National News:

On May 21, 2024, at 11:30 AM, Thai national media reported that the Talufa Group held a protest at the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC). They aimed to submit a letter to Mr. Somkid Chuekong, the deputy secretary-general of the Thai prime minister for political affairs, demanding justice in the investigation of Ms. Netiporn “Bung” Sanesangkhom’s death.

The activist group gathered at the OPDC to hear about the progress in Netiporn’s case. However, after an hour of protest, no official responsible for the case appeared to receive the letter.

The group then moved to the Government House, where police officers prevented them from entering due to an ongoing cabinet meeting.

The Talufa Group publicly stated that the Pheu Thai Party had previously committed to considering amendments to Section 112 (Lèse Majesté) and granting amnesty to political prisoners under the same section. Despite the Pheu Thai Party being in power for ten months, there had been no response from the party, according to Thai national media.

After protesting in front of the Government House, the activists returned to the OPDC and successfully submitted the letter to Somkid.

Previously, a lawyer from the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights representing Netiporn had questioned the Thai Corrections Department regarding the cause of her death. However, the report was still pending, leaving the circumstances of Netiporn’s death in doubt, noted Kritsadang, the lawyer from Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.

National—

On May 21st, 2024, Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, the Deputy Governor for International Marketing in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, requested financial support from the Thai government to bolster tourism markets through mutually beneficial alliances.

Despite the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) receiving only a small portion of government funding, the TAT collaborated with various partners to promote remote marketing, particularly with international and domestic airlines, Siripakorn stated.

The TAT supported flights to both primary and secondary cities in Thailand. However, Siripakorn emphasized that the Thai government should increase financial support to enable more promotional activities with airline partners.

As Thailand approaches its high season in winter, there is an expected gradual recovery of airlines, with new airlines reportedly being approved to operate.

Furthermore, the TAT is exploring ways to assist airline operators in accessing Thailand’s aviation hubs via inter-indicators, Siripakorn added.

From April 2nd to 5th, 2024, over 20 airline representatives, in cooperation with public and private sectors, recognized the potential of Thailand’s aviation market and new routes during a meeting. Siripakorn reported that, with the high season approaching, four airlines are interested in launching new routes, offering a total of 200,000 seats by the end of the year.

Expanding flights to Thailand aligns with the Thai government’s strategy to enhance connections between Thai airports and international airports such as Istanbul-Bangkok and United Arab Emirates-Bangkok, along with charter flights. Additionally, new routes are now available from Middle Eastern airlines, Air Arabia, Air Canada, and others, Siripakorn noted.

Siripakorn also mentioned that in 2024, the TAT aims to generate tourism revenues totaling three trillion baht from both foreign and Thai tourists. However, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has set a higher goal of 3.5 trillion baht.

“It is possible to generate over 3.5 trillion baht if the government approves financial support for the TAT,” asserted Siripakorn.

National News

At 9:00 AM on May 21st, 2024, Mr. Sutin Klungsang, the Minister of Defense, addressed the petition by 40 Thai senators to impeach Mr. Pichit Chuenban, the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office. Sutin expressed no concern about the matter, emphasizing that ministers must meet stringent qualifications, especially for key positions within the Prime Minister’s secretariat. Candidates undergo a thorough vetting process before being submitted to His Royal Majesty the King for official appointment.

Some suggested that Pichit should resign to preempt a Constitutional Court decision, but Sutin advised him to stay on and prove his suitability. Despite this, Pichit resigned later that morning, citing a desire to avoid potential conflicts within the government.

Sutin commented that the Constitutional Court would ultimately determine the legitimacy of Pichit’s appointment by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. When asked by the national media if he was concerned that a ruling against Pichit could temporarily suspend him as Prime Minister, Srettha acknowledged his concerns for governmental affairs and citizens’ well-being. However, he expressed respect for the judicial process, stating his duty to be prepared and present all relevant facts. Srettha affirmed that Pichit’s appointment was legal and recommended by the Council of State.

Pichit, according to national media, insisted that his appointment was based on his abilities rather than prerogative, despite his resignation. It remains unclear if Pichit’s resignation will shield Srettha from potential legal action, as the core issue is the legality of the appointment itself, not Pichit’s tenure in office.