132 Thais arrive home from Sudan

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The 132 Thais who returned home from Sudan on a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) flight were greeted on arrival at Don Mueang's military airport by Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai and Air Force commander ACM Alongkorn Wannarot. (Photo supplied)
Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai and Air Force chief ACM Alongkorn Wannarot greeted the 132 Thais when they arrived at Don Mueang’s military aircraft after flying from Sudan to their home country. ( Photo provided )

On a Royal Thai Air Force( RTAF) Airbus A340-500 that touched down at Don Mueang’s military airport at around 11 p.m. on Saturday night, the second group of 132 Thais returned from Sudan.

On the same flight, three non-Thames already arrived: one Indian and two Chinese nationals who were from Siamese families.

Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, RTAF chief ACM Alongkorn Wannarot and his wife Group Captain Panprapa Wannrot, as well as representatives from the relevant agencies, welcomed them at the airport.

Following their takeoff, the passengers underwent safety checks by representatives from the Disease Control and Mental Health sections of the Public Health Ministry, had their travel information checked by immigration officials, and received information about their rights from representatives with the Ministry of Labour and the Ministries of Social Development and Human Security.

Around 40 of them were scheduled to travel to Bo Thong aircraft in Pattani on Sunday morning in an RTAF C – 130. They were to travel to their property in the southern border provinces from it.

According to reports, the five Thais still in Sudan were en route to complete an RTAF group waiting at King Abdulaziz aircraft in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with two C – 130 transport planes. On a C-130 that is scheduled to return to Thailand in the afternoon of May 1, they will be flown place.

The daily ferry from Sudan to Saudi Arabia had a pretty long line, so earlier the Saudi government dispatched 66 Thais to Jeddah from the Port of Sudan. Along with several Saudi public officials, Saudi Arabia also flown 32 Thais from Sudan to Jeddah on two C-130 airlines.

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Paetongtarn top choice for PM among Nakhon Sawan voters: Nida Poll

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According to a poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll, citizens in the middle Western province of Nakhon Sawan are most likely to support Paetongtarn” Ung Ing” Shinawatra for the position of prime minister, followed by Pita Limjaroenrat of the Move Forward Party.

600 men aged 18 and older who had varying levels of education, occupation, and income were surveyed over the phone on April 11 and 19 to determine their political views in advance of the May 14 vote.

In the House of Representatives, Nakhon Sawan has six Members. The Palang Pracharath Party won four of the six House votes in the 2019 election, followed by the Bhumjaithai Party and the Pheu Thai Party.

The responses to the question of who they would back for prime minister in the upcoming poll were:

For Ms. Paetongtarn of the Pheu Thai Party, 34.33 %
Mr. Pita of the Move Forward Party received 19.67 %.
For Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha of the United Thai Nation Party, 16.67 %
Srettha Thavisin of the Pheu Thai Party received 8.83 %.
7.67 % said that no one was suitable.
3 % for Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan of the Thai Sang Thai Party
Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyavel of the Seri Ruam Thai Party received 2.50 % support.
Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party received 1.83 %.
Democrat Party Jurin Laksanawisit received 1.50 % support.
1.33 % for Palang Pracharath Party Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon
1.00 % in favor of Korn Chatikavanij of the Chartpattanakla Party
The remaining 1.67 percent, or 1.67 %, were for Cholnan Srikaew( Pheu Thai ), Kanchana Silpa – archa( Chartthaipattana ), Mongkolkit Suksintaranon, and those who had no answers or were uninterested.

When asked which occasion they would support in the district system for an MP, the following responses were given:

48.17 % Pheu Thai
— 21. 33 % Advance
3.67 % of the United Thai Nation
Bhumjaithai, 3.67 %
3.34 percent Republican
2. 50 % Seri Ruam Thai
1. 83 % of Thai Sang Thai
1. 83 % of Palang Pracharath
1.83 % are still unsure.
For Chartpattanakla, Thai Civilized, New Economics, Sang Anakhot Thai, and those without answers or uninterested, the remaining 1.83 % combined.

