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☆ Thai court to decide on election winners' challenge to derailed PM bid
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Move Forward Party Leader Pita Limjaroenrat looks on at a voting session for a new prime minister at the parliament, in Bangkok, Thailand, July 13, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Aug 16 (Reuters) - Thailand's Constitutional Court was due on Wednesday to decide whether to review a parliamentary decision that blocked a second prime ministerial bid by election winners Move Forward, a move that could end or prolong weeks of political deadlock. If it declines to review the decision, parliament could schedule a vote within days on the prime ministerial candidacy of businessman and political neophyte Srettha Thavisin, of the second-place Pheu Thai Party. House speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha has previously said a vote could be held as early as this Friday or Aug. 22. Move Forward on Tuesday declined to back former alliance partner Pheu Thai, arguing its government would not reflect the will of the people.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Athit, Pita, Wan Muhamad, Matha, Pheu, Chayut Setboonsarng, Martin Petty Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Thai Party, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK

Bangkok, Thailand CNN —Two estranged sons of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn said Monday they hoped to return to the country soon after an unexpected visit that has fueled speculation among many in the kingdom. Since I have returned to Thailand this time, I have received warmth from everyone I met. Their return sparked interest among many in the kingdom and drove speculation that the sons may officially be welcomed back into the royal family, after almost three decades of estrangement. Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse visits the Foundation for Slum Child Care supported by the Royal Family, in Bangkok on August 8. Their sister Princess Sirivannavari was later welcomed back to Thailand following their estrangement and is a fashion designer and equestrian.

Persons: Thailand CNN —, Thailand’s, Maha Vajiralongkorn, “, ”, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, ” Vacharaesorn, Thais, Chakriwat Vivacharawongse, Prince Mahidol –, Athit Perawongmetha, Chakriwat, –, King Vajiralongkorn, Vajiralongkorn, Yuvadhida Polpraserth, Sirivannavari, King, Bajrakitiyabha, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Srirasmi, Queen Suthida Organizations: Thailand CNN, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi, Siriraj Hospital, Foundation for Slum Child, Reuters, CNN, Yuvadhida, King’s Royal Guard Command Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Bangkok’s, United States

☆ Honda posts 78% jump in Q1 operating profit
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] The Honda logo is displayed at the 44th Bangkok International Motor Show in Bangkok, Thailand, March 23, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File PhotoCompanies Honda Motor Co Ltd FollowTOKYO, Aug 9 (Reuters) - Japan's Honda Motor (7267.T) reported a 78% rise in quarterly profit on Wednesday, boosted by both increased sales, especially in the North American market, and a weaker yen. Japan's second-biggest automaker by sales said operating profit totalled 394.4 billion yen ($2.76 billion) in the three months through June, handily beating the average 324.74 billion yen estimate in a poll of 10 analysts by Refinitiv. That compared with a 222.2 billion yen profit in the same period last year. Honda maintained its forecast for a 1.0 trillion yen operating profit for the current year, lower than the 1.117 trillion yen average forecast from 22 analysts.

Persons: Athit, Japan's, Daniel Leussink, David Dolan, Chang, Ran Kim Organizations: REUTERS, Honda Motor, Honda, Refinitiv, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, American

Bangkok, Thailand CNN —The estranged second oldest son of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has made an unexpected visit to the country, his first in almost three decades, in a return that surprised many in the kingdom. “I am delighted to return to Thailand, I have been warmly welcomed. I have been away for a long time, 27 years,” Vacharaesorn told reporters at the Foundation for Slum Child Care. Vacharaesorn is the second of four sons of King Vajiralongkorn, 71, and his second wife, Yuvadhida Polpraserth, who he married in 1994 and later divorced. Vacharaesorn, his mother and siblings were estranged after the separation and he does not hold a formal royal title.

Persons: Thailand CNN —, Thailand’s, Maha Vajiralongkorn, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, “, ” Vacharaesorn, King Vajiralongkorn, Yuvadhida Polpraserth, Vacharaesorn, Bajrakitiyabha, Athit Perawongmetha, Vajiralongkorn, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Srirasmi, Queen Suthida, –, Vacharaesorn’s, Sirivannavari, King Organizations: Thailand CNN, Foundation for Slum, Reuters, Yuvadhida, King’s Royal Guard Command, CNN Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, United States, tuk, Bangkok’s

Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul and Pheu Thai Party leader Chonlanan Srikaew greet each other after a press conference about forming an alliance between Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai party, in Bangkok, Thailand, August 7, 2023. Pheu Thai and its businesses allies could face similar resistance. Despite abandoning Move Forward, Pheu Thai is lobbying for the backing of its 150 lawmakers in a prime ministerial vote expected later this month. Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat said no decision had been made on whether to vote for a Pheu Thai government. "The path to government for Pheu Thai is now more about Thaksin than the people."

