Category: Politics

The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) could submit a motion next week demanding a parliamentary probe into allegations the government changed the route of an expressway project to help the family of first lady Kim Keon Hee profit from it, an official said Friday.

The Seoul-Yangpyeong expressway project has emerged as one of the biggest political issues after the DP alleged the highway’s endpoint was changed to where Kim’s family owns land in Yangpyeong, east of Seoul, as prices of the land would rise if the road is built.

The ruling People Power Party (PPP) has already rejected the DP’s proposal of a parliamentary probe, arguing the allegations have been proven groundless, but the DP now says it can submit a motion on its own if the PPP does not agree.

“We plan to submit a request to open a parliamentary probe at the plenary session next week,” a senior DP official said in a phone call with Yonhap News Agency. “If the ruling party sticks to its opposition, we can submit it unilaterally.”

The DP also demanded that President Yoon Suk Yeol address the issue upon his return from an overseas trip.

The PPP has rejected the allegations, saying the route change was first proposed during the previous Moon Jae-in administration and was adopted shortly after the new government took office, accusing the DP of making the allegations out of nothing for political gains.

“For the two parties to agree on opening a parliamentary investigation, two elements need to be met. The people should demand it, and there needs to be violation of law. Currently, such conditions are not mature enough,” PPP floor leader Yun Jae-ok said in a press conference.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

Jakarta Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) stressed that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must not become a battleground of rivalry and a proxy of any country.”We, in ASEAN, are committed to continuously bolstering unity and solidarity as well as strengthening ASEAN’s centrality in maintaining peace and stability in the region,” the president noted while delivering his remarks at the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) here on Friday.

part from highlighting the need for all parties to respect international law, Jokowi also hoped for cooperation and support from all ASEAN members and partners to use Southeast Asia’s potential as an epicentrum of growth, in line with the theme of Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship this year.

The president noted that the Southeast Asia region has potential in the form of its large productive-age population as well as abundant natural resources.

He remarked that ASEAN countries need understanding, wisdom, and also support from both developed and friendly nations to leave the zero-sum approach and adopt a win-win approach.

The president expressed optimism that the ASEAN member countries and partners present at the meeting would seek resolutions for various regional and global issues and not exacerbate them.

“There is a saying in Indonesia, namely menang tanpa ngasorake, which means we can become a winner without degrading others, without defeating others. For that, I invite us to be honorable winners,” the president affirmed.

The series of the 56th AMM events are taking place on July 10-14.

The events comprise several meetings, including a meeting of the commission of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ), meeting with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), plenary session, and retreat session.

Furthermore, the agenda includes the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meetings with ASEAN dialogue partners, namely India, New Zealand, Russia, Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.

It also includes the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

Source: Antara News Agency

Jakarta Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi emphasized that the Indo-Pacific needs to stay peaceful and stable and not be another battleground of powerful countries looking to influence the region.t the 13th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting during the 2023 Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in Jakarta, Friday, Marsudi stated that the “Indo-Pacific is at a critical juncture.”

EAS is a regional forum that involves 18 EAS countries, which are 10 ASEAN members, and Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the United States.

ccording to Marsudi, Indo-Pacific needs to stay a peaceful region, as it is home to 60 percent of the world’s population and the biggest contributor to the global economy over the next three decades.

“But we are still very far from ensuring a conducive environment to unlock the full potential of our region. Mistrust and uncertainties remain,” she remarked.

Hence, she expressed hope that the EAS forum would contribute to a safe, stable, and inclusive Indo-Pacific that also encourages collaboration with other regions.

In 2019, ASEAN approved the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP), which is an affirmation of the region’s role to maintain peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

However, AOIP does not mention the rivalry between the US and China that has become more real in the Indo-Pacific.

The Outlook, which was proposed by Indonesia, prioritizes open and inclusive dialogue and cooperation instead of competition and rivalry.

OIP stipulates that the ASEAN will not side with any major country and will always maintain peace of the Indo-Pacific region.

The AOIP also became one of the main discussion agendas at the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, on May 9-11, 2023.

During its chairmanship this year, Indonesia seeks to strengthen the Association’s role in facing challenges, responding to dynamics, and playing a central role in the region.

Source: Antara News Agency

Parliament, July 13 – Chat Thai Pattana met and knocked on 10 MPs who abstained from voting for the Prime Minister. Specify if there is anything to change and talk at the event.