In the party-list network, when asked which occasion they would support, the responses were:

49.17 % Pheu Thai
22.00 % Advance
14.33 % of the Thai people
2.83 % Democrat
2. 83 % Bhumjaithai
2.17 % Seri Ruam Thai
2. 0 % Palang Pracharath
1. 83 % of Thai Sang Thai
1.17 % of respondents are still unsure.
The remaining 1.67 percent, or 1.67 %, for Chartpattanakla, Chartthaipattena, Thai Pakdee, Thailand Civilized, Pheu Chart, and New Economics.

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Paetongtarn top choice for PM among Nakhon Sawan voters: poll

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Paetongtarn Shinawatra, head of the Pheu Thai Family (File photo)
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, head of the Pheu Thai Family (File photo)

Paetongtarn “Ung Ing” Shinawatra of the Pheu Thai Party is the top choice for the post of prime minister among voters in the upper Central province of Nakhon Sawan, followed by Pita Limjaroenrat of the Move Forward Party, according to an opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll.

The poll was conducted on April 11-19 by telephone interviews with 600 people aged 18 and over of various levels of education, occupations and incomes to gauge their political opinions ahead of the May 14 election.

Nakhon Sawan has six MPs in the House of Representatives. In the 2019 election, four of the six House seats went to the Palang Pracharath Party, one to the Bhumjaithai Party and one to the Pheu Thai Party.

To the question of who they would support for PM in the coming election, the answers were:

• 34.33% for Ms Paetongtarn of the Pheu Thai Party
• 19.67% for Mr Pita of the Move Forward Party
• 16.67% for Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha of the United Thai Nation Party
• 8.83% for Srettha Thavisin of the Pheu Thai Party
• 7.67% said nobody was suitable
• 3.00% for Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan of the Thai Sang Thai Party
• 2.50% for Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyavel of the Seri Ruam Thai Party
• 1.83% for Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party
• 1.50% for Jurin Laksanawisit of the Democrat Party
• 1.33% for Gen Prawit Wongsuwon of the Palang Pracharath Party
• 1.00% for Korn Chatikavanij of the Chartpattanakla Party
• The rest, 1.67% combined, were distributed among Cholnan Srikaew (Pheu Thai), Kanchana Silpa-archa (Chartthaipattana), Mongkolkit Suksintaranon (Thai Civilised) and those who did not know or were not interested.

Asked from which party their chosen candidate for constituency MP would come from, the answers were:

• 48.17% Pheu Thai
• 21.33% Move Forward
• 13.67% United Thai Nation
• 3.67% Bhumjaithai
• 3.34% Democrat
• 2.50% Seri Ruam Thai
• 1.83% Thai Sang Thai
• 1.83% Palang Pracharath
• 1.83% still undecided
• The rest, 1.83% combined, for Chartpattanakla, Thai Civilised, New Economics, Sang Anakhot Thai and those who did not know or were not interested.

Asked which party they would vote for in the party-list system of proportional representation, the answers were:

• 49.17% Pheu Thai
• 22.00% Move Forward
• 14.33% United Thai Nation
• 2.83% Democrat
• 2.83% Bhumjaithai
• 2.17% Seri Ruam Thai
• 2.00% Palang Pracharath
• 1.83% Thai Sang Thai
• 1.17% still undecided
• The rest, 1.67% combined, for Chartpattanakla, Chartthaipattana, Thai Pakdee, Thai Civilised, Pheu Chart and New Economics.

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TST announces plan to boost digital economy, young start-ups

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Thakorn Tanthasit, secretary-general of the TST
Thakorn Tanthasit, secretary-general of the TST

The Thai Sang Thai Party (TST) has pledged to elevate Thailand’s digital economy by offering government subsidies to newcomers and investing in them for future growth opportunities.

Considering Bank of Thailand (BoT) figures from January, it could be said that not only have all Thais been included in the digital economy, but they are also actively involved in digital economic activities, Thakorn Tanthasit, secretary-general of the TST, said on Saturday.

As of January, there were approximately 97 million mobile banking accounts and 124 million e-money accounts, he said, citing BoT data.

On top of that, Mr Thakorn said, up to 47 trillion baht has been paid electronically, accounting for up to 90% of all payments made in the country.

“All these factors reflect Thailand’s solid foundation for digital economy development which the TST believes will bring better economic opportunities for all,” he said.

