Northeasterns come out to the polls, some problems still encountered
The atmosphere of the general election today in the Northeast was bustling. Even in areas where it rained, voters still showed up to exercise their rights.
election
Why does Isaan need decentralization?
Isaan would not be in poverty if the central government distributed administrative power to localities and was more careful in how it imposed development policies and projects in the region. The series “What will Isaan people get from the 2023 elections?” looks back on how Isaan has been left out in such policy making processes, and what can be done to resolve the issue.
Defection of former Future Forward MP angers Khon Kaen youth
Khon Kaen youth are taking to social media to lambast former Future Forward Party MP Thitinan Saengnak for switching allegiances from the opposition to the government. Party officials remind Thitinan that his votes came from the appeal of party policies.
“They’re distorting our democracy” – Isaan politicians’ daughter between hope and despair for Thai democracy
Born into a family of politicians in Ubon Ratchathani, Sudarat Phithakphonphanlop learned from a young age what it means to be a representative of the people. In this interview, the 23-year-old shares her views on Thailand’s democracy after the election and talks about her political ambitions.
Memories of a movement: How the election crushed one Red Shirt’s hopes for a comeback
Like many Red Shirts in the Northeast, Sabina Shah expected the election to stir the country towards democracy. But as political parties made only lackluster use of the old red shirt network, she found her infamous radio voice suppressed. Today, she wonders if the Red Shirts will ever see the return to glory they have been waiting for.
After the election, questions linger for Isaan voters
Two weeks after the March 24 election, the results are still inconclusive. A few Isaan people in Bangkok accepted the vote. But many suspect the military government has cheated and call for the power to be returned to the voters.
Isaan votes against military rule, Pheu Thai rules at the ballot box
In first election since the coup in 2014, Isaan voters widely rejected military rule and handed Pheu Thai Party a strong mandate.
Voices from Isaan: First-time voters want to make a difference
First-time voters, aged 18 - 25, make up around 7 million or about 14 percent of the electorate. We asked some them in Khon Kaen about domestic issues closest to their hearts, policies they want to see and the parties they want to vote for.
In red heartlands, farmers’ hope grows ahead of the election
Since the coup in 2014, farmer and red shirt groups in the North and Northeast were effectively silenced. But local red shirt leaders hope to revive their movement after the election.
Election season, like a fish sauce seller passing by
After almost five years under military rule, campaign season is in full swing in the Northeast. But among many rural voters, there seem to be only muted excitement and little hope that the election will bring about change. Visarut Sankham captures the mood ahead of the polls on March 24 in Khon Kaen’s Constituencies 3 and 4, two of the largest electoral districts in the province where candidates of 42 parties contest in the race.
Pro-military party rally in Khon Kaen: “When I say ‘government,’ you say, ‘Palang Pracharat!’’’
The rally of Palang Pracharat Party last weekend in Khon Kaen drew a crowd as large as 30,000. But according to a recent poll, the military junta's proxy party faces an uphill battle in the Northeast.
Pheu Thai confident of victory in Isaan, but ready to fight against minority PM
After almost five years of banned political activity under military rule, Pheu Thai Party still commands a loyal following in the Northeast. At a rally on March 1, long-time supporters and members of the Red Shirt movement gathered to show their support for the party.