VERY LATEST NEWS FROM THAILAND (16 May 2023) in English from Fabulous 103fm Pattaya
Khun Pita has messaged to say that he is “ready” to become the country’s 30th Prime Minister. This as his ‘Move Forward’ party amazed the nation with its overall win in the elections at the weekend, with the final count completed, and the party’s win confirmed, it’s now clear that they have invited their closest rival, Phua Thai, to join in a coalition that, by their manifesto, will never include any party with members associated with the 2014 coup, BUT, the new parliament won’t open until mid summer, as before then there is a lot of state process to be completed including approval by the Senate, Thailand’s unelected chamber, which is allowed to join the vote in parliament for the next administration. The senate may be less than keen on some of the policies promoted during elections and carries a massive 250 man vote in the ballot for leadership. That vote WILL be needed, even by the coalition, if they are to form a government and take control of the state, for which they were elected. They also have to overcome several open appeals of their disqualification as a political party here that have been made TO the parliamentary overseers and which, in the past, HAVE led to winning parties taking office. Right now, as voters are elated with their success and party officials take deep breaths, it will be several months of negotiations and reviews before ANY new government is seated.
WHO is the leader of Thailand’s newly chosen top political party?
WHO is the leader of Thailand’s newly chosen top political party? Well Khun Pita was elected to parliament just 4 years ago for the first time after joining an equally new and vibrant party which, subsequently , went through leadership and name changes to become ‘MOVE forward’. Born to a wealthy Thai family, and educated in New Zealand, Thailand and the US. Mr Pita – once called a “rising star” of the Thai parliament because of the critical speeches he made as an opposition MP – also gained popularity with his party’s bold promises to break the military’s political influence and reform laws relating to the monarchy. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance in Bangkok’s Thammasat University, a master’s in public policy from Harvard University and an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before taking the reins of the family businesses after his father died. Now divorced, he co-parents a 7 year old and was an executive of GRAB. There is some confusion over shareholdings he HAD, in a now defunct TV and media company, and those issues are being dragged up by those who don’t like him. Seems he inherited shares in a media company which ceased trading years ago but has yet to be close down officially as it works to monetize assets.
Will Cannabis laws change in Thailand?
Cannabis dealers and growers are likely to be watching carefully over the next year as both intended parties within the new coalition government oppose the free for all ganga business here that happened, almost by accident when, last june, Health minister Anutin decriminalized it’s use, under a few conditions but without regulation or approval of an intended bill that would regulate the marijuana business. That law is not likely to see approval until, at the earliest, end of this year and in many cases authorities have stepped back from the WILD WEST of businesses involved as regulations are, in any case, currently unclear. BUT IF and when the coalition is approved as leaders and heads of government, it WILL be regulated, according to both party leaders.
36 hour storm warning for Thailand
The MET office has issued a storm warning for much of Thailand this morning and at the same time advises that waves will be high in the gulf. The warning, which covers our own area too, is valid for 36 hours.
Baby elephant rescued from drain as mother watches
Elephants aren’t the easiest of wild animals to deal with but in a Chanthaburi Wildlife Sanctuary, a wily mother watched as it realized that a team, comprising of locals and experts were trying to help. As mum stood aside, they used a JCB to excavate a drain where a wild elephant calf had stumbled and fallen in. After 2.5 hours of working, the team finally created an easy exit for the youngster who, keen to escape, ran to it’s mother before both disappeared safely into the jungle.
Dog guards body of Swedish owner for a week after his passing
In Udon thani, village locals are looking to adopt a pet dog that had been laid by its master for up to 7 days after he passed away. The 65 yr old Swedish man, widowed and living on his own, was discovered after neighbours noticed an odor. Once inside they and medics discovered the man, and alongside him his canine pal. It’s assumed that the death was from natural causes and the time to discovery is explained by the fact that he didn’t mix with neighbours but preferred his own company, save that of his hound.
Drone airshow to light up Pattaya skies this weekend
Something for the weekend for Jomtien residents and visitors as the city partners with a local hotel to host an amazing night time airshow, illuminated by 500 drones. From the 19th to the 21st, the twice nightly shows will be there for all to see and are billed as a well honed show of synchronized aerobatics that will impress all for sure.
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