#THAILAND: Parliament Amends Electoral System

[world politics news]

 

Thailand’s parliament has approved a constitutional amendment bill to change the election system which analysts said could favor bigger parties including one backing Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha while proving advantageous to the opposition Pheu Thai Party as well. 

The joint session of the parliament voted for the bill 472 to 33, while 187 lawmakers abstained.

“The constitutional amendment bill which the parliament has passed will change the electoral system from a one-ballot system to a two-ballot system,” said Jurin Laksanawisit, deputy prime minister and leader of the Democrat Party. 

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#THAILAND: Government Seeks To Censor Coverage Of Bangkok Protests

[world politics news] 

Thai authorities are trying to stem ongoing protests calling for the Prime Minister to resign by threatening to censor news coverage, raiding a publishing house, and attempting to block the Telegram messaging app used by demonstrators.

The efforts by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha's Government to drain the student-led protests of support and organisational abilities comes as demonstrations continue to swell in the capital and spread around the country.

This is despite an emergency decree which bans public gatherings of more than four people in Bangkok.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#THAILAND: Gov't Approves Controversial Purchase Of Chinese Submarines

[world politics news]

The ruling coalition voted yesterday to confirm the purchase of two more Chinese submarines, sparking public outrage as the economy sinks and businesses close from the impact of the Covid-19 ‘lockdowns’ and border closure.

The Royal Thai Navy has been pushing for the purchase since last year. The House subcommittee for Procurement, ICT, State Enterprises and Revolving Funds, which is vetting the annual budget for 2021, voted 5:4 to spend 22.5 billion baht on the subs.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#THAILAND: Tourism Minister Wants Western Tourists Back; Avoiding Due To Political Instability, Lack Of Democracy

[world politics news]

In another example of how politics affects every aspect of a nation's economy and daily life, Thailand's tourism minister says Westerners are steering clear of his country due to its political difficulties and an absence of democracy.

Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has predicted that 2019 will be a record-breaking year for Thailand’s tourism industry as he presented details of a ฿120 million stimulus package to give a boost to the industry as it heads towards the end of the year. The minister, however, admitted that high spending western tourists have been avoiding the Southeast Asian nation.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.