Jurin Laksasnavisit takes the helm of Democrat party

14 Sept 04:19 Key points summarised by AI

Jurin Laksasnavisit was elected the new leader of the Democrat party, securing 160 votes from party members and MPs, succeeding Abhisit Vejjajiva after the party's significant defeat in the general election.
A seasoned politician, Jurin is an 11-time MP from Phang-nga, with a background that includes serving as Prime Minister's Office Minister, Public Health Minister, and Deputy Commerce Minister.
His immediate priority is to decide whether the Democrat party will join the Palang Pracharat-led coalition alliance and support General Prayut Chan-o-cha's bid for prime minister.
The Democrat party, along with Bhumjaithai, holds a crucial 'kingmaker' role, making their decision pivotal for forming a new government, likely with a slim majority.

Suchada: Meet the reluctant star of Thailand’s cryptic crypto drama

Yesterday 15:38 Key points summarised by AI

Thai MP Suchada Zhang Thaensap faces intense scrutiny over her husband’s substantial 1.84 billion baht wealth, with opposition lawmakers alleging connections to international scam networks.
A significant portion of her husband, Taiyang Zhang's, declared assets includes a 1.44 billion baht loan to the now-bankrupt cryptocurrency hedge fund Three Arrows Capital, which still owes him 1.34 billion baht.
Opposition MP Rangsiman Rome accused Suchada's husband of links to online scam networks and gambling sites, prompting Suchada to vehemently deny the claims, demand evidence, and file a defamation complaint.
Taiyang Zhang's background includes co-founding Ren Protocol, later sold to Alameda Research (linked to the FTX collapse), and some of his former associates have been convicted in crypto company failures.
Suchada, a former actress and first-time MP, maintains her husband's innocence, while her party leaders have distanced themselves from the allegations, deeming it a private matter.