Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has been elected as the country's new prime minister with the support of her powerful family's political connections. This comes after her father's party brokered a coalition to come to power, despite not winning the largest number of seats. The Shinawatra family's involvement in Thai politics has been controversial, with both Thaksin and his sister Yingluck ousted from power in military coups. This latest development raises concerns about political reform and the influence of the military and monarchy in the country's governance.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra: Thailand's New Prime Minister
Background
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest daughter of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has been elected as the country's new Prime Minister. This marks a significant moment in Thai politics, as it is the first time a woman has held the position.
The Shinawatra family has a long and controversial history in Thai politics. Thaksin, who was elected Prime Minister in 2001, was ousted in a military coup in 2006. His sister, Yingluck, was also ousted in a coup in 2014. The family's involvement in politics has been marked by allegations of corruption and manipulation.
Election and Coalition
Paetongtarn's party, the Pheu Thai Party, did not win the largest number of seats in the recent election. However, her party was able to broker a coalition with several smaller parties, giving her a majority in Parliament. This move has raised concerns about the stability of the new government.
Political Concerns
The election of Paetongtarn Shinawatra has sparked concerns about the future of democracy in Thailand. Some critics believe that her family's history of authoritarianism could lead to a rollback of democratic reforms. Others worry about the influence of the military and monarchy on the new government.
FAQs
Who is Paetongtarn Shinawatra? She is the youngest daughter of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and has been elected as the country's new Prime Minister.
Is she the first woman to be Prime Minister of Thailand? Yes, she is the first woman to hold the position.
What is her party's platform? Her party's platform is based on economic populism and social welfare programs.
What are the concerns about her family's political history? Her family has been accused of corruption and manipulating the political system.
What are the implications of her election for Thailand's democracy? Her election has raised concerns about the future of democracy in Thailand, with some critics fearing a rollback of democratic reforms.
In a hilarious TikTok video, an American woman pretends to visit South Africa and expresses disbelief at the country's clean roads. She jokes that she is moving from America after Donald Trump's election and plans to explore Mzansi while staying at an Airbnb. The video went viral, with many people falling for the joke.
King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway will not be attending this year's Nobel Peace Prize Banquet, marking the king's first absence since 2003. The Norwegian monarch and his wife were expected to attend the ceremony, but due to unforeseen circumstances, they will be absent. However, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit will still be in attendance. This is only the second time in the 21st century that King Harald has missed a royal event, with the previous time being due to a medical procedure for bladder cancer. This news is especially surprising as the Royal Family usually makes it a point to attend events held in their home country.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) successfully extradited Salman Rehman Khan, a member of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), from Rwanda to India on November 28. Salman was arrested in Kigali with help from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Interpol, and National Central Bureaus (NCBs), and was taken into NIA custody upon his arrival in India. This is the seventeenth extradition by the NIA since 2020, showing India's commitment to bringing back terror fugitives to face justice.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has commented on the arrest of ISKCON saint Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Bangladesh, stating that her party will stand with the central government's decision on the matter. The monk was taken into custody on several charges, including sedition, prompting protests from the Hindu community. His bail plea was rejected and he was sent to prison, triggering further demonstrations. The arrest is yet another attack on the minority community in Bangladesh, which has been facing violence since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.
Cyclone Fengal approaches the Tamil Nadu coast, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams being deployed in Thanjavur district to handle any possible effects. In Maharashtra, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi presents "President's Colours" to four battalions of mechanised infantry. Meanwhile, heavy rains cause an old house to collapse in Tamil Nadu's Mayiladuthurai and severe waves bring a buoy ashore at Chennai's Marina Beach.
The former head of ISKCON in Bangladesh, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, was arrested and charged with sedition on Monday, leading to India intervening in the situation. Clashes between security forces and Hindu protestors resulted in the death of a Muslim lawyer defending Das. Amid the chaos, Bangladesh's government has ordered an investigation and ISKCON has denied any connection to terrorism.
Dr. Abraham Mathai, a former Vice-Chairman of Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, has written to the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to intervene and secure the release of jailed Iranian Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Ms. Narges Mohammadi, on humanitarian grounds. Mohammadi, who has been imprisoned by Iran for 10 years, is in a precarious state of health and urgently needs comprehensive medical treatment. Ahead of Iran's review under the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review, Mathai is urging UNHRC to compel the Iranian authorities to release Mohammadi so she can receive proper care for her serious medical conditions.
India has expressed deep concern over the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagaran Jote and head of Pundarik Dham. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the arrest and highlighted the continuing violence against minorities in Bangladesh, urging authorities to ensure their safety and right to peaceful assembly. Protests have broken out in various parts of Bangladesh, with hundreds of Hindus rallying in Chittagong in response to the news.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has called upon the Indian government to intervene and secure the release of prominent Hindu leader and priest, Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was detained by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police in Bangladesh. ISKCON, known for its peaceful Bhakti movement, has strongly condemned the baseless allegations connecting the organization with terrorism. Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson for Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha and a prominent figure in the ISKCON community, was taken into custody by the detective branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
Today marks 16 years since the deadly and unforgettable 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, India. As people remember the victims and honor the brave heroes who fought during the attacks, let's not forget the selflessness and courage of Tukaram Omble, an unarmed police officer who saved lives by bravely standing up to terrorist Ajmal Kasab, and Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, a commando who sacrificed his life while leading the rescue mission at the Taj Hotel. On this somber anniversary, we pay tribute to these and other unsung heroes who risked everything to protect and serve their fellow citizens.