Samerkan Thiengtham, MP for Suphan Buri as a spokesperson for the Chart Thai Pattana Party Interview after the meeting MPs for the Chart Thai Pattana Party on the direction of the Prime Minister’s vote The Chart Thai Pattana Party could not pass a resolution of the party. But called it a way that has been discussed and agreed to abstain from voting by Mr. Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment As the leader of the Chart Thai Pattana Party and the party members reiterated their stance not to touch Article 112 and consider the votes that may not be enough to win. But taking into account the voices that support the Chart Thai Pattana Party Especially the people who gave us a rating.

When asked if he listened to the debate in the House of Commons, would he change the voting method again? Mr. Samerkan said that all 10 MPs of the Chart Thai Pattana Party were already in the House of Commons. can call to discuss immediately

As for the news that the Prime Minister’s vote will be postponed What will the party look like? Mr Samerkan said it was just news. But if anything happens, 10 MPs can talk to each other. Let’s say in front of the event.-Thai News Agency

Source: Thai News Agency

Parliament, July 13 – “Surathin” insists on new democracy, abstaining from voting for “Pitha” according to the party’s resolution because there is a policy to amend Article 112, pointing to the Prime Minister’s vote. each with election results

Surathin Phicharn, leader of the New Democratic Party I believe that the parliamentary meeting to vote on the prime minister today. MPs and parliamentarians should be able to attend. Even today I have to say that when traveling to the council, there is a lot of traffic. The representative’s life must walk in. As for their voting method, they abstain from voting. The reason is that he does not agree with the amendment and repeal of Article 112 because he is a teacher who teaches students to love the nation, religion and the King. In addition, the party had already resolved to abstain from voting, however, personally, they loved each other with Mr. Phitha always greeted each other.

“Principles of political parties and policies are not the same. Dreams are not the same. We love the institution. There is no other reason. There is no pressure for Teacher Tin, he doesn’t care about anyone, ”said Surathin.

As for the case where a rally came to encourage Mr. Phitha, Mr. Surathin said he could do it, but the rules were in the council. different story When voting cannot be forced, the rules are clear, not an election must be won. choose the prime minister The issue of choosing the Prime Minister is at the House of Assembly. The rules are like this Otherwise, a new set of rules must be set.-Thai News Agency

Source: Thai News Agency

“Pitha” is confident that the vote for the Prime Minister will be smooth, and promises to fulfill the people’s hopes, not to leave it to the senators. Let’s wait and see together in the meeting room. Receive no second plan if the vote is postponed. Emphasizing that the case of overthrowing the government is a misunderstanding, “Kao Klai”, thinking of proposing amendments, the legal team clarified within 15 days.

9:00 a.m. Mr. Pita Limcharoenrat Leader and candidate for the Prime Minister, Minister of the Progressive Party Traveled to attend the council meeting today with a smiling face. and mentioning confidence in voting for the Prime Minister that self-confidence will fulfill the expectations that the people have given them Ready to thank everyone who came to win in front of the parliament together today. Including the encouragement sent through various channels He will try to explain the vision announced before the May 14 election and to explain the suspicions that some Senate members may have. will take this opportunity to take the time to find consensus together

When asked if there was anything to say to the senators or not, Mr. Phitha said that the council would have an opportunity to explain. As for the preparation of a backup plan, if the meeting is postponed today, Mr. Phitha said that from listening to all 3 WIPs, there would be no chance of a backup plan. and during the journey I have listened to the interview of Mr. Suthin Khamsaeng from the Pheu Thai Party. unlikely to be useful to anyone

When asked if the constitutional court was concerned about whether or not Mr. Phitha Rong eh, and said that if he spoke clearly The court accepted it in the administrative stage. Diagnosis is another matter. But I think it’s the discretion of the court. which is not relevant to the parliamentary process today. People have been waiting for two full months. Must hurry and manage to get it done well.

As for the meeting of the Kao Lai Party in the morning, how was the appointment to vote? Mr. Phitha said it was an appointment and made sure that all 151 people had come together and allowed the council to open.

As for the petition for the overthrow of the Kao Klai Party’s rule, Mr. Phitha said it was unlikely as he had read according to the initial documents. Confirmed that it was a correction, not abolition. It seems to be a misunderstanding after this, there will be another 15 days to clarify. The legal team and those involved will act quickly.

When asked if he was confident that he would get the senator’s voice in voting for the prime minister today or not, Mr. Phitha said that he asked to wait and see together. Confirmed that it would be done fully. There are 750 members of the council. If it is in accordance with the meeting, I think it should go smoothly.

Mr. Phitha also concluded the rally in front of the council that he asked the police to control and facilitate people who came to do activities.

