Eric Loh

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.

More like partisan checks and imbalances to disrupt the smooth transition of power.

Those senators do not represent the any segment of the citizens as the citizens play no part in their appointment. Seem they represent the elites/military and there to protect their interests not the citizens.

A new dawn for many reasons. The big win by MFP, record voters turn-out, significant political shift, upsetting Pheu Thai, the dissatisfaction of the military dominance, voters desire for change, youths coming out in numbers against a backdrop of ultra conservatives that still hold power. Would this be a Widodo moment when he emerged from Indonesia dominated by military elites to become inspirational President. I certainly hope so after 2 decades of lost economic opportunities and rising inequalities.

Senators were elected in the past and never participated in the choice of PM. Prayut shredded the constitution when he staged the coup and put in place amendments for appointments and joint house voting for PM. He is the reason why Thailand's politics are now being held hostage by the senators.

Pita has indicated quite recently that he does not object cooperating with BJT. If Pheu Thai was the leading party, I don't think they will allow BJT to be in the coalition due to the Newin's betrayal of Thaksin. MFP decision to invite BJT if they so desire will make the decision easier. The lure of ministerial positions will be tempting for Anutin. He gets nothing to be in the opposition. BJT did well in the election coming in third and they should have a role to represent their supporters.

Florida joined the Middle East, Indonesia, Pakistan in censoring the Disney movie. DeSantis will be proud of this fact.

IMO unlikely that the military coalition can be formed as they simply don’t have the numbers even if they employed the old trick to pay MPs to switch side. Prayut and Anutin have indicted leaving politics and Prawit will soon follow with a privy council role. To pacify the ultra conservative senates, Pita may have to step aside for a more acceptable Sreetha. The new regime will ensure no chaos and unrest in his early reign. All the premonition of unrest and blood unnecessary.

They were all so anxious for criminal convictions but got nothing. Major disappointment for the Maga Republicans hanging on for 4 years to try exonerate Trump.

I get you sarcasm.

Thailand had unicameral parlimentary system numerous times since 1932. The bicameral system favoured by the establishment/military strengthened their power. The upper house encapsulates all that is wrong with Thailand political system and their disregards for the basic democratic principle of representation and majority voices. A unicameral system is the solution for Thailand. The financial costs of having the Senators alone is astronomical high of over 1 billion Baht per year which can be better spent for education.

They are not against cannabis; only want better regulations.

Not from the senators but from BJT as a coalition party for the sake of political expediency.