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Bangkok Post
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
MPs back amnesty bills
The House has passed three amnesty bills but rejected two versions submitted by civil society groups and the former Move Forward Party during their first readings. The three bills, also known as the "Promote Peaceful Society Bill", were proposed by different parties. The first was put forward by United Thai Nation (UTN) MP Wichai Sutsawat. This was accepted by 299 MPs with 172 abstentions. The second bill sponsored by Klatham Party MP Preeda Boonplerng, formerly from Khru Thai Party, was approved by 311 MPs with 158 abstentions. The third, backed by Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) leader Anutin Charnvirakul, passed with 311 votes of support, three against and 147 abstentions. The two that did not pass were the People's Party's "Amnesty for Political Offences Bill" and the "People's Amnesty Bill", which was backed by 36,723 signatories and Poonsuk Poonsukcharoen. The PP's bill was rejected by 319 MPs, accepted by 147, with six abstentions while the civil society network-sponsored bill was rejected by 306 votes and accepted by 149, with 20 abstentions. A 32-member committee was set up to study the three approved bills, with the UTN-sponsored one being used as the primary version for further deliberation. A source close to the matter said all three shared a key principle that they offer no amnesty for offenders of the lese majeste law, or Section 112 of the Criminal Code, while the rejected bills were viewed as potentially offering amnesty to those charged under Section 112. Before the vote, Wichai Sudsawat, a UTN MP for Chumphon, insisted the party-backed bill was not aimed at benefiting the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) as some critics claimed, but was designed to foster national unity. The party was widely seen as being connected to the now-dissolved group whose mass demonstrations against the former Yingluck Shinawatra administration led to the 2014 coup. Yingcheep Atchanont, manager of the Internet Law Reform Dialogue (iLaw), criticised the exclusion of lese majeste offences, saying the law had been abused to silence dissent. "Passing an amnesty law for one's group while labelling others for life doesn't build a peaceful society," he said. Paradorn Prisnanantakul, a BJT MP for Ang Thong, said many lese majeste defendants were repeat offenders and granting them amnesty could spark more confrontations. "We believe these offenders can seek a pardon. And when the House has different views on the matter, including the lese majeste offence may reignite conflict and unrest," he said. PP leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut said the party would continue to push for the adoption of a broad amnesty bill despite the House of Representatives rejecting the two drafts submitted by the party and the network of civil society groups. The party will use the scrutiny process to advocate for an inclusive bill. He said the PP MPs would work in the committee to prevent any discriminatory laws, and if the final version of the amnesty bill fails to cover all sides, the party would not support it. Mr Natthaphong said an amnesty bill could pass its third and final reading despite speculation of an early House dissolution, adding the main opposition party is prepared to propose key bills regardless. Sasinan Thamnithinan, a PP MP for Bangkok, defended the party's bill, saying it did not contradict the core principles of the others and did not automatically grant amnesty to lese majeste offenders. She urged MPs under pressure not to reject the bill but to abstain to allow further discussion. Progressive Movement member Pannika Wanich wrote on Facebook that for the PP to push a broad political amnesty, it must secure at least 250 House seats in the next election. "I'll remember this day. Amnesty is meant to resolve political conflict, not to grant pardons only to PDRC and yellow-shirt demonstrators.
Bangkok Post
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Poll: 80% of Thais want PM Paetongtarn to quit or dissolve House
An opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration early this month found more than 80% of respondents wanted suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to either resign or dissolve the House. Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha was the most favoured choice as the next premier. Nida conducted the phone survey on 1,310 people sampled nationwide from July 4 to 7. Of the respondents, 42.37% of wanted Ms Paetongtarn to resign so that the nation would have a new prime minister. Meanwhile, 39.92% of respondents called on her to dissolve the House of Representatives to pave the way for a fresh general election and 0.99% wanted to see a coup d'etat. On the contrary, 15.04% of respondents wanted Ms Paetongtarn to continue with her national administration. The rest, 0.31% of respondents, did not give an answer. When asked who among existing prime ministerial candidates should replace Ms Paetongtarn as the prime minister, the biggest group of respondents, 32.82%, favoured Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, who is a privy councillor and is a prime ministerial candidate of the United Thai Nation Party (UTN). The second biggest group of respondents, 27.94%, did not see a favourite among existing prime ministerial candidates; 11.53% pointed to Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul; and 10.92% favoured Chaikasem Nitisiri, the presently last prime ministerial candidate of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Meanwhile, 9.77% said they would be satisfied with any of the remaining prime ministerial candidates, 3.82% recommended UTN leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, 1.83% supported Democrat candidate Jurin Laksanawisit, 0.84% preferred Palang Pracharath Party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, and 0.53% did not know or were not interested. Opposition and People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut was not among existing prime ministerial candidates for this opinion survey because he is from the dissolved Move Forward Party which had nominated solely Pita Limjaroenrat as its prime ministerial candidate. Of all the respondents, 8.55% lived in Bangkok, 18.70% in the Central Plains, 17.79% in the North, 33.28% in the Northeast, 13.82% in the South and 7.86% in the East. Ms Paetongtarn was suspended as prime minister by the Constitutional Court on July 1 as a group of senators asked it to remove her from the prime ministerial seat after her leaked, controversial phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. She was appointed the culture minister at the same time.
