News

Thailand to Conduct Provincial Administrative Elections Nationwide on February 1, 2025

Published

1 month ago

December 28, 2024

Wadi

Upcoming Provincial Administrative Elections Announced

The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand has officially announced that Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) elections will be held nationwide on February 1, 2025. This decision comes in response to the resignation of several PAO presidents who left their positions before completing their terms, necessitating these elections within a specified timeframe.

Background on PAO Elections and Resignations

The recent resignations of PAO presidents occurred before their terms ended on December 19, 2024, which requires elections to be conducted within 60 days. According to the election laws, elections for officials completing their terms must occur within 45 days. The first PAO elections were held on December 20, 2020, following the military-led coup in 2014 and under the current Constitution.

Registration Period for Candidates

The registration period for candidates vying for PAO Council and governor positions is set from December 23 to December 27, 2024. A total of 47 provinces will register candidates for PAO presidential elections, while 76 provinces will register council members. This structured approach aims to ensure a smooth electoral process.

Provinces Participating in the Elections

The provinces participating in the PAO presidential elections include notable regions such as Krabi, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, among others. In total, 47 provinces are set to hold these elections, while provinces that have previously conducted by-elections due to resignations or election fraud will not participate.

Political Landscape and Implications

The outcomes of these elections are expected to significantly influence Thailand’s political landscape. The recent by-elections have shown a competitive environment, with various parties like the Pheu Thai Party, Bhumjaithai Party, and others securing leadership roles across multiple provinces.

Recent Election Results and Party Dynamics

In the most recent elections held on December 22, candidates from the Pheu Thai Party were elected in Uttaradit and Ubon Ratchathani. The Bhumjaithai Party also supported candidates linked to its network, securing leadership in ten provinces. As the upcoming elections approach, the dynamics among political parties will be crucial in shaping future governance.

Preparing for February’s Elections

As Thailand gears up for the provincial administrative elections on February 1, 2025, the focus will be on ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process. With over 90,000 polling stations expected to be operational, local authorities and the Election Commission are working diligently to prepare for this significant event in Thailand’s democratic landscape. The results will not only fill crucial leadership roles but also set the stage for future political developments in the country.

News

Thai PM Launches Monthly TV Program to Connect with Citizens

Published

11 hours ago

January 30, 2025

Wadi

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra initiated her first monthly television show on Sunday, marking a new era of direct communication between the government and the Thai people. This innovative approach aims to keep citizens informed about the administration’s progress and future plans.

Inaugural Episode Highlights

Government Achievements and Vision

In her debut broadcast, Paetongtarn outlined her government’s accomplishments during its first 90 days in office. She presented a comprehensive overview of the administration’s initiatives under the campaign theme “2025: Empowering Thais, a Real Possibility”.

Long-Term Structural Policies

Addressing National Challenges

The Prime Minister detailed six long-term structural policies, including strategies to combat floods, drought, and PM2.5 air pollution. Additionally, she discussed plans to tackle drug trafficking, dismantle monopolies, and invest in large-scale future projects.

2025 Initiatives

Empowering Communities and Education

Paetongtarn announced five key initiatives for 2025, including the revival of the “One District, One Scholarship” program and the introduction of the “One District, One Summer Camp” project. These programs aim to enhance educational opportunities and language skills for Thai students.

Grassroots Development

Strengthening Local Communities

The government plans to implement the Village and Community Development Programme (SML Project) to empower local communities. This initiative, along with efforts to resolve household debt and provide affordable housing, demonstrates the administration’s commitment to improving citizens’ quality of life.

Connecting with the Public

Transparent Governance

By launching this monthly TV show, Paetongtarn is fostering a more direct and transparent relationship with the Thai people. This platform allows her to share progress reports, address concerns, and outline future plans in a more accessible format.

Looking Ahead

Building a Stronger Thailand

As Paetongtarn continues to lead Thailand, her focus on both long-term structural changes and immediate community-focused initiatives reflects a comprehensive approach to governance. Through this regular TV program, she aims to keep the public engaged and informed about the country’s development.

News

Bangkok Intensifies Battle Against Air Pollution

Published

11 hours ago

January 30, 2025

Wadi

Bangkok is taking decisive action to combat the persistent issue of air pollution, particularly PM2.5 particles. The city administration is implementing a series of measures to improve air quality and protect public health.

Proposal for Air Pollution Control Area

BMA Seeks Enhanced Authority

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to propose that the government declare Bangkok an air pollution control area. This designation would grant the BMA more power to address haze pollution effectively, including access to the environment fund for financing anti-pollution efforts.

Traffic and Transportation Measures

Restrictions on Heavy Vehicles

To reduce emissions, the BMA is banning non-registered six-wheeled trucks and larger vehicles from entering low-emission zones within the city’s inner ring road. AI-equipped cameras are monitoring compliance, with violators facing fines up to 2,000 baht.

Promotion of Public Transport

The government has implemented free public transport services, resulting in a 50% increase in electric train ridership and a 15% decrease in traffic on major roads. This initiative is supported by a 140 million baht budget to compensate transport operators.

Workplace Adaptations

Encouraging Remote Work

The BMA is urging companies to allow employees to work from home, aiming to reduce vehicle emissions and overall air pollution levels.

Upcoming Air Quality Concerns

Forecast and Precautions

Officials predict increased PM2.5 levels from January 30 to February 5, 2025, due to low air ventilation and temperature inversions. Residents are advised to wear masks, avoid outdoor waste burning, and refrain from using vehicles that emit excessive black smoke.

Current Air Quality Status

Monitoring and Reporting

The BMA’s Air Quality Information Centre reports that PM2.5 concentrations in Bangkok’s 43 districts are currently at “moderate” levels, averaging 32.8 micrograms per cubic metre of air, below the safety standard of 37.5μg/m3.

News

Thailand Revamps Peace Efforts: New Negotiation Team to Address Southern Conflict

Published

11 hours ago

January 30, 2025

Wadi

Thailand’s government is taking steps to address the long-standing conflict in its southern region by forming a new peace negotiation team. This move comes as part of the administration’s renewed focus on resolving the decades-long insurgency in the Deep South.

Strategic Overhaul

Reassessing Approaches

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced the plan to establish a new negotiation team, emphasizing the need for a thorough review of strategies. The government aims to convene discussions with all stakeholders within two weeks to form the new team, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Leadership Uncertainty

Potential Candidates

The leadership of the new team remains undecided. It could either be the previous team or a newly appointed one, with the final decision pending a comprehensive evaluation of past strategies. Chatchai Bangchuad, a deputy secretary-general of the National Security Council, previously led peace talks under the former prime minister.

Challenges and Concerns

Persistent Violence

Mr. Phumtham expressed concern over the increasing frequency of violent attacks in the region. The ongoing conflict, which has persisted for over two decades without resolution, raises questions about the effectiveness of current approaches.

Ceasefire Difficulties

Negotiation Hurdles

Despite previous negotiations, a ceasefire agreement has never been successfully reached. This failure highlights potential misalignments between opposing political and military groups, casting doubt on the efficacy of further negotiations.

International Dimension

Malaysian Involvement

The Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani (BRN) rebel group has criticized the government for delays in forming the new negotiation team. This criticism followed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s official visit to Malaysia, where bilateral cooperation and peace-building efforts were discussed.

Government Commitment

Addressing Challenges

Mr. Phumtham, who also serves as the defense minister, reaffirmed the government’s active commitment to addressing the challenges in the Deep South. This commitment underscores the administration’s determination to find a lasting solution to the conflict.