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☆ 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

[1/2] People walk outside the parliament, after Thailand's constitution court ordered the temporary suspension of the Move Forward Party's leader Pita Limjaroenrat from the parliament, in Bangkok, Thailand, July 19, 2023. REUTERS/Chalinee ThirasupaBANGKOK, July 20 (Reuters) - Thailand's parliament will hold another vote for a prime minister next week which cannot include the leader of election winners Move Forward, a deputy speaker said on Thursday, after rivals derailed his bid by blocking his re-nomination. "A candidate can only be nominated once in each parliamentary session," Deputy House Speaker Pichet Chuamuangphan told Reuters on Thursday. It is widely expected that real estate tycoon and political newcomer Srettha Thavisin from Move Forward's alliance partner Pheu Thai will be nominated for premier for the July 27 vote. "The eight parties are together, if there is a resolution for Pheu Thai to lead, then the party has to choose who to nominate," Srettha told reporters.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Parliament's, Pichet Chuamuangphan, Pita, Srettha, Pheu, Jetn Sirathranont, Thitinan, manoeuvred, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Chayut, Orathai, Panu, Kanupriya Kapoor, Martin Petty Organizations: REUTERS, Reuters, Constitutional, Senate, Chulalongkorn University, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK

The 42-year-old, U.S.-educated liberal Pita Limjaroenrat needs the backing of more than half of the bicameral parliament to be endorsed as Thailand's next prime minister, but must overcome fierce resistance from a military at odds with his party's anti-establishment ambitions. In a post on Twitter as parliament convened, Pita appealed to his rivals to vote according to the will of the people. In the first vote last week, Pita was 51 votes short and was backed by only 13 of the 249 senators, many of whom abstained or were no-shows, effectively votes against him. Move Forward believes many were pressured to deny him and Pita is hoping some could change their minds. They pledged to vote for Pita ... that's a sizable bloc."

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Pita's, We're, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Panu, Martin Petty, Michael Perry, Robert Birsel Organizations: REUTERS, Twitter, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK, that's

☆ 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

After a meeting with the alliance, Pita said his re-nomination for prime minister could not be blocked by the Senate. However, Pita added that if he failed again he would let Move Forward's ally, the Pheu Thai party, "take action". At the weekend, he raised the prospect of a political ally leading the new government if he failed to become prime minister. Pheu Thai won the second-largest share of votes in May's election. One of its prime ministerial candidates, real estate magnate Srettha Thavisin, could be nominated for the next leader in the third vote for prime minister, if any.

Persons: Wednesday Pita, Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Pheu Thai, Srettha Thavisin, Orathai Sriring, Panarat, Kanupriya Kapoor, Alex Richardson Organizations: Wednesday, Senate, Constitutional, Thomson Locations: BANGKOK, Thailand's, Thai, May's, Pita

☆ Vote for Thai PM postponed, uncertainty prolonged
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-17 | by ( Panarat Thepgumpanat | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"We have to wait for the constitutional court to make its decision on August 16 before determining when we will have the vote again," Wan Noor told reporters. The Thai baht has weakened this week on the political uncertainty. After the election Move Forward, along with Pheu Thai and six other parties, forged an alliance to try to form a government. But Move Forward's leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, was twice blocked by parliament from becoming prime minister. On Wednesday, Pheu Thai said it would seek to form a new alliance without Move Forward and would nominate real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin for the premiership.

Persons: Wan Muhamad, Matha, Wan Noor, Thaksin Shinawatra, Pita Limjaroenrat, Pheu, Srettha Thavisin, Chayut, Devjyot Ghoshal, Edmund Klamann, Robert Birsel Organizations: REUTERS, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK

Only 13 senators backed 42-year-old Pita, with the rest voting against him or abstaining, which his party said indicated some were acting under duress. "There are forces from the old power to pressure the Senate - from the old power to some capitalists who do not want to see a Move Forward government," party secretary general Chaithawat Tulathon said in a television interview. "Since the senators were uncomfortable in electing the PM, why not switch off this power?" he said, adding the party would attempt to limit the Senate's powers by amending an article of the constitution, which could take a month. He can run again if nominated in the next vote, which takes place on July 19, the house speaker confirmed.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Chaithawat Tulathon, Pita, Vijay Vikram Kannan, Juarawee, Rae Wee, Tom Westbrook, Martin Petty Organizations: Senate, Harvard, Constitutional Court, Senators, Societe Generale, Thomson Locations: BANGKOK, Pita, Thailand, Asia, Singapore, Bangkok

☆ Thailand's Pita fails in PM bid after losing parliament vote
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

