Prime Minister Election

[Jun]

Some farang are not comfortable with this arrangement (gee, I wonder why?) which is where the option of putting the unit in a fake company name got invented. In the majority of cases the company names are pulled out of a hat and don't exist. End result: The local Land Office gets paid its commission for the sale plus property tax...and the deed gets stamped with a fake company name on page one.

Thank you for the explanation about the 51% rule.
As for the idea of using a fake company name, I really don't like that.
So I buy using a company name "Jomtien Shagpad". As the company doesn't exist, what stops someone else setting up a company with the same name and claiming ownership ?

Prostitution wouldn't survive without it's corrupt network. If they would just legalize prostitution, which they've been bantering around for years, the businesses that employ sex workers wouldn't have to keep dumping their profits into $$tea money$$.
Sorry for getting us a bit off track.

The election process itself is somewhat off track, but if they ever manage to permit a liberal government, hopefully they might just legalize prostitution.

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if they ever manage to permit a liberal government, hopefully they might just legalize prostitution.

I think the incoming government might legalize it anyway. I'm guessing they will want to steer people away from the Move Forward Party agenda and one way to help do that would be to pass legislation that MFP wanted, but they don't consider harmful to their own party or agenda. Legalizing prostitution has been talked about for years.

This would be a good time to do it. Doing that, along with other legislation MFP wants would take the issue right off the table, effectively eroding MFPs influence. Not much need to continue campaigning for what you've already got.

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Protest in Bangkok - July 23
Photo from THE NATION

Pita: Move Forward 'keeps promise with voters, won't quit coalition'

July 23, 2023

The Move Forward Party (MFP) will not quit the eight-party coalition it put together; otherwise, it will be considered to have let people down, its leader Pita Limjaroenrat said on Sunday.

During his trip to Chanthaburi province, reporters asked Mr Pita to comment on whether several other parties in the alliance were apparently trying to convince his party to sacrifice itself and leave the coalition to pave the way for the formation of the next government.

"A sacrifice would mean to dump 14 million votes and disappoint people. Now promises and principles must be kept, rather than telling a party to sacrifice itself," Mr Pita said, referring to the 14 million votes his party received in the May 14 general election.

"If we keep the promises we have made with people, no one will have to make a sacrifice," he said.

Mr Pita acknowledged that the Pheu Thai Party had offered talks with the Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation (UTN) parties.

Reporters asked if the meetings were intended to pressure MFP to leave the eight-party alliance. Mr Pita said that if the two latter parties join the coalition, MFP could not stay.

"As far as I know, the parties were invited only for an exchange of opinions. I will wait for an explanation from the Pheu Thai Party... I confirm that I still have trust and confidence in the Pheu Thai Party," Mr Pita said.

He also acknowledged the meeting of Pheu Thai with Bhumjaithai, Chartpattanakla and UTN which saw MFP as their obstacle to government formation.

Reporters asked if the stance was aimed at pressuring MFP to call off its government formation efforts. Mr Pita said if the eight coalition allies remained united, there would not be any pressure.

Asked how MFP would respond if its seven coalition allies wanted it to back down on its efforts to amend the lese majeste law, Mr Pita said he would then listen to the details of the allies' standpoints on the law.

Mr Pita said his morale was good and would we maintained by his trips to provinces to support the work of MFP MPs.

He also said his legal team was preparing defence in petitions against his eligibility for political office and Move Forward had not made any mistakes in failing to win prime ministerial and House speaker seats.

Following a decades-long tradition of court rulings trumping the ballot box, one legal petition has already resulted in the Constitutional Court suspending Mr Pita's MP role.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... -coalition

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As it stands at the time of this post, Srettha Thavisin is the man most likely to become Thailand's next Prime Minister. Of course, the way things are happening that could change at any moment.

I would guess most people reading this know nothing about him, never heard of him, and will probably have to come back to this post a few times just to remember his name longer than a few minutes.

In Thailand's general election, Pita's Move Forward Party received 14,438,851 votes.
Srettha's party, the Pheu Thai Party came in second with 10,962,522 votes.

Unlike the USA's two party system, Thailand has 18 parties in the general election. The Move Forward Party received nearly 10-million more votes than the United Thai Nation party, which came in third with 4,766,408 votes. The rest of the parties received substantially lower numbers of votes.

