Pattaya News Flash

Amazing Thailand Updated News

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Oil smuggling boats vanished

The whole of Thailand is wondering how three ships loaded with smuggled oil could disappear so easily from a maritime police dock in Sattahip, except for the press, which is reporting "objectively" on the inexplicable phenomenon. A somewhat strange story, given that the waters around Thailand are (supposed to be) constantly monitored by Thailand's navy.

Bangkok Post: Three seized oil-smuggling boats ‘missing’

Bangkok Post: Officers sidelined after oil-smuggling boats vanish

Khaosod reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 14th:

The 3 illegal oil transporting boats with 330K litres of petrol which went missing from Marine Police Pier in Sattahip on Weds are likely in Cambodian water, said Deputy Chief of the Central Investigation Bureau Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat Pankaew on Fri. Click to show more

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 14th:

Acting national police chief, Pol Gen Kittirat Phanphet, said the investigation into the three impounded vessels carrying around 330,000 tonnes of illegally smuggled oil worth 10 million baht that have escaped from a police port in Sattahip is still ongoing. There is still no conclusion on whether officials have helped them escape or not. Click to show more

Thai PBS World: Search continues today for 3 missing oil smuggling vessels

Bangkok Post: Police hunt missing oil-smuggling boats

Khaosod reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 16th:

Marine Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Pruttipong Nutnarot said on Sun there's no evidence that the 3 missing illegal oil boats are in Cambodian water but the Malaysian counterparts suggested they are close to Malaysian water. Click to show more

Khaosod reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 16th:

Sources say the three missing illegal oil carrying boats have been found on Sunday afternoon and are being escorted to Songkhla Pier, southern Thailand. A press conference will be held tomorrow.

The Nation: 3 missing boats loaded with smuggled diesel found off Malaysian coast

Khaosod: Police Reveal Timeline of 3 Missing Oil-Smuggling Boats

Bangkok Post: 11 crew surrender in oil-smuggling case

Thai PBS World: Arrest warrant sought for 'Joe Pattani' over theft of impounded oil-smuggling vessels

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 19th:

An alleged LINE message exchange between Sahachai "Joe Pattani" Jiansermsin and a high-ranking police officer has been released by Thai PBS.Click to show more

Khaosod reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 19th:

PM Srettha summons chief of the police's Office of the Inspector General Pol Gen Kraiboon Suadsong to meet him this afternoon aft he was dissatisfied by police's handling of 3 illegal oil-carrying boats which managed to flee before being apprehended. Srettha wants the mastermind.Click to show more

VNExpress: Thailand probes into missing oil-smuggling ships linked to police force

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Thailand in trouble?

Thailand, dubbed the "sick man of Asia" for the past decade, suffers from deep-rooted problems, including dependence on outdated tourism, foreign direct investment and traditional industries claims Tanit Sorat, the vice-chairman of the Employers' Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai).

In the mainstream media, we only read about success stories, mostly announced by Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, but rarely or never about the fact that more than 1'504 factories have been closed in the last 15 months.

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 13th:

Thailand faces structural economic issues, marked by declining exports and factory shutdowns, said Tanit Sorat, vice-chairman of the Employers' Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai). Click to show more

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 19th:

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reports that at least 567 factories have closed in the first five months of 2024, leaving over 15,300 people jobless, said FTI Deputy Chairperson Nava Chantanasurakon. The most affected sectors are plastic, metal, wood, and wood processing.Click to show more

Bangkok Post: Political risk weighs on economy

The Nation: Expert: Srettha and MFP cases threaten Thailand’s economic revival

The Nation: Government receives six suggestions to minimise financial risks

Thai PBS World: Is the BOT right in being adamant about the policy rate?

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Royalist rule of law

The renowned Thai historian Thongchai Winichakul has pointed out that the Thai judicial system functions according to a “royal rule of law”, which creates a state of emergency that allows the rights and freedoms of the people to be violated under the pretext of national security.

Prachatai: Thongchai Winichakul: We live under “royalist rule of law”

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 7th:

Former MP and current adviser to the Democrat Party leader, Mongkolkit Suksintharanon, has been summoned by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for alleged ethical misconduct, according to a summons from the NACC that he posted on his social media page.

