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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014753

Police have asked the Foreign Ministry to revoke the passports of three leaders of the Progressive Movement to prevent them from leaving the country after they were slapped with sedition charges.

Pannika Wanich said she learned of the passport revocation on Wednesday when she could not make a new passport at the MBK passport office.

Pannika said officials refused to issue a new passport and the official explained that the Phya Thai Police Station had sent an official letter dated April 19 2021 asking the Consular Affairs Department to revoke her passport and the passports of Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and Piyabutr Saengkanokkul.

The letter stated that the three were charged with violation of Section 116 of the Criminal Code, which covers sedition and inciting rebellion against the government.

The official said the Consular Affairs Department would inquire with the police station about the urgency of the revocation. If the police station rescinded its letter, the department would issue a new passport to Pannika.

After learning about the revocation, Pannika said she would go to the police station to ask why it took the action although the court had not issued any order yet banning the three from leaving the country.

Pannika said the case was being reviewed by public prosecutors and it had not been sent to the court yet for arraignment.

The three face sedition charges after Suwit Thongprasert, former monk Phra Puttha Isara, accused them of violating Section 116 while they were members of the Future Forward Party.

The public prosecutors have scheduled May 19 to announce whether to charge the three in court.

Published : April 20, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014747

The Sarng Anakot Thai (SAT) Party on Wednesday elected its first executive board and picked two former co-founders of Palang Pracharath Party for top positions.

The SAT, whose name means “building Thai future”, held its first general assembly and elected Uttama Savanayana as party leader and Sontirat Sontijirawong as secretary-general.

The party’s caucus was held at the Grand Diamond Ballroom of Impact Forum Building in Muang Thong Thani. Nonthaburi province, and was attended by some 500 party members and co-founders, including Supol Fongngam, Arthit Chunhachatrachai, Wichian Chawalit and Suranand Vejjajiva.

The caucus elected a 16-member executive board, including the party leader and secretary-general.

Santi Kiranan was elected the party treasurer and Nithat Prathakjai was given the post of party registrar.

Other executives are: Nipit Intharasombat, Supol, Suranand, Wichian, Narit Choeyklin, Watchara Kannikar, Rakpong Sengcharoen, Wirat Withoonthian, Olarn Weeranon, Itthawat Pithakkhumpol, Tippaporn Tantisunthorn, and Sonerangsi Chalermchaikij.

Uttama and Sontirat were co-founders of Palang Pracharath, which became a political vehicle for then coup leader General Prayut Chan-o-cha to become the prime minister. The two were ministers in Prayut’s government but were later sidelined and removed from the Cabinet. They eventually left Palang Pracharath.

The SAT has announced it would support former deputy prime minister Somkid Jatusripitak as the next prime minister after the general election due next year. Somkid did not join the assembly.

During the assembly, the SAT also announced five key policies:

• The SAT would build strong and modern economic fundamentals.

• The party would rebuild a new economy by using the Bio-Circular-Green Economy concept.

• The party will push for a fair and sustainable society with members helping one another.

• The party will build human resources and push for development of technologies to develop Thailand as a society of the future.

• The party will play constructive politics and build a genuine democracy based on public interest.

Published : April 20, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014746

Bangkok governor hopeful Chadchart Sittipunt is the most talked about gubernatorial candidate on social media, a study by a digital media agency found.

The so-called Social Listening study carried out by Real Smart Co Ltd found that up to 56.23 per cent of posts about the May 22 Bangkok governor election talked about Chadchart, an independent candidate.

Move Forward Party’s candidate, Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, came second, mentioned in 17.64 per cent of the posts, while ex-Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang came third, mentioned in 13.89 per cent.

Ukrit Tungsuebkul, the CEO of Real Smart, said the Social Listening study was carried out from February 1 to April 7 by collecting data from several platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, websites, Pantip webboard, TikTok, Blockdit, and other webboards.

The study found that there were 1,297,072 mentions of the May 22 Bangkok governor election and most posts and comments talked about the policies of the candidates. The talks were positive, negative and general.

The study was carried out under the topic “Top 10 Bangkok governor candidates who are most talked about”, Ukrit said.

The 1.2 million mentions were made mostly on Twitter (55.11 per cent), followed by Facebook (40.16 per cent), websites (3.86 per cent), YouTube (0.44 per cent), Instagram (0.18 per cent), Pantip webboard (0.08 per cent), Blockdit (0.07 per cent) and TikTok (0.07 per cent).