Persons: Anutin Charnvirakul, Chonlanan Srikaew, Athit, Cholnan Srikaew, Thai's Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Pita Limjaroenrat, Veerapat, Thaksin Shinawatra, Thai, Titipol Phakdeewanich, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Chayut, Panu, Martin Petty, Nick Macfie Organizations: Bhumjaithai, Pheu Thai Party, Pheu, REUTERS, Senate, Ubon Ratchathani University, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK, Ubon

[1/6] Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, 42, the second-eldest son of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn arrives at the Foundation for Slum Child Care supported by the Royal Family, in Bangkok, Thailand, August 8, 2023. The trip by Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, 42, comes at a fraught time for the Thai royal family, with the monarch's eldest daughter in a coma since December. To me he is still a member of the royal family," said Angsana Seeprasit, 66. Vacharaesorn's younger sister was later re-embraced by the royal family and given the royal title Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana. The thrice-divorced King Vajiralongkorn has seven children.

Persons: Vivacharawongse, Thailand's, Maha Vajiralongkorn, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, Vacharaesorn, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thais, Vacharaesorn's, SonOfTenReturnToThailand, King Rama X, Angsana Seeprasit, King Vajiralongkorn's, Sujarinee, Sirivannavari Nariratana, King Vajiralongkorn, Queen Suthida, Bajrakitiyabha Narendira, Kay Johnson, Robert Birsel Organizations: Foundation for Slum Child, REUTERS, Foundation for Slum, Household, Twitter, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK, New York

☆ Citigroup's Asia family office clients poised to grow 25% in 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( Xie Yu | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File PhotoHONG KONG, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Citigroup's (C.N) Asia family office business expects a 25% increase in clients this year, the U.S. bank's regional head of its family office advisory business said, as Singapore and Hong Kong vie to attract more wealth. Global banks have been beefing up family office arms in Asia, as demand continues to surge among rich Asians wanting to set up private investment vehicles and plan for business succession. Citi in 2020 turned its Asia family office service into a full-fledged unit combining advisory, family governance, legacy planning, philanthropy, investment and deal-making capabilities for ultra-wealthy clients. "We have seen great interest from China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, India, and Indonesia in settling their family offices here (Hong Kong)," Ong said, adding there was also growing interest from Middle Eastern clients. There is scale and Singapore is becoming more discerning about the type of family offices it wants to attract," Ong said.

Persons: Athit, HONG KONG, Faye Ong, Ong, Faye, Xie Yu, Sumeet Chatterjee, Jamie Freed Organizations: Citi, REUTERS, Reuters, Global, Accenture, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, HONG, Asia, U.S, Singapore, Hong Kong, China , Hong Kong, Philippines, India, Indonesia, Hong

☆ Thai election winner out of alliance aiming to form government
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Panarat Thepgumpanat | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Athit PerawongmethaBANGKOK, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Thailand's election-winning Move Forward Party has been excluded from a coalition of parties hoping to form the next government after a May general election, parties in the alliance said on Wednesday. Southeast Asia's second largest economy has been in political limbo since the poll, in which the progressive Move Forward emerged as the largest party, closely followed by the populist Pheu Thai party. "Pheu Thai, in consultation with Move Forward, will withdraw from cooperation and will move ahead with government formation and nominating Srettha Thavisin for prime minister," the Pheu Thai party said. "Pheu Thai has supported Move Forward to our fullest ability," Chonlanan said. The combined two houses of parliament are due to vote for a new prime minister on Friday.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Thaksin Shinawatra, Srettha Thavisin, Pheu, Phumtham Wechayachai, Chonlanan Srikaew, Chonlanan, Chayut Setboonsarn, Devjyot Ghoshal, Jacqueline Wong, Robert Birsel Organizations: REUTERS, Party, Conservative, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK, Asia's, Pheu Thai

☆ Can Thailand's Pita succeed in a second PM vote?
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( Martin Petty | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

