The ifs and buts of Thailand’s new friendship with Russia. The western democracies are still trying to fathom why Pheu Thai party premier Srettha Thavisin had his photo publicly taken with president Putin at the recent belt and road summit in China whilst inviting the Russian leader for a state visit.- Pattaya Mail

The ifs and buts of Thailand's new friendship with Russia

Barry KenyonOctober 24, 2023

Thai premier Srettha Thavisin shocked parts of the world by cosy-ing up to Putin at a recent conference in China.

The western democracies are still trying to fathom why Pheu Thai party premier Srettha Thavisin had his photo publicly taken with president Putin at the recent belt and road summit in China whilst inviting the Russian leader for a state visit. Critical social media suggest it was a bad idea because Srettha's international claim to represent democracy and human rights has hit the proverbial iceberg. Not to mention the negative effects on tourism from traditional markets in America, Europe and Australia. On the other hand, international tourist numbers to Thailand has seldom been affected by the domestic situation for more than a few weeks, even post-coup.

Examined from a Thai perspective, the issues look different. Thailand has had diplomatic relations with Russia for 125 years and the celebrations last year did not attraction any adverse international comment. Indeed, the last czar Nicholas II is commonly credited with helping to save Thailand from imperialist aggression by foreign powers. In 1996, Russia became a fully-fledged "dialogue partner" with the 10-nation ASEAN group, in which Thailand has the second biggest economy, and in 2004 Russia acceded to the treaty of amity and cooperation in southeast Asia.

Russia was silent when the Thai coup if 2014 occurred and, under the leadership of general Prayut Chan-o-cha warm relationships continued. In 2017, both nations drew up a statement of reciprocity which gave Russians and Thais 30 days of visa free travel when travelling to each other's country (now to be extended to 90 days on a trial basis). As regards Ukraine, Thailand initially voted at the United Nations in March 2022 to condemn Russian aggression, but has abstained from later votes condemning the annexation of the occupied territories. Nor is Thailand a formal state signatory of the international criminal court's attempt to have Putin arrested if he steps abroad. All these developments occurred well before Srettha became the Thai premier.

Putin has also accepted a state visit invitation from Vietnam. In this context, it's worth remembering that Joe Biden's trip to Hanoi in 2023 saw an upgrading of ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership between the US and Vietnam. Vietnam's policy has to be seen in context, namely to avoid being too committed to one side or the other. Similarly, Srettha will visit San Francisco in the United States in November 2023 to attend the summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation. As political analyst Thitinan Pondsudhirak has written, "Srettha has not turned to Putin at the expense of the west. He wants both."

Thai-Russian trade is still relatively small at US$10 billion a year. Thailand's exports to Russia include vehicles, machinery, electronics, vegetables and fruit, whilst imports are mainly oil, fertilizer and steel. Much of the trade now moves through the port of Vladivostok with its offshore banking facilities designed to offset western economic sanctions and the exclusion of Swift from financial transactions involving Russia. Western commentators can hold up their hands in horror about Thailand's collaboration with the man who has inflicted so much misery on Ukraine and the world. But Thailand is now led by a real estate tycoon who is an accomplished salesman keen to do business worldwide. His bold aim pure and simple is to generate enough national wealth to ensure Pheu Thai wins the next general election in 2027.





Ten banks record B177bn in net profit. Ten local commercial banks, including nine listed on the SET, reported consolidated net profit for the first nine months of 2023 of 177 billion baht, up 15.1% year-on-year, attributed to rising interest income as a result of policy rate hikes. Bangkok Post

Ten banks record B177bn in net profit

Ten local commercial banks, including nine listed on the SET, reported consolidated net profit for the first nine months of 2023 of 177 billion baht, up 15.1% year-on-year, attributed to rising interest income as a result of policy rate hikes.

