Latest news with #NatthaphongRuengpanyawut
Bangkok Post
2 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.
The Star
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Opposition parties demand Thai government withdraw casino-legalising bill
BANGKOK: The five opposition parties on Thursday (July 3) demanded that the government immediately withdraw a bill seeking to legalise casinos and stated that they would not hold a censure debate against the administration for now. The demand was made after a meeting of the opposition parties at Parliament on the first day of the new parliamentary session. This was the first opposition meeting attended by the Bhumjaithai Party after it withdrew from the government. Opposition leader and People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut told a press conference after the meeting that the five opposition parties discussed and agreed on four key issues: Casino Bill: The opposition parties would join forces and use all parliamentary mechanisms to pressure the government to withdraw the casino-legalising bill, called the Comprehensive Entertainment Complex Bill. The opposition will demand that the government promise not to resend the bill to the House. Charter Amendments: The opposition parties agreed to push for charter amendments to allow a public referendum and call for a new election after the amendments. Amnesty for Political Prisoners: The opposition parties will form a working panel to draft a bill granting general amnesty for political cases. No Confidence Debate: The five opposition parties agreed that the current situation was still uncertain, so they would wait for the Constitutional Court to rule in a case against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra before deciding whether to submit a censure motion against the government. Paetongtarn has been suspended from duty as prime minister after a group of senators petitioned the court to remove her from office for allegedly betraying the country by siding with Cambodia in border conflicts. The Constitutional Court suspended her pending its ruling. Natthaphong said the working panel of the five opposition parties would later discuss in detail the charter amendments, amnesty bill, and a censure debate. - The Nation/ANN
Straits Times
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Thai PM's popularity plunges from 30.9% to 9.2%: Poll
BANGKOK - Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her ruling Pheu Thai Party have seen a sharp decline in popularity in the second Nida Poll survey for the second quarter of 2025, compared to the first quarter. The National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) announced on June 29 that its survey, conducted between June 19 and 25, found Ms Paetongtarn's approval rating had dropped to just 9.2 per cent, down from 30.9 per cent in the first quarter. Her rating now trails far behind opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, former Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, and even former Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Pheu Thai's popularity also fell steeply to 11.52 per cent from 28.05 per cent, placing it behind both the opposition People's Party and the coalition partner United Thai Nation Party. The survey sampled 2,500 respondents nationwide, all aged 18 or older, or of voting age. Nida Poll said the top five most popular choices for prime minister at present are: Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut: 31.48 per cent (up from 25.8 per cent) No suitable candidate: 19.88 per cent (down from 23.70 per cent) Prayut Chan-o-cha: 12.72 per cent (previously 0 per cent) Anutin Charnvirakul: 9.64 per cent (up from 2.85 per cent) Paetongtarn Shinawatra: 9.20 per cent (down from 30.9 per cent) The top five parties respondents would currently vote for are: People's Party: 46.08 per cent (up from 37.1 per cent) United Thai Nation Party: 13.24 per cent (up from 8.75 per cent) Pheu Thai: 11.52 per cent (down from 28.05 per cent) Bhumjaithai Party: 9.76 per cent (up from 3.35 per cent) No preferred party: 7.72 per cent (down from 13.75 per cent) THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
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