After interviewing reporters, Mr. Phitha took the elevator to the Warroom of the Kao Lai Party where MPs were meeting this morning. Mrs. Amarat Chokpamitkul came down to greet and hug Mr. Phitha before going up to the meeting room together.

Source: Thai News Agency

BANGKOK, 13 Jul- The Thai stock index moved in negative territory this morning. Asian stock markets The baht fluctuated Waiting for clarity to vote for the Prime Minister

Ms. Kanchana Chokpaisarnsilp research executive Kasikorn Research Center said The baht adjusted to 34.56 baht per dollar. This morning (9.30 a.m.) it appreciated compared to yesterday’s close at 34.92 baht per dollar. The baht touched the highest level in one month at 34.51 baht per dollar in the beginning amid selling pressure on the dollar. which depreciated in accordance with the decline in US bond yields After the consumer price index data in June. in the United States slowed down more than the market had expected. And support expectations that the Federal Reserve (Fed) is nearing the end of its policy rate hike cycle. Headline inflation rose 3.0% YoY in June (below market expectations of 3.1% YoY and below 4.0% YoY in May), while core inflation rose 4.8% YoY in June. Nov. (below consensus of 5.0% YoY and below 5.3% YoY in May. ) However, the movement of the baht may fluctuate during the day. Because there are still political issues in the country that must be monitored closely.

As for the movement of the baht today, it is expected to be at 34.50-34.80 baht per dollar. The important factors that must be monitored include the political situation in the country. direction of foreign capital Bank of Korea Monetary Policy Meeting Outcome Number of weekly unemployment benefits and Producer Price Index for June. of the United States

Mr. Wichit Arayaphisit, Investment Strategist Liberator Securities said that the Thai stock market opened negative this morning. by even moving up a little positive different from Asian stocks because of the fear of political impact which, although by having to keep an eye on Mr. Pita’s vote Lim Chareonrat far-reaching party leader whether to become Prime Minister or not Which the 8-party coalition now has 311 votes, must use 65 senator votes to exceed 376 votes, which if not complete and the country returned to chaos It must be a point of caution when investing.

Mr. Kornphat Worachet, Director of Investment Research and Service Department, Krungsri Patanasin Securities, evaluated the establishment of the government in 4 cases, Case 1 is Mr. Pita Limcharoenrat. far-reaching party leader Voted as Prime Minister, Progressive Party+ 8 parties in the current coalition will form a government with 311 votes. Clarity supports the SET, but the policy risks to capital markets in the medium term are something to be monitored. and may limit the frame around 1600-1620 points

Case 2: Mr. Phitha was not voted as prime minister. While the Pheu Thai Party became the leader instead and still set up a government with 8 The current coalition, 311 votes, sees clarity in support of the SET, but the policy risk to the capital market in the medium term will be lower than Case 1, which will cause it to swing up around 1680-1720 points. The groups moving better than the market are energy, communications, and real estate. and if there is no violent assembly Groups that move positively follow the groups based on internal consumption, namely banking groups, retail groups, industrial estates and travel group

Case 3: Mr. Phitha was not voted as prime minister. While the Pheu Thai Party took over as the leader instead While turning the pole to capture the opposition party Estimated around 280-310 votes, looking for clarity to support the SET, but the policy risk to the capital market in the medium term will be lower than Case 1, which will cause it to swing up around 1620-1680 points. The groups moving better than the market are energy, communications, contractors. the But the risk of rallies that may occur is more stressful than case 2, which will put pressure on domestic consumption groups until the rally ends, namely banks, retailers, industrial estates and tourism groups.

Case 4: Mr. Phitha was not voted as prime minister. While the formation of the government will be in the form of a minority, that is, the current opposition party. Estimated around 140-150 votes And there is a risk of a rally that may occur, which is the most stressful in all cases, assessing the SET frame at 1350-1460 points.-Thai News Agency

Source: Thai News Agency

Parliament, July 13-“Pitha” is confident that the vote for the prime minister will go smoothly today. don’t postpone Accepting must win the senator’s voice Thank you Mob for the encouragement. Confident that the matter of being sued for the overthrow of the government did not reach the dissolution of the party

Mr. Pita Limjaroenrat List MP and leader of the Progressive Party Prime Minister Candidate gave an interview before the parliamentary meeting to choose the prime minister, saying that for the voice of support from senators (senators) today (July 13), I want everyone to wait and listen at the same time, however, having self-confidence to do fully as expected by the people who gave them hope and encouragement Which thanks to everyone who came together to win together in front of the parliament including private messages which he will do his best Express the vision to reiterate the policy given before the election. And will explain the suspicion that the senator still wants to know to use this opportunity to find a new consensus together using the stage of the Council Explain to senators to understand which has to wait to hear whether the senators will support it or not

“Confirm that the meeting will not be postponed today. because as far as listening to all 3 whips, there is no chance In which Mr. Suthin Klangsaeng, Pheu Thai Party MP, gave an interview that there was no chance to postpone Because postponing the vote is not beneficial to anyone. I believe that the meeting will go smoothly and leave the police to take care of the assembly so that it goes smoothly, ”said Phitha.

