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☆ Thai PM: Will Gradually Reduce Electricity Prices
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-17 | by ( Sept. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Monday his government will gradually reduce electricity prices amid efforts to lower living costs in Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy. "We've already reduced electricity prices but want to reduce more but it will take several weeks," the premier said, adding the country's economic situation is "not so good". He was speaking at a forum hosted by Thai media outlet, Thairath. Srettha, a real estate mogul and political newcomer, has come under fire in parliament for policies the opposition say are vague and lack clear direction. But the PM has said the policies would be fiscally responsible and a signature 560 billion baht digital wallet handout policy would not rely on loans.

Persons: Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: Thai Locations: BANGKOK, Southeast Asia's

☆ Thai hospitality magnate is 'very optimistic' about Thailand's tourism recovery
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

© Marco Bottigelli | Moment | Getty ImagesThailand's tourism recovery is poised for recovery as diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia normalize and Chinese tourists return, according to American-born hotel tycoon William Heinecke. "We've seen the recovery of all Saudi tourism into Thailand. Now there's two flights a day from Saudi direct to Thailand," Heinecke, who is chairman of Thai hospitality company Minor International, said on the sidelines of the Forbes Global CEO Conference in Singapore. Return of Chinese tourists? Additionally, Heinecke said he expects Thailand to benefit when Chinese tourism is back in full swing.

Persons: Marco Bottigelli, William Heinecke, We've, Heinecke, Prayut Chan, Mohammad bin Salman Organizations: Minor International, Forbes Global, Conference, Thai, Saudi Arabia's Crown, Minor, Emirates, Qatar Airways Locations: Thailand, Saudi Arabia, American, Saudi, Singapore, Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine, China

☆ Thailand's new PM draws flak in parliament for 'aimless' economic agenda
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin delivers the policy statements of the Council of Ministers to the parliament, in Bangkok, Thailand, September 11, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Sept 11 (Reuters) - Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin came under fire in parliament on Monday over a new government policy agenda that opposition lawmakers called vague and short of some of his party's boldest election pledges. Srettha confirmed his agenda before parliament on Monday which included digital cash handouts, lowering energy prices and relaxing visa rules to boost tourism. The new administration adopts an economy that is expected to grow 2.8% this year, below a previous forecast of 3.6%. ($1 = 35.4500 baht)Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat Thepgumpanat and Panu Wongcha-um; Editing by Martin PettyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Srettha Thavisin, Athit, Srettha, Pheu, Sirikanya Tansakul, Party's Jurin Laksanawisit, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat, Panu, Martin Petty Organizations: Thailand's, Ministers, REUTERS, Rights, Thai, Pheu Thai Party, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, Real

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to be arrested upon his return as he ends almost two decades of self-imposed exile, waves at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand August 22, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Thailand's king has commuted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's eight-year prison sentence to one year, the royal gazette said on Friday, a day after the billionaire submitted a request for pardon. His return overshadowed a vote in parliament that installed political ally Srettha Thavisin of the Shinawatra-backed Pheu Thai party, as prime minister. "Thais should accept and not criticise this outcome because it could be considered a violation of royal power," he said. Thailand's strict royal insult law shields the monarchy from criticism, carrying a prison sentence of up to 15 years.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Athit, Thaksin Shinawatra's, Thaksin, Srettha Thavisin, Thaksin's, Winyat Chatmontri, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Thais, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat, Panu, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: Thai, REUTERS, Rights, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Don Mueang, Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK

CNN —Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has submitted a request for a royal pardon, the outgoing justice minister said, just over a week after his dramatic return to the country from more than 15 years in self-exile. Thaksin, the head of a famed political dynasty, was prime minister from 2001 until he was ousted in a military coup in 2006. Outgoing Justice Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam confirmed to reporters Thursday that he had received Thaksin’s letter requesting a royal pardon from King Maha Vajiralongkorn. It is unclear how long the application process for a royal pardon will take. In Thailand, prisoners can request a royal pardon through the justice minister, who passes the application to the prime minister and then on the the King for final approval.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Wissanu Krea, ngam, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Thailand’s, ”, Srettha, Pheu, Pheu Thai’s, Thaksin’s, Yingluck Shinawatra, King, Prayut Chan Organizations: CNN, Former, Thai Corrections Department Locations: Former Thai, Thailand, Bangkok

