Managing director of Army-owned Channel 5 removed

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Army Commander-in-Chief General Narongphan Jitkaewthae on Tuesday signed an urgent order to remove the managing director of Army-run Channel 5.

Managing director of Army-owned Channel 5 removed

The order removed General Rangsi Kittiyarnsup as Channel 5 managing director from April 7 and appointed Lt-General Wisanti Srasida, former director of the Army Training Command Department, as acting managing director of the TV station. It didn’t state any reason.

After the media was informed of the removal order, Rangsi told reporters that he was not sacked but that he had himself asked the Army chief to remove him from the post because of personal reasons.

“I won’t talk about my personal reasons because it will be useless. It’s not sacking but I asked him to free me from the duty,” Rangsi said.

“Don’t say I’m sacked as it won’t be fair to the Army chief. I just got the order this morning before the Army chief visits Laos.”

The removal of Rangsi came shortly after he visited the Russian ambassador to Thailand on March 21. After the visit, Rangsi revealed that he had sought cooperation from the embassy for publicity of Russian TV news via Channel 5 to provide fair and balanced publicity of news from Russian side.

Managing director of Army-owned Channel 5 removed

On March 23, Channel 5 had informed reporters that Rangsi would hold a press conference the following day to announce the cooperation between Channel 5 and Russia, China and Iran. But on the same day, the press conference was cancelled. It is speculated that the press conference was cancelled because Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha felt uneasy about the cooperation, fearing it could have political repercussions both in Thailand and abroad.

A well-informed source said the Army chief felt uneasy about the situation. He had talked to Rangsi and told him not to report on the situation in Ukraine.

The source said that on Monday, a programme made in a joint venture with a private firm was abruptly halted because it reported on the war situation.

Also on Monday, Rangsi gave an interview to a website, www.llpch.news, that he did not plan to resign because of the halting of the broadcast of war reports.

“Who will replace me?” Rangsi asked the reporter who runs the website when she asked him to comment on speculation that he would resign.

Rangsi admitted during the interview that there was an order that the Army channel not broadcast Russia-Ukraine war news but he declined to reveal who had issued the order.

“Let’s put it this way. There is concern that the issue is sensitive so we’ll refrain from airing the reports for now,” Rangsi said.

The publication of the interview, the ban on broadcast of war news and his meeting with the Russian ambassador were widely speculated by Thai media as reasons for Rangsi’s removal from his post.

Rangsi was earlier regarded as a close friend of the Army chief. They had studied together in Class 22 of the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School.

Published : March 29, 2022

By : THE NATION

BMA issues guidelines for May 22 Bangkok governor, council elections

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The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) on Tuesday issued two statements detailing procedures for the upcoming gubernatorial and city council elections.

BMA issues guidelines for May 22 Bangkok governor, council elections

The statements were issued by city clerk Khajit Chatwanit in his capacity as Bangkok election director and as a formality after the Election Commission set the election date as May 22.

According to Khajit’s statement, governor candidates can register for the race between March 31 and April 4 from 8.30am to 4.30pm at City Hall.

The second statement specified that for the gubernatorial election, all of Bangkok will be considered as one constituency, while city councillors will contest for votes in the district they have registered. Bangkok is divided into 50 districts.

Each governor candidate is required to pay 50,000 baht for registration, while council candidates must pay 10,000 baht each.

Published : March 29, 2022

By : THE NATION

Move Forward’s Pita top pick for next prime minister: Nida poll

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Pita Limjaroenrat of Move Forward Party was named as the top choice for next prime minister in a Nida Poll survey on Sunday.

Move Forward’s Pita top pick for next prime minister: Nida poll

The survey polled 2,020 people from different backgrounds and age groups between March 10 and 15.