BANGKOK, July 13 (Reuters) - Thailand's Pita Limjaroenrat failed on Thursday in his initial bid to become Thailand's next prime minister, after he was unable to secure the required endorsement of more than half of the bicameral parliament. Pita, leader of election winners Move Forward, was unopposed in the contest but could not muster the required support, with a host of abstentions and votes against him. Parliament is expected to hold another vote next week, which Pita can contest if nominated again. Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat, Panu Wongcha-um and Chayut Setboonsarng; Writing by Martin PettyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Panu, Martin Petty Organizations: Thomson Locations: BANGKOK

[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

☆ Thai court to decide eligibility case of PM hopeful Pita - media, poll body source
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BANGKOK, July 12 (Reuters) - Thailand's poll body will refer to the Constitutional Court a case over whether Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of election winners Move Forward, should be disqualified as a parliamentarian over a shareholding issue, local media reported on Wednesday. The referral of the case was reported by three media outlets and confirmed to Reuters by an election commission source, who declined to be identified because they were not authorised to speak to media. Pita, who is seeking to become prime minister, has been investigated over allegations that his ownership of shares in media firm iTV at the time of his registration made him ineligible to stand in the May 14 election. Pita has maintained iTV was not an active mass media organisation. Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Kanupriya KapoorOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Martin Petty, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: Constitutional, Reuters, iTV, Thomson Locations: BANGKOK

The military has for decades invoked its duty to defend the monarchy to justify intervention in politics, and used the lese majeste law to stifle dissent, critics say. Much depends on whether Move Forward's main ally, second-place winner Pheu Thai, sticks with it or seeks other coalition partners if Pita's bid looks doomed. King Vajiralongkorn, 70, who has no role in choosing a government, has remained silent on the lese majeste issue since the election. In the last election in 2019, no party would have dared suggest amending the lese majeste law. Pheu Thai, which has 141 seats to Move Forward's 151, could nominate its prime ministerial candidate with the eight-party alliance intact.

Persons: Maha Vajiralongkorn, Suthida, Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Seri Suwanpanon, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Prayuth Chan, Pheu, King Vajiralongkorn, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Thaksin Shinawatra, Titipol Phakdeewanich, Amarat Chokepamitkul, Panu, Kay Johnson, Robert Birsel Organizations: REUTERS, Reuters, Royal News, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University, Senate, Ubon Ratchathani University, Royal Household Bureau, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Thai, Handout, BANGKOK, Pheu

☆ 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

BANGKOK, June 19 (Reuters) - Thailand's poll body certified the results of last month's election on Monday, paving the way for the first session of parliament in the next few weeks ahead of the formation of a new government. The opposition has formed an eight-party alliance that is expected to back Move Forward's Harvard-educated leader Pita Limjaroenrat for prime minister and form a coalition government likely next month. Move Forward's alliance said it would meet on Thursday to agree on a speaker and deputy speakers. If found guilty by a court, Pita faces a political ban of up to 20 years and even prison. Reporting Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat Thepgumpanat and Panu Wongcha-um; Editing by Martin PettyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Panarat, Panu, Martin Petty Organizations: Forward's Harvard, iTV, Thomson Locations: BANGKOK, Thai, Thailand, Bangkok

Pita, the 42-year-old leader of the progressive Move Forward party whose election victory stunned Thailand's military-backed establishment, has faced multiple complaints from rivals, three of which the poll body has dismissed for late submission, while four others against the party have been thrown out. Pita has downplayed the issue, arguing the shares in the firm, ITV, have since been transferred and the company was not an active media organisation. "There is sufficient information to suspect that the candidate is unfit or prohibited from seeking public office, according to electoral regulations, to further investigate Pita," election commission chairman Ittiporn Boonprakong told Reuters in a text message. "The election commission may take action against Pita in the future," he told a press conference. Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat; Writing by Chayut Setboonsarng; Editing by Martin PettyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Pita Limjareonrat, Pita, Thailand's, Ittiporn Boonprakong, Tulathon, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Chayut Setboonsarng, Martin Petty Organizations: ITV, Reuters, Thomson Locations: BANGKOK, Southeast Asia's, Bangkok

Pita maintains, however, that iTV's loss of its concession means it cannot be considered a mass media organisation. "I am very confident that I am not unfit to run for office and to be a candidate for prime minister," he said, referring to candidate qualifications. Pita, 42, has said the shares were part of his late father's estate, which he has declared to the anti-graft agency. The election commission's chairman at the weekend said the complaints were being examined and further evidence was being gathered. Pita has formed an alliance with seven other parties but faces an uphill battle to woo members of an unelected, conservative-leaning Senate to back him in a legislative vote on a prime minister, which is expected by August.