Mr Thakorn said the party aims to improve the digital economy ecosystem (DEE) to support the country’s digital economy growth.

With a decent DEE, he said Thai start-ups will have a good chance to grow digitally, while the new government will try to limit the risk of failure for these business operators and make it more convenient for them to grow.

“The new government will find potential start-up operators and provide them with convenient sources of funding for their business development and then jointly invest in them later,” he said.

“Prospective start-up operators could be any youth or students in all parts of the country. These start-ups might be categorised in groups such as online marketplaces, content providers and digital services,” he said.

The TST has also pledged to offer debt-strapped people a soft loan of between 5,000 and 50,000 baht without requiring them to provide a guarantor, said Mr Thakorn, adding the interest rate will be about 1% per month.

“This loan scheme is aimed at helping people who are struggling to make ends meet and aren’t really successful as they have too much debt to pay back,” he said.

The TST also intends to offer all students free tablets and a free internet connection, via never-before-used funding from the Ministry of Education’s Edtech Fund.

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Poll parties vow more money for the elderly

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Political parties aim to win the hearts of elderly voters by granting them an old age allowance ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 baht, according to a policy dialogue organised by the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) and the National Health Commission Office.

Decharut Sukkumnoed, director of the Move Forward Party (MFP)’s Think Forward Centre, said the MFP’s pension policy will increase the allowance from 600 baht to 3,000 baht, enough for a low-income earner to subsist on each month.

This would require a budget of 420 billion baht to cover around 12 million elderly people in the country. The allowance will gradually be increased to 3,000 baht by 2027. It is expected to lower the number of senior citizens who rank in the low-income category to 1%, and solve inequality problems.

The MFP also pledged to set up another fund for elderly people who are bedridden, with a budget that would give them about 9,000 baht each per month, as well as set up other treatment centres in local communities, Mr Decharut said.

Pariyate Angoonkitti, the Thai Sang Thai (TST)’s communication and public relations director, said the TST is the first party to offer a generous allowance to the elderly, adding it should be enough to cover all expenses including medication.

The TST also aims to upgrade Thailand’s 30-baht healthcare scheme, he said.

Sontirat Sontijirawong, chief of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP)’s political strategy team, said the PPRP offers an allowance of 3,000 baht for elderly people aged 60-69, while those aged 70-79 will be given 4,000 baht and those over 80 will get 5,000 baht.

The PPRP also plans to form a health link to arrange local health volunteers to treat elderly and bedridden people in remote areas, and encourage the employment of elderly workers aged 60-65 in the private sector, Mr Sontirat said.

Phonchai Maranet, a policy committee member of the Chart Pattana Kla Party, said the party will fund the private sector to hire elderly workers for 5,000 baht per month, as well as lower the personal income tax rate for those who earn less than 400,000 baht a year.

It will also set up a fund to provide financial aid of 50,000 baht to each household to make the interior of their property more suitable for elderly people, he said.

Udomsak Srisuthiwa, deputy secretary-general of the Chartthaipattana Party, said the party will extend the retirement age from 60 to 65 and provide “suitable” jobs for the elderly.

Pisit Leeahtam, Democrat policy chairman, said the party will support elderly workers by giving 30,000 baht to elderly clubs in each community.

Theerarat Samrejvanich, Pheu Thai’s political communication team member, said the party will upgrade the 30-baht universal healthcare scheme to allow elderly people more access to nearby hospitals using their ID card.

Supachai Jaisamut, Bhumjaithai’s registrar, said the party will set up a life insurance fund for elderly people over 60, with death benefits worth 100,000 baht.

It will also offer a loan of up to 20,000 baht for occupational support, and boost support for dental treatment.

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Pheu Thai moves upset

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The Pheu Thai Party has adjusted its strategy, calling on voters to vote Pheu Thai to keep the other lot out, much to the displeasure of the Move Forward Party (MFP) whose campaign appears to be gaining traction.

In asking voters to “vote strategically”, it is telling supporters to cast ballots for the party which has the best chance of defeating the 250-member Senate in its vote for prime minister in parliament. At the moment, that’s Pheu Thai, the frontrunner in many polls.

It hopes to prevent the return of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the top prime ministerial candidate of the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, to power.

