Nearly a decade after he led a military takeover of the government, authoritarian Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is hoping his double-edged new promise to voters — “No coup again” — will win him another term in office in this longtime U.S. Southeast Asian ally.
, backed by billionaire populist Thaksin Shinawatra, has opened up a big lead over conservative and military-backed parties. The leading Pheu Thai candidate is Mr. Thaksin’s daughter, 36-year-old Paetongtarn Shinawatra.is taking an unusual tack.
Mr. Thaksin, living in exile in Dubai after fleeing a corruption prosecution while prime minister in 2006, nevertheless is riding a big lead in opinion polls, setting up the possibility of a Pheu Thai-led coalition government that would grant him immunity from his legal woes and allow him to return home.participated in the 2006 coup which toppled Mr. Thaksin’s elected government — and in the 2014 putsch that ousted Mr.
The military nervously views Mr. Thaksin and other anti-coup candidates as a threat — especially to its advantageous power to promote its officers without civilian oversight. Army Chief Gen. Narongphan Jitkaewtae retires at the end of September, and his successor is said to be lined up. “Prawit’s strongest points are his wide connections, support from some members of parliament and some senators, and his being more friendly and easygoing thanWanwichit Boonprong, a Rangsit University political science lecturer and news commentator, said that “many senators secretly support [Prawit] — if his party has the chance to form a government.”
Ms. Paetongtarn’s anti-cannabis crusade sets up a stark contrast with one of her closest rivals — Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who enthusiastically backed marijuana legalization efforts last year. Mr. Anutin, a wealthy industrialist and politician, heads Bhum Jai Thai , the coalition’s second-biggest party.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump Critics Slam Looming Indictment as 'Nonsense,' 'Partisan'As Trump is preparing to be indicted, some of his critics are slamming the expected indictment as partisan politics.
Read more »
With Trump case looming, what is an indictment?NEW YORK — (NEW YORK) -- Criminal prosecution proceedings typically start with an arrest and a court appearance, but legal experts say that on many occasions, especially in white collar crimes, suspects aren't hit with charges or a visit from an officer until long after an official investigation is underway.
Read more »
Looming Trump indictment puts his GOP competitors in a tough spotTrump’s Republican rivals are trying to do two things at once: denouncing the possible indictment while at the same time using it, to the extent they can, against the GOP frontrunner — in part by just reminding voters what Trump is alleged to have done.
Read more »
Trump maintains grip on GOP primary voters despite looming legal woesA majority of GOP primary voters are backing former President Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential nomination despite a possible indictment over alleged hush money payments to an adult film star, according to a new poll.
Read more »
Trump raises $1.5 million for presidential campaign since warning of arrest in looming NYC indictmentDonald Trump’s 2024 campaign says they hauled in $1.5 million dollars in grassroots fundraising since the former president’s warning on Saturday that he would face imminent arrest
Read more »
‘War room’ mentality pervades Mar-a-Lago with possible Trump indictment loomingFormer President Trump believes Republicans will rally around him if a grand jury charges him in the case involving an alleged hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels, three people tell NBCNews.
Read more »