Bangkok Bank (BBL), the country's largest lender by total assets, reported a net profit of 32.8 billion baht, up 50.8% year-on-year as a result of a 33% increase in net interest income (NII), in line with the rising interest rate trend, the bank said in a statement to the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

The Thai economy will continue to face challenges from global economic uncertainties as central banks maintain high interest rates to control inflation, while China's economic slowdown could impede exports and geopolitical tensions continue to boil over, according to BBL.

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Kasikornbank (KBank) reported a net profit of 33.0 billion baht, an increase of 1.35% year-on-year as the expected credit loss gained 31.4% in the first nine months year-on-year.

NII increased by 13.2%, in line with the policy rate hikes, despite an increase in funding costs.

Krungthai Bank (KTB) posted a consolidated net profit of 30.5 billion baht, up 19.2% year-on-year as a result of a 26.2% increase in NII.

The uptick in interest income was attributed to loan growth of its strategically focused segment covering retail, corporate and government loans.

SCB X, the holding company of Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), announced consolidated net profit of 32.5 billion baht, up 6.98% year-on-year.

Meanwhile SCB, the core pillar of the group, reported net profit of 11.8 billion baht in the third quarter, down 6.3% year-on-year, while the bank posted consolidated net profit of 36.6 billion baht, up 21.2% year-on-year, for the first nine months of 2023.

Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri) reported consolidated net profit of 25.2 billion baht, up 8% year-on-year.

The earnings were in line with healthy loan growth at 3.5% and improved net interest margin (NIM) at 3.70% in the first nine months of this year.

TMBThanachart Bank (ttb) posted net profit of 13.6 billion baht, up 31.4% year-on-year.

The bank's NIM expanded by 32 basis points to 3.21% in the first nine months of this year from 2.89% year-on-year, attributed to prudent loan growth strategy, robust portfolio optimisation and pre-funding strategy.

Thanyalak Vacharachaisurapol, deputy manager of Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research), said total net profit for the banking industry in the fourth quarter of 2023 is expected to remain steady from the third quarter.

Despite improving NII in line with policy rate hikes, funding costs and personnel expenses would increase as seasonal factors in the final quarter, said the research house.

K-Research expects total loan growth for the industry this year to be two percentage points lower than the previous estimate of around 4% because of the uneven economic recovery and pending government stimulus measures.



New Year Celebration. Thai Enquirer

The cabinet has decided to move the New Year holiday from January 2 to December 29. 

This means there will be a 4-day holiday period between December 29 and January 1. January 2 is now a regular working day.

Photo via Amazing Thailand 

Joyful birth of rare giant anteater at Khao Kheow Zoo. This significant event is not only a cause for celebration among the zoo staff but also a noteworthy achievement in the conservation of this rare and protected species native to the Americas.- Pattaya Mail

Joyful birth of rare giant anteater at Khao Kheow Zoo

Pattaya MailOctober 21, 2023

The newly born baby anteater clings onto the back of its mother as she eats her meal at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Sri Racha.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Sri Racha, shared the delightful news of the birth of a baby giant anteater on Sept. 27. This significant event is not only a cause for celebration among the zoo staff but also a noteworthy achievement in the conservation of this rare and protected species native to the Americas.

The proud parents, 9-year-old Carmela and 12-year-old Santiago, are the stars of this story. Zookeepers and veterinarians have been vigilantly monitoring the mother and her offspring, ensuring their well-being. At 23 days old, the baby anteater, whose gender remains unknown, has been officially introduced to the public, albeit from a respectful distance due to the mother's protective nature.

The young anteater is thriving, displaying excellent health, and has begun to explore and play in the outdoor area, always under the watchful eye of its doting mother. Visitors, especially those enjoying the current school break, have the unique opportunity to witness the adorable baby giant anteater up close in the enchanting "Wildlife Wonderland" section of the zoo.

Giant anteaters, with their distinctive features and toothless mouths, are captivating creatures. Their narrow head, equipped with a tubular snout, serves both as a mouth and nose. Known for their keen sense of smell and insectivorous diet, they play a crucial role in controlling ant and termite populations, consuming up to 30,000 insects daily in the wild.