Bangkok Post
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Poll: 80% of Thais want PM Paetongtarn to quit
An opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration early this month found more than 80% of respondents wanted suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to either resign or dissolve the House. Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha was the most favoured choice as the next premier. Nida conducted the phone survey on 1,310 people sampled nationwide from July 4 to 7. Of the respondents, 42.37% of wanted Ms Paetongtarn to resign so that the nation would have a new prime minister. Meanwhile, 39.92% of respondents called on her to dissolve the House of Representatives to pave the way for a fresh general election and 0.99% wanted to see a coup d'etat. On the contrary, 15.04% of respondents wanted Ms Paetongtarn to continue with her national administration. The rest, 0.31% of respondents, did not give an answer. When asked who among existing prime ministerial candidates should replace Ms Paetongtarn as the prime minister, the biggest group of respondents, 32.82%, favoured Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, who is a privy councillor and is a prime ministerial candidate of the United Thai Nation Party (UTN). The second biggest group of respondents, 27.94%, did not see a favourite among existing prime ministerial candidates; 11.53% pointed to Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul; and 10.92% favoured Chaikasem Nitisiri, the presently last prime ministerial candidate of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Meanwhile, 9.77% said they would be satisfied with any of the remaining prime ministerial candidates, 3.82% recommended UTN leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, 1.83% supported Democrat candidate Jurin Laksanawisit, 0.84% preferred Palang Pracharath Party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, and 0.53% had neither interest nor answer for the question. Opposition and People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut is not among existing prime ministerial candidates for this opinion survey because he was from the dissolved Move Forward Party which had nominated solely Pita Limjaroenrat as its prime ministerial candidate. Of all the respondents, 8.55% lived in Bangkok, 18.70% in the Central Plains, 17.79% in the North, 33.28% in the Northeast, 13.82% in the South and 7.86% in the East. Ms Paetongtarn was suspended as prime minister by the Constitutional Court on July 1 as a group of senators asked it to remove her from the prime ministerial seat after her leaked, controversial phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. She was appointed the culture minister at the same time.
Bangkok Post
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Sailing to destruction?
