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Thaksin’s legal nightmare could spell doom for Pheu Thai, experts say

12 Sept 02:02 Key points summarised by AI

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra faces escalating legal challenges, including an appeal against his lese majeste acquittal and a Supreme Court order to pay 17 billion baht in unpaid taxes, intensifying his current prison term.
These legal setbacks significantly erode Thaksin's credibility and public trust, directly impacting Pheu Thai, where he serves as the party's patriarch and de facto leader.
Experts predict an electoral meltdown for Pheu Thai, forecasting substantial seat losses and internal disarray as Thaksin's weakened influence prompts potential MP defections.
The party may resort to a censure motion against the current Prime Minister, aiming to regain power and rebuild its popularity amidst the severe legal and political pressures.

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.