Latest news with #Natthaphong
Bangkok Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Pheu Thai blasted for rejecting amnesty bills
The opposition has lashed out at Pheu Thai for refusing to support proposed amnesty efforts related to the lese majeste law, dismissing as unconvincing the ruling party's justification that it must appease coalition partners due to the government's slim majority. The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed three amnesty bills but rejected two versions submitted by civil society groups and the former Move Forward Party (MFP), which is now the main opposition People's Party (PP), during their first readings. The three bills, also known as the "Promote Peaceful Society Bill", were proposed by different parties. The two that did not pass were the MFP's "Amnesty for Political Offences Bill" and the "People's Amnesty Bill", which was backed by 36,723 signatories. Pheu Thai subsequently claimed it had not abandoned young people facing prosecution under Section 112 of the Criminal Code (the lese majeste law), and that it is seeking a solution, but it cannot yet reveal the details. These arguments are both vague and unsatisfactory, opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, also head of the PP, said yesterday. "There are channels available to offer clarity and reassurance to those impacted," he said. "I don't understand why those avenues are not being used." Mr Natthaphong also pointed out that there are various procedural approaches available in the House when it comes to voting, even if a party's stance cannot compel coalition partners to support a particular bill. He said that if Pheu Thai were genuinely committed to representing the voices of those facing political prosecution, the party could have taken a stronger, more assertive stance. He suggested Pheu Thai could have used internal coalition negotiations to propose that the issue not be subject to a binding cabinet or coalition resolution, which would have allowed its MPs the option to abstain from voting against the MFP's bill and the other bill backed by civil society groups. This way the two bills could have passed the first reading and proceed to more comprehensive deliberation, he added. Mr Natthaphong insisted that political will and clear communication are more important than hiding behind procedural constraints. "Amnesty should be broad-based, inclusive, and free from discrimination," he said, adding: "Only then can it lay the foundation for genuine peace and national reconciliation." Rangsiman Rome, a PP list-MP, meanwhile, described the rejection of both bills as a troubling sign of selective treatment and accused the government of lacking the political courage needed to seriously address deep-rooted political conflicts. "Pheu Thai does not have even a fraction of the courage needed to seize this opportunity to address the crisis boldly," Mr Rangsiman said.
Bangkok Post
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Opposition to discuss strategy
Opposition party leaders are scheduled to meet on Thursday to decide whether to table a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, while opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has called for caution, urging MPs to wait for the right moment. "Let me reaffirm that we are not opposed to, nor do we disagree with, the idea of tabling a no-confidence motion," said Mr Natthaphong, who also leads the main opposition People's Party (PP). "However, the timing and manner in which it is submitted must be carefully considered. Given the current political climate, it's essential that all opposition parties are in agreement before taking any action," he said. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha said that if the Constitutional Court agrees on Tuesday to hear the petition submitted by a group of senators seeking to remove Ms Paetongtarn over her handling of the Thai-Cambodian border dispute, and decides to suspend her pending a ruling, then the motion cannot go ahead. "A no-confidence motion can only be submitted once per parliamentary session each year. If we move forward with it now, we would have to wait until July next year to file another," Mr Natthaphong warned. The PP leader expressed concern that certain factions may attempt to exploit the current political uncertainty to push for extra-constitutional measures, including calls for military intervention, a move he said would run counter to democratic principles. While protesters at Victory Monument on Saturday clearly called for Ms Paetongtarn to step down and for coalition parties to pull out of the government, the movement was led by "the usual faces", figures with a history of involvement in street protests that, in the past, have ended in coups, he said. Responding to recent opinion polls showing a rise in his popularity at he expense of Ms Paetongtarn, Mr Natthaphong said he was grateful for the public support, though he acknowledged that such figures could fluctuate ahead of the next general election. On speculation that Ms Paetongtarn could be replaced by an unelected outsider under Section 5 of the constitution, Mr Natthaphong said this was not a scenario the PP supported, but admitted it remained a concern. For now, he said he hoped opposition parties could reach a consensus on the appropriate timing for a no-confidence motion, taking into account the evolving political situation. Bhumjaithai Party spokesperson Nan Boontida Somchai said the PP had, in principle, agreed to Bhumjaithai's proposal to push for a no-confidence motion after parliament reconvenes on Thursday.
Bangkok Post
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
PM Paetongtarn's popularity plummets in Thai opinion poll
A quarterly opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration has found most respondents considered the opposition leader the most suitable choice for the position of prime minister and his party as their favourite. Nida conducted the survey on 2,000 people sampled nationwide from June 19 to 25 and it found that opposition leader and People's Party chief Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut emerged as the most favoured candidate for the position of prime minister. Respondents' support for him and his party was much greater than that for the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its leader, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Of the respondents, 31.48% of respondents wanted Mr Natthaphong to be the prime minister today because he is of the young generation, has courage to express opinions and political stances and presents clear and modern ideas. The second biggest group of respondents, 19.88%, said they did not see a suitable prime ministerial candidate. The third largest group of respondents, 12.72%, considered Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha as the most suitable choice for the premiership. Gen Prayut is a privy councillor and former prime minister and former defence minister. He was a prime ministerial candidate of the United Thai Nation Party (UTN). The poll found Gen Prayut was favoured for his honesty, straightforwardness and ability to restore national order. He did not appear as a choice for the prime ministerial position in the previous quarterly poll by Nida. The fourth most popular choice was Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul who was supported by 9.64% of respondents, followed by incumbent Prime Minister and ruling Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra favoured by 9.20% of respondents. Ms Paetongtarn had been the most favoured choice as the prime minister in the previous quarterly Nida Poll in March when she received support from 30.9% of respondents while Mr Natthaphong had support from 22.90% of respondents. Ms Paetongtarn has been heavily criticised after the leaked audio clip of her phone conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen earlier this month. When respondents were asked about their favourite political party, the biggest group, 46.08%, chose the opposition-core People's Party, followed by 13.24% for UTN, 11.52% for Pheu Thai and 9.76% for Bhumjaithai. Meanwhile, 7.72% of respondents did not have a favoured party.
