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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015112

Independent candidate Chadchart Sittipunt remains the strong favourite to become Bangkok’s next governor, according to the latest opinion poll.

Chadchart topped the poll with a 44.58 per cent approval rating, while previous governor Aswin Kwanmuang came third with 11.27 per cent.

The poll was conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) on April 27 and 29 among 1,357 Bangkok residents from different educational and work backgrounds.

The results were as follows:

• 44.58% for Chadchart Sittipunt (independent)

• 11.42% undecided

• 11.27% for Aswin Kwanmuang

• 8.99% for Suchatvee Suwansawat (Democrat Party)

• 6.93% for Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn (Move Forward)

• 5.75% no candidate

• 3.17% for Sakoltee Phattiyakul (independent)

• 2.51% for Sita Divari (Thai Sang Thai)

• 2.28% for Rosana Tositrakul (independent)

• 2.14% will not vote

• 0.96% for other candidates

The other candidates include Thita Rangsitpol Manitkul, Weerachai Laoruangwattana, Watcharee Wannasri, Prayoon Krongyos and Prapat Banchongsiricharoen.

Respondents who backed Chadchart cited his talent, vision and willingness to work and listen to Bangkokians’ problems. Those who supported Aswin said he had experience and would be able to continue working on pending projects.

Asked what questions they had for Bangkok governor candidates:

• 23.34% wanted to know how they would tackle traffic jams

• 14.09% how they would turn their policies into reality

• 13.33% ways they would tackle flooding

• 9.09% wanted to know their definition of quality of life

• 8.94% how they would soften the impact of rising living costs

• 8.03% how they would tackle garbage overflow

• 6.67% what issue they would tackle first

• 5% how they would deal with vendors on pavements

• 4.09% how they would mend roads

• 3.03% ways of organising public transport

• 1.97% how they would deal with air pollution

• 1.06% how they would combat corruption

• 0.76% how they would make Bangkok safe and liveable

• 0.30% how they would tackle wastewater problems

• 0.30% how they would combat homelessness

Bangkokians will choose a new governor on May 22.

Chadchart also retained his lead in the latest Suan Dusit poll, released on Sunday. The poll surveyed 2,522 Bangkokians from April 12 -28. Chadchart topped the rankings with backing from 39.94 per cent of respondents.

Published : May 01, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015098

Media groups are seeking volunteers to conduct a “quick count” of votes after Bangkokians cast their ballots for a governor and city councillors for the first time in nine years on May 22.

This count will then provide unofficial results of the poll, released alongside the initial results announced by the Election Commission.

This quick count, based on samples collected from polling stations, aims to verify election results as well as ensure transparency and prevent possible electoral fraud.

The campaign was launched by the Association of Digital Television Broadcasting and Society for Online News Providers in collaboration with some 30 other groups from the media, academic and business sectors.

Those interested in participating in this parallel counting of votes have until May 5 to apply. Email quickcount65@gmail.com for further information.

Published : April 30, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015096

A law professor says Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha must step down by August 24, when his eight-year term in office legally comes to an end.

Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, a public law professor at Thammasat University, was speaking on Friday at a seminar held by relatives of victims of 1992’s Black May crackdown.

Prof Prinya said political problems would worsen if PM Prayut decided to extend his term beyond the legal limit.

The current Constitution sets the maximum tenure for a prime minister at eight years. However, dispute exists over whether Prayut’s term as PM should be counted from 2014, when he took the post after conducting a coup as Army chief, or from 2019 when he was selected by Parliament after the general election.

Prinya said Prayut’s government had taken an unprecedented toll on Thailand’s three pillars over the past eight years, referring to nation, religion and monarchy.

He added that the PM’s decision to extend his time in power after the coup was at the root of the political problems afflicting the country.

Prayut had asked for a short time in power so he could “return happiness to the people”, said Prinya, but had then extended his power thanks to the junta-appointed Senate while also amending the law to prevent scrutiny of his assets.

He added that questions remained over when Prayut’s term as PM started – in 2014, in 2017 (when the Constitution was enacted), or in 2019.

However, PM Prayut’s tenure will legally end on August 24 this year, insisted Prinya, citing guidance given by the former president of the Constitutional Court.

Prinya expected an MP to file an appeal with the Constitutional Court soon against any extension beyond that date. Or the Election Commission (EC) could file an appeal directly, he said. Prayut would be forced to suspend his duties as PM immediately after the court received the appeal, he added.

Published : April 30, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015075

Deputy PM General Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), is being seen as the best candidate for the prime minister’s post in case there is a “political accident”.

General Vitch Devahasdin Na Ayudhya, leader of the new Thai Economic Party, threw his support behind Prawit on Friday, saying there is no other more suitable candidate.

Political observers say the most likely “political accident” is Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s losing the upcoming censure debate, which is expected when the House of Representatives reconvenes next month.

Vitch, who was previously Palang Pracharath’s chief strategist, said PM candidates nominated by different parties for the 2019 general election had failed to establish public trust.