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to be arrested upon his return as he ends almost two decades of self-imposed exile, waves at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand August 22, 2023. Thaksin, Thailand's most famous politician, made a dramatic homecoming last week after 15 years abroad where he lived in self-exile to avoid prison. A representative of the 74-year-old Thaksin declined to comment when asked by Reuters about his pardon request. A request for royal pardon must be submitted through the corrections department to the justice minister. If a royal pardon is not granted, Thaksin will have to wait two years to submit another request.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Athit, Wissanu Krea, ngam, Thaksin, Thailand's, Srettha, Prayuth Cha, Wissanu, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat, Panu, Martin Petty, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: Thai, REUTERS, Rights, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Don Mueang, Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to be arrested upon his return as he ends almost two decades of self-imposed exile, gestures while flanked by his son Panthongtae Shinawatra and daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand August 22, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Aug 29 (Reuters) - The daughter of Thailand's jailed former premier Thaksin Shinawatra on Tuesday said any move to seek a royal pardon for her father would be entirely "up to him" and such a process would take time. "Drafting (a pardon request) takes time and it is up to him to choose the time and process," Paetongtarn told reporters. The long-awaited return of Thaksin coincided with ally Srettha Thavisin being elected prime minister in a parliamentary vote that same day. An anti-Thaksin group has lodged a complaint at the corrections department seeking to block Thaksin from seeking a royal pardon, arguing corruption cases should not be entitled to clemency.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Panthongtae Shinawatra, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Athit, Thailand's, Thaksin, Paetongtarn, poof, Srettha Thavisin, Pheu Thai, Chayut Setboonsarng, Martin Petty Organizations: Thai, REUTERS, Rights, Pheu Thai Party, Pheu, Thaksin, Thomson Locations: Don Mueang, Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK

☆ Health of Thailand's billionaire ex-PM Thaksin still a concern, doctor says
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Thailand's billionaire former premier Thaksin Shinawatra was still being treated in hospital on Friday and his condition remained a concern, a senior doctor said, three days after his historic return from self-exile. The Pheu Thai Party that Thaksin founded will lead the next government. Rumours have swirled that his return could be part of a secret agreement with his rivals, which he denies. Tul has asked for physicians from outside of the hospital to examine Thaksin also. "All the rooms at the police hospital have this view," said Soponrat, the doctor at the hospital.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Athit, Thaksin, Srettha Thavisin, Tul Sittisomwong, Tul, Chayut Setboonsarng, Martin Petty Organizations: Thai, REUTERS, Rights, Thai Party, Thaksin, Thomson Locations: Don Mueang, Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, Dubai, Britain

☆ Thai PM Srettha discusses overcoming divisions with former coup leader
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-24 | by ( Napat Wesshasartar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/4] Thailand's new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin meets with caretaker former Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand August 24, 2023. Government House/Handouts via REUTERS Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin discussed overcoming political divisions with predecessor Prayuth Chan-ocha on Thursday, in his first meeting as premier as he prepares to form a cabinet from a crowded 11-party alliance that includes fierce rivals. Srettha sailed through a parliamentary vote to become premier on Tuesday and will head a tricky coalition that includes parties backed by the military, which has repeatedly manoeuvred to topple governments led by his Pheu Thai Party. Thursday's meeting underscores a fragile detente in Thai politics, with Prayuth the architect of a 2014 coup against the last Pheu Thai government as chief of the ultra-royalist army. He and Pheu Thai have denied the existence of a deal with their rivals in the military and conservative establishment.

Persons: Srettha Thavisin, Prayuth Chan, ocha, Srettha, Prayuth, Pheu, Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Chayut Setboonsarng, Martin Petty Organizations: Government, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, Thai, Thai Party, Pheu, Media, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, Thai

[1/4] Thailand's new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin meets with caretaker former Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand August 24, 2023. Srettha sailed through a parliamentary vote to become premier on Tuesday and will head a tricky coalition that includes parties backed by a royalist military that has repeatedly manoeuvred against his Pheu Thai Party. His meeting with the outgoing premier and former army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha underscores a fragile detente in Thai politics, with Prayuth the architect of a 2014 coup against the last Pheu Thai government. Thaksin and Pheu Thai have denied the existence of a deal with their rivals in the military and conservative establishment. Prayuth, who has a testy relationship with the Shinawatra family, told Srettha healing rifts was important.

