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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017872

The Defence permanent secretary and chiefs of all three armed forces appeared before a parliamentary committee to defend their request for a Bt197.292 billion budget on Monday.

The meeting of the House committee vetting the 2023 budget bill was chaired by former deputy finance minister Varathep Ratanakorn.

Attending the meeting were Gen Worakiat Rattananont, Defence Ministry permanent secretary, Supreme Commander Gen Chalermpol Srisawat, Royal Thai Army chief Gen Narongpan Jitkaewthae, Royal Thai Navy chief Adm Somprasong Nilsamai, and Royal Thai Air Force chief ACM Napadej Dhupatemiya.

Worakiat told the panel that the Defence Ministry’s budget has declined every year since 2021 – by 6.55 per cent, 6.51 per cent, and 6.19 per cent for 2023.

Worakiat said the defence budget was needed amid volatile global conflicts and expansion by the superpowers of China, the United States and Russia.

He said military budgets worldwide have been trending upwards, with the US setting aside 3.48 per cent of GDP for defence, China 1.74 per cent and India 2.66 per cent.

Worakiat added that Thailand ranks fifth among Asean nations for military spending, allocating only 1.17 per cent of its GDP for defence.

He said the Defence Ministry’s budget is not high when you take into account all of the missions it must carry out each year.

Supreme Commander Chalermpol warned that the military budget is classified by PM’s Office regulations and advised the panel to be careful about disclosing detailed information.

He said Article 52 of the Constitution requires the government to build a strong military force to protect the country.

Published : July 18, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017832

A pro-democracy group announced on Sunday that it was collecting “votes” from people to force Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to resign, a move regarded as a mock no-confidence vote in parallel with the censure debate in Parliament.

In a Facebook post, Ratsadon (The People) group announced that it was collecting signatures in 140 venues in 34 provinces to give people a chance to “vote out” Prayut.

“We may lose faith in the votes in Parliament and lose hope in the coalition, the Constitution and in the justice system, but we can’t lose hope in our own voices,” the group said in the post.

It said the signatures were being gathered in 12 venues in seven provinces in the North, 28 spots in 10 Northeast provinces, 89 spots in nine Central provinces, two venues in one West province, three venues in one East province and six spots in six provinces in the South.

The group explained that it was gathering signatures ahead of the no-confidence debate in Parliament targeting Prayut and 10 other Cabinet members. The censure debate is scheduled to run from Tuesday to Friday.

The Ratsadon group was formed by students, academics and the general public in 2020 to campaign against an attempt by coup-makers led by Prayut to perpetuate power as a civilian government.

The group held a mass rally, featuring a march from Democracy Monument to Government House on October 14, 2020, to push Prayut into resigning. The rally was dispersed the following morning and all leaders were arrested, including students Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak and Panasaya “Rung” Sittijirawattanakul, and human-rights lawyer Arnon Nampa.

The group said the people’s votes in the mock no-confidence debate will be counted on Friday and submitted to MPs before the actual no-confidence voting in Parliament takes place on Saturday.

The group also called on people to join its “camp” outside Parliament from Tuesday to Friday to hear the censure debate.

Meanwhile, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Sunday that the 11 censure targets will be able to answer all questions raised by the opposition during the debate.

Thanakorn also said the opposition should back its allegations with evidence instead of making groundless accusations during the debate.

He added that the opposition has been boasting that this censure debate will see at least one or two ministers being voted out, but added that he doubts any evidence will be presented.

“I think opposition MPs stand to lose the next election because they will be seen by voters as causing confusion instead of supporting the country’s development,” the spokesman said.

He added that he expects the opposition MPs to “lose face” after the censure targets manage to answer their questions. He also said they will not be able to “shock” the premier with the corruption information they claim to have.

Published : July 17, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017783

A Pheu Thai Party poster to promote the upcoming censure debate from July 19 and 22 has gone viral among netizens as the poster resembles a South Korean television series.