The study found the top 10 Bangkok governor candidates with the most mentions were:

• Chadchart Sittipunt, mentioned 729,388 times (56.23 per cent)

• Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, 228,808 (17.64 per cent)

• Aswin Kwanmuang, 180,163 (13.89 per cent)

• Suchatvee Suwansawat, 46,560 (3.59 per cent)

• Rosana Tositrakul, 43,292 (3.34 per cent)

• Sakoltee Phattiyakul, 32,533 (2.51 per cent)

• Sita Dhivari, 27,845 (2.15 per cent)

• Thanet Wongsa, 1,603 (0.12 per cent)

• Supachai Tantikhom, 1,057 (0.08 per cent)

• Weerachai Laoruangwatana, 939 (0.07 per cent)

Ukrit said 213,005 mentions about Chadchart were positive, and 26,363 were negative and the rest were neutral.

He said 228,808 mentions of Wiroj were positive, 26,637 negative and 177,081 neutral.

Aswin got 22,001 positive mentions, 5,552 negative mentions and 152,610 neutral ones.

Ukrit said Social Listening was a tool for digital marketing to gauge the sentiment of social networkers.

Published : April 20, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014742

Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s ordeal has started anew after the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders issued a warrant on Tuesday for her arrest after she failed to show up at the court’s reading of charges in a case filed by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).

The NACC on January 28 filed a lawsuit against Yingluck Shinawatra, two newspapers, and three others over alleged corruption in the Thailand 2020 Roadshow project. The lawsuit alleged that from August 2013 to March 2014, Yingluck and the five other defendants had caused damages worth THB239.7 million to the country by approving the Thailand 2020 Roadshow to the two publications without properly inviting bids for the project.

According to a news source, besides the Thailand Roadshow case, the anti-graft agency still has seven more cases which it is preparing to file against Thailand’s first female prime minister, who is also a sister of former prime minister Thaksin.

They are:

1. The G2G rice deal case, in which Yingluck was accused of negligence that resulted in corruption in exporting of Thai rice.

2. Yingluck’s abuse of power in transferring National Security Council secretary-general Thawil Pliensri in 2011.

3. The disbursement of 1.9 billion baht compensation for people affected by political rallies between 2005 and 2010 approved by Yingluck and 34 other ministers.

4. Yingluck’s omission to punish then interior minister Charupong Ruangsuwan for participating in a political rally by the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, also known as the red shirt group, in February 2014.

5. Yingluck allowing the broadcast of the Muay Thai Warriors programme organised in Macao in 2012 via the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) channel. The programme featured an opening speech by Thaksin, which was alleged to affect national security.

6. The allegation that Yingluck is unusual wealthy.

7. Her failure to report a 2.5 million baht luxury watch in her list of assets.

The NACC has however dismissed several cases against Yingluck by different parties since her term ended in the wake of the May 2014 military coup, after which she reportedly fled the country.

Among them are her mismanagement of water resources which had allegedly caused the 2011 flood crisis; the disbursement of 120 million baht from the government’s central budget to facilitate the temporary release of political prisoners; and her abuse of power in enforcing the Internal Security Act during political rallies by the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (yellow shirt group) in 2013 in Bangkok.

Published : April 20, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014736

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has allowed its governor candidates to carry out campaign speeches in 15 designated areas across the city.

The fifteen are:

1. Lan Khon Mueang, Phra Nakhon district
2. Chatuchak Park
3. Queen Sirikit Park, Chatuchak district
4. Wachirabenchathat Park (State Railway Public Park), Chatuchak
5. Lumphini Park, Pathum Wan
6. Benchasiri Park, Khlong Toei
7. King Taksin Monument, Thonburi
8. Rama VIII Park, Bang Phlat
9. Rama IX Youth Centre, Rat Burana
10. Ramindra Sport Stadium, Bang Khen
11. Seri Thai Garden, Bueng Kum
12. Phra Nakhon Park, Lat Krabang
13. Health Garden, Prawet district
14. Chaloem Phrakiat Sport Training Centre, Thung Khru
15. The park in front of The Mall Bangkae.

Candidates who would like to use these venues must request permission from BMA permanent secretary Khachit Chatchawanit at least three days in advance. They must also provide strict Covid-19 prevention measures to be used at gatherings.

Khachit said on Wednesday that the BMA is allowing its governor candidates to conduct speeches in designated areas so election campaigning will be “in good order and fair”.

Published : April 20, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014732

The Move Forward Party aims to use scanning technology to solve Bangkok’s structure and design problems.

The party posted on its Facebook page on Tuesday that Nithikorn Bunyakulcharoen, the Bangkok Council candidate for Bang Bon district, used LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) scanner technology to scan parts of the city.

He explained that the scanner was different from photo shooting or recording a video because it computes the structure length, width and height so any problem could be spotted immediately.

The technology has been used in Dublin (Ireland), Amsterdam (Netherlands), and Seoul (South Korea) to make these cities “better”.

“Scanning the city will help in the collection of information and a ‘digital twin’ to aid with the design aspect both in the real and virtual worlds,” Nithikorn said.

