Thread: Thailand and the new coalition government

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PM invites Thais to celebrate grand-finale parade of Pride Month 2024

Six-kilometre parade in Bangkok to mark conclusion of Pride Month expected to attract 1 million spectators

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has invited Thai people to support and take part in the LOVE PRIDE - PARADE 2024 event in Bangkok on Sunday to help make Thailand become a global pride destination, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said on Saturday.

He said the event will feature AsiaÂ’s longest pride parade of 6 kilometres long to mark the conclusion of Pride Month, which has been celebrating gender diversity and equality of the LGBTQIAN+ communities since June 1.

The parade will start from 4pm on Sunday at the National Stadium in Pathum Wan district, in which the Prime Minister will preside over the opening ceremony, Chai said.

The parade will then proceed along Rama I Road through Pathum Wan Intersection, Siam Square, Ratchaprasong Intersection, Phloen Chit Road, Asoke Intersection, and Sukhumvit Road for a distance of around 6km, before ending at Benchasiri Park, where a concert will be held from 6.30pm onward.

The group of organisers, which consists of business operators and public organisations, estimated that the event will attract more than a million spectators to witness the events in BangkokÂ’s downtown areas.

Chai said Pride Month this year is extra special in Thailand now that it has become the first ASEAN country to legalise same-sex marriage. The Senate approved the Equal Marriage Bill during the final deliberation on June 18, and the law is expected to be in effect around the end of the year.

“The LOVE PRIDE - PARADE 2024 will also help drive the government’s soft-power promotion policy, as parade decorations will highlight Thailand’s unique culture, tourist attractions, and fashions,” he said.

“The event will help promote an image of Thailand as an open country and a pride-friendly destination, paving the way to supporting our bid to host the World Pride event in 2030.”

Chai said the government has been supporting the organisation of pride events throughout June in several provinces and estimated that the pride festivals have generated at least 10 billion baht for local communities.

“The prime minister thanks government and private entities that have collaborated in organising various activities to celebrate Pride Month throughout June, supporting Thailand's image as an LGBTQIAN+ friendly destination and showcasing Thailand's potential and readiness to host pride events on a global scale,” Chai said.

“He also invites the public to participate in the LOVE PRIDE - PARADE 2024 as a grand finale to Pride Month, affirming Thailand’s commitment in supporting equality for all.”

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Srettha may find himself in the crosshairs over new real estate policy

The governmentÂ’s plan to allow foreigners to own 75% of total condominium units in a project, and also increase the land lease term to 99 years, could leave Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin open to the charge of conflict of interest.

SretthaÂ’s Cabinet has given preliminary approval to a proposal to increase condominium ownership by foreigners from 49 per cent to 75 per cent in a project.

The real estate sector comprising 18 associations had earlier asked the government to help expand foreign ownership in vertical residential units, aimed at boosting the sector that has been suffering from oversupply and declining purchasing power of local people.

Property developers have also long pushed for a change in the law that would allow land lease up to 99 years from the current 30 years and another 30 years for extension of the contract.

Srettha agreed that these changes in the laws could encourage more foreign investors to invest in Thailand.

A conflict of interest?

Srettha was the president and chief executive of Sansiri Plc, one of ThailandÂ’s leading property developers.

Before entering politics last year, he had transferred all his 661 million shares, representing 4.4 per cent of total capital, to his daughter.

Could Srettha risk indictment for policy decisions that could benefit his erstwhile company.

The case bears similarities with the instance of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who was alleged to have used a nominee to hold his shares in Shin Corporation while his government changed laws and regulations that benefited his telecom business.

After the 2006 coup, Thaksin was indicted and found guilty of conflict of interest and given a five-year prison sentence.

Though Srettha has no direct vested interest in Sansiri Plc, unlike Thaksin, critics warn of a risk.

“Transferring ownership of shares to his daughter is still the Thavisin family’s interest, and Srettha could face criticism,” said Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, law lecturer at Thammasat University.

The government needs to make the matter transparent by allowing a wide debate on the issue.

They should submit the draft law to Parliament for closer scrutiny, said Prinya.

Some proponents have suggested that the government use an emergency decree to urgently boost the sluggish property market.

Prinya, however, opposes such a shortcut.

The idea of allowing foreigners to lease land for up to 99 years could face strong public opposition, critics have warned.

“This law change is more sensitive as it is close to allowing foreigners to buy land,” said Prinya.

Alternative solutions?

In the link

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Defence minister’s advisers removed over bribe allegations

44 dismissed to prevent damage as defence ministry mulls legal action

This weekÂ’s removal of 44 advisers to the defence minister came after allegations that some advisers took bribes from military units and related agencies, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang said on Wednesday.

Sutin signed the order to remove the team of advisers on Monday, explaining he was “streamlining his team and optimising the work process”.

On Wednesday, he said reports of some defence advisers taking bribes made him realise that employing too many advisers could result in lapses in administrative oversight.

He said the removal order would prevent further damage while the ministry decides whether to take legal action against the accused advisers.

Candidates to replace the dismissed advisers were being carefully vetted, he added.

“After considering feedback from related parties, adjustments will be made to the new advisory team,” Sutin said.

The removal of the advisers reportedly came after senior political, business and society figures provided feedback to Sutin, who is ThailandÂ’s first civilian defence minister apart from those who served concurrently as prime minister.

Analysts said SutinÂ’s decision is a rare example of a minister admitting that persons close to him could be involved in bribery, and then taking preventive action.