Eric Loh

SET has nosedived last few days because of the election uncertainty created by Prayut's hairbrained constitution amendement to include the appointed senators to be involved in the election of the Prime Minister. Investors are not stupid.

Move Forward Party is just being fair to its coalition parties who hold different views on 112. They have not abandon reforming 112 but will exclude this for its first 100 days in office. The matter will be debated and dealt with when the Parliament convene. Bit harsh to call the MOU which contain a comprehensive list of progressive agenda which included bureaucracy reform, removing military conscription, plan for southern peace, fight against corruption, regulating cannabis and improving the education. By the way, they haven't start governing but you have declared they are doomed. That is quite animus towards the party who has the majority backing.

The separation of power in Thailand is rather grey. In the case of similar context of having shares in a media company, Thanathorn was disqualified as MP by the CC in about 9 months. By then, Thanathorn was already part of the House opposition. The party survive. About 3 months later, his loan to party case was found guilty and the party was dissolved. Party MPs formed new party (MFP) while some joined other existing political parties. So assuming the worst case, Pita will be disqualify but the party will remain and will still be the majority with the coalition in the House.

Perhaps MFP didn’t expect that they will win spectacularly or their inexperience not having push another candidate or even perhaps they don’t have leaders in their rank that have star power. Meanwhile PTP push 3 potential PM candidates. Wily party for sure. I’m my opinion, the case against Pita is very weak and I doubt EC will accept the case. Even if EC accept the case and the case is refer to the Constitution Court for judgement, it will take while for the case to be adjudicated. EC has only 60 days time frame to certify the election. The verdict will not affect the party. I doubt PTP will invite BJT if the PM goes to PTP. (Likely Sretha). Thaksin has not forgiven Newin’s betrayal. I agree with you that PTP will be taking stock of their poor performance and public sentiments and would be rather reckless to have a party from the pro military coalition. PTP will stick with their MFP coalition and it is impossible that any military coalition will have the House majority. IMO Prayut and Prawit are done with politics.

A propaganda piece written by Siam Rath owned by politician in the Junta coalition government.

This shocking win dispel allegation expounded by some here that Thailand voters are uneducated and ill informed.

MFP has cool down the temperature as regards to 112 amendments by stating that the coalition parties can object to the amendments. It is not a condition for the coalition parties.

The Section 112 amendments for less severe penalties, preventing the law from being arbitrarily used for political advantage or stifling dissent and centralizing LM complaints to the Royal House Bureau rather than any citizens as in the current law. All seem reasonable but not for few.

The EC has not yet accept the case. They are doing their investigation. The next stage if case accepted will be the motion to the Constitutional Court for judgement. Still a long way to go. Don't get ahead of yourself. Not the time to sign your obituary on Thailand yet. Many things have change since last coup.

Appalling that the GOP leadership allow her to proceed with this shameless act. I guess the Maga crazies still call all the shots in the party

Lately there are some good news on the human rights front. Teen held on 112 charged freed after 50 days lock-up awaiting charges and another teenage released on bail on the same charge. There are still 1,902 young people prosecuted for political participation and expression since the beginning of the Free Youth pro-democracy protests in July 2020. Hoping to hear some good news soon when the MFP coalition form the government.

The alleged violation was candidates for public office holding shares in a mass media company. iTV stopped operating its television station at midnight on March7, 2007. They are no longer a media company. Media company distributes content across multiple platforms. He reported the family heritage share to NACC. Keep up please.

iTV ceased operating in March 2007. However they maintain their status as a legal entity because of a legal battle against the PM's Office. The Administration Court ruled that the termination of iTV's contract was unlawful and ordered compensation of US$2.89 million. PM's Office appealed and case is still ongoing. iTV still generate revenue from investments and from its subsidiary, Artware Media which leases equipments for television and radio production. Technically this case has little merits as iTV is no longer a media company. Besides he is holding the shares in family trust and reported this to the NACC. He done nothing wrong in terms of the complaint and certainly not corrupt as you insinuated.

Majority of voters think pro-junta parties don't have any point. Still don't get it?

Promises made and promises kept. Got to admire the guts of this young political party. 45 bills for amendments including sensitive charter re-write and laws on right and liberty. Even stab at the rich on land reform laws. A thing like this in the past will bring out the whistle blowers adorned in yellow shirts but so far they have been quiet. What a paradigm change if this stay the same.

Most likely the 6 from the group of 50 senators that are not from the military and police but from grassroots and professional bodies. Now that they taken a lead publicly, it may trigger more to state their votes to reflect the sentiment of the majority of voters. The rejection of the pro military parties should exert some pressure on their conscience as it manifest that their previous decision for a junta coalition government was wrong.

Pita proposed to watered-down penalties in Section 112 of the Crminal Code. He is not removing the protection for the monarchy. Section 112 has been abused by the Prayut government to inflict overly punitive penalties.

Democrat Party said the same thing about not supporting Pita. Pita can't relent and disappoint his supporters. He may come up with a statement to leave LM reform as not his immediate priority but will not placate the oppositions as they unlikely to trust him. I think that opens up a possibility of nominating Sreetha as the PM. His stance on LM is more moderate and maybe more palatable to the senators. Pita will get a senior cabinet post like defence or foreign minister as well as deputy PM. If Sreetha gets the nod, pressure on the BJT and DM to make their pro democracy stand in line with the voters sentiment. I think PTP is in a better position to bring few senators on board.

Worthy reading. The Constitution Transitional Provision (2019) for senate is a good read for interested people. Spelt out the senate term and which body responsible for their appointment. https://www.senate.go.th/assets/portals/1/fileups/419/files/senate Eng.pdf

They had their day in the election and won. .

You cordone the brutalising of youth and student protesters and unwarranted arrests and charges? The youth had their day and didn't fade away in the 2023 election; didn't they. They ignited the dissent for the military government and voted them out.

Apparently you not here in 2020-2021 student and youth demonstrations when numbers were 20,000-100,000 and water cannons were used. The Gen Z demonstrations were confronted by the police, stood the grounds and fought street battles. Didn't melt away as you alleged.

Perhaps the right time to abolish the Senate as a constitutional reform. THailand had unicameral system before.

Because the senate is under the transitory provision of the Constitution and the term expiry are clearly determined. Also the Constitution provision state that the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) will select and install the senate. NCPO has been dissolved. There is no provision provided for another body to select and install the senate. Technically, there no provision to rid any senators.

Should MFP coalition be the government, I think they will wait till the senates term expire next year before seeking an amendment. That will negate the possible impasse from the senates.