Bangladesh and Thailand have underscored the necessity of convening 6th Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting in Dhaka as soon as possible, highlighting that this would pave the way for Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.  The Thai side flagged that the trial run of direct coastal shipping between Ranong Port and Chattogram Port may take place soon.  The issues were discussed when Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Makawadee Sumitmor called on Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.  The foreign secretary expressed satisfaction over the activation of ‘Visa Exemption Agreement’ for Bangladesh official passports from mid December 2024.  Thailand to introduce e-visa for Bangladeshis early next year The Thai ambassador informed that Thailand will introduce E-visa service soon, where the applicants can apply online and receive e-visa electronically. Sumitmor congratulated Jashim Uddin on his assumption of the office of the foreign secretary and reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in the coming days.     The foreign secretary and the ambassador discussed the areas of mutual interest concerning trade and investment, coastal shipping, agro business, tourism and people to people contact.  The foreign secretary emphasised holding regular bilateral consultations and finalising pending bilateral instruments at the earliest.  Both expected that the BIMSTEC Summit would take place soon, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Bangladeshi businesspeople in Thailand expect trade boost under Yunus govt During the discussion, the ambassador mentioned the successful visit of the Thai Trade delegation to Bangladesh in July 2024, which created positive impact on the Thai businessmen. The foreign secretary sought Thai cooperation in sharing knowledge, innovation and expertise for promoting and branding Bangladeshi delicious cuisine.

The government of Thailand has decided to introduce e-visa facilities for Bangladesh passport holders traveling to Thailand. Bangladeshi travelers may avail of this service from early next year. The Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Ambassador Worawoot Pongprapant, shared this information during a meeting held recently with a delegation from the Embassy of Bangladesh, led by the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand. Once the e-visa system is introduced, Bangladeshi passport holders will be able to apply for a Thai visa online from home, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok. This service has already been introduced through 69 Thai embassies globally. The Director-General also mentioned that from December 19, 2024, visa waiver will be operationalized for official passport holders of both countries. India restores e-visa services for Canadian nationals, easing diplomatic row between the 2 countries The related agreement, signed in Bangkok in April 2024, will take effect on that day. Notably, visa waiver for diplomatic passport holders have been in place since 2018. Ambassador Pongprapant advised Bangladeshi passport holders interested in long-term medical treatment in Thailand to apply for a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). The DTV, which also covers the attendee’s visa, is valid for five years with each entry for six months. In this case, no recommendation letter from the Embassy of Bangladesh in Bangkok will be required by Thai Immigration authorities for visa extension. The Thai Director General noted that some Bangladeshi applicants have been found to have submitted fake or falsified documents with their visa applications, leading to delay in visa processing. The DG added that if this trend continued, the Thai authorities would be compelled to blacklist the relevant applicants. He advised applicants to exercise caution in this regard, especially when applying through an agent.