[1/4] Move Forward Party Leader Pita Limjaroenrat speaks during a voting session for a new prime minister at the parliament, in Bangkok, Thailand, July 13, 2023. An eight-party alliance has pledged its backing for Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat, despite his defeat in the first vote on July 13. Pita was 51 votes short of the 375 needed, as opponents closed ranks to deny him with a host of abstentions and no-shows. CAN PITA WIN THE SECOND VOTE? A separate concern for Move Forward is possible intervention by the Constitutional Court to suspend Pita from duty as a lawmaker.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Athit, Pita, PITA, Pheu, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prawit Wongsuwan, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Panu, Martin Petty, Robert Birsel Organizations: REUTERS, Senate, CAN, WIN, Constitutional, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK, Pheu

[1/8] Move Forward Party Leader Pita Limjaroenrat poses for a picture on the day of voting for a new prime minister at the parliament, in Bangkok, Thailand, July 13, 2023. One senator resigned on Wednesday, lowering the threshold to 375 votes to become prime minister. "I'm confident that I will do my best to match the hopes and encouragement from the people," Pita told reporters. Political uncertainty has pulled Thailand's main stock index (.SETI) down about 11% so far this year. More turbulence can be expected if Pita cannot prevail in the vote given Move Forward's massive support from young voters and its popularity in the capital.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Pheu, ThaiRath, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Panu, Martin Petty, Lincoln, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: REUTERS, Senate, Thai, Constitutional, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK, Southeast Asia's

[1/4] People take pictures of ice creams shaped like tiles of the famous Wat Arun temple, or Temple of Dawn, in Bangkok, Thailand July 8, 2023. REUTERS/Athit PerawongmethaBANGKOK, July 12 (Reuters) - Under a scorching sun, visitors to Thailand's renowned Temple of Dawn cool down by tasting an elaborately-shaped ice cream depicting intricate patterns inspired by the tiles of the pagoda. "It's different and pretty," said Thai resident Doungkamon Koedthong, 29, holding up the ice cream against the backdrop of the temple, also known as Wat Arun, for an Instagram-worthy snapshot. The ice cream, with butterfly pea coconut milk and Thai milk tea favours, was modelled after the blue ceramic plates and flower details of the pagoda, said ice cream maker Pop Icon. The 'Flower of Dawn' ice cream is also popular among foreign visitors seeking some respite from the heat in Bangkok.

Persons: Doungkamon Koedthong, Wat Arun, Sirinya Hanpachearnchoak, Sherin Babu, Artorn Pookasook, Orathai Sriirng, William Maclean Organizations: REUTERS, Thomson Locations: Wat, Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK, Manchester, England

☆ Thailand prime minister Prayuth retires from politics, nine years after his coup
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha leaves after a cabinet meeting before end of his term in next week at the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, March 14, 2023. REUTERS/Athit PerawongmethaBANGKOK, July 11 (Reuters) - Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha announced on Tuesday his retirement from politics, nine years after he took power in a military coup, and promised to stay in charge only temporarily. The former army chief, a staunch royalist, led a junta until an election in 2019 and was chosen by parliament to remain prime minister for four more years, an outcome his opponents insist was pre-determined. "I as prime minister have worked hard to protect the nation, religion, monarchy for the benefit of the beloved people. His announcement comes as the new parliament prepares to convene on Thursday to hold a vote on who will be the next prime minister, an outcome far from certain.

Persons: Prayuth Chan, ocha, Prayuth, Panu, Martin Petty, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: Government, REUTERS, Thailand's, United Thai Nation, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK

[1/2] The BYD Atto 3 EV car is displayed at the 39 Thailand International Motor Expo, in Bangkok, Thailand, November 30, 2022. Siam Motors is in talks with several Chinese automakers about potential partnerships, particularly for high-end electric vehicles, vice president Sebastien Dupuy said in an interview, referring to previously unreported discussions. Thailand is Southeast Asia's largest car producer and exporter, and its second-largest sales market after Indonesia. Japanese automakers are so dominant that for decades they have treated it almost as an extension of their home market. Thailand's pitch to Chinese EV makers has been its existing supply base – built largely for Japanese automakers – and readiness to provide incentives.

Persons: Athit, Sebastien Dupuy, Pasit Chantharojwong, Wall's Ora, Tesla, Isuzu, Hajime Yamamoto, Yamamoto, Goldman Sachs, General Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Narong Sritalayon, BEV, Chayut, Daniel Leussink, Kevin Krolicki, Jamie Freed Organizations: REUTERS, Siam Motors, Nissan Motors, EV, Reuters Graphics CHINA, JAPAN, Toyota Corolla, China's SAIC, Toyota, Honda, Nomura Research, Reuters, Thailand's, of Investment, Wall, Thomson Locations: Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand BANGKOK, Siam, BYD, China, Thai, Southeast, Indonesia, Japan, Europe, JAPAN Bangkok, Tokyo