Mr. Phitha mentioned that the court accepted the petition for the overthrow of the institute to the administrative department. must depend on the discretion of the court that still has time Therefore, it must be separated into two issues that are not related to the parliamentary process. Because the people have been waiting for 2 months already. will establish the government to be successful

As for the aforementioned case, it may be the dissolution of the Kao Klai Party or not. Confirmed that the party wants to amend Article 112, not repeal. The accusation that repeal is probably a misunderstanding and still has 15 days to clarify the accusation. which the legal team has already prepared to clarify.-Thai News Agency

Source: Thai News Agency

Parliament 12 July – “Sutin” is confident that there will be no benefits exchanged for the Prime Minister’s vote – to the Speaker of the National Assembly. Decide if you have to nominate “Pitha” for the 2nd round of prime minister

Suthin Klangsaeng, Pheu Thai Party’s party-list MP, spoke about the current news at the Senate. Come out to reveal that there is a distribution of benefits. In exchange for a vote to choose the prime minister that Personally, I still do not know the current news. But it’s something that could happen. to block or support any person nominated as Prime Minister or may be creating a news flow to destroy the credibility of the person who was nominated as Prime Minister But personally, I still believe that No benefit will be received, but admit that lobbying or persuasion efforts to ask for real votes

As for the occurrence of such news that will cause the senators to change their minds in voting or not, Mr. Sutin stated that if there will be benefits to each other. There should be both MPs and senators, which will cause disgrace to the people. But if there is no real benefit distributed Those who create news should not do it because it will damage the whole system.

Mr. Sutin also mentioned the case that Senators come out to set conditions if Mr. Phitha The Prime Minister was not approved at the parliamentary sessions. to cast a vote for the first time Will not be able to nominate again to the meeting, admitting that there are still various opinions on this matter and is confident that on July 13, the parliamentary meeting will have MPs or senators to raise such matters Come up to debate and believe that there will be a solution and a meeting with the Senate Coordinating Committee or WIP, senators and political party representatives yesterday (July 11) discussed this matter. The Speaker of the House of Representatives stated that if there will be discussions on such matters. Will have to wait for the resolution on July 13 to finish first. and should allow the President of the National Assembly is considered and made a decision, and still hopes that At the parliamentary meeting to elect the prime minister, Mr. Pita Limcharoenrat Party-list MP, Kao Klai Party, as the party’s leader will be approved by the National Assembly.-Thai News Agency

Source: Thai News Agency

Parade screams “Pita” wants to become prime minister quickly, while “Pita” is confident in the objection of the party submitted to the Election Commission and noted the attitude of hastening the decision. Submitted to the Constitutional Court in continuation from yesterday

Reporters reported that Mr. Phitha Limcharoenrat List MPs and Prime Minister candidates with members of the Progressive Party Traveled to meet the executives of the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Public Organization) or GISTDA. When Mr. Phitha arrived, there were fan clubs, employees, civil servants and people both Thai and foreign. at work and come to contact the agencies within Building B Chaengwattana Government Center wait for encouragement cheer along with stating that the real one is very handsome, the prime minister is very handsome, wants to be prime minister quickly and wants to take a picture with Mr. Pita

While some people know that Mr. Phitha has arrived hurriedly came out and walked to take Mr. Pita to the elevator on the way up to the GISTDA office. Mr. Pita waved hello. Ready to walk through the office of the Election Commission of Thailand. The Election Commission is holding a meeting to consider submitting the matter to the Constitutional Court to determine qualifications. But Mr. Phitha refused to answer, only stating that today he was invited by GISTDA to talk, but when the media asked Mr. Rueangkrai to request an autograph, Mr. Phitha said what did he do? i don’t know Normally, the signature is not to be overused. Normally, the people’s brothers and sisters. It will not be the same as signed as documentary evidence. Therefore, it would be useless to take it to check. Guess when the reporter explained that Mr. Rueangkrai wanted him to sign a book on a long way to go. Mr. Pita said, “Oh no, today I intend to come to a meeting with GISTDA, who should have contacted me after the election since I haven’t had the opportunity to come yet. It’s about the drought that happened. They will talk about whether they can use technology to solve drought problems or not.

