader of a political party, Chuwit once owned a number of massage parlours in Bangkok before entering politics.
In January 2016, he was sentenced to two years in prison for knocking down bars and shops on a Bangkok night strip in 2003. He was freed in December of that year under a royal pardon.

Santhana had served in the Royal Thai Police’s Special Branch before his dismissal from the police force in 2002 for obstructing a police raid on an illegal gambling den in Bangkok. He recently came out in defence of some Chinese businessmen linked to Bangkok entertainment venues catering mainly to Chinese nationals. Illicit drugs and illegal gambling were found during a recent police raid on such a venue.