Over 14-million votes for Pita and the Move Forward Party and yet fewer than 300 senators successfully blocked him from becoming Prime Minister and obviously disregarded the popular vote.

Here is what we know about Mr. Srettha.
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Photo from The Pattaya News

In-Depth: Who is Srettha Thavisin, Thai Prime Minister Candidate

By Adam Judd

22 July, 2023

With events earlier this week firmly removing charismatic and popular Prime Minister candidate Pita Limjaroenrat from the Move Forward Party from the running as the next Thai PM, we wanted to profile the most likely candidate to be put forward for a vote between the joint Thai Parliament.

That individual is almost certain to be Srettha Thavisin, a successful and well-regarded Thai businessman from the Pheu Thai party. He is also, however, a relative newcomer to politics. Move Forward Party confirmed earlier this week that Pheu Thai would be taking the lead in forming a new Thai government after the bid from Pita failed.

We know many of our readers have heard of the other possible PM candidates like Pita, Anutin, and Prawit for some time but Srettha is unfamiliar to many of our readers at TPN Media so here is a profile on him and a bit about his views.

Srettha Thavisin is a Thai politician and real estate developer who is one of the prime ministerial candidates of the Pheu Thai Party in the 2023 Thai general election. He was born on the 15th of February, 1963 in Bangkok, Thailand, and has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Chulalongkorn University and a Masters of Business Administration from Claremont Graduate University, United States.

Srettha co-founded Sansiri in 1988, which became one of the largest real estate developers in Thailand, and served as its chief executive and president until he resigned in April of 2023 to pursue his political career. He is a known confidant of both Thaksin Shinawatra and Yingluck Shinawatra, former and now exiled prime ministers of Thailand, and is seen as a pro-democracy and pro-reform candidate. He is married to Pakpilai Thavisin, a specialist in anti-aging medicine, with whom he has three children. He is also a collector of classic travel trunks, such as those made by Louis Vuitton.

Under Thavisin’s leadership, Sansiri expanded domestically and internationally, establishing itself as a renowned name in the real estate market. Thavisin went on to also establish MQDC (Magnolia Quality Development Corporation), a subsidiary of the Sansiri Group. MQDC is dedicated to developing sustainable properties that focus on the well-being and happiness of residents while ensuring minimal impact on the environment.

Thavisin’s influence is not limited to business ventures; he also actively contributed to the betterment of society. As a philanthropist, he established the Sansiri Foundation, which supports educational initiatives and the well-being of underprivileged children and communities. Through his foundation, Thavisin strived to make a positive impact on society, emphasizing the importance of education, health, and social responsibility.

Some of the political views of Srettha Thavisin are:

* He wants to settle the political issues that have divided Thailand for decades, such as the role of the monarchy, the military, and the Shinawatra family. He believes that dialogue and compromise are needed to achieve national reconciliation and stability. He currently, however, is against amending the Lese Majeste law although his views on this appear to have changed. With Pita’s rejection as PM despite winning the popular vote of the people being primarily due to his support of amending the Lese Majeste laws this is a major issue.

* He overall supports the pro-democracy and pro-reform movement that have been protesting against the military-backed government and demanding constitutional changes. However, he is more moderate than Pita and does not support the most extreme protesters that have called for monarchy reform, with his focus being on the economy and economic reform to build better equality.

*He advocates for a more decentralized and participatory system of governance, where local communities have more autonomy and power to manage their own affairs. He also wants to promote social welfare and environmental protection.

*He is a confidant of both Thaksin Shinawatra and Yingluck Shinawatra, former prime ministers of Thailand who were ousted by coups and live in exile. He shares their vision of a more inclusive and progressive Thailand that respects human rights and democracy.

Srettha’s political journey began when he joined the Pheu Thai Party in October 2022. Srettha was also appointed as the party’s deputy leader and economic chief.

In April 2023, Srettha announced his resignation from Sansiri, amid speculation that he would be officially named as one of the prime ministerial candidates of the Pheu Thai Party. He said that he wanted to dedicate his full time and energy to serving the country and the people. He also said that he had no conflict of interest with his former business, and that he would not use his wealth or influence to gain an unfair advantage in politics.

Srettha eventually became one of the three prime ministerial candidates of the Pheu Thai Party, alongside Thaksin’s youngest daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and former Attorney General Chaikasem Nitisiri. He ran under the slogan “Srettha for Thailand”, promising to bring economic recovery, social justice, and national reconciliation to the country. He also pledged to respect the constitution and the monarchy, and to work with all parties for the common good.

