Current political climate makes amnesty for lèse majesté convicts tougher

11 Sept 13:51 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's new "Peaceful Society Promotion Bill" aims to resolve political legal disputes from 2005-2025, benefiting over 6,000 people, but explicitly excludes lèse majesté (royal defamation) cases.
The exclusion of lèse majesté cases is driven by the ruling Bhumjaithai Party's conservative agenda to protect the monarchy, a stance supported by a recent survey showing 64% of respondents rejected including such cases in amnesty.
Activists criticize the bill as discriminatory, arguing it politicizes Article 112, curtails freedom of expression, and deepens societal rifts, while some academics view it as an "incomplete ending" that might pave the way for future lèse majesté amnesty mechanisms.

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

Yesterday 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.