Srettha an unlikely PM
Until just a few months ago, Mr Srettha was best known as the CEO of Sansiri Plc, one of the country’s biggest property developers. Mr Srettha attended Prasarnmit Demonstration School before leaving Thailand for high school in the United States. However, Mr Srettha was outspoken in his condemnation of the anti-government movement led by Suthep Thaugsuban and the People’s Democratic Reform Committee against the Yingluck government. Mr Srettha transferred his shares in a total of 13 companies to a number of other parties including his daughter. This has led to questions about to what extent Mr Srettha can be his own man, especially with the looming figure of Thaksin now back on the scene.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 22, 2023 16:09 UTC
Parliament elects Srettha prime minister
Mr Srettha needed a simple majority of 375 votes. Of the 482 votes for Mr Srettha, 330 came from MPs and 152 from senators. Srettha Thavisin, prime minister-electPheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew on Tuesday morning nominated Mr Srettha, a property tycoon, as the sole prime ministerial candidate and five hours of debate on Mr Srettha’s qualifications by MPs and senators followed. Both Mr Srettha and Sansiri have publicly addressed the accusations made by whistleblower Chuvit Kamolvisit, with Sansiri saying it followed all legal requirements. So, Mr Srettha is considered as being innocent and honest,” Dr Cholnan said.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 22, 2023 15:13 UTC
Parliament resumes, Srettha nominated for PM
Parliament resumes, Srettha nominated for PMMembers of the parliament attend the joint session to vote on a prime minister on Tuesday morning. Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew nominated Mr Srettha to the parliament at 10.57am. Then Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha asked the session if there were any other candidates for prime minister. Mr Wan declared Mr Srettha the sole candidate. Mr Srettha is the former chief executive of property developer Sansiri Plc.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 22, 2023 11:22 UTC
Credit card rule change set to hit clients
Credit card rule change set to hit clientsMr Sarut says the credit card rate is scheduled to rise to 8% in 2024 before returning to the normal 10% in 2025. CardX, a credit card service provider under SCB X Group, expects that some customers may fail to comply with the Bank of Thailand’s regulation on minimum credit card payments scheduled for next year. The company has 2 million credit cardholders in total, of which 160,000 accounts, or 8%, repay debt at the minimum rate of 5%. “Some clients are unable to pay at the normal rate, so the company would help support them on debt restructuring. He said the central bank has set a specific timeline for the increase in its minimum payment rate for credit cards.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 22, 2023 01:32 UTC
Stocks bounce despite China rate cut failing to ease worries
Stocks bounce despite China rate cut failing to ease worriesFed boss Jerome Powell's speech at Jackson Hole will be closely followed by investors. LONDON: European and US stocks rebounded on Monday but Asian markets ended mixed after a Chinese rate cut failed to reassure investors worried about the outlook for the world's number two economy. In afternoon trading, Paris stocks climbed 0.7%, Frankfurt rose 0.4% and London added less than one tenth of a%. "From recent commentaries, it appears that central bankers will keep the flexibility to hike rates further, while clearly avoiding committing to cut rates soon," said Redmond Wong at Saxo. The decision to lower the one-year loan prime rate (LPR), which serves as a benchmark for corporate loans, comes after a reduction in June and leaves it at a historic low.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 21, 2023 19:09 UTC
Pheu Thai announces 11-party coalition
Pheu Thai Party leader Cholnan Srikaew, seated third from right, reads out the joint statement issued by his 11-party coalition, at the parliament on Monday afternoon. Pheu Thai, which came second in the May 14 general election with 141 elected MPs, is the biggest component of the 11-party alliance. Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew told a press conference at the parliament about 1.30pm that Pheu Thai would have eight ministers and nine deputy ministers, including the PM's Office ministry. They include the digital wallet policy, 600-baht minimum daily wage and higher farm prices, the Pheu Thai leader said. The Pheu Thai leader said he acknowledged the heavy criticism of Pheu Thai for teaming up with parties in the caretaker government.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 21, 2023 13:27 UTC
Srettha urged to show up
Srettha ThavisinSenators now expect Pheu Thai Party's prime ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin to respond in parliament to questions about his ethical standards following various accusations made against him. He was responding to rumours that the party was considering swapping Mr Srettha with either Paetongtarn Shinawatra or Chaikasem Nitisiri, after accusations by whistleblower Chuvit Kamolvisit against Mr Srettha raised questions over his business dealings. He was referring to alleged tax evasion carried out by Sansiri Plc, the property development company for which Mr Srettha had served as CEO prior to throwing his hat in the political ring. "The chances [of Mr Srettha winning the support of the senators] stand at fifty-fifty. Meanwhile, Ms Paetongtarn said Pheu Thai still hopes to see Mr Srettha win the forthcoming vote.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2023 23:34 UTC
Red-shirt throng to greet Thaksin at Don Mueang airport
Red-shirt throng to greet Thaksin at Don Mueang airportSaensuk Termsrisuk, 62, alias Jae Oy, a red-shirt member in Nakhon Ratchasima, shows her photo with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra when he came to her shop 20 years ago. They immediately contacted other members and planned to travel to Don Mueang airport in Bangkok. Early on Tuesday morning, they would proceed to Don Mueang airport and plan to arrive there before 9am, Mr Wattanachai said. Wattanachai Suebsiribut, alias Jiew, chairman of the Red-shirt Group of Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) said at least 300 red-shirt members intended to greet Thaksin Shinawatra on Tuesday. Ms Mayuree said several other groups of red-shirts from other provinces would also gather at Don Mueang airport on Tuesday morning.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2023 22:47 UTC
Russia's Luna-25 probe crashes on Moon: space agency
