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New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Thailand's ruling political dynasty faces day of legal peril
BANGKOK: Thailand's ruling political dynasty faces fresh legal peril Tuesday, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra risking suspension from office by the Constitutional Court, and her ex-premier father's separate royal defamation trial due to start. The kingdom's politics have been dominated for years by a battle between the conservative, pro-military, pro-royalist elite and the Shinawatra clan, who they consider a threat to Thailand's traditional social order. Thaksin Shinawatra, the 75-year-old family patriarch and billionaire twice-elected leader in the early 2000s, is scheduled to appear in criminal court accused of breaching strict lese majeste legislation used to shield Thailand's king from criticism or abuse. The allegations stem from a 2015 interview he gave to South Korean media and could result in up to 15 years' imprisonment after a trial set to last for weeks, with a verdict not expected for at least a month after that. Meanwhile, Thailand's Constitutional Court is due to meet for the first time since a group of conservative senators lodged a case against Paetongtarn, accusing her of breaching ministerial ethics during a diplomatic spat with Cambodia. If the court decides to hear the case, they could suspend her as they enter months-long deliberations, plunging Thailand into chaos as it grapples with a spluttering economy and the threat of US tariffs. "I will let the process take its course," a downcast Paetongtarn told reporters in Bangkok on Monday. "If you are asking whether I am worried, I am." The 38-year-old Paetongtarn took office less than a year ago but has been badly weakened by a scandal over her conduct in the row with neighbouring Cambodia. A long-standing territorial dispute boiled over into cross-border clashes in May, killing one Cambodian soldier. But when Paetongtarn called Cambodian ex-leader Hun Sen to discuss the tensions, she called him "uncle" and referred to a Thai military commander as her "opponent", according to a leaked recording which caused widespread backlash. Conservative lawmakers accused her of kowtowing to Cambodia and undermining the military, and allege she breached constitutional provisions requiring "evident integrity" and "ethical standards" among ministers. Paetongtarn's Pheu Thai party has already been abandoned by a key conservative coalition partner, leaving her with a razor-thin parliamentary majority dependent on other parties. Around 10,000 people mustered in central Bangkok over the weekend to protest her administration. Her approval rating has plunged to just nine per cent, down from around 30 per cent three months ago, according to a survey released Sunday by Bangkok university the National Institute of Development Administration. Paetongtarn's case and her father's trial are the latest round in a bitter, decades-long tussle between Thailand's powerful conservative forces and parties linked to Thaksin. Thaksin was ousted in a coup in 2006, while his sister Yingluck Shinawatra suffered the same fate in 2014, and other prime ministers from their political movement have been sacked by court rulings. After 15 years abroad, Thaksin returned to Thailand in August 2023. He was immediately ordered to serve an eight-year jail term for historic graft and abuse of power charges, but was taken to hospital on health grounds and later pardoned by the king.
Bangkok Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Long struggle ahead for LGBTQ+ rights
Thailand enacted the Marriage Equality Bill on Jan 23 this year, making it the third country in Asia after Taiwan and Nepal to recognise same-sex marriage. But the work to recognise LGBTQ+ rights does not stop here, say lawmakers and observers. Three bills are in the pipeline awaiting a parliamentary reading, namely the Gender Recognition Bill, the Bill on Decriminalisation of Sex Work, and the Anti-Discrimination Bill, aimed at ensuring LGBTQ+ rights and the rights of other marginalised groups under the law. PROGRESS AND REGRESS Assist Prof Jaray Singkhowinta, dean of the Graduate School of Social Development and Management Strategy, National Institute of Development Administration (Nida), said the issue of LGBTQ+ rights has made progress, only to slip back again. Greece, for example, legalised same-sex marriage in February 2024, nearly a year ahead of Thailand. Countries like Singapore, Mauritius, Dominica, and Namibia have decriminalised same-sex sexual acts, while Germany and Ecuador have passed self-identification laws for gender recognition. However, there are setbacks elsewhere. Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation was passed in Ghana, Mali, Georgia and Bulgaria. Project 2025, initiated by the right-wing Washington DC-based think tank, the Heritage Foundation, attempts to virtually erase LGBTQ+ people from federal protections altogether, indicating potential federal-level rollbacks, said Asst Prof Jaray. In the United Kingdom, Supreme Court decisions on the definition of "woman" have created legal complexities around transgender inclusion in women-only spaces and services, reflecting broader social debates about balancing transgender rights with sex-based protections. He said the implications are profound: one-third of the world continues to criminalise consensual same-sex sexual acts, indicating persistent global divisions. "This polarisation suggests that while some regions advance toward equality, others are actively moving backwards, resulting in vastly different rights depending on location and politics, highlighting the need for stronger international cooperation," he added. WHAT COMPANIES CAN DO Thailand's LGBTQ+ friendly reputation enhances its position as a tourism destination and attracts international investment from diversity-focused companies, he said. There is a conservative opposition, he said, as LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand are termed as "woke" rather than a universal human right. By framing LGBTQ+ progress as Western cultural imperialism, a nationalist sentiment could be provoked -- an obstacle to future passing of related legislation. Additionally, Thailand lacks comprehensive transgender rights legislation and anti-discrimination protection in employment and public services, he said. Aitarnik Chitwiset, co-founder of Thai Intersex Rights, said bias persists in the business world, rooted in ignorance and an unwillingness to acknowledge new realities that Thailand's rainbow economy, referring to economic contributions from the LGBTQ+ community, is growing steadily. "If Thailand succeeds in passing comprehensive gender equality legislation and enhancing safety and inclusion in urban spaces, the country has the potential to become a global hub for tourism and industries linked to the rainbow economy," she added. Ms Aitarnik said the government could introduce tax incentives to companies that come up with initiatives that support LGBTQ+ rights. Asst Prof Jaray from Nida said the private sector should contribute through inclusive workplace policies, responsible investment standards, and funding LGBTQ+ focused organisations and activities. Companies can also create market incentives by prioritising businesses with LGBTQ+ friendly suppliers and destinations, he said. Thailand could pursue an active role to protect LGBTQ+ rights internationally, such as through diplomatic means to enhance rights and campaigns or provide a safe haven for persecuted individuals, he said. Natthineethiti Phinyapincha, the founder of TransTalents Consulting Group and the co-chair of InterPride Global Trans Task Force, said Thailand requires structural reform to ensure inclusive protection.
France 24
5 days ago
- Politics
- France 24
Thailand's ruling political dynasty faces day of legal peril
The kingdom's politics have been dominated for years by a battle between the conservative, pro-military, pro-royalist elite and the Shinawatra clan, who they consider a threat to Thailand's traditional social order. Thaksin Shinawatra, the 75-year-old family patriarch and billionaire twice elected leader in the early 2000s, is scheduled to appear in criminal court accused of breaching strict lese majeste legislation used to shield Thailand's king from criticism or abuse. The allegations stem from a 2015 interview he gave to South Korean media and could result in up to 15 years of imprisonment after a trial set to last for weeks, with a verdict not expected for at least a month after that. Meanwhile, Thailand's Constitutional Court is due to meet for the first time since a group of conservative senators lodged a case against Paetongtarn, accusing her of breaching ministerial ethics during a diplomatic spat with Cambodia. If the court decides to hear the case they could suspend her as they enter months-long deliberations, plunging Thailand into chaos as it grapples with a spluttering economy and the threat of US tariffs. "I will let the process take its course," a downcast Paetongtarn told reporters in Bangkok on Monday. "If you are asking whether I am worried, I am." The 38-year-old Paetongtarn took office less than a year ago but has been badly weakened by a scandal over her conduct in the row with neighbouring Cambodia. Phone call scandal A long-standing territorial dispute boiled over into cross-border clashes in May, killing one Cambodian soldier. But when Paetongtarn called Cambodian ex-leader Hun Sen to discuss the tensions, she called him "uncle" and referred to a Thai military commander as her "opponent", according to a leaked recording which caused widespread backlash. Conservative lawmakers accused her of kowtowing to Cambodia and undermining the military, and allege she breached constitutional provisions requiring "evident integrity" and "ethical standards" among ministers. Paetongtarn's Pheu Thai party has already been abandoned by a key conservative coalition partner, leaving her with a razor-thin parliamentary majority dependent on other parties. Around 10,000 people mustered in central Bangkok over the weekend to protest her administration. Her approval rating has plunged to just nine percent, down from around 30 percent three months ago, according to a survey released Sunday by Bangkok university the National Institute of Development Administration. Paetongtarn's case and her father's trial are the latest round in a bitter, decades-long tussle between Thailand's powerful conservative forces, and parties linked to Thaksin. Thaksin was ousted in a coup in 2006, while his sister Yingluck Shinawatra suffered the same fate in 2014 and other prime ministers from their political movement have been sacked by court rulings. After 15 years abroad, Thaksin returned to Thailand in August 2023. He was immediately ordered to serve an eight-year jail term for historic graft and abuse of power charges, but was taken to hospital on health grounds and later pardoned by the king. © 2025 AFP