In a Facebook post on Friday, the poster shows party leader Chonlanan Srikaew and five other party members with a title that translates as “The operation to take down the government”.

The five members include party secretary Prasert Chantaruangthong, Bangkok MP Theerarat Samrejvanich, Chiang Mai MP Julapan Amornwiwat, Sakon Nakhon MP Sakuna Saranun and Roi Et MP Jiraporn Sinthuprai.

“As this is the last censure debate against the government led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Pheu Thai is ready to work on a big mission for the people,” the party said.

It also said that the three Ps — Prayut, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and Interior Minister Anupong “Pok” Paochinda — and nine other ministers will come under pressure during the upcoming debate.

The poster went viral among netizens, as some netizens said the poster looks like that of a South Korean TV series, while some asked when the series would be aired on Netflix.

Pheu Thai Party has already prepared 15 “warlords” to participate in the censure debate, but up to three members would be added to debate on new issues.

The party said it would focus on ministers’ corruption as it has plenty of evidence. The party also confirmed that it has clear evidence related to Prayut’s corruption.

Published : July 15, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017656

Parliament President and House speaker Chuan Leekpai tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday and was admitted to Ramathibodi Hospital, his adviser said.

Sukij Atthopakorn said Chuan had been taken to the hospital earlier with a sore throat but had no fever.

Doctors decided to admit him after he tested positive, as Chuan, 83, is in the at-risk elderly group.

Sukij said Chuan developed a sore throat after returning from his home province of Trang on Monday. He cancelled his appointments on Tuesday and headed to hospital.

He had been due at the Japanese Embassy at 10.30am to sign a book of condolences for assassinated former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe before giving a lecture to Public Health Ministry officials on “Work-Life Balance” in Parliament at 1.30pm.

The latest health scare for Chuan comes after he landed in hospital with fever and chills on June 28, before testing negative for Covid-19.

Chuan has suffered similar symptoms several times in recent months and has been advised by a doctor to seek hospital treatment immediately if they recur.

Published : July 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017650

Parliament President and House speaker Chuan Leekpai was rushed to Ramathibodi Hospital on Tuesday morning with a fever.

His relatives were still awaiting Covid-19 test results from the hospital.

Chuan, 83, cancelled all his appointments on Tuesday as he underwent hospital checks on his condition.

He had been due at the Japanese Embassy at 10.30am to sign a book of condolences for assassinated former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe before giving a lecture to Public Health Ministry officials on “Work-Life Balance” in Parliament at 1.30pm.

The latest health scare for Chuan comes after he was rushed to hospital with fever and chills on June 28, before testing negative for Covid-19.

Chuan has suffered similar symptoms several times in recent months and has been advised by a doctor to seek hospital treatment immediately if they recur.

Published : July 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017641

The Move Forward Party conceded on Tuesday that there are grounds to believe one of its Bangkok councillors had sexually harassed a volunteer and promised to expel him after an investigation.

Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, Move Forward’s chief of Bangkok policies, and Bang Sue councillor Pattraporn Kengrungruengchai called a press conference on Tuesday to say the party had been informed of the charge against Sathorn councillor Arnuparb Tarntong.

Wiroj, who ran in the Bangkok governor elections as a Move Forward candidate, said he had learned of Arnuparb’s behaviour from Pattraporn and the victim at 3.30am on Tuesday.

The victim, who is a volunteer with Zendai Foundation, also filed a complaint against Arnuparb at the Thung Mahamek Police Station in the early hours of Tuesday.

Wiroj said he and Pattraporn rushed to the police station to help the victim and were there with her until the process was completed at around 5am.

He added that the party will ensure justice is served and the victim can feel safe physically and mentally until the case is resolved.

“Judging from the preliminary facts gathered, the allegations appear to be true,” Wiroj said.

He said the victim had reportedly been taken to a residence, where she was plied with alcoholic drinks before the suspect allegedly molested her.