“We have to get someone who works for the people and is wanted by the people. I have not seen anyone other than General Prawit,” he said. “He should be able to help the country. He works all the time, so he should know what to do.”

Targeted Cabinet members require support from at least half of the existing MPs. However, the margin of votes between the coalition and the opposition has become thin after many Palang Pratcharat MPs left to set up their own party.

All 20 MPs who are now members of Vitch’s party were expelled from Palang Pracharath after a severe conflict was sparked when political heavyweight Thammanat Prompow allegedly tried to oust Prayut. Thammanat is now the secretary-general of Thai Economic Party.

According to the charter, a person outside the list of nominated candidates can be named prime minister if a joint meeting of the Lower House and Senate agree.

When asked how his party would vote in the next censure debate, Vitch said it would depend on how satisfactorily targeted ministers can defend themselves.

Though he considers his party a member of the coalition, Vitch said: “We must adhere to public interest. What does not benefit the public is not okay for us.”

Published : April 29, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015054

People with Covid-19 will still be allowed to vote in the Bangkok governor and council elections on May 22.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul gave the green light on Thursday after talks between the Department of Disease Control (DDC) and Election Commission (EC) on how to balance safety and voting rights.

Covid-19 patients and those who test positive via antigen test kits (ATKs) will be allowed to visit polling stations but must wear two face masks. They will be directed to a separate area of the station reserved for Covid-positive voters.

Anutin said public safety and disease prevention was a priority in managing the voting process. Sufficient staff would be recruited to oversee the election and ensure an efficient and safe election that did not remove citizens’ rights, he added.

Meanwhile, Anutin said a date for the transition to endemic Covid had not yet been set. However, he said people all over the country were already pushing for the change from a pandemic to endemic situation.

He added that governors around the country, in their roles chairing provincial communicable disease committees, could enforce measures independently for their own provinces.

The government has given a tentative date of July 1 for the transition to endemic Covid-19 with relaxed restrictions.

Published : April 29, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015053

Bangkokians have revealed the top ten problems they would like the new governor to iron out, according to digital agency Real Smart, which studied online conversations from February 1 to April 7.

The top ten are:

• Potholed roads and sidewalks (97,875 mentions – 52.8%)

Netizens complained that many streets and sidewalks have holes and are not smooth, while many manhole covers are also broken and pose a danger.

• Floods (20,286 mentions – 11%)

Most problems occurred due to a lack of an efficient drainage system and garbage choking drains.

• Zebra-crossing safety (16,864 mentions – 9%)

Most motorists failed to stop for pedestrians using zebra crossings, while some of the crossings are not marked clearly.

• PM 2.5 and other air pollution problems (15,933 mentions – 8.6%)

The main problems are vehicles and factories, which belch out smoke and exhaust. Meanwhile, winds bring in toxic dust from wildfires in nearby countries.

• Lack of ample green areas (10,399 mentions – 5.6%)

Netizens are increasingly seeing the importance of environmental conservation. Many want to exercise outdoors.

• Surveillance cameras and streetlights do not cover every area (8,928 mentions – 4.8%)

People realise that the shortage of surveillance cameras and a lack of maintenance decreases safety and lead to increased accidents and theft.

• The high cost of living (8,146 mentions – 4.4%)

Most problems have occurred during the Covid-19 crisis. The cost of living has been rising while wages are still the same.

• Traffic jams (3,655 mentions – 2%)

Most occur from people who park incorrectly on the road. The problem gets worse during a festival or accident.

• Polluted canals (2,155 mentions –1%)

This is mainly because residents dump garbage in canals. Netizens complain that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration does not have concrete prevention measures and solutions.

• Street vendors, stalls blocking sidewalks (1,157 mentions – 0.6%)

This occurs mainly when vendors set up stalls without authorisation, while no official organisation tries to prevent them from doing so. Some stalls even make the area dirty because they dispose of garbage incorrectly.

Real Smart studied 185,398 pieces of conversation on Twitter, Facebook, websites, Youtube and Instagram.

The company said “social listening” is an important tool for those who work in digital marketing and want to manage information. They use this tool to get opinions on various social media platforms.
 

Published : April 29, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015031

People who are waiting for jail sentences for offences in government agencies or fraudulent actions will be allowed to become political party members, according to a draft organic act on political parties approved on Thursday by an extraordinary commission.

The change was proposed by Palang Pracharath Party’s Kamphaeng Phet MP, Anan Pholamnuay. The proposal received 23 votes in favour, 21 votes against with two abstentions.

Palang Pracharath’s Nakhon Si Thammarat MP Rong Boonsuaykwan, who acted as the extraordinary commission spokesman, said this was good news as more people could become political party members to participate in the country’s politics.

He added that more people should join politics as there are many political parties in Thailand.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai Party Ubon Ratchathani MP Somkid Chuakong, who also acted as a spokesman, said the extraordinary commission also approved allowing political parties to appoint representatives in each province to consider sending candidates to participate in the election of MPs in each province constituency.

“This will enable all political parties, especially new and small parties, to send their candidates to participate in the MP election,” he said.