Bangladeshi businesspeople in Thailand believe that the interim government, led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, can explore new avenues for trade and cooperation, unlocking the potential for manpower exports to the Southeast Asian nation through intensified diplomatic efforts. Despite being one of the world's largest exporters of textiles and garments, they said Bangladesh currently exports only about $60 million worth of ready-made apparels annually to Thailand, a country with a clothing demand exceeding $40 billion each year. Countries such as China, India, Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia export significant quantities of garments to Thailand, supported by Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). In contrast, Bangladesh has yet to secure a similar deal that would enhance its RMG product exports to Thailand. Talking to UNB, Bangladeshi businesspeople also noted that Thailand attracts over 30 million visitors each year and has a substantial labour market for foreign low-skilled workers in sectors such as tourism, agriculture and fish processing.  However, Bangladesh has so far been unable to access this market in its next-door neighbour due to lack of agreements and genuine efforts. They also said the diplomatic relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand has existed for 52 years, with a flight time of nearly two hours between the two countries. Yet, only around 4,000 Bangladeshis currently reside in Thailand, most of whom are engaged in business, as access to the growing labour market remains limited. Bangladesh has consistently experienced a large trade deficit with Thailand, which exported over $1.18 billion worth of products to Bangladesh in 2023. Conversely, Bangladesh's exports to Thailand amounted to only $90 million As Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is set to visit Thailand for the Bimstec (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit in November, the businesspeople said he can focus on signing the FTA and some other agreements to create scope for exporting manpower in the wealthy country of the Southeast Asia. “Although Thailand is geographically close to Bangladesh, we have been unable to tap into its thriving business, commerce, and labour market due to a lack of proper diplomatic efforts,” said Kamrul Hasan Rimu, a Bangladeshi engaged in the import and export business in Thailand. Dr Yunus praises Russian cooperation in power, energy sectors Rimu, who has been living in Thailand for nearly 40 years since completing his studies at Dhaka University in 1985, said Bangladeshis mostly come to Thailand for personal visits and medical tourism while a very small portion is doing business in the country. He said five documents—including a Letter of Intent to commence negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), as well as Memoranda of Understanding on Energy Cooperation and Tourism Cooperation--between Bangladesh and Thailand were signed during former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit on April 26 this year to enhance cooperation between the two nations. Rimu urged the interim government to prioritise signing the FTAs by intensifying diplomatic efforts, especially given that China and India secured FTAs with ASEAN countries long ago, opening significant opportunities for exporting goods to Thailand with lower tariffs. “When we import apparels from China and India, we face a 5 percent tax and a 7 percent VAT. But tariffs on Bangladeshi products are 32 percent (25 percent tax and 7 percent VAT), making it challenging to promote many Bangladeshi products in Thailand,” he explained. Rimu argued that the exports of Bangladeshi products, particularly apparels, could soar if the taxes are reduced from 25 percent to 5 percent through the FTAs. “There is a considerable demand for T-shirts in Thailand, mostly now imported from China, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Currently, we cannot import T-shirts directly from Bangladesh due to excessive taxes. So, some traders are importing Bangladeshi-made T-shirts via India, using its label,” he said. He said the prices of T-shirts in Bangladesh are lower than in any other country. “Therefore, Bangladesh has significant potential to capture the T-shirt market in Thailand if the taxes are reduced to 5%.” Rimu stressed that Bangladesh has an opportunity to tap into Thailand's labour market if an agreement can be reached. “There is scope for Bangladeshis to work in hotels, restaurants, bars, agriculture and fish processing, areas currently dominated by Burmese workers. The minimum wage for these low-skilled jobs exceeds Tk 50,000, which is significantly higher than in Malaysia and many other countries.” Abdul Quayum, another Bangladeshi businessman residing in Thailand for over three decades, echoed Rimu, noting that the Thai fish processing industry has a demand for foreign low-skilled workers. “With over 30 million visitors annually, foreign workers are involved in various services related to the tourism sector. Thus, Bangladesh should strive to enter the Thai labour market,” he said. He highlighted Thailand’s goal to increase foreign visitors to 40 million by 2025, which will likely create more job opportunities for foreign workers. “Bangladesh can capitalise on this by signing agreements with Thailand. Quayum stressed that the visa process for Bangladeshis must be simplified through mutual understanding and agreements, suggesting that the visa-on-arrival facility available in the 1980s could be reinstated. Mahbub Talukder, known as Don in Pattaya City, shared his experiences as a successful businessman running gift and tailor-made shops. He pointed out the vast opportunities for Bangladeshis in hotels, restaurants, gift shops and garment stores. “There are also numerous job opportunities in the tourism sector, but the government needs to secure agreements with Thailand to facilitate this,” he said. Mahbub underscored the importance of branding Bangladesh in Thailand. “Many Thais lack proper knowledge about Bangladesh and its products, often mistaking Bangladeshis for Indians. Effective branding is crucial to enhance bilateral cooperation, trade, and business.” He suggested that the government could leverage Thailand's experience to develop Bangladesh into another holiday destination for foreigners by improving tourist spots and ensuring necessary facilities. Read more: RMG workers’ protests disrupt traffic in Dhaka’s Mirpur