☆ Thai parliament to convene as Move Forward looks to lead new government
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-03 | by ( Chayut Setboonsarng | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Move Forward Party leader, Pita Limjaroenrat holds hands with coalition party leaders following a meeting with coalition partners in Bangkok, Thailand, May 18, 2023. It will team up in parliament with the populist heavyweight Pheu Thai Party after the two won the lion's share of the house seats, trouncing parties allied with a royalist military that has controlled government since a 2014 coup. "Pheu Thai has a concluded on the matter and choosing the house speaker tomorrow has a definite direction. We will not let the public down," Pheu Thai lawmakers Suthin Klangsaeng told reporters. The alliance is backing Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat, 42, to become premier.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Athit, Pita, PM Pita, Maha Vajiralongkorn, Suthin Klangsaeng, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Martin Petty Organizations: Forward Party, REUTERS, PM, Party, Pheu Thai Party, Pheu, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK

☆ Thailand's Pita says 'enough support' from Senate to become PM
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Move Forward Party leader and prime ministerial candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat, attends a press conference following the general election, at the party's headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, May 15, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File PhotoBANGKOK, June 27 (Reuters) - Thailand's leading prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat said on Tuesday he has enough support in the upper house to become the country's next premier, just days ahead of the new parliament's first session. When asked on Tuesday how much Senate support he had secured, Pita said: "enough for me to become prime minister". Doubts have lingered over whether Pita has enough support because of his party's controversial proposal to amend Thailand's strict royal insult law or lese majeste. The party was in the process of explaining its position to senators ahead of the July parliamentary vote, said Pita.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Athit, Pita, Thais, Chayut Setboonsarng, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: Forward Party, REUTERS, Party, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK

☆ Thais host Myanmar junta official for talks; key ASEAN members stay away
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Myanmar's junta-appointed foreign minister, Than Swe, is due to join the talks, two sources with knowledge of the meeting told Reuters. But some ASEAN members have declined to attend and others are only sending junior officials. ASEAN FRUSTRATIONThe military took over in Myanmar in 1962, isolating it for decades until a tentative opening up began in 2011. Malaysia's foreign minister has also declined to attend the Thai talks, saying it remained supportive of the efforts being undertaken by Indonesia. Cambodia on Monday said Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, who last year served as an ASEAN special envoy to Myanmar, would be represented by his deputy.

Persons: Aung, Athit, Don Pramudwinai, Don, Retno Marsudi, Suu Kyi, Prak Sokhonn, Panu, Ananda, Kanupriya Kapoor, Kay Johnson, Robert Birsel Organizations: Protesters, Embassy, REUTERS, Monday, Association of Southeast Nations, ASEAN, Myanmar's, Reuters, Thai PBS, Indonesian, Peace, Myanmar, ASEAN Chair, Malaysian, Cambodian, Thomson Locations: Myanmar, Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK, ASEAN, Indonesia, Suu, Cambodia, Ananda Teresia, Jakarta, Rozanna, Kuala Lumpur

[1/2] Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat holds hands with coalition party leaders following a meeting with coalition partners in Bangkok, Thailand, May 18, 2023. REUTERS/Athit PerawongmethaBANGKOK, May 19 (Reuters) - Thailand's progressive Move Forward party on Friday said potential coalition partners need not support its controversial stance on amending the royal insult law, as it seeks to win the backing of other parties to form a government. The lese-majeste law prescribes up to 15 years of jail for perceived offences against the monarchy, which many Thais consider sacrosanct. Third-place winner Bhumjaithai party, which commands a critical voting bloc, said it would not support any premier that would amend the lese-majeste law. "We support medical marijuana, and recreational use must be regulated," a recently elected parliamentarian for Move Forward, Parit Wacharasindhu, said.

☆ Thailand's Move Forward confident of more support to form government
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( Chayut Setboonsarng | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/3] Move Forward Party leader, Pita Limjaroenrat speaks to the media following a meeting with coalition partners in Bangkok, Thailand, May 18, 2023. REUTERS/Athit PerawongmethaBANGKOK, May 18 (Reuters) - The leader of the progressive Move Forward Party that secured a stunning victory in Thailand's election this week said on Thursday he was confident of building more support and being able form a stable and balanced government. Move Forward has campaigned on changing the lese-majeste law, under which at least 200 people have been charged in the past few years, many from a youth-led protest movement. The law prescribes jail terms of up to 15 years for each perceived offence, with some given sentences of several decades. Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng and Panarat Thepgumpanat, Writing by Martin PettyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