Bangkok Post
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Poll found opposition-core party and its leader most favoured for national administration
A quarterly opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration has found most respondents considered the opposition leader as the most favoured choice for the position of prime minister and his party as the most favourite party. Nida conducted the survey on 2,000 people sampled nationwide from June 19 to 25 and it found that opposition leader and People's Party chief Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut emerges as the most favoured candidate for the position of prime minister. Respondents' support for him and his party is much bigger than that for the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its leader, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Of the respondents, 31.48% of respondents wanted Mr Natthaphong to be the prime minister today because he is of the young generation, has courage to express opinions and political stances and presents clear and modern ideas. The second biggest group of respondents, 19.88%, said they did not see a suitable prime ministerial candidate. The third largest group of respondents, 12.72%, considered Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha as the most suitable choice for premiership. Gen Prayut is a privy councillor and former prime minister and former defence minister. He was a prime ministerial candidate of the United Thai Nation Party (UTN). The poll found Gen Prayut was favoured for his honesty, straightforwardness and ability to restore national order. He was not among any favoured choice for the prime ministerial position in the previous quarterly poll by Nida. The fourth most favoured choice was Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul who was supported by 9.64% of respondents, followed by incumbent Prime Minister and ruling Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra favoured by 9.20% of respondents. Ms Paetongtarn had been the most favoured choice as the prime minister in the previous quarterly Nida Poll in March when she received support from 30.9% of respondents while Mr Natthaphong had support from 22.90% of respondents. Ms Paetongtarn has been heavily criticised after the leaked audio clip of her phone conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen earlier this month. When respondents were asked about their favourite political party, the biggest group, 46.08%, chooses the opposition-core People's Party, followed by 13.24% for UTN, 11.52% for Pheu Thai and 9.76% for Bhumjaithai. Meanwhile, 7.72% of respondents who do not see a favourited party.
The Star
20-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
People's Party rules out forming government with Anutin as PM
BANGKOK: People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut (pic) stated on Friday (June 20) that there is no possibility of the People's Party and Bhumjaithai Party forming a government with Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul as Prime Minister. Natthaphong made these comments following the political turmoil sparked by the leaked phone call between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. He noted that Paetongtarn has lost public confidence, and resignation is not a viable option under the current circumstances. He stated that the only solution is to dissolve the parliament, adding that with the remaining prime ministerial candidates, he believes none can provide a way forward for the country. He suggested that coalition parties would negotiate with Pheu Thai to secure as many ministerial positions as possible, rather than focusing on the country's issues. Despite this, he acknowledged that the current Pheu Thai government remains united but would operate with a fragile majority, undermining investor confidence. Natthaphong commented that the opposition might hold a no-confidence debate against the government, and the opposition is ready to fully perform its role as a check on power, pressuring the prime minister to dissolve parliament and return power to the people. Asked whether the People's Party would form a government with Bhumjaithai Party and nominate Anutin as Prime Minister, he firmly replied, 'Not at all. Our prime ministerial candidate list has been clear from the start—we cannot support anyone for the role at this time to resolve the situation.' On the issue of unity, Natthaphong expressed that it should always be present, but he opposed using the current internal political conflict and the national situation to fuel populist, nationalist sentiments that could call for extra-constitutional actions. He stated that the prime minister's visit to Ubon Ratchathani to work with the 2nd Army Region Chief was appropriate and emphasised the importance of maintaining civilian government leadership over the military. He expressed hope that the prime minister would perform her duties well to restore public confidence. When asked if ongoing protests might lead to actions outside the law, he stated that while people want a change of leadership, there are various ways to achieve it. 'The method we disagree with most is the call for extra-constitutional power leading to a coup,' he said. 'If the people truly want a way out, I believe the most appropriate solution is a new election, allowing the people's voice to decide the country's future.' When asked about claims from the government side regarding a "snake in the grass" within the People's Party, Natthaphong clarified that he had previously invited anyone with such claims to reveal names for fairness, so that the concerned parties could respond. He personally expressed confidence in all his fellow party members and reaffirmed that there is no truth to the allegations. He further stated that the formation of a government depends on the equation at hand, noting that at present, either the People's Party, Pheu Thai, and Bhumjaithai Party must unite to secure a majority and move forward. Natthaphong emphasised that the People's Party's stance remains clear: it will not join the government. - The Nation/ANN