Sailing to destruction? The beleaguered United Thai Nation (UTN) Party could be heading for disintegration after the next general election for what it has done to supporters, according to critics. The ultra-conservative party -- whose leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga was catapulted to instant stardom in the eyes of UTN supporters for having inherited former premier Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha's political "DNA" -- is in an almost unsalvageable state. Its reversal in fortunes has happened almost overnight. It started with the leaked audio clip in which Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was heard pleading with Cambodia Senate president Hun Sen to help her out of a personal predicament after being bombarded with criticism for being too soft on Cambodia amid the border dispute. The premier also labelled the 2nd Army Region commander in charge of the military area along the lower northeastern border with Cambodia as an "opponent". She also offered to return the favour if Hun Sen agreed to help her. The recording, allegedly leaked by the Cambodians, sparked outrage in Thailand and calls for Ms Paetongtarn to step down as premier. However, when it became apparent Ms Paetongtarn was not throwing in the towel, attention turned to coalition parties. Many of their supporters, particularly those in the conservative camp, demanded they immediately withdraw from the Pheu Thai-led government. To their disappointment, parties like the Democrat Party and Chartthaipattana announced they were staying put, reasoning it would be a disservice to the country if they abandoned the administration at a politically volatile juncture. The UTN was the only party reported to have resolved to issue Ms Paetongtarn an ultimatum: resign as prime minister over the leaked audio clip, or the UTN would leave the government. However, the party never got around to officially issuing such an ultimatum, leaving people wary of the UTN's true intentions. When approached by reporters, Mr Pirapan refused to speak about any resolution, saying he had been instructed by the party to convey the matter directly to the prime minister and not to the media. Meanwhile, Ms Paetongtarn, who on Tuesday was suspended by the Constitutional Court from prime ministerial duty pending deliberation of the ethical violation case stemming from the leaked audio clip, denied any knowledge of a UTN ultimatum pressuring her to quit. The development has split the party even further following a rift which effectively cut the UTN into equal halves, each with 18 MPs. It was reported that one faction was being wooed to defect to a new outfit funded by an energy conglomerate. The remaining faction with Mr Pirapan and UTN secretary-general Akanat Promphan at the helm has been emasculated by the internal rivalry. The Pirapan faction in particular looks to have been further weakened by continuing to back the Paetongtarn government. Support within the group is ebbing away as loyal members have contemplated turning their backs on the party. "It's looking quite grim at this point. It's a split within a split," a source familiar with the issue said. Finding himself in the firing line from supporters who had counted on the UTN quitting the coalition, Mr Akanat, who is also the industry minister, affirmed the party will remain part of the coalition despite the internal and external challenges. Speaking after a recent party meeting, Mr Akanat said Thailand is in a fragile state and a functioning government is essential to navigate the current crisis. "Being in politics this long, I can tell when the situation is at its worst. Decisions are never easy. "We constantly talk within the party.... With battles going on both inside and outside the party, we must come together and assess developments," the UTN secretary-general said. In response to suggestions that the party remain in government but push for a new prime minister, Mr Akanat acknowledged there had been calls from supporters for the party to take a firm stance and show accountability. "We have ongoing discussions. This is a turbulent time -- border tensions, trade disruptions, and international pressure from the US and Iran on oil. The government is needed now more than ever." He compared the situation to a ship in a storm: "I am the captain of this ship. If I abandon it now, everyone on board will go down with it. It's a hard choice, but I must stay and steer it through." On reports of founding UTN members resigning in protest against the party's decisions, Mr Akanat said: "We must take responsibility. Supporters can step away, but as the leader, I cannot. It's not an easy path." Mr Akanat admitted he is not confident the UTN can regain public trust after this. "But I understand the doubts. I won't hide from them. I'm being honest," he said. He also clarified that the party has not yet committed to fully backing the government in the long term. "I understand the feeling. But if we don't have a government while the military is engaged at the border, or while we're dealing with trade negotiations and energy shortages -- then what would we have? My duty is to continue," he said. On the issue of cabinet positions, Mr Akanat made it clear he has no intention of seeking more power. "We've never thought about quotas. The only decision was whether to stay or go. If someone wants my position, they can take it. I'm not attached to titles. I'm still young, and I want to continue in politics -- but based on principles." He concluded by highlighting the party's ongoing initiatives: "Just the other day, our team [at the Industry Ministry] cracked down on a modern trade scam. If I weren't still here, who knows what direction things might've taken? I'll give my best for as long as I can." Playing for more time Although the Constitutional Court voted 7–2 to suspend Paetongtarn Shinawatra as prime minister pending its ruling over a leaked phone call she had with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, she is expected to remain active in the new cabinet. The suspension order came hours after the Royal Gazette published the official announcement of the new cabinet, in which Ms Paetongtarn was appointed culture minister. By brushing aside calls for her to step down as prime minister and doubling as the culture minister, political observers see this as a calculated move by her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, widely