Published : April 28, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015020

The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) announced 22 candidates for the general election in the Northeast, including Thai boxing legend Somrak Kamsing.

PPRP secretary-general Santi Promphat held a press conference on Wednesday at the party’s office in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district to announce the 22, with the highlight being Somrak, a candidate for Khon Kaen Constituency 3.

Somrak voiced interest in entering politics. He also wanted to represent boxing because “sports are important in building people and nations”. Most importantly, he said, boxing is “important soft power” that can create identity and fame while generating income for Thailand.

The boxer said the PPRP is a popular party for low-income earners, one concrete result being its state welfare card.

Somrak said he would become a voice for the people and will focus on important policies to make the country strong.

He said he wanted to “represent Thai people again, but this time would do so as a politician for the security and sustainably of quality life”.

According to Santi, party leader Prawit Wongsuwan is focusing on the importance of policies especially in the Northeastern region. He said the party must solve the drought and poverty problems while also striving to make people happy.

Santi said the number of electoral districts had increased so the party must plan and prepare carefully. He also expected the government to stay in power for a full term.

Somrak won a gold medal in the featherweight class at the 1996 summer Olympics. He also bagged gold at the Asian Games in 1994 and 1998.

Published : April 28, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014973

Chadchart Sittipunt is still the front runner in the Bangkok governor election scheduled for May 22, a survey published on Tuesday showed.

An independent candidate, Chadchart was ahead of the field with 27.9 per cent, followed by Suchatvee Suwansawat (Democrat) and Aswin Kwanmuang (independent).

The Open Cyber University of Korea’s fourth poll surveyed 20,377 people in all 180 Bangkok subdistricts from April 15 to 22.

The results were as follows:

• Chadchart Sittipunt (independent) – 27.9%

• Suchatvee Suwansawat (Democrat) – 21.9%

• Aswin Kwanmuang (independent) – 14.6%

• Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn (Move Forward) – 10%

• Sita Diwari (Thai Sang Thai) – 7.4%

• Sakoltee Phattiyakul (independent) – 3.5%

• Rosana Tositrakul (independent) – 2.4%

• Other candidates – 0.22%

• Undecided – 10%

• Not voting or vote no – 1.5%

Published : April 27, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014969

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is confident he can clear all doubts and answer all questions raised by the opposition during a planned no-confidence debate, the government spokesman said on Wednesday.

Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Prayut expressed confidence a day after the opposition announced it would file a censure motion with six allegations against the government.

Pheu Thai Party leader Cholnan Srikaew said on Monday that the opposition would wait for Parliament to pass amendments to two organic laws on a new, dual-ballot election before the censure motion is submitted. He expected the censure debate to be held in late June or early July.

“The government and especially Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prayut will be able to explain every issue and every point because he is confident he has done nothing wrong,” Thanakorn said.

“The prime minister will take the opportunity to explain and reach an understanding with the people after the opposition has been distorting information to create public confusion.”

The spokesman said the opposition itself might be exposed during the showdown – that it has not done its duty properly.

He said the government and the prime minister have been “administering the country with integrity” and they have been taking “drastic action” against corrupt officials without any nepotism as in past administrations.

“So, the government would like to ask the opposition to carry out its duty with its full effort. They should not act like children crying foul for a chance to become the government,” the spokesman said.

He also challenged the opposition to provide documentary evidence of corruption instead of using only rhetoric during the debate.

On Tuesday, opposition parties held a meeting and resolved to submit a censure motion against the administration based on six allegations.

Those attending the meeting included Cholnan, Phumtham Wechayachai, a member of the Pheu Thai political strategies committee, Sukhumpong Ngonkham, an opposition whip, Seri Ruam Thai Party deputy leader Wirat Warossirin, Puea Chat party-list MP Somkram Kitlertphairoj, and Thai People Power Party leader Supoj Arwas.

Pheu Thai secretary-general Prasert Chanruangthong said the meeting resolved to raise six allegations against the Prayut government:

– The government has committed several failures in country administration.

– The government has intentionally violated the charter and law as well as political ethics.

– The government committed corruption and indulged in nepotism to benefit its affiliates.

– The government has failed to enforce policies that have been delivered to Parliament.

– The government has violated people’s rights and liberties.

– The government has acted in a way that damaged democracy and the parliamentary system.

Prasert said the meeting resolved that the censure will not be held against the entire Cabinet but a motion will be filed against the prime minister and certain other ministers.

He said each opposition party has gathered information and evidence against their censure targets. He declined to elaborate.

The Pheu Thai secretary-general said the meeting agreed that the censure motion would be submitted as soon as possible after the amendment bills to the political party act and the MPs election act are passed in the third reading.

He said the opposition decided to wait until the two amendment bills are passed because it saw a need for the amendments to the organic law for holding the next election. It fears if it holds a censure debate first, there could be a political impasse.

Prasert added that the meeting assigned Chusak Sirinil, chief of the Pheu Thai legal affairs committee, to draw up the censure motion. The draft will later be submitted to the next meeting of opposition parties for approval.

Published : April 27, 2022

By : THE NATION