Pheu Thai is aiming for 310 seats in a landslide victory. Without it, there is no guarantee that Pheu Thai can muster enough support to secure the premiership for one of its three candidates and put together a coalition government, even if it finishes first in the May 14 polls.

Following the 2019 general election, the coup-appointed Senate overwhelmingly voted for Gen Prayut, nominated by the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) to be prime minister, clearing the way for the PPRP-led bloc to form a coalition.

If Pheu Thai’s candidate is to be voted in as prime minister without the need for the Senate’s support, a bare minimum of 376 seats, more than half of the combined 750 members of both chambers, is needed.

But Pheu Thai’s calls for tactical voting is upsetting MFP, its ally in the self-proclaimed democracy camp.

According to recent Nida poll findings, the gap between the two parties which are competing for support from the same voter base is narrowing, and Pheu Thai’s “vote strategically” campaign will be at the MFP’s expense.

According to Suan Dusit Poll findings on Saturday, Pheu Thai Party leads all other parties, followed by the Move Forward Party.

The poll was conducted on April 10-20 among 162,454 people aged 18 and over. Asked which party is gaining popularity among Thais before the election, 41.37% said the Pheu Thai Party and 19.32% the Move Forward Party.

‘The only solution’

Strategic voting has been put on the table because it is the only way to keep Gen Prayut from returning to power, said Pheu Thai deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai.

There is no guarantee the winner will lead the next government unless the party secures at least 250 seats, and even better 300 seats, to control the 500-member House of Representatives, he said.

The UTN is widely believed to have the senators in its pocket, so the party needs only 25 seats — the minimum number required for a party to be able to nominate a prime minister — to get the ball rolling, he said.

Mr Phumtham admitted the MFP’s campaign is gaining momentum, but it is not enough for the party to emerge victorious. He is also doubtful the MFP’s popularity on social media is genuine and equals votes.

Even without the party’s calls for strategic voting, MFP will not capture enough seats to be a core party in forming the government, said the Pheu Thai heavyweight.

“It is an election strategy. We’re not being selfish but we have the best chance. If voters don’t vote this way, we’ll see a repeat of what happened in previous polls. That’s why tactical voting is important,” he said.

Mr Phumtham said it was unlikely the MFP would win 100 seats and help the Pheu Thai-MFP alliance secure a majority, saying both parties share the same support base and the numbers do not add up.

“How can the MFP get 100 seats and we get more than 200 seats when we are competing for the same base?” he said.

Phumtham: Plot to stop Prayut’s return

Tactical voting will also prevent formation of a minority government being floated by some political analysts, said the Pheu Thai deputy leader, who believes the other bloc will proceed to set up a minority government and consolidate its coalition by luring political “cobras” (those who change parties at a whim).

The “vote strategically” campaign also comes at a time when the MFP’s approval rating is on the rise especially among urban communities.

Based on the second Nida Poll [April 3-7], the contest between Pheu Thai and the MFP, even though Pheu Thai is leading the survey, is tightening.

Pheu Thai remains the frontrunner with 47.2% support in the constituency system and 47% in the party-list system, but that is down from 49.75% and 49.85% respectively compared with the first survey in March. The popularity of the MFP has increased to 21.2% in the constituency system and 21.85% in the party-list system from 17.4% and 17.15% in the March survey.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, one of Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidates, has seen her popularity drop to 35.7%, from 38.2% in the first poll. MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat is more popular than he was previously with 20.25%, up from 15.75%.

‘Don’t give in to fears’

Rangsiman Rome, spokesman of the MFP, is sceptical about strategic voting, saying voters should not be scared into switching party allegiances because the election outcome is far from certain.

The findings of polls are often inaccurate and if this line of thinking is pursued, Bangkok voters should cast ballots for the MFP because it is the most popular, he argued.

Pheu Thai is not the only party that has adopted a stance against the Senate’s power to co-elect the prime minister and the Gen Prayut-led camp appears to be weakening because they also share the same support base, he said.

“People should vote for their desired party and candidate. They shouldn’t be seduced or scared into abandoning their support.

“In the end the candidates they pick out of strategic voting may not represent their values,” he said.