Bangkok, Thailand's vibrant capital, is a shopper’s paradise that offers high-end malls as well as traditional markets. Whether you are looking for luxury goods or affordable trinkets, Bangkok has something for every taste and budget.  Most Popular Shopping Malls in Bangkok Siam Paragon Siam Paragon, located at 991/1 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, is Bangkok’s premier luxury shopping destination. Its European-inspired design houses luxury brands like Hermes, Prada, and Versace. Visitors can enjoy attractions like Siam Ocean World, an I-MAX Cinema, and even Madame Tussauds Museum, offering a complete shopping and entertainment experience.  Read more: Shopping in Hong Kong: What to Buy, Where to Buy from Central World Central World, located at 999/9 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, is one of Bangkok’s largest malls, featuring over 600 stores across seven floors. From international brands like Uniqlo and H&M to local gems like Naraya, this mall offers a combination of versatile brands. Highlights include the SF World Cinema, The Rink, and the trendy GROOVE dining zone. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared her recent six-day trip to Thailand as a landmark success, aimed at safeguarding Bangladesh's economic interests and elevating its regional presence. The visit, which took place from April 24 to April 29, was prompted by an invitation from Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. During a press briefing at her official residence, Ganabhaban, today (May 02, 2024), Prime Minister Hasina said, "Overall, this visit was a significant step forward in our efforts to protect our economic interests and enhance our regional involvement." The trip included a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings, underscoring a commitment to strengthening ties between Bangladesh and Thailand. PM Hasina to discuss outcomes of Thailand visit at media briefing today "This official visit will serve as a milestone in our bilateral relationship and ushers in a new era of fruitful partnerships," stated Prime Minister Hasina. She also highlighted the importance of her visit to Thailand, an influential ASEAN member, as being crucial for advancing economic and diplomatic ties. "The visit will play an important role in enhancing our bilateral economic relations, including advancing talks on a free trade agreement, boosting communication, and more," she elaborated. Furthermore, Prime Minister Hasina expressed optimism regarding the impact of her discussions with Prime Minister Thavisin on the issue of Rohingya repatriation. She was also hopeful that her discussions with the Thai Prime Minister will encourage Thailand to adopt a stronger stance on the speedy repatriation of Rohingyas, both bilaterally and within the ASEAN framework. Govt steps brought unemployment down to 3 percent: PM Hasina  Prime Minister Hasina also pointed out that the visit is expected to significantly support Bangladesh's bid to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner by 2024, marking a significant step in its diplomatic endeavors in the region.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka on Wednesday (April 24, 2024) for Bangkok on a six-day official visit to Thailand at the invitation of her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin to strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries. A special flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, carrying the premier and her entourage, departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:13am on Wednesday, said PM’s Speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam. The PM is scheduled to land at Don Mueang International Airport, Bangkok at 1:30pm local time. "It's both a bilateral and multilateral visit," said Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said at a media briefing on Monday. The bilateral visit of the prime minister will be the first-ever visit at the level of head of government from Bangladesh to Thailand since establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972. PM Hasina begins her six-day official visit to Thailand on Wednesday  During her visit from April 24 to 29, the Bangladesh premier will hold bilateral talks with PM Thavisin and also attend the 80th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Bangladesh and Thailand will sign a number of cooperation documents including a letter of intent on negotiations for a free trade agreement between the two countries, said the Foreign Minister. Bangladesh and Thailand are likely to sign an agreement on visa exemption for official passport holders, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on energy cooperation while two more MoUs on tourism sector cooperation and duty related mutual cooperation to expand the relations, he said. Bangladesh will seek support from Thailand regarding Rohingya repatriation as well as increased investment from Thailand, said Hasan