AI In-Brief

Thailand News in Brief

Thai PBS World

Thailand and the world, every day

AI can make mistakes. Please double-check.

Piyabutr stunned by sudden defection of nine former Future Forward MPs

13 Sept 11:38 Key points summarised by AI

Former Future Forward secretary-general Dr. Piyabutr Saengkanokkul expressed profound disappointment and pain after nine MPs from the recently dissolved party abruptly defected to the government coalition's Bhumjaithai party.
The mass defection occurred swiftly following the Constitutional Court's order to dissolve the Future Forward party and ban its executives from politics for ten years due to an illegal loan.
Piyabutr lamented the defectors' motivations, questioning the value of their parliamentary roles and the state of political reform, especially after having previously defended their quality as MPs.

Yesterday 17:04 Key points summarised by AI

Civic groups, including those representing labourers and older people, submitted a protest letter demanding the Bhumjaithai Party withdraw bills to shift funding for four organizations (Thai PBS, Older Persons Fund, Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Sports Authority of Thailand) from earmarked taxes to the central government budget.
Leaders argue these organizations were established for public interest, supporting public service media, elder care, public health, and sports development, and any amendments should consider all stakeholders' views.
Over 70% of parliamentary poll respondents opposed the proposed changes, prompting civic leaders to call on the ruling party to respect the people's will and withdraw the bills.
A network of slum dwellers also opposes the funding changes, threatening a rally if the government fails to address their demands.