Despite their remarkable characteristics, giant anteaters face conservation challenges, labeled as a vulnerable species due to habitat loss, hunting, and road-kill incidents. Khao Kheow Zoo is a vital player in safeguarding these unique animals, and each birth, including this new baby giant anteater, is a testament to their commitment to species conservation.

For those enchanted by these rare creatures, a visit to Khao Kheow Zoo is highly recommended. It offers not only a chance to witness the charm of the new baby giant anteater but also an opportunity to learn about the zoo's essential role in preserving and protecting these extraordinary species.

The baby anteater is officially introduced to the public, albeit from a respectful distance due to the mother's protective nature.

Thailand set to become ASEAN's gaming hub, says Thailand Game Show organisers. The nation’s gaming industry, valued at 30 billion baht (US$ 822,368,400), is leading in Southeast Asia and ranks 20th globally. | Thaiger

Thailand set to become ASEAN's gaming hub, says Thailand Game Show organisers

Alex Morgan11 mins ago

With its burgeoning gaming sector, Thailand is poised to become the gaming hub of the ASEAN region, according to organisers at the Thailand Game Show 2023. The nation's gaming industry, valued at 30 billion baht (US$ 822,368,400), is leading in Southeast Asia and ranks 20th globally. In addition to boasting impressive user numbers and hosting gaming competitions, Thailand is also nurturing game developers, which aligns with the government's National Soft Power strategy.

During her speech at the opening of the Thailand Game Show x Wonder Festival Bangkok 2023 event, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, vice-chairperson of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, stated, "This government showed its commitment to support the gaming industry as one of 11 sectors in the national soft power strategy." The event, running for three days, is being held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

Thailand has not only demonstrated its prowess in gaming through industry value but also through its performance in e-sports. The country bagged the highest number of e-sport medals among ASEAN nations at this year's Asian Games in China, securing third place overall.

"Thailand can grow the gaming industry as people can earn enough money to make it a career," proposed Paetongtarn. She cited the success of Home Sweet Home, a horror adventure game crafted by a Thai developer that went viral, amassing 800,000 global downloads. Paetongtarn also highlighted the potential for game-related careers, such as ad sales, event expertise, casting, and budget management, reported Bangkok Post.

Thailand Game Show, the biggest gaming event in Southeast Asia, not only fuels the local gaming industry but also bolsters tourism, according to Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). She noted that the event encourages cultural exchange among gamers and contributes to the revenue of tourism operators.

"TAT plans to add this event to its tourism calendar and we want to have e-sport events in five Thai regions to attract domestic and foreign gamers," Thapanee revealed.

Pongsuk Hiranprueck, CEO of Show No Limit Co Ltd, one of the event organisers, highlighted the robust ecosystem for gamers in the country, underscored by strong e-payment systems, 5G and fibre-optic infrastructure. He acknowledged that while mobile and PC games still sway in Thailand, console games are gradually gaining traction.

Despite a vast base of game users, Thailand has fewer game creators and very few local game publishers observed Pongsuk. He suggested that the government could promote local games through exhibitions to gain recognition among Thais.

The president of digital media at True Digital Group Co Ltd, Winradit Kolasastraseni, stressed the dual requirements of the gaming industry: technology and storytelling. He believes that both aspects are vital for the growth and sustainability of the sector.

Bangkok returns to top 10 list of world’s most polluted cities as PM2.5 soars. The Nation

Bangkok returns to top 10 list of world's most polluted cities as PM2.5 soars

Disappointment in Srettha’s Putin Phuket invitation - Thai Enquirer Current Affairs

Disappointment in Srettha's Putin Phuket invitation

Arun SaronchaiOctober 19, 2023

In the unfolding global panorama, the canvas of diplomacy is stained with exigencies often superseding moral imperatives. Yet, for emerging democracies, the latter should not be shrouded in realpolitik engagements. The recent diplomatic rendezvous of Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin with Russian President Vladimir Putin and subsequent engagements in Beijing delineates a concerning trajectory for a nation that has freshly emerged from the shadows of a military junta.