Mahmud adding that the issue of shipping connectivity will also be discussed. On April 26, PM Hasina will be formally received by her Thai host Srettha Thavisin while a ceremonial guard of honor will be accorded to her. On the same day, the Bangladesh premier will hold bilateral talks with PM Thavisin at the Government House (Prime Minister’s Office) following a tete-a-tete between the two leaders, witness the signing of the documents, participate in a joint press conference and then attend a state lunch to be hosted by her Thai counterpart in her honour there. PM Hasina likely to travel to India and China in first bilateral visits since forming new govt During the visit, the prime minister will have a Royal audience of Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshan, King and Queen of the Kingdom of Thailand at the Palace. In her multilateral engagement, PM Hasina is scheduled to attend the 80th Session of ESCAP and deliver a speech there on April 25. On the same day, the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and ESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjabana will call on the prime minister. Guided by the theme “Leveraging digital innovation for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific”, the eightieth session will be an opportunity to strengthen region-wide cooperative action on leveraging digital innovation for the accelerated implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The session will bring together government leaders and ministers from across Asia and the Pacific and other key stakeholders to discuss how digital innovation can more inclusively contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals across multiple disciplines. Read more: Bangladesh, Qatar sign 10 cooperation documents to take ties to new height

A 50-member trade delegation from Bangladesh will be visiting Thailand to take part in the biggest business-to-business matchmaking seminar to be held in Bangkok on November 30. The delegation will be led by Abdur Rahim, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Commerce; Makawadee Sumitmor, Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh; and Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) President Shams Mahmud. Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry along with the Commerce Ministry of Thailand and the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka jointly organised this program. The delegation visit will be the first of a series of planned visits to Thailand by Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry to make Thailand the gateway for Bangladesh to Southeast Asia and promote Bangladesh as the gateway to South Asia for Thailand, BTCCI said on Tuesday. Read: BGMEA chief for stepping up economic diplomacy to boost Bangladesh-US trade A seminar titled  “Bangladesh and Thailand: New Horizons for Trade and Investment” will also be held during this time where Dr Masrur Reaz, Chairman of Policy Exchange, will make the keynote presentation. Over 100 Thai companies will be participating in this event, comprising of agro, beauty and skincare, construction, light engineering, textile, aviation, hospitality, renewable energy, and fisheries sectors. During this visit, important discussions are expected to take place regarding free trade agreement between Bangladesh and Thailand along with ways to encourage FDI, joint ventures, transfer of technology, and new avenues of cooperation. Besides this, the delegation leaders will make courtesy calls on Dr. Nalinee Taveesin, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Thailand Trade Representative; Sarun Charoensuwan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Ekachat Seetavorarat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce. Read: BMCCI advocates for business-friendly environment in meeting with deputy governor of central bank Four factory visits have been arranged to showcase cutting edge technologies in garments and textile, environmental management, construction, light engineering, and agro sectors for the delegation members.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said Bangladesh would be the 9th largest consumer market by 2030 with the government working with the goal of overtaking many established markets in the world. “We’ve been working with a goal so Bangladesh could surpass established markets like the UK and Germany, and the current high-growth countries Vietnam and Thailand at that time. We’ve this effort,” she said. The premier said this while inaugurating the 60 years’ celebration and Investment Expo, 2023 of Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) at Hotel Radisson Blu in the city. “There are some 17 crore people in our Bangladesh. Besides, we’ve strengthened connectivity with our neighbouring countries. We think Bangladesh would become the world’s 9th largest consumer market by 2030,” she said. Noting that Bangladesh has a large population, she said the government is developing them as skilled manpower for its better utilization. Read: Bangladesh to become world’s 9th largest market by 2030 overtaking UK, Germany: PM Hasina  The PM said the number of growing middle class and rich people will be 3.40 crore by 2025 in Bangladesh and the estimated GDP per capita will be 5,880 US$ by 2040. “Due to its strategic geographical location, Bangladesh can be the hub of the regional market of 3 billion people,” she said adding that her government has taken steps to strengthen the connectivity with this region. Hasina said her government has successfully been able to bring a significant change in Bangladesh after assuming office in 2009. “Bangladesh has become one of the fastest growing economies in the world in the last 15 years,” she