He said the party’s disciplinary committee will launch an investigation and if the suspect is found guilty, he will be expelled from the party.

“The party will also cooperate with police investigators and if the charges are true, then Arnuparp should consider resigning,” Wiroj said.

Pattraporn, meanwhile, issued an apology to the victim and party supporters, saying “this incident has disappointed the party and prompted leaders to raise questions.

“I’m ready to cooperate with police investigators and will watch over the victim to ensure she is safe throughout the legal process,” she said.

Pattraporn added that she will return to Thung Mahamek Police Station on Tuesday evening to provide her testimony.

Published : July 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017603

Buoyed by its success in the Bangkok Council elections, the opposition Pheu Thai Party on Monday unveiled a list of 21 tentative candidates to contest for Bangkok House seats in the next general election.

Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew and party executives held a press conference to announce the names of 21 out of 33 tentative party candidates for Bangkok’s House seats.

Cholnan said the party decided to announce the 21 names now so that they could work closely with their constituents to make preparations for the general election next year. The current House of Representatives is due to complete its four-year term in March.

Cholnan said the party would wait to see how the Election Commission redraws the remaining constituencies before it announces the remaining 12 candidates for Bangkok.

He added that the party would gradually announce its choice of candidates for the Northeast, Central, East and South within two or three months.

Wicharn Minchainan, Pheu Thai’s chairman for Bangkok, said the party has been taking care of Bangkokians during the Covid-19 pandemic and it showed in the strong support from the people for the party in the Bangkok Council elections on May 22.

Pheu Thai swept 20 out of 50 Bangkok Council seats, while Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who ran as an independent and won the gubernatorial race with a record mandate, used to be the party’s prime minister candidate.

“Pheu Thai won the people’s trust and won most number of seats on the Bangkok Council,” Wicharn said.

Puangphet Choonla-iad, Pheu Thai director of the Bangkok Council election, said the party’s Bangkok MPs and councillors would join hands to take care of Bangkokians.

She said the party would be ready to contest the elections no matter how the powers-that-be tried to modify the rules to their advantage.

“We are announcing the names of the candidates today [Monday] to show that we are ready for the election,” Puangphet said.

The 21 tentative candidates are:

– Plus Sirikulpisut, Samphanthawong district

– Chuthaporn Ketrathorn, Bang Rak district

– Nualla-ong Srichumphol, Watana district

– Pradermchai Boonchuaylua, Huay Kwang district

– Kattiya Sawasdipol, Chatuchak district

– Pachara Thammon, Ratchathewi district

– Rattapong Rahong, Bang Sue district

– Surachart Thienthong, Lak Si district

– Suthanapoj Kijthanapithak, Don Muang district

– Anusorn Punthong, Bang Khen district

– Pongsakorn Rattanaruangwattana, Bang Kapi district

– Polpoom Wipatpoomprathet, Khan Na Yao district

– Wicharn Minchainan, Minburi district

– Jirayu Huangsup, Klong Samwa district

– Pairoj Issaraseripong, Nong Chok district

– Theerarat Samrejvanich, Lat Krabang district

– Kaweewong Yuwichit, Bang Na district

– Sinlapawit Noisommitr, Klong San district

– Saransun Weerakunsunthon, Chom Thong district

– Wan Yubamrung, Nong Khem district

– Supaporn Kongwutpanya, Phasi Charoen district

Published : July 11, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017572

Visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met for talks with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Sunday and hinted Thailand could expect to be upgraded in this year’s US human trafficking report.

Prayut told Blinken that Thailand had made the issue a national priority and achieved progress in combating human trafficking, according to a government spokesman.

Blinken acknowledged the Thai government’s determination to eradicate trafficking and forced labour, the spokesman added.

Thailand was demoted to the report’s Tier 2 Watchlist last year, a status which brings the risk of trade sanctions.

Prayut also extended an invitation to President Joe Biden to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (Apec) forum in Bangkok in November.