The meeting, held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse before a dinner reception hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, marked the first interaction between Prime Minister Srettha and President Putin. Alongside over 130 leaders congregating for the international forum on Belt and Road Initiative, this meeting was not merely a casual diplomatic courtesy but a stance echoing Thailand's international affiliations.

The disconcerting part of this rendezvous doesn't stem from the realms of diplomacy but from the underlying message it sends amidst a turbulent global human rights landscape. Russia's ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine and China's alleged concentration camps in Xinjiang are not mere ripples in the international community but a tempest questioning the global human rights ethos.

The narrative of Thailand's political theater is at a precipice, having recently transitioned from a military junta under Prayut Chan Ocha to a nascent democratic governance. The populace envisaged a paradigm shift, a dawn where human rights and democracy would no longer remain ensnared in the shackles of autocracy. Yet, the recent diplomatic engagements of Prime Minister Srettha signify a dissonance with these ideals.

Thailand, ensconced in the heart of Southeast Asia, has a pivotal role in not just fostering its democratic ethos but also in delineating a stance that resonates with human rights imperatives. The new government under the Pheu Thai banner was perceived as a harbinger of this change. However, the diplomatic dalliance with leaders of nations known for human rights abuses, subtly undermines the democratic fabric that Thailand is meticulously trying to weave.

Prime Minister Srettha's meetings with executives of China's major business, finance, and telecommunication conglomerates like Alibaba, CITIC Limited, and CRRC Corporation, as expressed on social media, underscore an overture towards fostering economic ties. While economic prudence is essential, it should not eclipse the cardinal principles of human rights and democracy. The expressions of interest by these companies in investing in Thailand paints a picture of economic allure overshadowing the grim human rights narratives emanating from their homeland.

The world is gradually gravitating towards a multipolar order, as acknowledged by President Putin. In this emerging scenario, Thailand's diplomatic compass should navigate the turbulent waters with a moral rudder. The imperative for fostering economic ties should harmoniously coexist with a firm stance on human rights and democratic principles. The juxtaposition of economic aspirations and human rights is not a quixotic ideal but a pragmatic necessity in fostering a globally responsible governance.

Prime Minister Srettha's interactions in Beijing, albeit focused on bilateral and economic engagements, also delineated Thailand's stance on a global stage. A stage where the spotlight isn't merely on economic accords but on a nation's commitment to human rights and democratic principles.

The disappointment emanates not from the diplomatic engagement per se, but from the missed opportunity to underscore Thailand's commitment to human rights and democracy. In a world that's becoming increasingly cognizant of human rights abuses, the silence or the absence of a firm stance against such abuses echoes louder than diplomatic platitudes.

The narrative of Thailand's diplomatic engagements should resonate with its democratic aspirations, sending unequivocal messages where human rights are not relegated to the periphery but are central to its international engagements. As Thailand carves its narrative on the global stage, the essence of democracy and human rights should not be lost in the cacophony of diplomatic and economic engagements.



Russian President Vladimir Putin Invited to Thailand by Thai Prime Minister. Srettha revealed that he has extended the invitation to the Russian President during his meeting with him on Tuesday, October 17th. The two country leaders met for the first time during the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Corporation in Beijing, China. - TPN National News

Russian President Vladimir Putin Invited to Thailand by Thai Prime Minister

Adam JuddWednesday, 18 October 2023, 20:56

Srettha revealed that he has extended the invitation to the Russian President during his meeting with him on Tuesday, October 17th. The two country leaders met for the first time during the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Corporation in Beijing, China."The President of Russia himself enjoys visiting Phuket, and he travels there regularly," Srettha revealed to Thai media. "I have extended an invitation for him to visit Thailand next year, and he responded with a gracious 'ขอบคุณครับ (thank you)."Furthermore, the Thai PM highlighted that Thailand has welcomed over a million Russian tourists this year. He further mentioned that his Cabinet has recently granted approval for an extension of the visa-free stay period for Russian visitors, extending it from 30 to 90 days, to boost the Russian travels during the high season.The Prime Minister also attended a dinner hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who chaired the forum.