Mr Rangsiman is confident the party can win as many as 100 seats from both the constituency and party-list system and insisted the party’s popularity on social media platforms can be turned into votes.

The MFP politician shrugged off fears about the UTN-led camp forming a minority government, saying while there is a likelihood of that happening, he would still bet against it.

“Forming a minority government is the wrong move to make. The Senate’s five-year term is coming to an end and it is quite a risk for the senators to challenge the people’s voice. How could they face the public?” he said.

Mr Rangsiman said he is not certain that being part of a minority government is a risk worth taking by other parties because it is close to cheating the people and they will face a public backlash, which could ultimately mean a loss of support.

The opposition camp can still topple the government on the first day by forcing a censure debate, not to mention a budget bill debate that is expected to take place in July, he said, adding he can’t see how a minority government can lure away political cobras in such a short period and push for the bill’s passage.

“If a minority government is formed, political unrest is likely. People won’t stand it and they may hit the streets,” he said.

If that scenario materialises, the party will put up a fight in parliament to stop any attempts to rob people of their power.

Rangsiman: Don’t believe fearmongers

A painful dilemma

Stithorn Thananithichot, an analyst at King Prajadhipok’s Institute, said Pheu Thai is caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to forming a political alliance with the MFP.

On one hand, it is reluctant to form a pact with the MFP out of fear of losing support and failing to score a landslide victory. On the other, if it does not form partnership and does not win big enough, its chances of putting together a coalition will slip away.

He said the MFP is going from strength to strength but it is difficult to determine if the MFP’s popularity is genuine because of its clear and straightforward election strategy, or fabricated to stop Pheu Thai from clinching a landslide victory. According to Mr Stithorn, Pheu Thai should not alienate the MFP but keep the door open for both parties forming a coalition government after the May 14 polls. However, the analyst said the opinion polls put the MFP behind Pheu Thai, Bhumjaithai and the PPRP.

Stithorn: Pheu Thai Party in a quandry

Nida Poll director Suvicha Pou-aree said the MFP is pulling votes away from every party in the party-list system and the most affected is Pheu Thai.

However, in the constituency contest, the party is lagging behind others because its candidates do not have organised support. The MFP is projected to capture no more than 40 House seats under both systems combined, he said.

Suvicha: MFP will scoop list votes

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Pheu Thai moves upset Move Forward

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A Pheu Thai Party campaign poster is seen on Suthisan Winitchai Road in Phaya Thai district, Bangkok, in February. (Photo: Nutthawat Wicheanbut)
A Pheu Thai Party campaign poster is seen on Suthisan Winitchai Road in Phaya Thai district, Bangkok, in February. (Photo: Nutthawat Wicheanbut)

The Pheu Thai Party has adjusted its strategy, calling on voters to vote Pheu Thai to keep the other lot out, much to the displeasure of the Move Forward Party (MFP) whose campaign appears to be gaining traction.

In asking voters to “vote strategically”, it is telling supporters to cast ballots for the party which has the best chance of defeating the 250-member Senate in its vote for prime minister in parliament. At the moment, that’s Pheu Thai, the frontrunner in many polls.

It hopes to prevent the return of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the top prime ministerial candidate of the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, to power.

Pheu Thai is aiming for 310 seats in a landslide victory. Without it, there is no guarantee that Pheu Thai can muster enough support to secure the premiership for one of its three candidates and put together a coalition government, even if it finishes first in the May 14 polls.

Following the 2019 general election, the coup-appointed Senate overwhelmingly voted for Gen Prayut, nominated by the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) to be prime minister, clearing the way for the PPRP-led bloc to form a coalition.

If Pheu Thai’s candidate is to be voted in as prime minister without the need for the Senate’s support, a bare minimum of 376 seats, more than half of the combined 750 members of both chambers, is needed.

But Pheu Thai’s calls for tactical voting is upsetting MFP, its ally in the self-proclaimed democracy camp.

According to recent Nida poll findings, the gap between the two parties which are competing for support from the same voter base is narrowing, and Pheu Thai’s “vote strategically” campaign will be at the MFP’s expense.

According to Suan Dusit Poll findings on Saturday, Pheu Thai Party leads all other parties, followed by the Move Forward Party.