regarded as the de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party, to help save face for his daughter and maintain the party's grip on power for as long as possible. The move will buy time for the ruling party to pursue its political agenda, including going after the so-called blue-camp senators and the Bhumjaithai Party, which earlier quit the coalition following the leaked audio clip. After nearly two years in office, the Bhumjaithai Party may have left behind skeletons that Pheu Thai can use to weaken its key rival ahead of the next general election, according to observers. Stithorn Thananithichot, director of the Office of Innovation for Democracy at King Prajadhipok's Institute, said the Paetongtarn administration remains in place because the conservative bloc sees little to gain in forcing Pheu Thai out. The conservative camp cannot afford to make more enemies and still needs Pheu Thai to contain the rising influence of the main opposition People's Party (PP), according to Mr Stithorn. A House dissolution is also not an option because the current political turmoil stems largely from Ms Paetongtarn's lack of experience. Furthermore, a snap election would only benefit the PP while the coalition partners would likely lose even more ground. Although the Pheu Thai-led government is languishing, the coalition has so far managed to keep the PP from rising to power, said Mr Stithorn. "The old power clique believes Pheu Thai can't be allowed to collapse, as doing so would make it harder to control the game. "Right now, it's about buying time. With public support at its lowest point, Pheu Thai also knows it doesn't have much time," he said. According to the analyst, Pheu Thai's focus, for now, is to make the most of the power the Interior Ministry holds and assert control over as many constituencies as possible through administrative organisations in the ministry's network before a likely House dissolution predicted to take place later this year. The Interior Ministry, which oversees provincial administrations and controls a vast bureaucratic network, plays a central role in implementing policies and thus directly influences voter support. "The goal is to return to power after the next election and continue holding off the PP," said the analyst. On the legal front, Ms Paetongtarn has 15 days to submit a written explanation to the Constitutional Court. Legal scholar Jade Donavanik said the judicial review process can be relatively quick if the court decides that an inquiry is unnecessary. However, if an inquiry is launched, Ms Paetongtarn can fully defend herself, and the timeline could stretch out further. In the event that Ms Paetongtarn is removed from office, Chaikasem Nitisiri, one of the three Pheu Thai prime ministerial candidates, is likely to be nominated for the top job, he said. With Srettha Thavisin, Pheu Thai's first prime ministerial candidate, having been named premier and subsequently removed from office by the Constitutional Court for an ethical violation last year, and Ms Paetongtarn facing a similar fate, with several petitions seeking her removal, the only option for Pheu Thai appears to be Mr Chaikasem, who turns 77 in August. Mr Chaikasem, a former attorney-general, recently moved to allay fears about his health, saying he is now fit to become premier. The blood clot found at the back of his neck, which caused a stroke, has since been dissolved, and there were no other health concerns he needed to worry about, he said during a round of golf in Nakhon Nayok on June 28. A photo of him teeing off was widely seen as a quiet signal that he is ready to step in if needed. Mr Jade ruled out the possibility of former prime minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, currently a Privy Council member, returning to politics, even though he remains a prime minister candidate of the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party. "Gen Prayut's return could be exploited by the PP to criticise the institution of the monarchy. Mr Chaikasem would be a better choice," he said, adding a House dissolution was inevitable. According to Mr Jade, public dissatisfaction with Ms Paetongtarn is likely to intensify due to her refusal to step down and decision to take the culture minister post, with protests expected to spread to other provinces after a large turnout of at least 10,000 people at an anti-government rally on June 28 at the Victory Monument in Bangkok.
Business Times
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Times
Thai PM claims she has coalition support after resignation calls
[BANGKOK] Thailand's prime minister, seeking to fend off calls for her resignation, said on Sunday (Jun 22) that all coalition partners have pledged support for her government, which she said would seek to maintain political stability to address threats to national security. Paetongtarn Shinawatra has faced criticism for her perceived mishandling of a border row with Cambodia, including over a phone call with the country's former leader, Hun Sen, the audio of which was leaked last Wednesday. After the initial leak, Hun Sen released the full audio, in which Paetongtarn appeared to kowtow before the veteran Cambodian politician and to denigrate a senior Thai military commander – crossing red lines for her critics and some former allies. A major coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, quit the ruling alliance soon after the leak, overshadowing Paetongtarn's premiership and a parliamentary majority cobbled together by her Pheu Thai party. 'The country must move forward. Thailand must unite and push policies to solve problems for the people,' Paetongtarn, the daughter of influential former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, posted on X after a meeting with coalition partners, including the United Thai Nation (UTN) party. Prior to the post, the UTN had looked set to demand her resignation in return for backing the ruling coalition. The government and the country's influential military share a common position, to back democratic principles and follow the provisions of the constitution, said the 38-year-old leader, a political neophyte who was appointed prime minister last year. Activists, among them groups with a history of influential rallies against the Shinawatra administration, have scheduled a protest in Bangkok starting on Jun 28 to demand Paetongtarn's resignation. REUTERS