Asked who should be the next prime minister:

  • 27.62% said there was no appropriate candidate.
  • 13.42% chose Pita Limjaroenrat of the Move Forward Party, describing him as direct and positive in his work style. They also liked his vision and ideas for the new generation. Some respondents wanted management of the country to be handed over to the next generation.
  • 12.67% chose Prayut Chan-o-cha, describing him as honest and someone who could be trusted to bring peace and order. They said his policies were helping citizens.
  • 12.53% chose Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Pheu Thai, saying they wanted people from the next generation to manage the country. They also cited the achievements of the Shinawatra family.
  • 8.22% chose Sudarat Keyuraphan of the Thai Sang Thai Party because they liked her policies and she had experience in managing the country.
  • 7.03% chose Sereepisuth Temeeyaves from the Thai Liberal Party because he was direct, decisive, frank and showed determination in his work.
  • 3.96% chose Cholnan Srikaew of Pheu Thai because he was capable, frank and showed determination in his work
  • 3.61% did not answer or had no opinion.
  • 2.77% chose Korn Chatikavanij from Kla Party as he was knowledgeable, capable and an economic expert having served as finance minister. Some also said that he was well recognised by foreign countries.
  • 2.58% chose Jurin Laksanawisit of the Democrat Party as he was honest, frank and showed determination in his work

5.59% chose other candidates.

The percentage of people who picked General Prayut fell in comparison with the Nida poll conducted in the previous quarter.

Meanwhile, the number of people who chose the other seven candidates increased.

Asked which party they supported,

  • 28.86% did not support any party.
  • 25.89% supported Pheu Thai
  • 16.24% supported Move Forward
  • 7.97% said the Democrat Party
  • 7.03% said Palang Pracharath
  • 2.28% opted for the Thai Liberal Party
  • 2.18% supported the Thai Sang Thai Party
  • 2.03% did not answer or had no opinion
  • 1.88% said the Bhumjaithai Party
  • 1.83% supported the Kla Party

Meanwhile, 3.81 per cent chose other parties.

Support fell for Palang Pracharath and the Thai Liberal Party compared to the previous quarter while support for the six other parties increased.

Published : March 27, 2022

By : THE NATION

Allowing campaigning inside Army barracks a ‘good sign’: politicians

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Politicians were delighted when the Thai military agreed to let them campaign inside the barracks in the run-up to the May 22 Bangkok gubernatorial and city council elections.

Allowing campaigning inside Army barracks a ‘good sign’: politicians

Key figures from coalition and opposition parties agreed on Saturday that this policy proves the armed forces have become more open-minded and democratic.

On Friday, the Defence Council agreed to provide full support to candidates seeking to woo voters in military establishments, Defence Ministry’s deputy spokesman Colonel Wanchana Sawatdee said.

Upon obtaining a written request from candidates, military units will tell the Election Commission and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to set a date for campaigning inside Army barracks, the spokesman said.

He added that if all candidates arrived on the same day, they would have a better chance of interacting with a bigger audience.

Bangkok has many military camps where residents are of voting age.

Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, spokesman for the opposition Move Forward Party, on Saturday described the military’s move as a “good sign” that the Thai armed forces are adapting.

He said the move came after his party campaigned heavily for the reform of the military, which won a lot of support from junior officers in the armed forces.

“Also many retired generals signalled that Move Forward is on the right path,” the politician added.

Allowing campaigning inside Army barracks a ‘good sign’: politicians

Meanwhile, Apichai Taechaubol, who is leading the ruling Palang Pracharath Party’s campaign for Bangkok elections, on Saturday described the move to allow campaigning inside military camps as “good and democratic”.

Democrat deputy leader Prinn Panitchpakdi, who is overseeing the campaigning of votes in Bangkok, also agreed that this was a development in the right direction.

He voiced confidence that Democrat candidate, Suchatvee Suwansawat, would gain much support from young military officers.

“If we can campaign inside military areas, we can learn what they [military personnel] want so we can make improvements accordingly,” Prinn said.