The accusation pertains to his participation in pro-democracy protests on September 19 and 20, 2020, during which he made the three-finger salute for democracy.

The NACC stated that there is sufficient evidence to believe that he showed support for a movement aiming to topple the constitutional monarchy system. Mongkolkit has been summoned to acknowledge the accusation on June 18.

Thai PBS World: No one knew what ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra meant when he claimed that an unnamed ‘somebody’ tried to push the country into political chaos, claimed Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai today.

Bangkok Post: Amnesty bill faces uncertainty

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 13th:

First House Speaker Padipat Suntiphada has ordered an investigation into claims that the military's information operation (IO) has interfered in the public hearing for a draft amnesty bill from the civil sector. Click to show more

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 13th:

Other MPs who joined pro-democracy protests and flashed the three-finger salute for democracy should also be investigated, just like former MP and current adviser to the Democrat Party leader, Mongkolkit Suksintharanon, said serial petitioner Ruangkrai Leekitwattana. Click to show more

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 14th:

First House Speaker Padipat Suntiphada said an initial investigation found irregularities in the public hearing for a draft amnesty bill from the civil sector. Click to show more

Bangkok Post: Shadow cast over Pathum Thani provincial election victory

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Corruption is still rife in Thailand

Investigations into the current procurement scandal at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) allegedly show that corruption is still widespread in Thailand. Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt even admitted that graft and corruption is deep rooted at BMA.

In the current scandal a treadmill, for example, costs as much as a small car....

Bangkok Post: Police hunt mastermind in major BMA bribe scandal

The Nation: Chadchart blames predecessor for 10m-baht fitness gear at BMA gyms

Bangkok Post: Chadchart looks into ‘unusual’ gym equipment buys

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 6th:

Members of the committee responsible for purchasing exercise machines for the Sports and Wachirabenchathat Sports Center under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) are under scrutiny. This follows reports that the BMA's sports centers bought 22 pieces of equipment at questionable prices, totaling nearly 10 million baht. Click to show more

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 12th:

The STRONG Association Against Corruption said the Waree Phirom Sports Center spent 495,000 baht to purchase 15 fiberglass water bicycles shaped like ducks, at 33,000 baht each. Click to show more

The Nation: NACC Thailand President advocates innovative tech to combat corruption at Southeast Asia conference

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 17th:

Anurak Tangpanitanon, the former Pheu Thai MP for Mukdahan, has submitted evidence to the Central Investigation Bureau, requesting an investigation into members of the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for alleged negligence in allowing 54 cases to expire between 2019 and 2023. Click to show more

The Nation: Defence minister’s advisers removed over bribe allegations

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 27th:

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) found Anon Snitwongse Na Ayudhya, the former Director of the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, responsible for severe ethical misconduct for using an official vehicle for personal use, despite receiving a fixed monthly salary of 150,000 baht and other benefits, including a transportation allowance or a designated vehicle at 25% of the monthly salary, totaling 37,500 baht, resulting in a total of 187,500 baht. Click to show more

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Euro2024 in Thailand

The Thai Prime Minister announced that the UEFA EURO 2024 matches in Thailand will be broadcast live on free-to-air TV with the help of some sponsors but without the use of government funds.

The matches will be broadcast on Channel 9 MCOT HD & NBT2HD.

The UEFA EURO 2024 kicks off in Munich on Friday June 14th and ends with the final in Berlin on Sunday July 14th, 2024.

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Retirement lottery in Thailand

The Ministry of Finance has announced that it will introduce a retirement lottery to meet the challenges of an ageing society.

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 4th:

The Ministry of Finance is introducing a retirement lottery to help address the challenges posed by an aging society.. Click to show more

Bangkok Post: New lottery not the key

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Mobile Banking in Thailand

Thailand's Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) has introduced new measures to protect mobile banking customers from fraudsters using “ghost” SIM cards and “mole” bank accounts.

But as is almost usual in this country, the new measures were published before the brain was switched on.

Thai PBS World: New measure introduced to protect mobile banking customers

The Nation: NBTC Office explains mobile banking apps will not suspended for now

Thai PBS World: Mobile banking users not affected yet by new regulation : NBTC

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Food safety in Thailand

The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) under the Industry Ministry has set new standards for plastic bags for hot foods, for frozen foods and for warming foods in microwave ovens.

