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Thailand
This Week in Asia: July 14, 2023
The Diplomat’s weekly video round-up of Asia news.
Orange-Clad Move Forward Supporters Turn Out For Prime Ministerial Vote
By Cory Wright
Hundreds of the party's supporters voiced their excitement, and disappointment, as Parliament voted against the MFP leader and prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat.
Thailand’s Move Forward Party Leader Pita Falls Short in Parliamentary Vote for Prime Minister
By Grant Peck and Jintamas Saksornchai
The inconclusive finish to Thursday’s voting sets the stage for another ballot, which is expected next week.
Thai FM Says He Met With Aung San Suu Kyi on Secret Myanmar Mission
By Sebastian Strangio
Don Pramudwinai reportedly described the secret meeting as a breakthrough. It is more accurate to view it as a setback.
Thailand’s Election Commission Says Top PM Candidate May Have Broken Election Law
By Jinatamas Saksornchai and Grant Peck
The announcement comes just a day before Parliament is set to convene and vote to select the country's next prime minister.
Prayut Has Retired, but His Undemocratic Legacy Will Live On
By Mark S. Cogan
During his nine years in power, the general turned Thailand’s judiciary, and its Constitutional Court in particular, into a weapon for advancing and safeguarding conservative interests.
Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha Announces Retirement From Politics
By Sebastian Strangio
The former general steps down nine years after coming to power in the military coup of 2014.
MFP Leader Addresses Thai Rallies Ahead of Crucial PM Vote
By Sebastian Strangio
The party's leader Pita Limjaroenrat is hoping to put pressure on military-appointed senators to uphold the people's will.
Thailand’s Prime Ministerial Vote Set for July 13
By Sebastian Strangio
Nearly two months on from the general election in May, it is still unclear whether the victorious Move Forward Party will be able to form the country's next government.
Why Aren’t Thailand’s Banks More Profitable?
By James Guild
Compared to their counterparts in Indonesia and the Philippines, the country's financial institutions have seen only modest growth.
Thai Parliament Picks Veteran Politician as Speaker Ahead of PM Vote
By Sebastian Strangio
Wan Muhamad Noor Matha was the compromise candidate after the two largest opposition parties failed to agree who should occupy the important post.
Thai Opposition Parties Settle Dispute Over House Speaker Role
By Sebastian Strangio
The Pheu Thai Party has reportedly agreed to the Move Forward Party taking the role of house speaker, in exchange for the two deputy house speaker posts.