Allowing campaigning inside Army barracks a ‘good sign’: politicians

Published : March 26, 2022

EC chief formally launches Bangkok, Pattaya election process

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Election Commission (EC) chairman Itthiporn Boonprakong on Friday signed two announcements to formally commence the process for holding Bangkok and Pattaya local elections.

EC chief formally launches Bangkok, Pattaya election process

The first announcement states that the electionsforo Bangkok governor and Bangkok councillors must be held within 60 days of the announcement.

Earlier, the EC had announced that the elections for Bangkok governor, Pattaya mayor and the councils of the two local administrations will be held on the same day on May 22.

Friday’s announcements by the EC were just a formality for the Bangkok election committee and Chon Buri election committee to start preparations for holding the elections. The committees will next announce dates for holding candidacy registrations.

Incumbent Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang announced his resignation on Thursday to contest the election.

The second announcement signed by Itthiporn states that the elections for Pattaya mayor and councillors must be held within 60 days.

The announcement also states that the current Pattaya mayor and councillors must leave office immediately to pave way for the elections.

Published : March 25, 2022

By : THE NATION

I’ll be back in 3 months, says Aswin as he steps down to contest election

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Bangkok Metropolitan Administration chief Aswin Kwanmuang on Thursday announced his resignation to contest the May 22 gubernatorial election, vowing to return in three months.

I’ll be back in 3 months, says Aswin as he steps down to contest election

Aswin held a press conference at the BMA headquarters to announce he would leave his post immediately to prepare for the election under the Rao Rak Krungthep (We Take Care Bangkok) Group.

He said he would submit his resignation to the interior minister and would announce his team and the Bangkok Council candidates of his group on March 28-29.

Aswin said he did not want to cling on to power but he wanted to return to continue unfinished work, as he was confident that Bangkok can be further developed.

Earlier, his deputy Sakoltee Phattiyakul, also resigned to contest the upcoming election as an independent candidate.

Aswin said he would not compete for votes from Sakoltee’s backers because he did not share the same supporter base as his former deputy.

Aswin admitted that other candidates are capable persons but he said he can help save time for the city’s development as the work would not have to start from scratch.I’ll be back in 3 months, says Aswin as he steps down to contest election

“I can coordinate with all agencies and I’m ready to listen to the views of the new generation. I hereby affirm that my team of deputies will include new-generation and disabled people,” Aswin said.

He said during his five years and five months in office, he had focused on working without wasting much time.

Aswin was appointed Bangkok governor by the National Council for Peace and Order, which took the reins of governance after the coup led by then Army chief General Prayut Chan-o-cha.

I’ll be back in 3 months, says Aswin as he steps down to contest electionHe said he graded himself only a 5 out of 10 because he has not yet implemented many of his policies for the capital. He said he would implement the policies to gain the other five points if he won the election.

After the press conference, Aswin paid respects to the Buddha image in the hall.

“I’ll definitely be back in three months,” he told reporters while walking out of the conference hall.

Published : March 24, 2022

By : THE NATION

Defence Ministry 4th-highest spender in 2023 draft budget with Bt197bn

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The Defence Ministry has been allocated Bt197.292 billion under the draft Fiscal Year 2023 budget bill approved by the Cabinet.

Defence Ministry 4th-highest spender in 2023 draft budget with Bt197bn

The allocation for defence is the fourth-highest among ministries under the national budget for fiscal year 2023, which begins in October.

The Cabinet last week approved the draft 2023 national budget of Bt3.185 trillion, an increase of 2.75 per cent or Bt85 million on the 2022 budget.

However, the draft sees the Defence Ministry’s budget reduced by Bt4.373 billion from last year.

The budget bill is due to be submitted to the House for deliberation in May.