He also pledged Thai efforts to ensure the handover of Apec chairmanship to the US at year-end goes smoothly.

Meanwhile, the PM welcomed the memorandum of understanding cementing closer ties between the two countries signed by Blinken and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai.

Blinken underlined Thailand’s status as a key strategic ally of the US and hailed the 190th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, which falls next year.

During the meeting, the two sides also pledged to tighten economic cooperation.

The Thai prime minister said that trade between the two countries continued to expand even during the Covid-19 crisis.

In addition, the two sides vowed to bolster investments in industries where they share the same goals, especially in Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy.

Blinken said the US would cooperate with technology transfer in a bid to help Thailand achieve its climate goals.

The two sides also pledged regional cooperation in the new US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which Thailand has joined along with 13 other countries.

On the crisis in Myanmar, Prayut told Blinken that Thailand is monitoring the situation closely and providing humanitarian assistance via bilateral ties, Asean and also international organisations.

Sunday’s meeting was Blinken’s last official appointment of his Bangkok visit.

Published : July 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017568

A draft bill that aims to curb a repeat of violent and sexual crimes will enter the second and third readings in the Senate on Monday.

The bill was proposed by the Justice Ministry earlier this year in a bid to curtail repeat offenders, especially those involved in cases of sexual attack and violence.

As per the Department of Corrections, 34.6 per cent of former convicts repeated their offences between 2018 and 2021.

“We believe the bill will pass the Senate readings, and this will result in a major reform in the justice system,” said Senator Khamnoon Sitthisamarn, who acts as spokesman of a committee scrutinising the bill.

He said once passed, the bill will cover both convicts behind bars as well as those who have been released for no more than 10 years.

Under the bill, those convicted of sexual offences or violence will be subject to surveillance after being released. They may also be subjected to anti-libidinal medication or voluntary chemical castration.

“The committee has studied this bill thoroughly, with a special focus on maintaining a balance between safety and human rights,” he added.

Published : July 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017564

Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha tops the list of Cabinet members who deserve to be grilled in the upcoming censure debate, according to a survey of public opinion by Suan Dusit University (Suan Dusit Poll).

The online survey was conducted on 1,021 respondents nationwide from July 4-7.

Asked which Cabinet member should be targeted during the no-confidence debate, 78.51 per cent of respondents named Prayut while Deputy PM Gen Prawit Wongsuwan ranked second with 65.17 per cent. Deputy PM and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was third (61.30 per cent), followed by Deputy PM and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit (50.20 per cent) and Transport Minister Sakssayam Chidchob (38.59 per cent). Each respondent was allowed to choose more than one answer.

The no-confidence debate is due from July 19-22 with the vote set for July 23.

Prayut and 10 other ministers have been named as censure targets by the opposition.

Asked whether they think the censure debate will lead to House dissolution, 46.03 per cent said yes, 35.46 per cent said no and 18.51 per cent were not sure.

A large majority (83.38 per cent) agreed the government deserved to face a censure grilling. Most (71.02 per cent) also said they would follow the debate.

Asked to list issues they wanted the government to be grilled on, 75.67per cent pinpointed its failure in tackling economic woes. Failure to control rising prices came second (73.49 per cent), followed by corruption and nepotism (70.71 per cent), failure to amend laws in the public interest (64.45 per cent) and alleged irregularities in budget spending (60.58 per cent).

Asked what they wanted from the censure showdown, 80.18 per cent said fresh details with strong evidence to back up allegations. Meanwhile 77.50 per cent said they would like to see MPs be polite and control their anger while 76.11 per cent said they wanted opposition MPs present information useful to the public.

Asked what they don’t want to see during the debate, 84.33 per cent said quarrels and repeated protests while 68.95 per cent said political games that ignore the public interest and 64.84 per cent said MPs talking about irrelevant and old issues.

Published : July 10, 2022

By : THE NATION