He added that apart from solving problems with sidewalks, bridges and engineering structures, the information could help the tourism and video games industry.

Meanwhile, Bangkok governor candidate Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn came out in support of the technology, saying he would use it if he becomes the governor.

Wiroj said the technology was cheap and worth adapting to solve problems. It would also reduce the number of substandard buildings in the city.

Thailand, he said, is becoming an ageing society so the design process should consider people in every age group. Problems of uneven sidewalks and steep bridges must be solved in an efficient manner, he added.

Published : April 20, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014703

Democrat Party leader Jurin Laksanawisit on Tuesday announced his resignation as chairman of two national panels on women’s rights and equality but vowed to stay on as party leader to take responsibility over sexual misconduct and rape charges against a former deputy leader.

Jurin held a press conference to announce the party’s stand after the party’s former deputy leader Prinn Panitchpakdi was accused of molesting several women and even raping some of them.

So far, 14 women have filed complaints with Lumpini Police Station, accusing Prinn of molesting or raping them, according to lawyer Sittha Biabungkerd, who exposed the allegations against the son of former deputy prime minister and former Word Trade Organisation chief Supachai Panitchpakdi.

The South Bangkok Criminal Court has approved Prinn’s detention for 12 days in three cases and approved his release on bail but barred him from leaving the Kingdom.

On Monday, over a dozen women’s organisations called on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to remove Jurin as chairman of a national panel on women’s roles and status.

Jurin told the press conference that he had stepped down as chairman of the committee promoting equality of the sexes and the national committee on women’s policies to prevent any untoward impact on the two panels’ operations.

He apologised to Prayut for not informing him of his resignation prior to the press conference.

“I deeply regret what has happened. I issue my apology to the public for everything related to the cases that also affect the Democrat Party,” Jurin told the press conference.

“I had a role in bringing Prinn in as deputy leader although his appointment passed through the party’s process.”

Jurin said he could not have foreseen the consequences of his decision to give the party’s executive post to Prinn, but he and the executive board could not deny their responsibility.

He said the Democrat Party has a stand against sexual harassment and against all forms of violence against children, women and family members.

He promised that the party would not interfere in the judicial process against Prinn.

Jurin said the Democrat Party would not ignore the situation but would set up two panels to conduct fact-findings related to the cases.

The first panel will be chaired by Democrat MP Ratchada Thanadirek, a deputy government spokeswoman, Jurin said.

He said the Ratchada-led panel would investigate the cases and also consider remedial measures for the victims. The panel would also be in charge of checking qualifications of new Democrat executives.

Jurin said the second committee will be chaired by deputy party leader Narapat Kaewthong. It would be in charge of conducting probes into the posting of messages in the Democrat’s internal Line group.

Messages from the Democrat group were leaked to the public earlier, showing “ugly” comments apparently ridiculing the victims. One message reportedly said: “These young women are strange. They were raped years ago but they just realised it.” Social media members cried foul over the comments and described them as “disgusting”.

Jurin also dismissed concerns that Supachai would try to use his political clout to help his son.

“Democrat chief adviser and Parliament President Chuan Leekpai has said Supachai has never interfered in the judicial process,” Jurin said.

On the call for him and the executive board to resign from the party’s positions, Jurin said in his view resignation would be tantamount to abdicating responsibility and leaving the problems for others to solve.

“When we have problems, we must tackle them instead of leaving them for the next generation to solve,” Jurin said.

He admitted that the cases would affect the party’s popularity rating in the upcoming Bangkok governor and council elections but the executive board would try to lead the party through the crisis.

Published : April 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014698

The flood of sex abuse complaints against former Democrat deputy leader Prinn Panitchpakdi will hit Suchatvee Suwansawat’s chances in the upcoming Bangkok governor election, according to news outlet Komchadluek.

The Nation’s Thai-language sister outlet said the Democrats could limit the damage to their candidate by clarifying their position on Prinn, who faces one rape and two sexual harassment charges so far. The party has sought to distance itself from the legal controversy by saying Prinn’s cases were a matter for the police.

Komchadluek was responding to a Super Poll survey released on Sunday indicating Prinn’s actions had not significantly influenced voters’ opinion of Suchatvee.

However, the poll of 1,548 Bangkok voters saw Sakoltee Phattiyakul (independent) rise to third after his popularity rating climbed from 5.7 to 10.1 per cent.

Aswin Kwanmuang (independent) remains the frontrunner after his popularity rose from 7.1 to 9.8 per cent while Move Forward’s Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn rose from 2.5 to 5.5 per cent.

Suchatvee said he was shocked by developments surrounding Prinn but wasn’t worried they would affect his popularity as voters would be able to separate personal from party matters.

Suchatvee’s popularity in polls has remained high despite the allegations engulfing his party’s former deputy leader.

