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Will Srettha become Thailand’s 30th prime minister?

13 Sept 04:37 Key points summarised by AI

Srettha Thavisin, a property developer and Pheu Thai Party candidate, has emerged as a frontrunner for Thailand's 30th prime minister after the initial candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat, was blocked by unelected senators.
His path to premiership is fraught with challenges, including allegations of tax evasion and intense scrutiny over his stance on the controversial lese majeste law, potentially jeopardizing Senate support.
Pheu Thai's decision to abandon its alliance with the Move Forward Party and consider partnerships with previously rejected parties has eroded public trust and weakened its negotiating position, casting doubt on Srettha's confirmation.
Political maneuvering, including speculation about a deal involving ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra's return, suggests the possibility of an alternative prime minister, further complicating Srettha's prospects amidst a fluid political landscape.

Today 14:58 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's government will launch the "Chainat-Pasak-Gulf" water diversion canal project in fiscal year 2027, a seven-year mega-infrastructure initiative.
This permanent structural solution aims to mitigate recurrent central plains flooding by diverting water from the Chao Phraya River directly into the Gulf of Thailand, significantly reducing flow to major cities like Ayutthaya and Bangkok.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul justifies the long-term investment as a means to reduce future damages and fiscal burdens, contrasting it with the 40-50 billion baht spent annually on short-term flood relief.
Concurrently, the Prime Minister instructed officials to expand drainage capacity into the Tha Chin River and swiftly remove water hyacinths to improve immediate flood management.