With 2025 rapidly approaching, the’ Bangkok Post’ takes a look at five of the top social reports that intrigued the country over the past 12 weeks, writes Aekarach Sattaburuth
PUBLISHED: 27 Dec 2024 at 04: 00
NEWSPAPER SECTION: News
1 Srettha’s state gone in blink of an eye
Srettha Thavisin’s wealth have taken a major change, from a real estate magnate to the government’s 30th perfect minister.
However, his reign as premier was only lasted for a time before an expected fall from grace.
The ruling Pheu Thai Party nominated Mr. Srettha from its three possible candidates for political office. His nomination followed the Move Forward Party’s ( MFP ) futile bid to get the Senate’s endorsement of its own candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat, in the leadership contest.
On August 22, 2023, Mr. Srettha took over as premier. He rose to the position of leader despite being accused of playing the role of a marionette prime minister and lacking social experience.
He was praised for his regular established trips abroad and for having fought over interest rates with BoT chancellor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput.
Mr. Sethaput urged the central bank to have more control over how much money is spent, while Mr. Srettha frequently requested that the BoT reduce prices to encourage the business.
Additionally, Mr. Srettha received criticism for failing to implement Pheu Thai’s premier online budget plan as promised during the vote.
However, a petition was filed against Mr Srettha for naming ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a government minister.
The Constitutional Court found Mr. Srettha innocent of a grave ethical lapse following the appointment of Pichit on August 14. Mr. Srettha lost his job as a result of the decision.
Coalition party officials met in Bangkok’s Charan Sanitwong Road property at former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s invitation, according to rumors.
The decision was made to nominate original attorney-general Chaikasem Nitisiri for prime minister. The only individuals for Pheu Thai’s prime minister positions were him and Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
However, some Pheu Thai people called a press conference the following morning to demand that the party nominate Ms. Paetongtarn, Thaksin’s youngest girl and party leader, as the primary governmental applicant for a vote in parliament. The group obliged.
The group people claimed that Mr. Chaikasem had a bad health. Ms Paetongtarn, on the other hand, belonged to a new generation of politicians, is able to attend components far and wide and has the value of group members, according to the party.
On August 16, the Parliament appointed Ms. Paetongtarn to the position of prime minister.