The Nation: TISI sets new industrial standards for food-grade plastic bags

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Thailand's Sex Workers in Peril

Sex workers in Thailand, and not only in Bangkok, complain that they feel unsafe because they cannot report cases of assault to the police without fear of being prosecuted for prostitution.

Bangkok Post: Sex workers in peril

Khaosod: Uncovered: Trafficking of Thai Teenagers for Elderly Care in China

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Short of money?

Promoted years ago as health or accident insurance for Thailand's tourists, then put on ice several times due to the pandemic and the lack of tourists, the tourist rip-off is back. Thailand's new tourism minister now calls the fee a landing fee, and the new version no longer mentions insurance for tourists.

Obviously the country needs money to finance the grandiose election promises of the ruling party. The new influx of tourists comes at just the right time.

The Nation: New tourism minister says charging tourists a so-called landing fee will be introduced but doesn’t give any indication of when this might start

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 4th:

The cabinet approved a 122 billion baht increase in the 2024 fiscal budget to help fund the 10,000 baht digital wallet policy. Click to show more

The Nation: Thailand readies bill to collect global tax from multinational firms

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 4th:

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin instructed the Ministry of Finance to accelerate efforts to legalize casinos within entertainment complexes. Click to show more

The Nation: Cabinet approves VAT on imported goods priced lower than 1,500 baht

Bangkok Post: Bangkok street vendors urged to register for tax system

The Nation: Srettha calls urgent meeting of three revenue agencies

Bangkok Post: New overseas income rules

The Revenue Department is preparing to amend a law to collect taxes from individuals who have income from abroad, even if that income is not brought into the country.

The Nation: Finance Ministry unfazed by Excise Department missing revenue target

According to media reports, the government has announced its intention to introduce a carbon tax by 2025 to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices.

The Nation: Carbon tax at 200 baht per tonne in pipeline

The Nation: Tourism revenue to miss state target by B500bn

The Nation: PM discusses with tax departments ways to improve revenue collection

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 6th:

The mortgage rejection rate for houses costing more than 10 million baht increased to 20%-30% from 10%-20%, SENA Development reported. Click to show more

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 10th:

The Thai industrial sector is currently in a weak state, as reflected by the continuous contraction of the production index for over a year, the increase in factory closures, and the rising bad debts in the manufacturing sector, according to KKP Research. Click to show more

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 13th:

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC)'s consumer confidence index dropped to its lowest point in seven months due to rising political uncertainty, the university's Center for Economic and Business Forecasting (CEBF) reported. Click to show more

Bangkok Post: State revenue tally slightly off target

The Nation: Government receives six suggestions to minimise financial risks

Thai PBS World: Is the BOT right in being adamant about the policy rate?

Grandiosity: Tallest PM to built tallest tower

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Unelected Senators ask charter court to impeach PM Updated News

Reuters: Forty Thai senators seek PM's dismissal over cabinet appointment

Bangkok Post: Senators ask charter court to impeach PM, new minister Pichit

Bangkok Post: Court may suspend PM pending ethics ruling

The Nation: Constitutional Court to decide May 23 whether to accept petition to try Srettha, Pichit

The Nation: Senator predicts Srettha's removal as PM over Pichit's appointment

Bangkok Post: Protesting senators keep names a secret

The Nation reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on May 20th:

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed confidence that there should be no legal problems related to his appointment of Pichit Chuenban, despite the Constitutional Court getting ready to consider a case against them.

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on May 20th:

The Council of State has stated that a person convicted of a crime can still become a minister if they have served their sentence, and ten years have elapsed since their release. This information is derived from a document exchanged between the Council and the Secretariat of the Cabinet, dated September 1, which was released in today's news.

If this is accurate, then PM's Office Minister Pichit Chuenban's imprisonment in 2008 for a contempt of court case did not disqualify him from the appointment, as the required ten-year period between serving a jail term and the appointment had passed.

However, concerns about moral and ethical standards, as mandated in the charter, have been raised by Senator Direkrit Jenkrongtham. He stated on Friday that while Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin might have sought legal recommendations from the Council of State regarding the appointment's legality, Pichit's past actions could still be considered a serious breach of ethical conduct.

