Thai PM and LGBTQ+ rights activist named in TIME100 Next list

13 Sept 11:26 Key points summarised by AI

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and gay rights activist Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd were named on the 2024 TIME100 Next list, recognizing them as emerging leaders shaping the future.
Paetongtarn made history as Thailand's youngest premier at 38, now tasked with implementing new economic policies and navigating the nation's power dynamics to avoid her family's legacy of political banishment.
Nineteen-year-old Plaifah, a prominent gay rights activist, addressed parliament as a committee member for Thailand's landmark marriage equality bill, advocating for broader LGBTQ+ rights and emphasizing the power of intergenerational activism.
Thailand is set to become the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage, with activists like Plaifah now targeting same-sex reproductive rights and gender-recognition laws.

Public expects most Kla Tham MPs to back Cabinet in censure vote, NIDA Poll finds

18 Oct 12:30 Key points summarised by AI

A recent NIDA poll indicates that a plurality of the public (30.38%) anticipates Kla Tham Party MPs will vote to support all 18 cabinet ministers targeted in the upcoming no-confidence debate.
Respondents believe the Ministry of Interior (38.78%) and the Prime Minister’s Office (21.37%) will face the toughest questioning during the censure debate.
Economic issues, particularly alleged incompetence in addressing problems (34.27%) and the rising cost of living (25.88%), are cited as the primary concerns for the government during the censure.
The public holds high expectations for the Opposition's case, with 45.65% believing clear, concrete evidence will be presented against all 18 ministers, and 41.22% expecting substantial evidence against specific ministers.