However, according to Komchadluek’s analysis, political conditions do not favour a shock result like the one that saw Sukhumbhand Paribatra beat Pongsapat Pongcharoen in the 2013 governor election.

Instead, the candidates this year fall into two different camps.

Chadchart Sittipunt, Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn and Sita Diwari will be chosen by pro-democracy supporters, Komchadluek forecast.

However, Suchatvee has to compete against Aswin Kwanmuang, Sakoltee Phattiyakul, and Rosana Tositrakul. Moreover, the Democrat Party does not have any Bangkok MPs.

The Democrat Party polled just 474,000 votes in Bangkok at the 2019 election, compared to 804,000 for Move Forward’s predecessor Future Forward, 791,000 for Palang Pracharath, and 604,000 for Pheu Thai.

However, the Democrats are hoping that Palang Pracharath voters will choose Suchatvee as Prayut Chan-o-cha’s low popularity will affect the ruling party.

Komchadluek said it would be hard for Suchatvee to win against Chadchart but party executives will set their hopes on the council election.

Both the Bangkok governor and council elections will be held on May 22.

Published : April 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014670

Seksakol Atthawong on Monday stepped down as aide to the prime minister as well as chair of the sub-committee assigned with tackling overpriced lottery tickets.

He said he was giving up his posts to take responsibility for a recording of his conversation with Palang Pracharath Party member Chureeporn Sinthuprai related to a raid on online lottery sellers.

In the clip, he was allegedly heard saying he took 15 million baht from another man and used it to finance an election campaign. He also purportedly said he did not know if the man he took the money from had something to do with the lottery quota, adding that if this man was arrested he may expose him for taking this money.

After the clip began doing the rounds, Prime Minister’s Office Minister Anucha Nakasai defended Seksakol by saying the conversation was a joke.

Seksakol said his resignation will be effective from Tuesday, adding that it will take some time for him to prove his innocence.

“I want to confirm that I have personally asked Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to accept my resignation,” he said, adding that the premier did not sack him or force him to quit.

The clip was posted on Facebook on April 3 by well-known lawyer Sittha Biabangkerd after former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn filed a petition accusing Seksakol of violating the law on the election of MPs, dereliction of duty and breaking the code of conduct of politicians.

Published : April 18, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014668

Over a dozen women’s organisations on Monday called for the removal of Democrat Party leader Jurin Laksanawisit as chairman of a national panel that promotes women’s role and status after a former deputy leader of his party was charged with sexual harassment and rape.

In a joint statement, the organisations strongly criticised Jurin, who is deputy prime minister and commerce minister, and his party for inaction after former Democrat deputy leader Prinn Panitchpakdi was charged with committing sexual harassment and rape in at least three cases.

Prinn resigned as party deputy leader and as a party member after the allegations against him surfaced last week.

The joint statement pointed out that the Democrat Party, which Prinn once belonged to, has so far not shown any sign of intending to carry out a fact-finding investigation, although one of Prinn’s accusers used to be a member of the party’s election campaign team.

The joint statement cited remarks of a party spokesman and its Bangkok governor candidate as indications that the party would take no action in the cases related to Prinn, although Jurin is the chairman of the national panel in charge of women’s rights and protection.

The joint statement quoted Democrat deputy spokesman Akkadej Wongpithakroj as saying that the cases were personal issues and Prinn had quit all party posts. The joint statement said Democrat Bangkok governor candidate, Prof Dr Suchatvee Suwansawat, had made a similar comment.

The women’s organisations said the allegations against Prinn should not be deemed as personal cases because Prinn used to hold a high position in the party and he also played a role in the party’s Bangkok governor election contest.

The joint statement criticised Jurin for not leading his party to show responsibility “properly” despite being the chairman of the committee promoting women’s status. Jurin himself had once proposed on the national agenda the issue of sexual violence against women.

“This is a reflection that Jurin lacks true understanding and genuine intention to solve the problem of violence against women,” the joint statement said.

The women’s organisations made three demands:

 Remove Jurin as chairman of the national committee promoting women’s status and relieve him of all responsibilities related to promoting sexual equality because of his failure to bring about any change.

 The Democrat Party must jointly take responsibility for the actions of its former deputy leader although he has resigned. The party must set up a fact-finding panel to work in parallel with police to investigate and provide remedy to all the alleged victims of its deputy leader.

 The government must reform its national mechanisms to provide justice to women and children affected by all kinds of violence, especially sexual violence.

The organisations that signed the joint statement included the Foundation for Women, the Friends of Women Foundation, the Women and Men Progressive Women Foundation, the Foundation for Promoting Social Equality, the Foundation for Labour and Career Developments, the Justice for Peace Foundation, and the Child Youth and Family Foundation.

Published : April 18, 2022