Russia's Luna-25 probe crashes on Moon: space agencyA Roscosmos photo showing Luna-25 on its flight to the Moon on Aug 16. MOSCOW: The Luna-25 probe, Russia's first Moon mission in almost 50 years, has crashed on the Moon after an incident during pre-landing manoeuvres, Russian space agency Roscosmos said on Sunday. The 800-kilogram Luna-25 probe was to have made a soft landing on Monday on the lunar south pole -- the first in history. - Space race -But on Saturday, Roscosmos said an "emergency" had been detected during a manoeuvre by the probe prior to its Moon landing, preventing the operation from being carried out. India's competing space probe, Chandrayaan-3, entered the Moon's orbit earlier in August and also hopes to land on the south pole.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2023 16:58 UTC
Observers question Thaksin's return
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra reaches out to local supporters in Thailand and members of the Pheu Thai Party via a video conference in 2021. Thaksin's return from self-imposed exile is scheduled for Tuesday, the same day parliament will meet to select the country's 30th prime minister. "Pheu Thai couldn't dominate the elections, so his return may not make much difference." "Thaksin's return is rather good than bad [for Pheu Thai's coalition] because partners want to directly talk to the showrunner," he said. Acting justice minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said the ministry has yet to be officially informed of Thaksin's return plan, but preparations have been made.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2023 12:30 UTC
Russia 'thwarts' Ukraine drone attack on Moscow region
Russia 'thwarts' Ukraine drone attack on Moscow regionUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed 'a tangible answer' to Saturday's attack on the northern city of Chernihiv. KYIV, Ukraine: Russia said it thwarted Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow and its region on Sunday, a day after a "heinous" missile strike killed seven people and wounded 148 in Ukraine's Chernihiv. "At around 4:00 am (0100 GMT), an attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack by drone on infrastructure in Moscow and the Moscow region was thwarted," the Russian defence ministry said in a statement. A Ukrainian drone raid also hit a railway station in the western Russian city of Kursk, injuring five people, the regional governor said early Sunday. In the southern region of Rostov that borders Ukraine, Russian air defence intercepted two Ukrainian drones, the governor said.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2023 11:53 UTC
Taiwan details China drills, VP says election not China's to call
Taiwan details China drills, VP says election not China's to callTAIPEI: Taiwan's election next year is a choice between democracy and autocracy, Vice President William Lai said in comments broadcast after China carried out military drills around the island in anger at his visit this month to the United States. "My position is that Taiwan is not a part of the People's Republic of China. China has demanded that Taiwan's government accept that both sides of the Taiwan Strait are part of "one China", but it has refused. Lower-key drillsChina's Saturday drills were much more low-key than two rounds of war games around Taiwan last August and again in April this year. Taiwan's military also released pictures of one of its fighter jets taking off and a pilot checking a missile underneath an aircraft.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2023 07:44 UTC
England, Spain pursue history in Women's World Cup final
England, Spain pursue history in Women's World Cup finalEngland coach Sarina Wiegman on the eve of the final. (Photo: AFP)SYDNEY: History will be made at the Women's World Cup on Sunday when England and Spain clash in the final in Sydney, with both bidding to win the tournament for the first time. It will be the final act of a tournament full of shocks which began one month ago and started with 32 teams, making it the biggest Women's World Cup ever. British media has been full of references to 1966 -- when the country won the men's World Cup for the only time. Whoever wins, it will be a new name on the Women's World Cup.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2023 05:33 UTC
Most disagree with Pheu Thai forming govt with former foes: polll
Most disagree with Pheu Thai forming govt with former foes: polllUnited Thai Nation leader Pirapan Salirathvahibhaga (left) and Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew laugh after talks between the two parties at Pheu Thai headquarters on July 22. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)Most people disagree with the Pheu Thai Party's forming a government that includes its former political foes in the coalition regardless of political polarisation, according to an opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll. The poll was conducted on Aug 15-17 by telephone interviews with 1,310 people aged 18 and over of various levels of education, occupations and incomes throughout the country to compile their opinions on the Pheu Thai Party's forming of a "special government" which includes Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation parties regardless of political polarisation. Of the respondents, 39.62% said they had never voted for the Pheu Thai Party (or the former Thai Rak Thai and Palang Prachachon parties); 33.13% said had previously voted for Pheu Thai, including in the May 14, 2023 election; 26.72% said they had previously voted for Pheu Thai, excluding the May 14, 2023 election; and 0.53% had never exercised their voting right. Asked who from the Pheu Thai Party they thought was suitable to be prime minister, 38.63% favoured Paetongtarn "Ung-ing" Shinawatra; 36.56% Srettha Thavisin; 8.47% Chaikasem Nitisiri; and 16.34% had no answer or were not interested.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2023 03:29 UTC
Pheu Thai to unveil final coalition lineup
Pheu Thai to unveil final coalition lineupDeputy Pheu Thai leader Phumtham Wechayachai, left, shakes hands with Santi Promphat, then Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) secretary-general and now deputy party leader, as PPRP key members, including Capt Thamanat Prompow, now party secretary-general, second from right, arrive at the Pheu Thai headquarters on July 23. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)The Pheu Thai Party is expected to announce the final lineup of parties in its new coalition government on Monday, which according to a source will definitely include the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). Pheu Thai deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai, meanwhile, dismissed media reports about the prospective lineup, saying the details have yet to be settled so the reports are premature. As for the PPRP, Mr Phumtham wouldn't say if Pheu Thai has formally invited the party to join the Pheu Thai-led coalition. However, when asked to confirm whether the PPRP will become a coalition party, Mr Pai simply said the decision lies with Pheu Thai.
Source:Bangkok Post
August 20, 2023 00:40 UTC