Thailand's opposition coalition signs MOU, outlines new direction for country
Thailand's opposition parties are charting a new future for the country, one that leaves behind almost a decade of military rule. The Move Forward Party and its coalition partners have signed a memorandum of understanding. The document outlines their key policy objectives.
Earlier report
Thailand's Move Forward announces 8-party coalition, but leader Pita faces hurdles to be PM
The Move Forward Party is forging ahead with plans to form Thailand's next government. An alliance of eight opposition parties is seeking to draft a memorandum of understanding -- one that will see Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat as their choice for prime minister. With all these parties together, that brings the tally to 313 out of 500 seats in the Lower House of Representatives. That is not enough in the vote of a prime minister, because that involves the Upper House, which consists of 250 senators appointed by the previous military government.
#ThaiElection23: Move Forward announces coalition proposal to form next government
Thailand's military-backed government is out, while pro-democracy parties are in following the elections. But the make up of the country's incoming government is anything but certain. Winning opposition party Move Forward is moving to form a coalition. Its proposed combination includes runner-up Pheu Thai Party, which said it is considering joining the alliance.
#ThaiElection23: How Move Forward Party pulled off shock victory
Voters have resoundingly rejected nearly a decade of military-backed rule in Thailand. Key opposition parties Move Forward and Pheu Thai have won the most seats.
#ThaiElection23: Polls open in "most consequential" election in recent Thai history
Voters in Thailand are heading to the polls today in a crucial contest that sees military-backed parties that take on opposition groups challenging the status quo. About 52 million Thais are eligible to vote, a record turnout is expected.
#ThaiElection23: Major parties hold final rallies before May 14 polls
Major political parties in Thailand are holding their last big rallies before the country goes to the polls on Sunday (May 14). The United Thai Nation Party is pitching to voters to give incumbent Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha a second chance, despite him having switched parties and only allowed to rule until 2025. Meanwhile, the opposition Pheu Thai Party calls for a change of government with campaign promises under the banner of “Think Big. Act Smart.”
#ThaiElection23: Can Thai PM Prayut hold on to power despite switching parties?
Thailand's incumbent Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is contesting the May 14 elections under a different party, the United Thai Nation Party, after a split with the ruling Palang Pracharat Party that put him up as their choice for the country's top job in 2019. But even if he is returned to office, the 69-year-old can only serve for two years before he hits his term limit. CNA’s Saksith Saiyasombut reports.
#ThaiElection23: Can Move Forward Party make a splash like Future Forward Party?
Future Forward Party, which made a splash at the last Thai elections in 2019, may now be defunct, but in its place is the Move Forward Party looking to make the same impact. Despite the new name, it has the same liberal-progressive ideology - almost radical by Thai standards and drawing the ire of Thai conservatives. CNA's Saksith Saiyasombut reports.
CNA Correspondent Podcast: Can the Thai prime minister hold on to power in the upcoming elections?
Incumbent Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha looks to fend off challengers, including Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, as she aims to stake her claim. Correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut speaks to Steve Lai ahead of Thailand’s general election on 14 May.
#ThaiElection23: Ruling Palang Pracharat Party seeks to continue leading without PM Prayut
Thailand heads to the polls this Sunday for its second election since the 2014 military coup. More than 52 million of the country's 66 million population are eligible to vote this year -- in 400 constituencies across 77 provinces. 70 parties are in the race for constituency MP seats. 43 have set their sights on the prime minister's post. The main party of Thailand's outgoing coalition -- the Palang Pracharat -- is looking to continue leading the next government without incumbent Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
#ThaiElection23: Opposition Pheu Thai Party confirms 3 PM candidates
Thailand's opposition Pheu Thai party has unveiled its three prime minister candidates for the upcoming election on May 14. They are Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 36-year-old daughter of exiled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, Srettha Thavisin, the party's chief economic advisor, and Chaikasem Nitsiri, the party's chief strategist.
Prime Minister and Party-List Hopeful Register for Thai Election 23
Political heavyweights in Thailand have begun the process of registering themselves for the position of prime minister, ahead of elections due on the 14th of May. Members from various parties arrived at Bangkok's City Hall to register and find out their assigned party number. Among them - Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha who told people to have faith in his United Thai Nation party. The election is set to be a fierce battle between the Mr Prayut's military-backed party, and the Pheu Thai Party, represented by Mr Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 36-year-old daughter of exiled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
Thailand election: Registration opens for constituency candidates ahead of May 14 poll
Election fever is heating up in Thailand, as registration opens up for prospective constituency candidates. Campaigning for the general election has officially begun.
Authorities step up measures as air quality in northern Thailand hits hazardous levels
The Thai government is stepping up measures to deal with forest fires and the burning of farm waste, as air pollution worsens in northern Thailand. Air quality index readings there have reached hazardous levels.
Thailand to hold general election on May 14
Thailand's Parliament has been dissolved, paving the way for upcoming elections in May. The decree was published in the country's Royal Gazette, after being endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn. An election date has not yet been set, but it must take place within 60 days. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's four-year term is set to end this week. The upcoming polls will see him running for the nation's top post again. However, a court ruling last year limited his term to just another two years, if he wins the coming elections.