After spending six months in a hospital for corruption-related convictions, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released on parole early on Sunday. This moment marks an important turn in Thai politics, with Thaksin, a figure who continues to divide emotions, being free again. With his release, supported by his daughters, he returns to his home in Bangkok, a move that may reshape Thailand's political dynamics.
The Pheu Thai Party's recent decision to collaborate with parties involved in the violent military crackdown on Red Shirt protesters in 2010 may have surprised many supporters of the movement. Yet the spirit of the movement is far from broken.
Taxi drivers in Thailand have mobilized against the proposed coalition between the political parties Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai. This unexpected alliance, which took rather opposing views, has caused a stir among various groups. Protesters, who mainly identified themselves with the "red shirts," expressed their discontent at Pheu Thai's headquarters and symbolized their farewell with a striking gesture.
Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai team up to form a government
In the political landscape of Thailand, Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai make a remarkable move: they announce a partnership to form a new governing coalition. Together they have a considerable grip in the Chamber with 212 seats. While their ambition is clear to a majority, many questions and challenges remain. This cooperation has potentially far-reaching consequences for the future of Thai politics, in which coalitions and strategic partnerships are central.
Uncertainty over Pheu Thai's ability to form government after postponement of prime ministerial election
Thailand's upcoming prime ministerial vote has been postponed, raising uncertainty over Pheu Thai's attempt to form a new coalition government. The vote, originally scheduled for August 4, has been canceled as the Constitutional Court postponed its decision on whether the removal of Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat as prime minister was constitutional.
Parliament in Thailand will try to elect a new prime minister on August 4 after two failed attempts
Thailand's parliament will try to elect a new prime minister next week after two previous failed attempts. This political deadlock, which has lasted for more than two months after the election, comes amid growing political unrest and possible lawsuits over the constitutionality of previous elections. All this is further complicated by the announced return of the controversial figure, Thaksin Shinawatra.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, exiled since 2008, has announced that he will return to Thailand on August 10. The announcement was made by his daughter Paetongtarn, prime ministerial candidate of the Pheu Thai Party. Thaksin, who was impeached in 2006 for corruption, pushed for the resurrection of the Pheu Thai Party and suggested that prime ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin should become the next prime minister. On his return, Thaksin risks a ten-year prison sentence.
After Pita it is now Pheu Thai's turn
Currently, all attention is on the Pheu Thai party, which is likely to take over from the Move Forward party to form the next government. This follows their loss today (Wednesday) in a bid to appoint their leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, as prime minister.
Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat has announced after eight party rallies that he will step down in favor of a political ally, the Pheu Thai Party, if he cannot garner significant additional support for a second round of the prime minister's election on July 19. He stated that the new target for votes should be 344-345.
A group of sympathizers of the Pheu Thai party called on the party last Sunday to allow the Move Forward party to form a coalition government independently and to break with this party. This call arose out of frustration over the perceived “disrespect” towards Pheu Thai. Pheu Thai's leader has indicated that he will consider the group's position.
The views of Pheu Thai
The center party Pheu Thai (hereinafter; PT), known in Thai asพรรคเพื่อไทย (phák phûa-thai, party for the Thai) is a party that no one can ignore. The party is mentioned in the same breath as the family Shinawatra Thaksin and Yingluck) and is therefore a party that can evoke the necessary emotions. But are PT's views? Rob V. watched their election program.
Thailand is preparing for elections on May 14 after nearly a decade of government control by the military, which came to power after the 2014 coup with the support of royalist factions. Here's a detailed breakdown of what to expect.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 36, daughter of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is an up-and-coming political figure who is running for leadership as Thailand's next leader. Despite her family's political legacy, marked by military coups and forced depositions of power, Paetongtarn is determined to forge her own path. With plans to restore Thai democracy, boost the economy and address social issues such as education, healthcare and environmental issues, she hopes to bring about positive change in her country.
Does Pheu Thai risk dissolution by the court?
Will it soon go in the same direction as with the Future Forward Party? There are rumors that the actions of senior Shinawatra and Nattawut Saikua, a 'red' leader who is not allowed to engage in political activities, could lead to the disbanding of the party. Just when the party is doing well in the polls to win the elections.
Yesterday, the national electoral body announced that Thailand will hold elections on May 14, one day after the dissolution of parliament.
Thailand's Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-O-Cha, has announced that he will dissolve parliament "in March" ahead of new parliamentary elections to be held in May. The exact date for the elections is not yet known, but it is expected to take place on Sunday 7 May. According to the constitution, elections must take place 45 to 60 days after the dissolution of the House of Commons.