[1/5] Move Forward Party leader, Pita Limjaroenrat speaks to the media following a meeting with coalition partners in Bangkok, Thailand, May 18, 2023. Move Forward, which won most seats after it capitalised on its groundswell of youth support, has an alliance of eight parties worth about 313 of the 500 lower house seats but no guarantees it can form a coalition government. "There is a committee and negotiation team in place to find out what I further need, the seats I need, so there is stability and no loss of balance in governing," Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat told a press conference. Move Forward won massive youth support with a lively campaign and sophisticated use of social media, but its anti-establishment stance on some issues, including over business monopolies, could complicate its bid to rule. It is far from certain that the new alliance would become Thailand's next government, despite a decisive opposition victory.

☆ Analysis: Overexposed US regional banks could sell commercial property loans
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( Matt Tracy | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Still, previously unreported data from New York-based real estate data provider Trepp, shared with Reuters, show many regional banks' holdings exceed thresholds stipulated by regulators. While big banks have recently warned about CRE exposure, the new Trepp data underscores how acute and widespread the problem is across the banking sector. The regulatory guidance requires that banks exceeding these thresholds "should employ heightened risk management practices," including potential sales of specific loans. Meanwhile, New York Community Bancorp (NYCB.N) and Flagstar Bank [RIC:RIC:FBCANK.UL] were among the top five banks listed by Trepp that exceeded the CRE loan threshold. In Tuesday congressional testimony, FDIC chair Martin Gruenberg warned CRE loan portfolios "face challenges" should market conditions persist.

☆ Thailand elections: Opposition parties won a landslide in elections but forming a government is not guaranteed
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Helen Regan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Pheu Thai, the main opposition party that has been a populist force in Thailand for 20 years, came second. “This is an unmistakable frontal rebuke, a rejection of Thailand’s military authoritarian past. Move Forward’s predecessor the Future Forward Party won the third most seats in the 2019 election. In the short term, that decision ended the threat from the Future Forward Party. But some also went on to create the Move Forward party that swept to victory in the popular vote on Sunday.

☆ Old rivalries, new battle as Thailand goes to the polls
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-13 | by ( Chayut Setboonsarng | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/6] Electoral workers prepare ahead of the upcoming general election, in Bangkok, Thailand, May 13, 2023. The election again pits Pheu Thai's driving force, the billionaire Shinawatra family, against a nexus of old money, military and conservatives with influence over key institutions that have toppled three of the populist movement's four governments. We will change from a dictatorship to a democratically elected government," Paetongtarn told cheering crowds on Friday at Pheu Thai's final rally. The United Thai Nation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who led the coup against Pheu Thai's last government, has pledged debt relief, cheaper electricity for low-income groups and subsidies for transport and crop harvesting. ($1 = 33.8500 baht)Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by William MallardOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

The sole breadwinner of a family of five is about 8 million baht ($236,000) in debt and has no cash savings. In February, it said that household debt levels should be brought down from 86.9% of GDP at the end of 2022 to below 80% to help reduce financial risks. Political parties' extravagant election promises could increase the macro-economic risks posed by debt, analysts say. "There was no warning," said Achin Chunglog, president of a nationwide group of volunteers that helps people struggling with debt. In the rural hinterland, 90% of farm households have outstanding loans, according to a March study that described a "vicious cycle of debt".

☆ Thai voters cast early ballots one week before election
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/5] People cast their early vote for the upcoming Thailand's general election at a polling station in Bangkok, Thailand, May 7, 2023. REUTERS/Athit PerawongmethaBANGKOK, May 7 (Reuters) - Many Thais lined up on Sunday in long queues to vote early in parliamentary elections scheduled for May 14. More than 2 million Thais had registered for early voting out of 52 million eligible voters who are aged 18 and above, according to the country's election commission. "I wish to see change and improvement in management," said 51-year-old Gosol Pungtaku, one of the 800,000 Bangkok residents who registered for one-day-only early voting in the capital. Opposition Pheu Thai Party, a populist group that won five general elections before 2019 and was ousted by Prayuth in the coup, is leading in most polls followed by the progressive Move Forward Party.

Her Pheu Thai Party is also leading in recent polls and has won every election since 2001, including two in landslides. If Pheu Thai can win a landslide and be government, we can make change straightaway." Asked about a Move Forward alliance, she said Pheu Thai would join "with parties that support our policies" and ruled out military-backed rivals. Paetongtarn's father Thaksin Shinawatra was prime minister for five years before he was ousted by the military in a 2006 coup. He didn't say he wants to be prime minister," she said.

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