said. Noting that Bangladesh is now considered as the 35th largest economy in the world, she said they have raised the GDP growth rate to 7.25 percent now due to strong macroeconomic fundamentals and trade consolidation. The PM, however, said the growth rate was even higher during the pre-Covid period as the government raised it to 8:10pc before the pandemic. Read: Only votes can change govt: PM Hasina The government has successfully increased per capita income to US$2,793 from only US$ 543 and raised the GDP size to Tk 50.31 lakh crore now from Tk 4 lakh crore in 2006, she said. During this period, they brought down the poverty rate to 18.7 percent from 41.1 percent, while extreme poverty rate to 5.6 percent from over 25pc, she said adding that her government has given the most importance to the development of the rural economy. In the last 15 years, the Awami League government took multifaceted measures for the development of the business sector of the country. So, the private sector has become stronger and more developed. Bangladesh is currently the second largest garment exporter in the world, she said. “Bangladesh is expected to be the 20th largest economy in the world by 2037,” said Sheikh Hasina, adding that the country will be transformed into a developed and prosperous Smart Bangladesh by 2041. Mentioning that the government is setting up some 100 economic zones and established 39 hi-tech parks throughout the country, she said those economic zones and parks are kept open for foreign investment. If any country can want land singly, seek land under joint venture or public private partnership (PPP), the government would allow them and provide them with lands, she said. Read: PM Hasina collects nomination form for national election  The premier said one stop service has been introduced in investment development agencies to facilitate investment. “We have undertaken plans to make all offices providing investment services fully online and digitized,” she said. In Bangladesh, there is a scope to develop USD 350-billion infrastructures in the energy, water, logistics and transport sectors. “By 2025, the logistics sector alone is expected to become a US$90 billion market,” she said. The prime minister said they want to raise private investment to 31.43 percent of GDP by 2031.She said Bangladesh has become an attractive destination to many countries around the world for investment, industrialisation and export due to various reasons including its economic growth, structural development programmes, investment-friendly policy, large domestic market, strategic location, high profitability and large workforce. Talking about the FICCI’s celebration, she said the chamber has stepped into 60 years this year since the inception of its journey in 1936. As a leading chamber, FICCI represents investors from 35 countries in more than 21 sectors of Bangladesh. “FICCI represents 90 percent of the country's inward FDI, which carries special importance to the overall development of our country,” she said. The premier extended sincere thanks to all former and current members of FICCI on the occasion of the celebration of its 60 years. Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi and PM’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman, among others, spoke at the function, while FICCI President and CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Naser Ezaz Bijoy delivered the welcome speech. The premier also unveiled a research book titled ‘Catalyzing Greater FDI for Vision 2041’, which was published by FICCI.

Bangladesh-Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) placed a number of proposals to the Industries Ministry, seeking government cooperation in relocating potential industries in Bangladesh from Thailand. BTCCI also sought the removal of tariff barriers to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and promote lucrative sectors of Bangladesh to other nations. UN Assistant Secretary General visits Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar The proposals were made during a courtesy call of Shams Mahmud, president of BTCCI, with the Minister for Industries, Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, at Shilpa Bhaban in Dhaka on Tuesday. Shams Mahmud said that Bangladesh and Thailand are time-tested friends. BTCCI has been playing an important role since its inception in 2003, he added. The BTCCI president also emphasized establishing more joint ventures between Bangladesh and Thailand, and requested that the industries minister help and initiate this. Bangladesh-US ties 'outstandingly cordial' but some trying to inject bitterness: Momen He said that investments of some big companies in Bangladesh, like Italian-Thai Development Company Limited, CP Bangladesh Ltd and Siam City Cement Ltd., were proofs of Thailand's interest in considering Bangladesh as an investment destination. He also mentioned that apart from the existing sectors like jute, leather, agro, light engineering etc., Bangladesh could also focus on pharmaceuticals, RMG, tourism and hospitality management, frozen foods, fisheries, infrastructure, education and training to attract Thai investment. ‘There are no right hands to handle these wrong weapons’: Momen calls for eliminating nuclear weapons at UN The industries minister thanked BTCCI for their contribution and assured all-out cooperation in enhancing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Thailand. Thailand could also play an important role by investing in Bangladesh's infrastructure, he said. BTCCI Senior Vice President and FBCCI Vice President Md. Munir Hossain emphasized on strengthening the already established good relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand.