The poll was conducted on April 10-20 among 162,454 people aged 18 and over. Asked which party is gaining popularity among Thais before the election, 41.37% said the Pheu Thai Party and 19.32% the Move Forward Party.

‘The only solution’

Strategic voting has been put on the table because it is the only way to keep Gen Prayut from returning to power, said Pheu Thai deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai.

There is no guarantee the winner will lead the next government unless the party secures at least 250 seats, and even better 300 seats, to control the 500-member House of Representatives, he said.

The UTN is widely believed to have the senators in its pocket, so the party needs only 25 seats — the minimum number required for a party to be able to nominate a prime minister — to get the ball rolling, he said.

Mr Phumtham admitted the MFP’s campaign is gaining momentum, but it is not enough for the party to emerge victorious. He is also doubtful the MFP’s popularity on social media is genuine and equals votes.

Even without the party’s calls for strategic voting, MFP will not capture enough seats to be a core party in forming the government, said the Pheu Thai heavyweight.

“It is an election strategy. We’re not being selfish but we have the best chance. If voters don’t vote this way, we’ll see a repeat of what happened in previous polls. That’s why tactical voting is important,” he said.

Mr Phumtham said it was unlikely the MFP would win 100 seats and help the Pheu Thai-MFP alliance secure a majority, saying both parties share the same support base and the numbers do not add up.

“How can the MFP get 100 seats and we get more than 200 seats when we are competing for the same base?” he said.

Phumtham: Plot to stop Prayut’s return

Tactical voting will also prevent formation of a minority government being floated by some political analysts, said the Pheu Thai deputy leader, who believes the other bloc will proceed to set up a minority government and consolidate its coalition by luring political “cobras” (those who change parties at a whim).

The “vote strategically” campaign also comes at a time when the MFP’s approval rating is on the rise especially among urban communities.

Based on the second Nida Poll [April 3-7], the contest between Pheu Thai and the MFP, even though Pheu Thai is leading the survey, is tightening.

Pheu Thai remains the frontrunner with 47.2% support in the constituency system and 47% in the party-list system, but that is down from 49.75% and 49.85% respectively compared with the first survey in March. The popularity of the MFP has increased to 21.2% in the constituency system and 21.85% in the party-list system from 17.4% and 17.15% in the March survey.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, one of Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidates, has seen her popularity drop to 35.7%, from 38.2% in the first poll. MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat is more popular than he was previously with 20.25%, up from 15.75%.

‘Don’t give in to fears’

Rangsiman Rome, spokesman of the MFP, is sceptical about strategic voting, saying voters should not be scared into switching party allegiances because the election outcome is far from certain.

The findings of polls are often inaccurate and if this line of thinking is pursued, Bangkok voters should cast ballots for the MFP because it is the most popular, he argued.

Pheu Thai is not the only party that has adopted a stance against the Senate’s power to co-elect the prime minister and the Gen Prayut-led camp appears to be weakening because they also share the same support base, he said.

“People should vote for their desired party and candidate. They shouldn’t be seduced or scared into abandoning their support.

“In the end the candidates they pick out of strategic voting may not represent their values,” he said.

Mr Rangsiman is confident the party can win as many as 100 seats from both the constituency and party-list system and insisted the party’s popularity on social media platforms can be turned into votes.

The MFP politician shrugged off fears about the UTN-led camp forming a minority government, saying while there is a likelihood of that happening, he would still bet against it.

“Forming a minority government is the wrong move to make. The Senate’s five-year term is coming to an end and it is quite a risk for the senators to challenge the people’s voice. How could they face the public?” he said.

Mr Rangsiman said he is not certain that being part of a minority government is a risk worth taking by other parties because it is close to cheating the people and they will face a public backlash, which could ultimately mean a loss of support.

The opposition camp can still topple the government on the first day by forcing a censure debate, not to mention a budget bill debate that is expected to take place in July, he said, adding he can’t see how a minority government can lure away political cobras in such a short period and push for the bill’s passage.

“If a minority government is formed, political unrest is likely. People won’t stand it and they may hit the streets,” he said.

If that scenario materialises, the party will put up a fight in parliament to stop any attempts to rob people of their power.