Srettha Thavisin is a man who has achieved success in both business and politics, and who has a vision of a more inclusive and progressive Thailand that respects human rights and democracy. He is also a man who faces many challenges and uncertainties, as he tries to navigate the complex and polarized political landscape of Thailand. He is a man who could be Thailand’s next prime minister, or who could be denied the opportunity by the military-backed Senate establishment. He is a man who has a lot at stake, and who has a lot to offer to his country.

https://thepattayanews.com/2023/07/22/i ... candidate/

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MFP still hopes it can renominate Pita for PM

July 24, 2023

Election victors Move Forward still hope they can renominate party leader Pita Limjaroenrat for prime minister and that senators will give him enough support.

Secretary-general Chaithawat Tulanon said on Monday that the party has petitioned the ombudsman to ask the Constitutional Court if Mr Pita can be renominated to parliament for the position of prime minister at the head of a coalition government.

He hoped the renomination would be allowed and there would be enough support from the military appointed senators.

Mr Pita was nominated as the sole prime ministerial candidate at the joint sitting of the 500-stong House of Representatives and the 249 current senators on July 13, but he failed to win a majority vote. His eight-party alliance mustered only 324 votes, well short of the needed 375.

The parliament then voted on July 19 to reject his renomination. Opponents argued that a failed motion could not be resubmitted during the same session of parliament, and that this also applied to Mr Pita's nomination for prime minister.

After the rejection the Move Forward Party (MFP), which won 151 House seats, agreed to allow the Pheu Thai Party, its largest ally with 141 MPs, to take the lead and nominate a candidate for prime minister. This is expected at a joint sitting on Thursday.

MFP secretary-general Chaithawat said on Monday that he now believed about 56 senators were ready to support MFP's bid to lead the next government.

He acknowledged that several parties outside the eight-member coalition seemed willing to support Pheu Thai if it excludes MFP from the government. However, Mr Chaithawat said, if the eight-parties remain united there could be a way out.

Leaders of the eight parties were scheduled to meet on Tuesday, he said.

"If Pheu Thai and Move Forward go head and a prime minister is still not elected, society will have many questions for the senators and the other political parties," Mr Chaithawat said.

He rejected the possibility that parties with only a minority vote in the House could form the next government.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... ita-for-pm

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If the Constitutional Court rules in Pita's favor, he will have another chance to become Prime Minister after all. Personally, I hope the Thai people will get the man they voted for.
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Rejection of Pita’s renomination as PM ‘unconstitutional’ : Ombudsman

July 24, 2023

Ombudsman ruled today (Monday) that parliament’s rejection of Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s renomination as a prime ministerial candidate was unconstitutional and agreed to forward the case to the Constitutional Court.

The ombudsman also agreed to ask the court to order parliament to suspend the prime ministerial selection process until it rules on Pita’s renomination, to prevent irreparable damage which may result if the selection process is allowed to proceed.

The ombudsman held an urgent meeting today to consider a petition, submitted by two academics, challenging parliament’s decision on July 19th, rejecting the Move Forward party leader’s renomination as a prime ministerial candidate, and demanding that the case be forwarded to the Constitutional Court for consideration.

The two petitioners, Pornchai Theppanya, an independent academic, and Boonsong Chalethorn, a lecturer at Rangsit University, contend that parliament’s decision, by a majority vote, rejecting Pita’s renomination, on the grounds that it breached Rule 41 of the parliamentary regulations, amounted to a violation of rights and liberties enshrined in the Constitution.

They claim that selection of the prime minister is governed under a separate set of rules, in accordance with Sections 159 and 272 of the Constitution, and not under Rule 41. Therefore, Pita’s renomination can be forwarded to parliament.

The two academics also ask the Constitutional Court to suspend the prime ministerial selection process until the court issues a ruling on parliament’s decision.

Parliament has scheduled another joint sitting of the House and Senate to select the prime minister this Thursday.

Meanwhile, 115 lecturers from 19 universities issued a joint statement today, opposing parliament’s decision, claiming that the Constitution overrides parliamentary Rule 41 and, therefore, rules under the charter should be used in the selection of the prime minister. They also demand that parliament’s decision to be revoked.

https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-ombud ... n-process/
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Ombudsman asks court to postpone PM vote

July 24, 2023

The Ombudsman on Monday asked the Constitutional Court to order the parliament to postpone the next vote for prime minister, and to rule on the rejected renomination of Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat.