Mixed Reactions to Russian Tourists Being Allowed to Stay Longer in Thailand. Tourism operators in Pattaya say they are concerned about the Thai government’s visa extension program for Russian tourists as they fear it could bring in an influx of illegal workers who might steal Thai people’s jobs. - The Phuket Express

Mixed Reactions to Russian Tourists Being Allowed to Stay Longer in Thailand

Adam JuddTuesday, 17 October 2023, 23:44

National —

Tourism operators in Pattaya say they are concerned about the Thai government's visa extension program for Russian tourists as they fear it could bring in an influx of illegal workers who might steal Thai people's jobs. In contrast, operators in Phuket believe the program will contribute additional revenue to the country.

The Thai Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, on Monday approved for Russian tourists to stay up to 90 days, increased from 30 days, in Thailand on a visa-free program.

The new program, aiming to invigorate the number of Russian tourists during the high season, will start on November 1st, 2023, and end on April 30th, 2024.

In response to this development, tourism operators in Pattaya shared their concerns stating the program might lead to an uptick in illegal workers.

Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, former president of the Chon Buri Tourism Council and group executive director of Sunshine Hotels and Resorts, expressed concern that the waiver could lead to an increase in illegal workers from Russia, which could potentially impact Thai tour guides.

He explained that since most Thai guides cannot speak Russian, there is a chance that some Russian individuals might exploit the visa-free program to come to Thailand in order to work illegally as guides or drivers in the tourism industry.

It would also be easier for international companies to hire their own imported members of staff from Russia or use nominees, Mr. Thanet said.

On the bright side, however, tourism operators in Koh Samui and Phuket believe that Thailand will benefit more from the extended stay of Russian tourists.

Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, president of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, notes that the move will attract long-stay tourists and remote workers from Russia, providing a boost to the local economy.

While there may be isolated cases of Russians involved in illicit activities like operating tours or setting up companies with Thai nominees, such instances are relatively small compared to the broader demand for local products and services, he said.

Similarly, Phuket expects an increase in spending from tourists, as post-Covid trends show a preference for longer stays. However, authorities need to remain vigilant against illegal businesses taking advantage of this privilege.

As of October 15th, 2023, 1.03 million Russian tourists travelled to Thailand, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims for 1.47 million by year-end. TAT is also considering "Hub and Hook" packages to encourage Russian tourists to explore secondary destinations from key hubs, in order to further extend their stay in Thailand.



PM Srettha’s pink socks cause a stir in Beijing. The pink socks worn by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 17 in Beijing have garnered considerable attention from the Russian media. The Nation

PM Srettha's pink socks cause a stir in Beijing

The pink socks worn by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 17 in Beijing have garnered considerable attention from the Russian media.

According to the Russian website Fishki, the international "One Belt, One Road" summit in China was not limited to discussions about economic crises, military conflicts, and geopolitical tensions.

Instead, the soft pink socks worn by the Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, during his meeting with Vladimir Putin emerged as a distinct topic of conversation among social media users and journalists. This unusual fashion choice is now poised to potentially set a new trend in global political fashion.

The choice of pink for the occasion was a departure from the traditional attire seen at official events. Opinions on this matter are mixed. Some, like a correspondent from RIA Novosti who has lived in Bangkok for many years, see it as a departure from conventional business attire rules without any particular cultural significance. It's possible that Srettha's background played a role here. As one of the country's wealthiest individuals, he only assumed the role of prime minister in August, having previously been involved in business. In such circles, bold fashion statements are more accepted.

Conversely, "Moscow 24" suggests that this isn't about following fashion trends or Barbie-like attire. In Thailand, each day of the week is associated with a specific colour that is considered auspicious. This practice is rooted in religion and historical legends. Tuesday, for example, is associated with the god Mars (known as Phra Angkhan in Thailand), who is depicted with pink or red skin, dressed entirely in red, and wearing red flowers behind the ear. By this logic, the prime minister might choose to wear green socks on Wednesday for luck.