When asked, Mr. Ruangkrai said that the documents submitted by the party objected. The Election Commission is a violation of the law. Mr. Pita said that he thought that our legal department had checked well. by stakeholders However, the legal department has prepared adequately. Definitely not in a hurry. Which has been speculated in many stories, as interviewed by many media outlets that it is similar to the V Luck Media case of Mr. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit Therefore, our legal department is prepared and prepared. If there is a case of accelerating the wrong process near the prime ministerial election day It’s something that we already predicted.

However, when Mr. Phitha went up to the meeting room of GISTDA’s office, GISTDA officials broke away from their desks and cheered and greeted Mr. Phitha enthusiastically. The GISTDA office informed that the discussion between the executives of the office and Mr. Phitha would take about an hour and there would be a press conference.

The reporter reported that While Mr. Phitha was arriving, Mr. Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a member of the Palang Pracharat Party Came to submit a letter to the Election Commission of Thailand opposing Mr. Pita’s letter sent to the Election Commission on July 10, arguing against the process of filing a case to the Constitutional Court ruling Mr. Pita’s status. that it is unlawful, stating that the letter that Mr. Phitha sent to the Election Commission of Thailand claimed that the legal provisions were incorrect and saw that the operation of The Election Commission of Thailand is legitimate, with the Election Commission conducting an investigation in the same way that it conducted with Thanathorn. Juangroongruangkit In the case of holding V Luck shares and the Constitutional Court has ruled in such cases as a norm that the proceedings The Election Commission is legitimate.

In addition, Mr. Ruangkrai also saw that before the Election Commission sent the Constitutional Court to rule on Mr. Phitha’s case There is no need to invite Mr. Phitha to clarify first. because it was a case of submission under section 82 of the constitution, not proceedings under section 151 of the Election Act, where he was of the view that if this was the case, it was necessary to invite the accused to clarify first and submission to the Constitutional Court to determine the qualifications of MPs according to Section 82, the first paragraph of the Constitution, which grants the right MPs submit names through the Speaker of the House of Representatives The accused was not given clarification first, which the Kao Klai Party MPs used to use this step when submitting their case through the Speaker of the House. Let the Constitutional Court decide on the status of the Minister of Transport. And the Election Commission’s consideration was not in a hurry because it had filed this matter since May 10, and if compared to the Thai Rak Patriot dissolution case, it took only 2 weeks.

Mr. Ruangkrai also said that that this time came to submit the letter in person Different from the past, it will be submitted by post. It’s not because he knows that Mr. Phitha will travel to the Government Center building, but he knows that the Election Commission will have a meeting to consider this matter today. Therefore, he was afraid that if the letter was sent by post, it would not arrive at the Office of the Election Commission of Thailand in time, so he had to come and submit it himself.

“When Mr. Phitha traveled, he wanted to meet. would like to ask for a signature to sign the book on the way of life that he bought and have read which Mr. Phitha wrote well as Mr. Thanathorn and Mr. Piyabutr Khian, ”said Mr. Ruangkrai as he showed the reporter the book on the long way of life that he bought.

While reporters reported that The Election Commission started its meeting at 10:00 a.m. as the next meeting. because yesterday in the case of Mr. Phitha Holding shares of ITV Public Company Limited is subject to prohibition from exercising the right to run for election. Member of the House of Representatives according to Section 98 (3) of the constitution and causing membership MPs terminated according to section 101 (6) of the constitution to submit to the Constitutional Court a decision according to section 82 of the constitution, which yesterday at the first meeting The Election Commission has not yet decided whether to refer the matter to the Constitutional Court. It’s just a follow-up of the fact-finding committee’s progress reported to the meeting for acknowledgment. Therefore, the Election Commission has scheduled a meeting today. But there is still no confirmation that there will be a vote or not because the Election Commission has scheduled a meeting in advance today and July 13, it may be possible that The Election Commission will take the time to consider, along with Mr. Itthiporn Boonprakong, President of the Election Commission. Stated that consideration of the matter was based on the completeness of the complaint being fact-checked. Content and Legal by consideration of The ECT did not specify when the process would be rushed to complete it.

In the consideration of The Election Commission under Section 82 of the Constitution is a guideline for submitting consideration to the Constitutional Court for decision. As for the consideration under Section 151 that the Election Commission previously set up an inquiry committee It is a matter of criminal prosecution. But both cases are about the holding of media shares that must prove information and evidence that Mr. Phitha Do you actually hold shares? And is that stock a newspaper or mass media business or not? – Thai News Agency

Source: Thai News Agency