2022 promises a gripping 12 months in Thai politics

[webfact]

 

Thai politics is notorious for its twists and turns, a rollercoaster of power plays that leaves voters constantly giddy and sometimes sickened. 2022 will be no different, with a host of crucial events and turning points that will shape the country’s future. Can the Prayut-led government survive its third year and remain until its term ends in 2023? Who will win Bangkok’s top job in the first gubernatorial election to be held in almost 10 years?

 

Thai PBS World’s Political Desk examines five political highlights to look out for in the year ahead.

 

Prayut’s tenure dispute

 

Controversy over Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s term is a crucial issue this year, as it affects not just him but also his government.

 

Prayut has been prime minister since August 2014, taking over a few months after leading a military coup that ousted an elected government in May that year.

 

Now, nearing almost eight years in office, a legal question has arisen over Prayut’s position. 

 

The 2017 Constitution stipulates that “the prime minister shall not hold office for more than eight years in total, whether or not consecutively”.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/2022-promises-a-gripping-12-months-in-thai-politics/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-11

 

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[klauskunkel]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

The 2017 Constitution stipulates that “the prime minister shall not hold office for more than eight years in total, whether or not consecutively”.

I'm sure Wissanu can do some legal wrangling as usual:

"Well, the first 4 years he was not an elected PM, so the Constitution's limitation doesn't apply to him." 

[RichardColeman]

Think they seem to be under the impression that he does not have enough fixed senators to put forward an amendment to the constitution and rule indefinitely !

[baboon]

57 minutes ago, klauskunkel said:

I'm sure Wissanu can do some legal wrangling as usual:

"Well, the first 4 years he was not an elected PM, so the Constitution's limitation doesn't apply to him." 

Ah, but Señor Rolex said "it was an act of administering the country which came about by coup only".

But yeah, any court will know what is expected of it and will act accordingly. Besides, they will be busy enough scavenging around for excuses to get rid of opposition parties and politicians than worry about petty little clauses in constitutions...

[baboon]

50 minutes ago, RichardColeman said:

Think they seem to be under the impression that he does not have enough fixed senators to put forward an amendment to the constitution and rule indefinitely !

I doubt they would bother, to be honest. Far easier just to ignore the constitution and front it out.

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Can the Prayut-led government survive its third year and remain until its term ends in 2023?

A done deal...