Persons: Srettha Thavisin, Prayuth Chan, Srettha, Prayuth, Pheu, Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Chayut Setboonsarng, Martin Petty, William Maclean Organizations: Government, REUTERS Acquire, Thai, Pheu Thai Party, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK, Thai

☆ A new PM and a fugitive's return: here's what Thailand's political future holds
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-24 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to be arrested upon his return as he ends almost two decades of self-imposed exile, waves at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand August 22, 2023. RThe return of Thailand's former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra after years of self-exile could mark the end of a chapter in the country's politics, even as some analysts believe he will still be pulling some political strings — albeit from behind. The founder of Pheu Thai party and widely seen as its de facto leader, Thaksin returned to Thailand on Tuesday after 15 years in exile, and was sentenced to eight years in prison upon his return. But he will be the key person driving Pheu Thai Party behind the scenes," said Kasem Prunratanamala, head of Thailand research at CGS-CIMB. Pheu Thai is the latest iteration of his old party Thai Rak Thai after several before were disbanded by the courts.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Srettha Thavisin, Kasem Prunratanamala Organizations: Thai, Chulalongkorn University's Institute of Security, International Studies, CNBC, Thai Party, CGS, Thai Rak Thai Locations: Don Mueang, Bangkok, Thailand, Thai, Pheu, Thai Rak

☆ Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin may not be in jail for as long as expected, professor says
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailFormer Thai Prime Minister Thaksin may not be in jail for as long as expected, professor saysPunchada Sirivunnabood, associate professor at Bangkok's Mahidol University, discusses the return of former prime minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been jailed after years in exile.

Persons: Thaksin, Punchada Sirivunnabood, Thaksin Shinawatra Organizations: Former Thai, Bangkok's Mahidol University Locations: Thailand

☆ Thailand's jailed former Prime Minister Thaksin hospitalized after return from exile
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (C), son Panthongtae (L) and daughter Pinthongta (R) greet supporters after his return to Thailand at the private jet terminal at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was moved to hospital overnight, officials said on Wednesday, over concern about his heart and high blood pressure on his first night in jail following his historic return from self-exile. Thaksin made his homecoming on Tuesday and was escorted to jail in dramatic scenes that stole the spotlight from political ally Srettha Thavisin, who was elected prime minister in a parliamentary vote later in the day. The Pheu Thai Party's Srettha was confirmed as prime minister having received royal endorsement, a parliament official said on Wednesday. Police said Thaksin was hospitalized because the prison was unable to guarantee he would get the right care.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Panthongtae, Pinthongta, Thaksin, Pheu, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, General Prachuab Wongsuk Organizations: Thai, Don Mueang, Reuters, Corrections Department, Wednesday . Police, National Police Locations: Thailand, Don, Bangkok

☆ Thailand's jailed ex-PM Thaksin hospitalised after return from exile
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( Panarat Thepgumpanat | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to be arrested upon his return as he ends almost two decades of self-imposed exile, pays his respects to a portrait of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand August 22, 2023. The latest condition of 74-year-old Thaksin, the billionaire founder of the populist juggernaut Pheu Thai, was not clear on Wednesday and his representatives did not immediately respond to a request from Reuters for comment. The Pheu Thai Party's Srettha was confirmed as prime minister having received royal endorsement, a parliament official said on Wednesday. Police said Thaksin was hospitalised because the prison was unable to guarantee he would get the right care. Thaksin and Pheu Thai have denied that.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand's, Maha Vajiralongkorn, Suthida, Athit, Thaksin, Srettha, Pheu, Srettha Thavisin, General Prachuab Wongsuk, Ayuth Sintoppant, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Panu, Martin Petty, Michael Perry, Robert Birsel Organizations: Thai, REUTERS, Reuters, Corrections Department, Wednesday . Police, National Police, Supreme, Thomson Locations: Don Mueang, Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK

☆ Thailand has a new leader but it's not the one people voted for. Here's why
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( Helen Regan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Protesters walk through smoke after setting fire to mock corpses during a protest at Pheu Thai Party headquarters in Bangkok on August 2, 2023. It formed a coalition with other like-minded parties, including runners up Pheu Thai. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra flanked by his son Panthongtae Shinawatra and daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand August 22, 2023. “I want to be a prime minister who can make the difference,” Srettha previously told CNN. But with an 11-member coalition that includes bitter rivals, it’s unclear whether Srettha and Pheu Thai will be able to govern effectively.