Int'l Business Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Thailand's Ruling Political Dynasty Faces Day Of Legal Peril
Thailand's ruling political dynasty faces fresh legal peril Tuesday with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra risking suspension from office by the Constitutional Court, and her ex-premier father's separate royal defamation trial due to start. The kingdom's politics have been dominated for years by a battle between the conservative, pro-military, pro-royalist elite and the Shinawatra clan, who they consider a threat to Thailand's traditional social order. Thaksin Shinawatra, the 75-year-old family patriarch and billionaire twice elected leader in the early 2000s, is scheduled to appear in criminal court accused of breaching strict lese majeste legislation used to shield Thailand's king from criticism or abuse. The allegations stem from a 2015 interview he gave to South Korean media and could result in up to 15 years of imprisonment after a trial set to last for weeks, with a verdict not expected for at least a month after that. Meanwhile, Thailand's Constitutional Court is due to meet for the first time since a group of conservative senators lodged a case against Paetongtarn, accusing her of breaching ministerial ethics during a diplomatic spat with Cambodia. If the court decides to hear the case they could suspend her as they enter months-long deliberations, plunging Thailand into chaos as it grapples with a spluttering economy and the threat of US tariffs. "I will let the process take its course," a downcast Paetongtarn told reporters in Bangkok on Monday. "If you are asking whether I am worried, I am." The 38-year-old Paetongtarn took office less than a year ago but has been badly weakened by a scandal over her conduct in the row with neighbouring Cambodia. A long-standing territorial dispute boiled over into cross-border clashes in May, killing one Cambodian soldier. But when Paetongtarn called Cambodian ex-leader Hun Sen to discuss the tensions, she called him "uncle" and referred to a Thai military commander as her "opponent", according to a leaked recording which caused widespread backlash. Conservative lawmakers accused her of kowtowing to Cambodia and undermining the military, and allege she breached constitutional provisions requiring "evident integrity" and "ethical standards" among ministers. Paetongtarn's Pheu Thai party has already been abandoned by a key conservative coalition partner, leaving her with a razor-thin parliamentary majority dependent on other parties. Around 10,000 people mustered in central Bangkok over the weekend to protest her administration. Her approval rating has plunged to just nine percent, down from around 30 percent three months ago, according to a survey released Sunday by Bangkok university the National Institute of Development Administration. Paetongtarn's case and her father's trial are the latest round in a bitter, decades-long tussle between Thailand's powerful conservative forces, and parties linked to Thaksin. Thaksin was ousted in a coup in 2006, while his sister Yingluck Shinawatra suffered the same fate in 2014 and other prime ministers from their political movement have been sacked by court rulings. After 15 years abroad, Thaksin returned to Thailand in August 2023. He was immediately ordered to serve an eight-year jail term for historic graft and abuse of power charges, but was taken to hospital on health grounds and later pardoned by the king. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra risks suspension from office by the Constitutional Court AFP
The Star
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Stalled cash handout scheme sours voters on ruling party
Rungthiwa Pimphanit waited months for a long-promised cash handout of 10,000 baht (RM1,290) from Thailand's ruling party, which she backed in 2023 elections, but now the scheme to stimulate a stalling economy has been put on ice. 'There's no way I will vote for them again,' said the 34-year-old government employee from the northeastern province of Nong Bua Lam Phu, who had counted on the money to pay for her son's school supplies. Rungthiwa's hopes withered last month after news that the scheme, a key election plank of the ruling Pheu Thai party, would be delayed, fuelling doubt about any recovery in South-East Asia's second largest economy after years of tepid growth. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra blamed steep tariffs proposed by the United States, but the delay to her government's flagship programme, on which it has already spent 174 billion baht, poses a major political risk, say analysts. 'No one will believe anything they say,' said Thanaporn Sriyakul, director of the independent Political and Policy Analysis Institute. 'The government must keep its promises to the people. If they can't do what they said, it's over.' The government still has time left in its term, said spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub, reiterating that the scheme had only been postponed. The next polls are two years away. 'By that time, if the economy is good, there may even be something more than this programme,' he said. The handout scheme is popular across Thailand, with its continuation backed by about 60% of 1,310 respondents in a May survey by the National Institute of Development Administration, while about 46% said they would be angered if it was scrapped. 'I'm upset,' said 52-year-old Sathanee Siriphonchaikul in Bangkok, who had planned to use the funds to buy a washing machine. 'I don't think they'll do it again. The economy is bad.' — Reuters