Thai tourism hit as gun violence prompts Chinese visitor cancellations. The incident, which resulted in the death of three people, including a Chinese tourist, and injured four others, has shaken the confidence of Chinese travellers in Thailand. The fallout from the incident has seen approximately 60,000 Chinese tourists cancel their trips to the country. | Thaiger

Thai tourism hit as gun violence prompts Chinese visitor cancellations

Mitch Connor49 mins ago

The Thai government has been urged to tighten guncontrol measures by Chiang Mai hoteliers and tourism entrepreneurs in the aftermath of the Siam Paragon shopping mallshooting on October 3.

The incident, which resulted in the death of three people, including a Chinese tourist, and injured four others, has shaken the confidence of Chinese travellers in Thailand. The fallout from the incident has seen approximately 60,000 Chinese tourists cancel their trips to the country.

Airports of Thailand's data indicates a drop in the number of Chinese visitors from 650,000 to 590,000, marking a 9.2% decrease after the shooting incident.

Before the pandemic, China was the largest overseas tourism market for Thailand, with around 11 million Chinese arrivals in 2019. However, this year's projections are significantly lower, with tourism authorities predicting less than half of that number, or about 5 million, will visit the country.

Chiang Mai, a city that welcomes a considerable number of Chinese tourists, has seen five Chinese airlines, including Juneyao Airlines, Spring Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines and Air China, establish routes to the province.

Photo by Peter Borter on Unsplash

Chutidech Promkaewngarm, assistant manager at Standard Tour Co Ltd, a leading tour operator in the northern region, mentioned a temporary impact on the confidence of tourists due to the shooting incident. Despite not all reservations from Chinese tour groups being cancelled, many have postponed their trips. Some Chinese netizens have expressed their reluctance to visit a country where gun ownership is not illegal.

Promkaewngarm stated that the number of Chinese tourists is currently less than 50% of that in 2019 or before the Covid-19 pandemic. He suggested that a combination of factors, including economic difficulties in China and the recent shooting incident in Bangkok, could be responsible for the decline in Chinese tourists.

Somrit Haikum, managing director at Pacific World Chiangmai and vice president of Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, emphasised the need for the government to implement preventive measures to avoid a repeat of such incidents. He also stressed the importance of diversifying Thai tourism markets and transitioning towards environmentally friendly tourism models.

Paisarn Sukcharoen, president of the Northern Thai Hotel Association, also voiced concerns about the impact of the incident on the tourism industry. He revealed that over 30% of hotel bookings had been postponed immediately after the incident and suggested that the government's implementation of gun control measures could help restore confidence.

Patthara-anong Na Chiang Mai, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's (TAT) Northern Region, said that the visa exemption introduced by the government, available until February next year, continues to attract more tourists from China and Kazakhstan. However, she considered the TAT's prediction of five million Chinese tourists to be overly optimistic, forecasting a total of over 4.2 million Chinese visitors in 2023.



Thailand to Allow Russian Tourists to Stay Up to 90 Days Visa Free to Boost Tourism. The Thai Cabinet approved today for Russian tourists to stay up to 90 days visa free to boost tourism, starting in November. - The Pattaya News

Thailand to Allow Russian Tourists to Stay Up to 90 Days Visa Free to Boost Tourism

Adam JuddMonday, 16 October 2023, 19:30

Thailand-

The Thai Cabinet, led by Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, approved on October 16th, 2023 for Russian tourists to stay up to 90 days, increased from 30 days, on a visa-free program.

The new program will start November 1st, 2023, and end April 30th, 2024.

According to Mr. Thavisin, the program is aimed at attracting more Russian tourists during the long holiday season when Russia traditionally has tough and cold winters.

Mr. Thavisin is also set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing China which runs from today until October 21st, 2023.