Pol Lt Col Keerop Kritteeranont, secretary-general of the Office of the Ombudsman, said 17 complaints had been filed objecting to the parliament's resolution rejecting the renomination of Mr Pita for prime minister and declaring it a violation of their constitutional rights.

The complaints came from both members of the public and members of the parliament, he said.

Some complainants proposed the Constitutional Court postpone the next parliamentary vote for prime minister pending a ruling by the court. The next round voting is scheduled for Thursday, he said.

The Ombudsman accordingly asked the Constitutional Court to postpone the prime ministerial vote by the House and the Senate pending a ruling, to prevent any damage that would be difficult to mend in the future, the secretary-general said.

MFP secretary-general Chaithawat Tulanon said earlier on Monday that the party had petitioned the Ombudsman to ask the Constitutional Court to rule if Mr Pita could be renominated.

MFP MP Panyarat Pusitanon (Nonthaburi) later confirmed she and 16 other MFP MPs had jointly filed one of the complaints made to the Office of the Ombudsman.

The parliament on July 19 rejected the renomination of Mr Pita for prime minister by majority vote on a procedural issue. His opponents argued that parliamentary regulation 41 bans the resubmission of a failed motion during the same session, and that included Mr Pita's renomination.

Pro-Pita parties argued that the nomination of Mr Pita for prime minister was not a general motion and should not be subject to regulation 41.

Also on Monday, 115 law lecturers from 19 institutions expressed their opposition to the parliament's passing of the resolution on July 19 to block the renomination of Mr Pita.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... ne-pm-vote

[Jun]

I wonder who appoints the judges to the constitutional court ?

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I wonder who appoints the judges to the constitutional court ?

Three guesses . . .

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Maybe by the time they select somebody it will already be time for the next election . . .
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Parliament vote for PM postponed indefinitely

by Aekarach Sattaburuth

July 25, 2023

Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha has indefinitely postponed Thursday's planned joint sitting to vote for a new prime minister, pending a Constitutional Court ruling on the rejected renomination of Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat.

Mr Wan said on Tuesday that he made the decision after consulting with legal officials of the House of Representatives and his advisers.

They were of the view that if the prime ministerial vote went ahead on Thursday, it could potentially lead to problems when the Constitutional Court makes its ruling afterwards, the House speaker and ex-officio parliament president said.

With Thursday's meeting posponted, Wednesday's planned meeting of whips from the coalition allies, other political parties and senators was now unnecessary, he said.

Another reason for delaying the joint sitting was that many elected MPs and senators were worried they would not be able to attend ceremonies to celebrate His Majesty the King's birthday in their respective provinces on Friday if the sitting was prolonged, Mr Wan said.

The joint sitting for a prime ministerial vote could be put back on the parliamentary agenda after the court's ruling.

The parliament president earlier set Thursday for elected representatives and appointed senators to vote again for a new prime minister, possibly from Pheu Thai, the second largest party in the same alliance led by Mr Pita's MFP.

MFP has agreed to let Pheu Thai take the lead in nominating a prime minister and forming the government. It also faces a challenge because many parties outside the coalition bloc disapprove of MFP’s political platform and plan to revise Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the lese majeste law.

The eight parties in the coalition were scheduled to meet on Tuesday afternoon to hear a progress report from Pheu Thai. But the meeting was cancelled at the last minute, with Pheu Thai conceding it had little progress to report so far.

Meanwhile, MFP insists it will continue its efforts to have Mr Pita installed as prime minister.

Mr Pita failed to win a majority vote from both houses to become the new prime minister on July 13.

Mr Pita was renominated to a joint sitting on July 19 but the parliament rejected it on procedural grounds. Opponents argued it was in violation of parliamentary regulation 41, which prohibits the resubmission of a failed motion during the same parliamentary session.

Mr Pita's supporters and many academics disagreed with the parliament's resolution and asked the Constitutional Court to rule on the legality of Mr Pita's renomination for prime minister.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... definitely

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See Christiane Amanpour's July 26 interview with Pita on CNN



I would also love to see high stature reporters such as Christiane Amanpour interview some of those blocking Pita. In a similar interview I would want to see how they would justify what they are doing and why they are disregarding the election results.