These concerns arose after reports suggested that Srettha could face suspension from duty. Forty senators have requested the Constitutional Court to assess his minister's status following his appointment of Pichit in the previous cabinet reshuffle.

The court's meeting has been scheduled for Thursday instead of the usual Wednesday due to Visakha Bucha. It is anticipated that the court will decide on whether to accept the senators' petition that day. If accepted, the court could potentially suspend both Srettha and Pichit pending a ruling.

Bangkok Post: Court to decide on PM’s fate

Prachatai: Constitutional Court accepts petition seeking removal of PM over cabinet appointment

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on May 24th:

Acting Senator Direkrit Jenkrongtham, one of the senators who filed the petition against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for appointing Pichit Chuenban as PM's Office Minister, insisted that none of the 40 signatures on the petition were forged.

His comments came after Lawyer Thanetnat Sukhonthaphan and former police chief Sereepisuth Temeeyaves alleged that some of the signatures were forged, and the lawyer has asked the police's Anti-Corruption Division to investigate the petition.

Direkrit brushed aside the accusation, citing that everything was in accordance with procedures. He stated that there were records and that the president of the senate had already checked the signatures before submitting the petition to the Constitutional Court, which is standard procedure. Additionally, the court had already reviewed the petition before deciding to accept it.

When asked why the senators who submitted the petition do not reveal who they are, except for him, he said they do not want to provide mixed information to the public to avoid confusion. When asked whether the reason they did not want to reveal themselves was due to speculation that they were Gen Prawit Wongsuwon's senators, Direkrit said such imaginative speculation is one of the reasons they do not want to reveal themselves yet. He added that the names of the senators would be revealed after the verdict anyway.

Thai PBS World: Srettha certainly not out of wood yet

Thai PBS World: Charter Court trial of PM makes foreign investors hesitant to invest

Bangkok Post: Senators ready to explain Pichit case

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 4th:

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said his government embraces all political perspectives and regions in Thailand. He stressed his directive to ministers to prioritize the welfare of all citizens, rather than concentrating solely on areas where their party holds influence. Click to show more

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 4th:

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stated that although there are many competent legal experts within the Pheu Thai Party, the government still requires legal advice and expertise from Wissanu Krea-ngam to address issues in the country and respond to the needs of the people. Click to show more

Thai PBS World: What next if Constitutional Court removes Srettha from power?

Thai PBS World: Ex-commissioner urges EC to postpone Sunday’s senate selection round

Bangkok Post: EC goes ahead with Senate election dates

The Nation: Most Thais unhappy with Srettha govt’s performance after 9 months: poll

Bangkok Post: Govt has a knack for self-sabotage

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 12th:

June 18 has become a pivotal day for political issues, with four hot topics scheduled for discussion. Click to show more

Khaosod reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 14th:

Phalang Pracharath Party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwan on Fri refuses to answer reporters' questions abt a recent remark by ex-convict-cum-ex-premier Thaksin who alluded to Prawit without naming him that Prawit is "messing around" with the current pol situation. Click to show more

The Nation reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 18th:

The Constitutional Court is seeking more evidence for both MFP's dissolution and Srettha's integrity as PM cases. It will consider the cases on July 3 and July 10, respectively.

Bangkok Post: Leadership call

The Nation: Srettha denies Pheu Thai plans to cut list-MPs to thwart Move Forward

Bangkok Post: Political risk weighs on economy

The Nation: Expert: Srettha and MFP cases threaten Thailand’s economic revival

Bangkok Post: NACC requested to investigate PM's asset declaration

Bangkok Post: PM: Palang Pracharath not being booted out of coalition

The Nation: NACC ‘needs more time’ to probe Surachate’s complaint against Srettha

Bangkok Post: PM Srettha's popularity continues to slide as Move Forward dominates: poll

Bangkok Post: Move Forward, Srettha rulings ‘by September’

Thai PBS World: Surachate files malfeasance in office complaint against PM

The Nation: Surachate files malfeasance complaint against Srettha with NACC

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Rigged senatorial elections? Updated News

According to academics, the Thai Election Commission is trying to influence the election of senators with allegedly untrue claims and regulations. They are therefore sounding the alarm.