Rangsiman: Don’t believe fearmongers

A painful dilemma

Stithorn Thananithichot, an analyst at King Prajadhipok’s Institute, said Pheu Thai is caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to forming a political alliance with the MFP.

On one hand, it is reluctant to form a pact with the MFP out of fear of losing support and failing to score a landslide victory. On the other, if it does not form partnership and does not win big enough, its chances of putting together a coalition will slip away.

He said the MFP is going from strength to strength but it is difficult to determine if the MFP’s popularity is genuine because of its clear and straightforward election strategy, or fabricated to stop Pheu Thai from clinching a landslide victory. According to Mr Stithorn, Pheu Thai should not alienate the MFP but keep the door open for both parties forming a coalition government after the May 14 polls. However, the analyst said the opinion polls put the MFP behind Pheu Thai, Bhumjaithai and the PPRP.

Stithorn: Pheu Thai Party in a quandry

Nida Poll director Suvicha Pou-aree said the MFP is pulling votes away from every party in the party-list system and the most affected is Pheu Thai.

However, in the constituency contest, the party is lagging behind others because its candidates do not have organised support. The MFP is projected to capture no more than 40 House seats under both systems combined, he said.

Suvicha: MFP will scoop list votes

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Dems plot South’s rise above hubbub

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Leader Niphon outlines plans to make region a centre for transport and finance

Democrat members are in high spirits as they enter the venue for party-list candidacy registration in Bangkok on April 4. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
Democrat members are in high spirits as they enter the venue for party-list candidacy registration in Bangkok on April 4. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

The Democrat Party on Saturday tried to woo voters in Songkhla’s Hat Yai district by promising to turn the district into a southern transport and financial hub.

Speaking before a gathering of around 20,000 people near Hat Yai’s clock tower on Saturday, deputy Democrat leader Niphon Bunyamanee said the party has an infrastructure development plan ready for this district.

The proposals include a 13-kilometre monorail to ease traffic in downtown Hat Yai, and a new double-track railway and more motorways to connect the district with Padang Besar in neighbouring Malaysia to boost border trade.

The party would also oversee construction of a sea bridge to Koh Samui in Surat Thani.

“We aim to make Hat Yai a transport and financial centre of the region,” said Mr Niphon.

Drafted and proposed by Mr Niphon during his stint as president of Songkhla’s provincial administrative organisation, the 16-billion-baht monorail plan has already passed an environmental impact assessment, said Samart Ratchaphonsit, another deputy Democrat leader.

Stretching from Ban Phru, a municipality in Hat Yai, to Diana shopping complex in the heart of the district, the monorail system will be split into three sections when built, he said.

MFP BACKS DIGITAL FUTURE

Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat has urged people in Phuket to choose his party and policies, including a bid to develop the island as a digital economy hub.

“Many political observers have said it is impossible for the MFP to win even one seat in the South,” Mr Pita told supporters of a campaign event at Saphan Hin in Muang district on Friday night.

In the previous election in 2019, the now-defunct Future Forward Party gained more than 40,000 votes from islanders.

“However, more than 300,000 islanders, 150,000 of whom are young voters, are eligible to vote this time. So, why should the MFP not be able to win this time?” he asked.

“Right now, Phuket is listed on the tourist maps of many platforms like Agoda. The tourism of the future will not be the same and the MFP will help promote the digital economy to boost the living standards of islanders,” he said.

PRAWIT FUELS SOUTH PUSH

Meanwhile, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) has pledged to lower fuel prices and develop the South if it wins the election on May 14. The party wooed voters in Songkhla’s Hat Yai district during an event on Friday night.

“If I am chosen as prime minister, I will lower the price of benzene to 25 baht per litre, diesel to 28 baht per litre, cooking gas to 250 baht per tank and electricity bill to 2.70 baht per unit,” PPRP leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon told supporters from his platform at the International Convention Centre in Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai campus.

Power prices have emerged as a big issue in the campaign with the government trying to bring them down, and parties vying with each other with promises to cut them.

Nipit Intarasombat, a key PPRP figure, urged people in the South to choose the PPRP as it would develop the region and boost people’s incomes.