Persons: staved, Srettha Thavisin, Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Thais, Valeria Mongelli, Hans Lucas, lese, Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Pheu, Pheu Thai, Thaksin’s, Shinatwatra, ”, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Panthongtae Shinawatra, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Athit, ” Thitinan, Yingluck Shinawatra, “, Strettha, Thailand’s King Vajiralongkorn, Srettha, Prayut Chan Organizations: CNN, Party, Pheu Thai Party, Reuters, Pheu, Senate, Chulalongkorn University . Former Thai, Thaksin, Manchester City Football Club, Thai, Facebook, Thai Corrections Department, Procter & Gamble, Bangkok Post Locations: Thailand, Bangkok, Senate, Thai, Pheu Thai, Don Mueang

BANGKOK, Aug 22 (Reuters) - When Thailand's deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra went into self-imposed exile in 2008 facing a raft of corruption charges following his ouster in a military coup, he issued a hand-written note. Thaksin has been Thailand's most prominent politician for decades, retaining outsized influence despite the years away. "It closes a crucial chapter in Thailand's politics," Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University, said of Thaksin's return. A shrewd operator who rarely minces his words, an increasingly wealthy Thaksin entered politics in the mid-1990s, initially serving as foreign minister and then deputy prime minister. But the brash Thaksin, who called himself Thailand's first "CEO prime minister", faced royalist accusations that he was undermining the revered monarchy, which he denied.

Persons: Thailand's, Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Thaksin's, Yingluck Shinawatra, Critics, watchdogs, Chalinee, Chiang Mai, Love Thais, Devjyot Ghoshal, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panu, Robert Birsel Organizations: Thaksin, Chulalongkorn University, Thai, REUTERS, Rights, Shin Corporation, Thai Rak Thai, Singapore's Temasek, Premier League, Manchester City, Thomson Locations: BANGKOK, Bangkok, Thailand, Chiang, United States, Thai, Britain

☆ Plane carrying Thailand's exiled ex-PM Thaksin lands in Bangkok - media, live TV
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra looks on as he speaks to Reuters during an interview in Singapore February 23, 2016. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Aug 22 (Reuters) - A jet reported by Thai media to be carrying the fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra touched down at an airport in Bangkok on Tuesday, according to live television footage. Thaksin, who was ousted in a coup and jailed in absentia in 2008 for abuse of power, has been in self-exile for 17 years and was due to be detained on arrival, according to police. Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat, Panu Wongcha-um, and Chayut Setboonsarng; Editing by Martin PettyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Edgar Su, Thaksin, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Panu, Chayut, Martin Petty Organizations: Thai, Reuters, REUTERS, Rights, Thomson Locations: Singapore, Rights BANGKOK, Bangkok

☆ Fmr. Thai prime minister jailed after 15 years in exile
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-22 | by ( Kate Sammer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailFmr. Thai prime minister jailed after 15 years in exileFollowing his return from exile, Thailand's former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, was arrested in Bangkok on Tuesday.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra Locations: Bangkok

The former prime minister then left on a police truck, headed to the Supreme Court. The Thaksin-backed Pheu Thai party, which came second in the May election, will nominate its choice for the country’s next leader Tuesday: real estate mogul Srettha Thavisin. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra while flanked by his son Panthongtae Shinawatra and daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand on August 22. Pheu Thai Party leader Cholnan Srikaew said in a statement Monday that the coalition would not include Move Forward Party, which won the most votes in the election. In 2006, Thaksin was ousted and, facing a potential prison sentence over corruption charges, went into self-imposed exile.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Thaksin’s, Yingluck Shinawatra, Paetongtarn, Srettha Thavisin, Palang Pracharath, Prayut Chan, Yingluck, Panthongtae Shinawatra, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Athit, Thais, Cholnan Srikaew, –, ”, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Prayut, “, “ We’ve, ” Thitinan Organizations: CNN, Manchester City Football Club, UN, Mueang International, Supreme, Thaksin, United Thai Nation Party, Thai, Thai Party, Party, National Institute of Development Administration, Reuters, Facebook, Institute of Security, Studies, Chulalongkorn University, Forward Party Locations: Thailand, New York, Singapore, Bangkok’s, Thai, Don Mueang, Bangkok