Bangkok Post: Election Commission warns against 'meddling' in Senate poll

Bangkok Post: Thanathorn shrugs off warning on Senate campaign

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on April 29th:

Former prosecutor and former dean of the Faculty of Law at Thammasat University, Panat Tasneeyanond, said he completely disagreed with the Election Commission (EC)'s rules on the introduction of senatorial candidates and he will ask the Administrative Court to rule on their legality. Click to show more

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on April 30th:

A group of individuals seeking candidacy for the Senate election, led by former prosecutor and former dean of the Faculty of Law at Thammasat University, Panat Tasneeyanond, submitted a petition asking the Administrative Court to block the Election Commission (EC)'s latest rules regarding the introduction of senatorial candidates. Click to show more

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on April 30th:

Professor Surapon Nitikraipot, the council president of Thammasat University, issued a call for eligible individuals to apply as candidates for the upcoming senate election. Click to show more

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on April 30th:

Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit said he is urging eligible individuals of all ideologies to apply as senatorial candidates, not only those who share his group's political views. Click to show more

Thai PBS World: Thanathorn vows to defy EC with campaign to find Senate candidates

Khaosod reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on April 30th:

"It's the worst rules & darkest elections. Each can only introduce oneself in 5 sentences. Think for yourself what #Thailand's future will be like?" said ex Election Commission Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, at Tues' symposium on senatorial elections by Matichon Group at Khaosod.

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on April 30th:

The Election Commission's (EC) latest rules regarding the introduction of senatorial candidates, which only allow candidates to introduce themselves in 8 written paragraphs (3 for educational background and 5 for past experience) in an application form, prohibit social media posting, and forbid interviews with the media, have been criticized as deeply opaque by Somchai Srisuthiyakorn, a former member of the Election Commission. Click to show more

Bangkok Post: Aspiring senators ask court to relax EC rules

Khaosod: Matichon Is Trying To Make People's Voices In Thailand Senator Election Louder
The first election, or selection instead, of senators in Thailand after the coup d'etat on May 22, 2014 is going to take place this summer, with a format that does not allow the people to elect them. Additionally, it sets strange conditions that prohibit candidates from campaigning.

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on May 2nd:

Everyone, including Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and his group, can conduct activities and events to invite people to apply as candidates for the upcoming senate election, said Election Commission (EC) Secretary-General Sawang Boonmee. Click to show more

The Nation: We Watch calls on EC to relax Senate election rules, inclusion of the public
An election watchdog group on Thursday called on the Election Commission (EC) to suspend its Senate election rules, saying they were designed to gag candidates, the media and the people.

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on May 3rd:

The Administrative Court has accepted the petition calling for the revocation of the Election Commission (EC)'s latest rules regarding the introduction of senatorial candidates, and the first hearing is scheduled for May 15. Click to show more

Bangkok Post: EC defends Senate poll rules

The Nation: Senate election will not be free and fair, warns veteran politician

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on May 7th:

An election watchdog group, We Watch, said the Election Commission's (EC) regulations regarding the introduction of candidates for the Senate election are intended to silence candidates, the media, and public participation. Click to show more

The Nation reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on May 7th:

Petition filed to oppose Senate election rules. Click to show more

Thai PBS World: Academics liken senate election to a lucky dip

Bangkok Post: EC clarifies Senate poll regulations

The Nation: EC promises upcoming Senate election will be fair, transparent

The Nation: Public has no confidence in new Senate election system: survey

Bangkok Post: Senate election gets trickier by the day

Bangkok Post: Senate race heats up as interest runs high

Bangkok Post: Senate race attracts 31,000+ sign-ups

Khaosod reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on May 21th:

EC record shows 4,642 people applied to compete in the indirect elections for the new 200-seat senate in the first day of the application yest. Click to show more

Khaosod: Candidates Begin Registering in Complicated Process To Select Thailand's New Senate

Bangkok Post: Judge decides against Election Commission rules

The Nation: Most Thais have no idea how Senate election works

This was obviously the full intention of the military junta when it drew up the rules for the Senate elections.