Defence Ministry 4th-highest spender in 2023 draft budget with Bt197bn2023 Defence spending explained

The Defence Ministry’s Bt197.292-billion budget will be allocated to six agencies as follows:

Royal Thai Army

Allocated Bt96.573bn, down Bt3.039bn from 2022. Budget divided into five spending plans:

– Personnel spending: Bt60.237bn (up Bt1.345bn)

– National defence development and preparations to meet national threats: Bt19.486bn (down Bt1.709bn)

– Basic security operations: Bt12.906bn (down Bt2.574 bn)

– Defence strategies and solving national security problems: Bt2.979bn (unchanged)

– Operations in deep South: Bt462m (down Bt115m)

Royal Thai Navy

Allocated Bt40.322bn, up Bt115m. Budget divided as follows:

– Personnel spending: Bt21.511bn (up Bt228m)

– National defence development and preparations to meet national threats: Bt13.13bn (down Bt504m)

– Basic security operations: Bt4.595bn (up Bt800m)

– Special eastern development zone: Bt716m (down Bt386m)

– Strategies to promote international relations: Bt155m (unchanged)

Royal Thai Air Force

Allocated Bt36.112bn, down Bt1.681bn. Budget divided as follows:

– National defence development and preparations to meet national threats: Bt18.084bn (down 940m)

– Personnel spending: Bt14.167bn (up Bt709m)

– Basic security operations: Bt3.785bn (down Bt1.45bn)

– Strategies to promote security of national institutes: Bt35m (unchanged)

– Strategies to promote international relations: Bt23m (unchanged)

Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters

Allocated Bt14.54bn, up Bt57m. Budget divided as follows:

– Personnel spending: Bt7.12bn (up Bt19m)

– National defence development and preparations to meet national threats: Bt5.618bn (up Bt79m)

– Basic security operations: Bt1.611bn (down Bt43m)

– Strategies to promote international relations: Bt69m (unchanged)

– Strategies to promote security of national institutes: Bt53m (unchanged)

Office of Permanent Secretary for Defence

Allocated Bt9.238bn, up Bt86m. Budget divided as follows:

– Personnel spending: Bt4.127bn (up Bt92m)

– Basic security operations: Bt3.538bn (down Bt1.029bn)

– National defence development and preparations to meet national threats: Bt1.524bn (up Bt1.012bn)

– Strategies to promote international relations: Bt26m (up Bt10m)

– Strategies to promote security of national institutes: Bt17m (unchanged)

Defence Technology Institute

Allocated Bt504m, up Bt88m. Budget divided as follows:

– Personnel spending: Bt274m (up Bt8m)

– National defence development and preparations to meet national threats: Bt165m (up Bt15m)

– Development of defence industry and future services: Bt65m

Published : March 22, 2022

By : THE NATION

Prayut marks 68th birthday quietly in Government House

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Many government House officials visited Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s office on Monday morning to wish him a happy 68th birthday.

Prayut marks 68th birthday quietly in Government House

However, only small groups were allowed to visit at a time as a measure to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Those who missed out on wishing the PM personally sent him birthday cards or flowers instead. Many officials were seen ferrying baskets of flowers to the Thai Ku Fah building all morning.

Interior Minister General Anupong Paochinda reportedly visited Prayut at his home to wish him before heading to Government House.

Published : March 21, 2022

By : THE NATION

Paetongtarn seeks new ‘family members’ as Pheu Thai’s PM candidate

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The leading opposition party, Pheu Thai, came together for a “family activity” in Udon Thani on Sunday to seek new ordinary party members and to announce Paetongtarn Shinawatra as its prime ministerial candidate.

Paetongtarn seeks new ‘family members’ as Pheu Thai’s PM candidate

At the event entitled “Pheu Thai Family: Large Home with Same Heart”, which was held at the Monthatip Convention Hall, Paetongtarn announced that she aims to recruit up to 14 million new members to the “Pheu Thai Family”.

Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was appointed as chief of the party’s advisory committee on participation and innovation in October last year. This is the first time since her appointment that Paetongtarn has participated in a public event.

Also present at the event were Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew and several other senior party members including Pheu Thai secretary-general Prasert Chanruangthong, and deputy party leader Sutin Klungsang.

