Former PM Thaksin to return to Thailand next month after 15 years in exile
Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to return to the kingdom in just over two weeks, after spending more than 15 years abroad in self-exile. His daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, announced this on social media in commemoration of his birthday. The 74-year-old -- who is said to be currently in Hong Kong -- was ousted by a military coup in 2006. Mr Thaksin remains a relevant figure in Thailand. His return "coincides" with the current political vacuum: Pheu Thai, the latest incarnation of his old party, is currently attempting to form a new government.
Thai parliament votes to block Pita Limjaroenrat's renomination bid for PM
Thailand's political void remains, with the parliament yet to settle on its next prime minister. This comes after lawmakers voted to disqualify leading candidate Pita Limjaroenrat from a second shot at the position. This is likely to be the end of the road for the leader of the party that took the most votes in elections in May.
Thai Constitutional Court suspends PM frontrunner Pita as MP, as hopes for PM bid fade
The hopes of Pita Limjaroenrat to become Thai Prime Minister in his second attempt have taken a massive setback as the Constitutional Court has accepted a case accusing him of holding media shares while running for office, which is against election laws. Thus he's suspended as MP, though he still can be nominated as Prime Minister.
Can Move Forward leader Pita succeed in second Thai PM vote?
Thailand's Parliament is set to hold another ballot to pick a new prime minister tomorrow. Last week, Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat failed to get enough votes, after military-appointed senators of the Upper House blocked his bid. Even though the eight-party coalition has confirmed to nominate him again, there's now doubt whether he can get a second attempt. The conservative anti-Pita faction has argued that a motion that has been rejected cannot be resubmitted in the parliamentary term. They have argued that Mr Pita's nomination is a motion that has failed.
PM frontrunner Pita Limjaroenrat fails to secure enough votes in Parliament
Thailand will have to face a longer wait for a new prime minister after frontrunner Pita Limjaroenrat failed to secure enough support to claim the premiership. Despite being unopposed in the contest, the Move Forward Party leader was hit with a host of abstentions and votes against him, falling short of a simple majority of 375.
Thai Parliament Convenes to Vote on New Prime Minister
Thailand's parliament has convened to vote for the country's next prime minister. The floor is now open for six hours of debate Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat bid to become the next Thai leader. Mr Pita's leadership bid faced a major setback ahead of the poll with two major legal challenges lodged against him.
Thai parliament names veteran politician as new House Speaker
Thailand's new parliament named a new House Speaker as it began its first session today. This puts an end to weeks of tense negotiations between the two biggest parties of the Move Forward-led coalition, and takes the country one step closer to the formation of a new government. All three speaker positions were filled by parties of the Move Forward-led coalition. But the top job did not go to Move Forward or Pheu Thai -- it went to 79-year-old Wan Muhamad Noor Matha of the Prachachart Party. He was the consensus nominee of all the eight-party coalition and ran unopposed.
Thai King opens parliament as Move Forward looks to lead new government
Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn has opened the country's first parliamentary session since the progressive Move Forward Party won elections two months ago. Lawmakers now must form a new government, which will then vote to elect a prime minister. In his opening address, the King reminded lawmakers to put the needs of the nation first. MPs will start proceedings tomorrow to elect a House Speaker, but the two leading parties are in dispute over the post. Move Forward has named its candidate, but Pheu Thai said it should get to choose the seat of the head of the legislature.