The program is only the latest tourism boosting plan from Thailand after in late September the Thai Government allowed visa waivers for Chinese and Kazakhstani tourists.

The Thailand Tourism Authority has also been pushing for visa waivers for Indian tourists but so far that hasn't happened.

Russian tourists are the fifth biggest group by nationality visiting Thailand this year, with almost a million arrivals as of October 2023.

The decision to allow Russian citizens to stay longer in Thailand wasn't without controversy online as citizens of other nations complained that the measure didn't apply to more countries or criticized Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, stating that Russian citizens should not be given extra privileges at this time.



PBS World

Tracking the growing Shinawatra influence in new Thai government. Less than two months after taking power, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin appears to be overshadowed by the Shinawatra family, judging from the people around him. A high proportion of his official and unofficial advisers, government appointees, and Cabinet colleagues are Shinawatra loyalists, friends, political allies, in-laws, or even family members. | Thai PBS World

Tracking the growing Shinawatra influence in new Thai government

views  327

Less than two months after taking power, Prime Minister SretthaThavisin appears to be overshadowed by the Shinawatra family, judging from the people around him.

A high proportion of his official and unofficial advisers, government appointees, and Cabinet colleagues are Shinawatra loyalists, friends, political allies, in-laws, or even family members.

Over the past month, PM Srettha has appointed 13 official advisers mostly linked to past governments led by Thaksin Shinawatra or his sister Yingluck.

Nine advisers were named on September 14: Kittiratt Na-Ranong, TewanLiptapanlop, Pichai Chunhavajira, Supanit Chaiyawat, Pimol Srivikorn, PichitChuenban, Chonlatit Surasawadi, Chai Watcharong, and SurayutThavikulwat.

Srettha appointed four more on October 4: Tongthong Chandransu, Paitoon Chutimakornkul, Arthit Suriyabhivadh, and Police General Chinnapat Sarasin.

PM's official advisers

Kittiratt, 65, served as deputy prime minister, finance minister, and economic czar in Yingluck's government. Formerly a deputy Pheu Thai leader, Kittiratthas now been hired to share his expertise as Srettha's chief adviser.

Srettha had backed Kittiratt for the post of new Football Association of Thailand president but seemed to change his mind a few days before being voted in as prime minister, saying he "would be better suited to helping out the government with its work".

Veteran politician Tewan, 63, is caretaker leader of the coalition Chart Pattana Kla Party. He is a former Thai Rak Thai Party executive, serving between 2004 and 2007. Founded and led by Thaksin, Thai Rak Thai was ousted from the government by the 2006 military coup before being disbanded by court order in 2007 for electoral fraud. Tewan was among its party executives banned from politics for five years.

Pichai, 73, has experience as a top executive in the petroleum industry. He was formerly chairman of Bangchak Corporation Plc and director of PTT Exploration and Production Plc.

He has also served as president of the Thailand Boxing Association, vice president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, and president of the Asian Boxing Confederation.

Supanit, 63, is a close ally and childhood friend of the prime minister. He is also an independent director of Sansiri Plc, the property giant that Sretthahelmed as president and CEO before entering politics early this year.

Asst Prof Pimol, 59, is a businessman and chief adviser to Pheu Thai's sports policy committee. He has also been president of the Taekwondo Association of Thailand since 2007.

Pimol was also a Thai Rak Thai executive, serving a five-year ban from politics following the party's dissolution.

Lawyer for two ex-premiers

Pichit, 64, is a veteran lawyer who worked for both Thaksin and Yingluck on legal cases stemming from their tenures as prime minister. He is well remembered for allegedly offering a sealed snack box containing 2 million baht in cash to bribe officials at the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions.

Pichit's team was at the time representing Thaksin in a corruption case. In June 2008, the Supreme Court sentenced Pichit and his two junior colleagues to six months in prison for contempt of court. After the trio completed their jail terms, public prosecutors decided not to press the bribery charges against them. However, the Law Society of Thailand suspended their lawyer licenses for five years for breaching its code of conduct.