After Cholnan and other top party members addressed supporters, Paetongtarn went on stage to call on Udon Thani residents to apply for Pheu Thai membership.

Paetongtarn seeks new ‘family members’ as Pheu Thai’s PM candidate“Pheu Thai has several policies for helping people. We are waiting for the right time because our goal is to form a government. This dictatorial regime must go and Pheu Thai must set up a government and become the coalition leader,” she said.

“To achieve this, we need support from the people. So, I would like people to participate in our activities and apply to become members. We have initiated the ‘Large Home with Same Heart’ project because we aim to gain 14 million members as we had before.”

Paetongtarn added that the “Pheu Thai Family” has overcome many changes and obstacles over the past 23 years when it first started as the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party.

“This home has grown and changed. It has also survived a lot of obstacles and has lost some people during its journey over the past 23 years,” she said.

“Experience is our key advantage and I can proudly say we have more experience than other parties. When we were the government, we were able to successfully implement our policies. We became a single-party government that completed its four-year term and was elected again.”

She added that though Pheu Thai has made some mistakes, these mistakes have helped the party learn and improve itself.

“Now it’s time for Pheu Thai to change and meet people’s needs. We must transform Pheu Thai into a better version and keep its good DNA. We must also never forget people at the grassroots level who have supported us from the very start,” Paetongtarn said.

Paetongtarn seeks new ‘family members’ as Pheu Thai’s PM candidateSutin, who delivered the opening speech, said Thai Rak Thai had been formed during the Tom Yam Kung financial crisis in 1997 and swept up House seats to form the government of prime minister Thaksin.

He said Thaksin’s government made history by becoming the first government to balance the budget, yet it was brought down by a coup that destroyed the Thai Rak Thai family when the party was dissolved.

In his speech, Prasert said the People Power family was formed after the 2007 charter and the party swept up 233 House seats, allowing it to form a government for the third time. Yet it was dissolved again before being reborn as the “new family home” called Pheu Thai.

Cholnan reminded supporters that though Pheu Thai won the election again, its victory was stolen by a new charter that was written just so the coup-makers could stay in power.

The Pheu Thai has announced that it will soon hold Pheu Thai Family activities in eight other provinces, namely Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Khai, Chiang Mai, Samut Prakan, Songkhla, Pattani and Bangkok.

Published : March 20, 2022

By : THE NATION

Pheu Thai to submit censure motion against Prayut in May to halt House dissolution

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The opposition Pheu Thai Party said on Sunday it will submit a no-confidence motion against the government on May 23 to prevent it from dissolving Parliament.

Pheu Thai to submit censure motion against Prayut in May to halt House dissolution

Deputy leader Yutthapong Charassathian said Pheu Thai resolved on March 15 to meet with other opposition parties to prepare a censure motion for submission at the next session of Parliament.

“At 8.30am on May 23 when the new parliamentary session opens, Pheu Thai will submit a no-confidence motion immediately so Gen Prayut cannot dissolve the House,” Yutthapong said.

The Constitution prohibits the government from dissolving the House of Representatives to avoid a censure debate once a no-confidence motion is tabled.

Among other things, the government will be attacked for its “failure” to manage the Covid-19 situation, Yutthapong said.

Yutthapong claimed the government had failed to deliver enough Favipiravir pills as promised, after it told Covid-19 cases to quarantine at home.

“I’m speaking in my capacity as a Mahasarakham MP. In my province, a lot of people have quarantined at home but they didn’t see Favipiravir at all. I myself received only painkillers,” said Yutthapong, referring to his own Covid infection.

“I demand that Gen Prayut, the prime minister and defence minister, explain in his capacity as Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration chairman, where all the Favipiravir pills have gone.”

He added that infected people cannot seek hospitalisation even though the government promised earlier that people with severe symptoms could get free treatment in any hospital.

Published : March 20, 2022

By : THE NATION