The Nation: Charter court sets date for ruling on senatorial qualifications

Prachatai: Court revokes EC’s regulations that limit Senate candidate introductions

The Nation: Senatorial elections to proceed as planned, EC says

Bangkok Post: EC to respect court Senate race ruling

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on May 30th:

The new ballot design for the Senate election could lead to election fraud, said Somchai Srisuthiyakorn, a former member of the Election Commission. Click to show more

Bangkok Post: Charter court rejects petition against poll body

The Nation: EC chief rejects claim of 149 candidates ‘chosen’ to win Senate race

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 4th:

Senator Somchai Sawangkarn said the list of 149 senatorial candidates already poised to win the Senate election at the district and provincial levels is just the tip of the iceberg. Click to show more

Thao PBS World: Whistleblowers offered Bt1m for reporting Senate election irregularities

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 4th:

The Internet Law Reform Dialogue (iLaw) and academics urged the Election Commission (EC) to complete the screening of the senatorial candidates who might have been recruited to vote for certain candidates and eligible people before the senate election at the district level takes place on June 9 to avoid possible collusion. Click to show more

Thao PBS World: Charter Court to consider the constitutionality of senator election law

Khaosod reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 6th:

Pol activist Yingcheep Atchanont on Weds asks whether it's acceptable that 1 of the 9 Charter Court judges will deliberate on whether the rules of indirect election of senators are constitutional when he drafted both the junta-sponsored charter & election rules.

The judge was identified as Udom Rat-amarit.

The Nation: Senate poll regulations based on organic election law: EC Office

Bangkok Post 20,000 police to watch over Senate vote

Khaosod reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 6th:

MFP leader Chaithawat Tulathon said Thurs he is concerns that the indirect elections of senators, who will replace the junta-appointed senate, will be delayed if not annul as the Charter Court has accept to rule whether the rules are constitutional or not.

Khaosod reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 9th:

Progressive Movement co-leader Thanathorn Juangrungruangkit observes the first stage of indirect elections of the senate, which are held at district level nationwide on Sunday morning at Wat Sam Phraya polling station in Bangkok.
He said the country will have better senate than the junta-appointed senate.
Candidates from 20 professional sectors will vote among themselves, and the general public will have no say.

Thai PBS World: Senatorial candidate in Chiang Mai disqualified after she failed to show up in time

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 12th:

June 18 has become a pivotal day for political issues, with four hot topics scheduled for discussion. Click to show more

The Nation Probe into two MPs suspected of interfering with senatorial election

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 13th:

Personal details of about 20K senatorial candidates, including their ID numbers submitted to the EC have been leaked. It's unclear how it happened as of press time Thursday. The leak was alerted by PDPC Eagle Eye, the agency that protects private info. Click to show more

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 13th:

The Office of the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) urged people to stop sharing the names and national ID numbers of around 20,000 senatorial candidates that were leaked from the Election Commission (EC). Click to show more

Bangkok Post Senator doubles down on manipulation claim

Thai PBS World The Election Commission (EC) has put in place a “Plan B”, in case the Constitutional Court rules that four articles in the senate election law are unconstitutional next Tuesday, Thitichet Nuchanatta, an election commissioner said today.

The Nation reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 13th:

Thai Senate’s future hangs by a thread.
The Constitutional Court will rule on the constitutionality of four articles of the organic law on the Senate election on June 18, leaving the future of Thailand’s Upper House uncertain. Click to show more

Bangkok Post EC probes breach of Senate poll data

The Nation Big names fail in first round of provincial level of Senate election

The Nation Four Senate candidates in Bangkok protest against alleged counting error

Thai PBS World Suspected vote buyers held for questioning in Si Sa Ket province

The Nation reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 18th:

The Constitutional Court on Tuesday ruled that Articles 36, 40, 41 and 42 of the organic law on the Senate election are consitutional. The senate election is expected to go ahead as planned.

Bangkok Post: "Unusual voting" probe sought

Bangkok Post: Senate poll "can be manipulated": iLaw

Bangkok Post: EC unfazed as candidates trade votes

The Nation reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 23th:

The Election Commission has detected at least four methods of foul play ahead of the national level of the senatorial election on Wednesday, including demands for money or positions in exchange for votes, a well-informed source from the EC Office said on Sunday.