Pichit was earlier tipped to join Srettha's Cabinet as a Prime Minister's Office minister for legal affairs, but he made a last-minute decision not to take the seat.

Chonlatit, 65, is a former director-general of the Royal Forest Department who was sidelined by the post-coup junta in 2017 over alleged irregularities, which he denied. He is a nephew of Plodprasop Suraswadi, who served as deputy prime minister in Yingluck's administration.

Chonlatit was approached by Plodprasop, a senior Pheu Thai adviser, to help draft policies on land distribution rights for the party.

Chai, 64, also doubles as spokesman for Srettha's government. The former veterinarian contested the general election in May as a Pheu Thai list candidate but failed to get elected.

Surayut is a former chief financial officer at BTS Group Holdings Plc, which owns Bangkok Mass Transit System, the BTS Skytrain operator. He quit the CFO post in March to contest the election as a Pheu Thai list candidate but failed to get elected.

Four more appointees

Adjunct Professor Tongthong, 68, is a former dean of Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Law. He served as permanent secretary of the PM's Office under Yingluck's government and as legal adviser to the administration led by Somchai Wongsawat, Thaksin's brother-in-law.

Tongthong is the executive board chairman of Krung Thep Thanakom Co Ltd, the business arm of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

Paitoon is a six-time president of the Sports Reporters and Photographers Association of Thailand and former executive director of Siam Inter Multimedia Plc.

Arthit is a former board member at Xspring Capital Plc, a subsidiary of Sansiri. He was also a member of Pheu Thai's economic policies team, which was headed by Kittiratt.

Chinnapat, 60, is fresh from retiring as a deputy national police chief at the end of September. He is the son of late former police chief Pow Sarasin, who once served as interior minister.

Linked to Shinawatra family

PM Srettha also has a host of Shinawatra friends and family members working in his government – either officially or unofficially, at the Prime Minister's Office and in various ministries.

Among them is Prime Minister's Office Minister Puangpet Chunlaiad, who has enjoyed close ties with the Shinawatras for decades. Puangpet is among the family's most trusted politicians. She reportedly visited Thaksin many times while he was in self-imposed exile overseas.

As the only PM's Office minister, Puangpet has been assigned to oversee various agencies, including the Public Relations Department and state-run media firm MCOT Plc.

Khanapoj Joemrith, a close friend of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has been assigned to oversee PM Srettha's schedules. He accompanied the prime minister on his recent trip to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Khanapoj is former deputy secretary-general of Pheu Thai's now-defunct "sister party", Thai Raksa Chart.

Paetongtarn was one of Pheu Thai's three prime ministerial candidates and the youngest daughter of the party's patriarch Thaksin. She is tipped to become Pheu Thai's next leader.

Also working beside the prime minister is his bodyguard, Pol Colonel WatanyuWitthaypalothai, who did the same job for Yingluck from the first day she entered Government House in 2011.

Chayika Wongnapachant, the daughter of Paetongtarn's aunt, YaowaresShinawatra, is reportedly working for Srettha on foreign affairs. According to her LinkedIn profile, Chayikais a specialist in political marketing, public relations and foreign affairs at Pheu Thai.

PM Srettha also has three Pheu Thai political appointees serving as his deputy secretaries-general – Somkid Chueakong, JakkaphonTangsutthitham, and PongsarunAssawachaisophon. The trio is tasked with screening ministry files and carrying out political chores for the prime minister.

The Thaksin factor

The prime minister drew criticism last month after telling reporters in New York that he would seek advice from Thaksin, who is serving a sentence for corruption and power abuse after ending his 15-year self-imposed exile overseas.

Srettha's remark was interpreted by the media as a hint that he would give Thaksin an advisory role in his government once the ex-premier was released.

PM Srettha quickly denied ever saying that he would appoint the ex-PM as an adviser. He explained that he would only seek advice from Thaksin as part of consultations with other former prime ministers.

By Thai PBS World's Political Desk