Persons: Pita, Pita Limjaroenrat, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, Chayut Setboonsarng, Martin Petty Organizations: iTV, ITV Public Company, Constitutional, U.S, Thomson Locations: BANGKOK

☆ Thailand says 1 million Chinese tourists visited from January to mid-May
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BANGKOK, May 28 (Reuters) - Thailand received one million Chinese tourists between January and May 18, a government official said on Sunday, after China's border reopening. The government expects the number of Chinese visitors to meet its target of 5 million this year, with spending of 446 billion baht ($13.18 billion), government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said in a statement. Last year, about 274,000 Chinese tourists visited the Southeast Asian country, compared with 11 million in pre-pandemic 2019, or about 28% of the total. Overall foreign tourist arrivals were 9.47 million from January to mid-May, the government earlier said, compared with the 11.15 million visitors in the whole of 2022. ($1 = 33.85 baht)Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat; Writing by Orathai Sriring; Editing by Kim CoghillOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

They are seeking to form a coalition government with six other parties, all of which are due to sign the agreement on their objectives later on Monday. Other alliance members have had reservations about tampering with that law. The party had on Friday said lese-majeste would be included only if the eight parties backed it. His alliance comprises 313 seats, but it needs backing from 376 legislators to vote Pita in. Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat, Chayut Setboonsarng and Panu Wongcha-um; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Robert BirselOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

[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.

[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.

☆ 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.

☆ Deals to be done as Thai opposition parties look to form government
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Chayut Setboonsarng | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Sunday's election showcased an extraordinary surge by the progressive Move Forward party that almost had a clean sweep of the capital Bangkok, followed closely by the populist Pheu Thai party, which had been the dominant force in every Thai election this century. Between them the two opposition parties decimated parties with ties to the royalist army but it is far from certain the opposition will form the next government, with parliamentary rules drafted by the military after a 2014 coup skewed in favour of its allies. To govern, agreements may need to be struck with multiple camps, including rival parties and members of a junta-appointed Senate with a record of favouring conservative parties led by generals. [1/2] Move Forward Party leader and prime ministerial candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat, looks up at the crowd during the general election in Bangkok, Thailand, May 14, 2023. Pita said on Sunday he was ready to partner with Pheu Thai but Paetongtarn Shinawatra, one of her party's prime ministerial candidates, said it was too soon to discuss.

☆ Factbox: Preliminary results of Thailand's election
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/4] Move Forward Party leader and prime ministerial candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat, meets with the media members on the day of the general election in Bangkok, Thailand, May 14, 2023. REUTERS/Jorge SilvaBANGKOK, May 14 (Reuters) - Thailand's opposition parties Move Forward and Pheu Thai won the most seats in Sunday's election, paving the way for a challenge to the military-backed government, which has been in power for nearly a decade. Parliamentary seats are distributed based on 400 open constituency seats and 100 'party-list' seats - or seats won by parties based on their share of national votes. Below are preliminary results of Sunday's ballot, according to the Election Commission of Thailand, with 97% of the vote counted. The tabulation of party-list seats is based on a Reuters tally of voting data made available by the election commission.

This time, Pheu Thai is polling strongly along with the progressive, youth-oriented, Move Forward party. 'LOOKING FOR A DEAL'But bringing her father home may ultimately be the deciding factor for Pheu Thai, and that would force it into a deal with the establishment. "Post election, Pheu Thai will be biding its time and looking for a deal. That's why I think the likelihood of Pheu Thai going with Move Forward is very slim." He said he could envision a deal that allowed Thaksin to return in exchange for minimal jail time and a promise not to run for office.

☆ Thai election agency criticised after snags in early voting
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BANGKOK, May 8 (Reuters) - Thailand's election commission came under scrutiny on Monday after what a monitoring group said were widespread complaints in early voting, fuelling concern on social media about the competence of a body appointed under military rule. The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) said it had received 92 complaints and investigations were going on. "They don't understand the system so they only do what they understand," Yingcheep said, adding many complaints were over the same issues. The hashtag "why do we have an election commission?" The commission at the time denied wrongdoing and said it needed time to allow recounts, disqualifications and by-elections.

☆ China's Hozon to produce EVs in Thailand for Southeast Asian market
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BANGKOK, May 6 (Reuters) - China's Hozon New Energy Automobile will make electric vehicles in Thailand for the Southeast Asian market, a Thai official said on Saturday, as it follows others in building facilities in the region's major auto production hub. Hozon signed an agreement with Thailand's Bangchan General Assembly this week to start production of its NETA V model, expected in 2024, Thai government spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana said in a statement. The EV maker launched its NETA V model in the Thai market last year and planned to start offering its NETA U and NETA S models in the near future, Tipanan said. (TSLA.O)Last month, a Thai official said China's Changan Auto (000625.SZ) would invest $285 million in a facility in Thailand. It has set a target that 30% of domestic auto production be EVs by 2030.

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