Mr Nipit said he had 30 years in politics and experience as a member of the Democrat Party to draw on and voters can feel confident the PPRP is well qualified to govern again if it wins the election.

Capt Thamanat Prompow, a PPRP candidate in Phayao, said the PPRP will work with every party and will proceed with campaign pledges including agricultural land management, 700-baht welfare and a life insurance scheme.

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94 evacuees from Sudan to vote at home

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The Election Commission (EC) has agreed to allow 94 Thais evacuated from Sudan to cast their ballots for the upcoming election in Thailand.

Advanced voting for Thai citizens in Sudan was to be held at the Royal Thai Honorary Consulate from Friday to yesterday in the capital Khartoum, amid the civil war. However, given the situation, the Royal Thai Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, announced voting would be cancelled.

The EC yesterday invoked Section 6, 102 and 105 of the Organic Act on the Election of Members of the House to cancel advanced voting in Khartoum, a source said.

The list of eligible voters was then revised to allow 94 Thai evacuees to cast their ballots in their respective constituencies at home.

EC chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong said on Friday that ballots from advanced voting in Prague in the Czech Republic, Kathmandu in Nepal and Los Angeles in the United States would arrive in Thailand this week.

Advance voting overseas is taking place until May 5.

All ballots must be sent to the kingdom before May 9, but the deadline could be extended to May 12 for some countries.

To ensure they all arrive in the country on time, an Open Vehicle Monitoring System is being used to track them.

There are 13 countries where diplomatic officials must transfer the ballots manually, as there are no direct flights between those places and Thailand to ensure passage by that means, Mr Ittiporn said.

Voters in the country who initially registered for advanced voting can cast their ballots on Sunday.

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Probe reveals Sararat may have killed others

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Raphee: Called as witness
Raphee: Called as witness

Police are following a money trail left by Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, a suspected serial killer, after a review of bank accounts revealed as many as 20 people died after transferring large sums to her over the past two years.

A police source yesterday said investigators were widening the probe into the mysterious deaths of 13 people linked to Ms Sararat.

A few days ago, investigators obtained evidence suggesting the number of deaths may actually be higher than that reported, the source said.

A review of Ms Sararat’s bank accounts from 2021 showed many people had transferred money to her, with amounts ranging from 10,000 to hundreds of thousands of baht, the source said.

The 13 people who died of mysterious deaths were among 18 to 20 people who died after transfers were made. Police are now looking into the causes of death of the other five to seven people, the source said.

Police have obtained evidence that could implicate Ms Sararat in the one murder she is already charged with, said Pol Col Anek Taosupap, the deputy commander of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD).

Ms Sararat, 36, the ex-wife of a senior police officer in Ratchaburi, was arrested on Tuesday at the government complex on Chaeng Watthana Road in Bangkok on a warrant issued by the Criminal Court. Her arrest followed a complaint filed by the family of the late Siriporn “Koy” Khanwong, 32, of Kanchanaburi.

Siriporn collapsed and died on the bank of the Mae Klong River in Ban Pong district of Ratchaburi, where she had gone with Ms Sararat to release fish for merit-making on April 14. Cyanide was found in her body. Investigators came to believe that Ms Sararat might have mixed cyanide in Siriporn’s food, causing her death. She allegedly also stole the victim’s valuables.

CSD investigators called Raphee Chamnarnrue, who took the victim’s family to file a police complaint, to give a statement as a witness yesterday as they wanted further details, said Pol Col Anek.

Investigators are planning to question a nurse who works at Taksin Hospital, a close friend of Ms Sararat and member of the same pyramid scheme, he said, identifying the friend as a woman named “Nok”.

Ms Sararat, who is four months pregnant, is being held at the Central Women’s Correctional Institute. Police investigators have fanned out across Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom and Phetchaburi provinces in search of more clues.

The number of suspected deaths rose to 13 on Friday with the naming of Sawittree “Nim” Budsrirak, 41, who died in 2020 in Mukdahan. But Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, deputy national police chief, on Friday said the number had reached 14.

Meanwhile, traces of cyanide were found in the Honda Civic Ms Sararat and her ex-husband used to drive, as well as the Toyota Vios she was driving the day Siriporn died, said Weerachai Phutdhawong, associate professor of chemistry at Kasetsart University.

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