Thai Enquirer: The Next Senate Will Be Very Different

The Nation: EC looking into collusion charges ahead of national level voting

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 24th:

Many complaints regarding senatorial candidates who allegedly applied to the wrong group stem from regulations allowing candidates with unspecified professions to apply, provided they can supply evidence and guarantors to verify their expertise, said Election Commission (EC) Chairman Itthiporn Boonpracong. Click to show more

Thai PBS World: EC looks for fraud ahead of final senator vote on Wednesday

Bangkok Post: EC warns Senate candidates to behave

Bangkok Post: Complaints 'won't derail Senate race'

Thai PBS World: iLaw criticises EC over failure to broadcast senate election final vote

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 24th:

Internet Dialogue on Law Reform (iLaw) denied reports that they have been forcing senatorial candidates to vote for their selected candidates. Click to show more

The Nation: Former PM Somchai denies being top in line for Senate speaker's post

The Nation: Outgoing senator urges Election Commission to see if the winning candidates are actually qualified before endorsing them

Khaosod reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 26th:

Failed senatorial candidate Hathairat Paholthap, who’s editor of Isaan Record news, told reporters aft she failed to make it to the final nat'l round Weds she was offered between 100K to 300K baht in exchange of joining the group of a specific candidate. Click to show more

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 26th:

Former election commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn posted a photo of an alleged list of pre-selected candidates for the Senate election, suggesting a collusion scheme.

Thai PBS World: Ex-PM Somchai voted out in decisive senate elections

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 27th:

Former election commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn, lawyer Sittha Biabangkerd, and Nanthana Nanthawaropas, dean of the Political Communications College at Krirk University, have called for the Election Commission (EC) to investigate claims of collusion within the Senate election. Click to show more

Khaosod reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 27th:

Move Forward Party leader Chaithawat Tulathon gave the newly elected senate a thumbs down on Thursday and said majority were connected to politicians.He added this leads to the question of whether having a senate in the future is necessary.

Khaosod reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 27th:

EC sec-gen Sawaeng Boonmee said Thurs the formal announcement of 200 newly elected senators will be made on July 3. There have been over 600 complaints related to election irregularities. He advised that compliants should be made within 3 days of the election.

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 27th:

The Election Commission (EC) will be able to endorse the results of the Senate election after July 3, said EC Secretary-General Sawang Boonmee. Click to show more

Thai PBS World: The north-eastern province of Buri Ram, the political base of the Chidchob family, his unofficially won the largest share of the 200 senate seats, with 14 candidates winning the final vote on Wednesday.

What a 'coincidence'!

Thai Enquirer reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 28th:

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, denied speculations that his party had manipulated the Senate election and managed to install 120 senators affiliated with them. Click to show more

Khaosod reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 28th:

Bhumjai Thai Party leader Anutin Charnveerakul on Fri denies his party has manipulated the indirect sectoral senatorial elections as pundits classified at least half of the new 200 senators elect as being linked to BJT. Anutin said he knows no more than 20-30 of them.

Thai PBS World: The Election Commission (EC) is being urged to order a recount of the final senatorial voting, which took place on Wednesday, before the official results are announced.

Bangkok Post: If you think it"s all over...

Khaosod reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on June 29th:

EC sec-gen Sawaeng Boonmee said Sat it's acceptable that some senators elect applied to compete in the just concluded indirect sectoral elections by joining the wrong professional sector. The EC will scrutinise the qualifications of all the 40,000 candidates in the days ahead.

Bangkok Post: Old guard likely to dominate new Senate

Khaosod: New Thai Senators: A New Power Base, Not Red or Orange, But Blue

Bangkok Post: Election Commission clarifies "offence" in Senate race

Bangkok Post: All eyes on Senate role in charter amendment

Bangkok Post: Senate vote fraud complaints mount

Thai PBS World: Move Forward accuses EC of denying it the right to defend itself

The Nation: Pita accuses EC of double standards in handling Move Forward case

Khaosod reports on its X (formerly Twitter) account on July 1st:

Failed senatorial candidate Chaturat Boonpenrat petitioned the Administrative Court on Mon, asking the court issue an injunction to prevent the Election Commission from certifying 200 new senators on Weds. Click to show more

Bangkok Post: Court urged to suspend Senate result

Bangkok Post: Bhumjaithai urges end to "bullying" of senators-elect

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Missed opportunity

The Thai defence budget for the financial year 2025 does not show any initiatives for military reform and modernization due to the high personnel costs.

Thai PBS World: New defense budget a missed opportunity to modernize Thai military