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra looks on as he speaks to Reuters during an interview in Singapore February 23, 2016. Also scheduled for Tuesday is another parliamentary vote for prime minister, to be nominated by the Thaksin-backed Pheu Thai Party. Some analysts said Thaksin's return suggests Pheu Thai has reached a deal with political parties on forming a government after gaining support from military-backed parties. Pheu Thai, set to nominate real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin, needs the support of more than half the bicameral legislature, including the military-appointed Senate. The party on Thursday gained support from a rival military-backed party after a lawmaker from another military-backed party said they would support Pheu Thai in overcoming the impasse.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Edgar Su, Thaksin, Thaksin's, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Surachate Hakparn, Thanaporn Sriyakul, Srettha Thavisin, Orathai Sriring, William Mallard Organizations: Thai, Reuters, REUTERS, BANGKOK, Thaksin, Thai Party, Political Science Association of Kasetsart University, Thomson Locations: Singapore, Thailand, Muang, Pheu

☆ Thai election: Rivals derail winner’s PM bid
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( Reuters Editorial | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

PoliticsThai election: Rivals derail winner’s PM bidPostedThai prime ministerial hopeful Pita Limjaroenrat has been suspended from parliament with his nomination denied, in a fresh blow to his chances of becoming the country's next leader. Rachel Judah has more.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Rachel Judah Organizations: winner’s

BANGKOK, July 18 (Reuters) - Thai prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat on Tuesday said he was willing to slow the pace of his party's ambitious reform agenda if he forms a government but would not retreat from its plan to amend a law prohibiting royal insults. But the sentiment of the era has changed," he said in the interview. "I'm still sticking to what I promised the voters ... the institution is above politics. He added: "I cannot look them in the eye if I'm walking away from this issue." The military has for decades invoked its duty to defend the monarchy to justify intervention in politics, and used the law against royal insult to stifle dissent, critics say.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Martin Petty, Robert Birsel Organizations: Reuters, Thomson Locations: BANGKOK, Thailand

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha speaks with members of the press after casting his vote in the Thai General Election on May 14, 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Tuesday said he will retire from politics, nine years after the former general seized power in a military coup. His announcement comes ahead of a much-anticipated vote for Thailand's new prime minister this Thursday. Chan-ocha said he would stay in a caretaker role until a new prime minister is elected. This backing nevertheless falls short of the 376 votes that party leader Pita Limjaroenrat to stake his claim as Thailand's next prime minister.

Persons: Prayuth Chan, Chan, ocha, Pita Limjaroenrat, Limjaroenrat Organizations: Thai, United Thai Nation, Thai Sang Chart Party, Facebook Locations: Thai, Bangkok, Thailand

☆ U.S. to slap new sanctions on Myanmar state-owned banks - sources
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The Thai reports, published on Tuesday, said Washington would announce new sanctions on Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank and Myanmar Investment and Commercial Bank as early as Wednesday. A spokesman for Myanmar's military junta said it was not worried about any new sanctions. Zaw Min Tun told the state media channel MWD on Tuesday evening that the country has experienced sanctions before and they will not face losses if there are new sanctions on Myanmar state-owned banks. He said the United States was "just doing this to cause difficulties in economics and politics". One of the Thai media reports, by Bangkok Business News, cited Thai sources as saying the sanctions would impact Thailand and other countries in the region financially because of connections with local banks.

Persons: Washington, Aung, Kyi, Min Tun, Critics, Prayuth Chan, Panu, Poppy McPherson, Kay Johnson, Raju Gopalakrishnan, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: United, Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank, Myanmar Investment, Commercial Bank, Reuters, Embassy, Bangkok Business, Thai, Thomson Locations: BANGKOK, United States, U.S, Thailand, States, Myanmar, Bangkok, Pattaya, ASEAN

"Move Forward chooses an uncompromising mode of change while Pheu Thai choose a compromising mode of change," Prajak said. Pheu Thai has been far more measured in its messaging on the monarchy - and that could leave it with more options. "Pheu Thai is holding its cards close to its chest," said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political scientist at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University. "I think Pheu Thai will stick with Move Forward," he said, adding abandoning its ally would make Pheu Thai look as if it was betraying the will of the people. "I still think that a conservative coalition ... with Senate backing is far more likely to emerge than a pro-democracy led coalition," Abuza said.

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