Ballots tallied Monday showed voters in Thailand wanted change after nine years under a former general who took power in a coup, with the main opposition parties easily besting other contenders in the general election. The opposition Move Forward Party outperformed even optimistic projections and appeared poised to capture almost all 33 House seats in the capital Bangkok. Along with the Pheu Thai Party, the favored opposition group, Move Forward campaigned for reform of the military and the monarchy. Move Forward put those issues closer to the heart of its platform, earning a more radical reputation. Its outspoken support for minor reforms of the monarchy, while winning younger voters, antagonized conservatives committed to the royal institution. Incumbent Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who came to power in a 2014 coup, was blamed for a stuttering economy, pandemic response shortcomings and thwarting democratic reforms — a particular sore point with younger voters. Also Read: Thailand's opposition secures election victory against army-backed conservative establishment “This is people saying that we want change," said Saowanee T. Alexander, a professor at Ubon Ratchathani University in northeastern Thailand. "They are saying that they could no longer take it. The people are very frustrated. They want change, and they could achieve it.” With more than 99% of ballots counted early Monday, Move Forward appeared to have a small edge over Pheu Thai, whose leaders conceded Sunday they might not finish on top following voter turnout of about 39 million, or 75% of registered voters. Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat tweeted that he is ready to bring about change should he be the country’s 30th prime minister. “Whether you agree or disagree with me, I will be your prime minister. Whether you have voted for me or not, I will serve you,” he wrote. Read More: Thailand’s election may deliver mandate for change, but opposition victory may not assure power Sunday's winner is not assured the right to form the new government. A joint session of the 500-seat House of Representatives will be held with the 250-member Senate in July to select the prime minister, a process widely seen as undemocratic because the military appointed the senators, who will vote along with elected lawmakers. Move Forward captured just over 24% of the popular vote for the 400 constituency seats in the House of Representatives and nearly 36% for seats allocated in a separate nationwide ballot for 100 members elected by proportional representation. Pheu Thai lagged slightly behind with just over 23% for constituency seats and about 27% for the party list. The tally of constituency votes gave 113 House seats to Move Forward and 112 to Pheu Thai, according to unofficial results Monday from the Election Commission. Prayuth’s United Thai Nation Party held the fifth spot in the constituency vote with almost 9% of the total, but placed third in the party-preference tally with close to 12% and 23 House seats in the constituency vote. The three parties were considered the most likely to head a new government. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 36-year-old daughter of billionaire former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was favored in opinion polls to be the country’s next leader. Move Forward’s 42-year-old businessman leader Pita now seems a likely prospect. Pheu Thai won the most seats in the 2019 election. But its archrival, the military-backed Palang Pracharath Party, cobbled together a coalition with Prayuth as prime minister and unanimous support from conservative Senate members appointed by the military government after Prayuth’s coup. Ubon University’s Alexander cautioned that the current situation remains “very unpredictable" and the results could be unilaterally affected by the Election Commission, which previously disqualified opposition parties or otherwise undermined challenges to the conservative establishment. She noted the Bhumjaithai Party, which came in third, could be a “swing vote” since the combined Move Forward and Pheu Thai seats may not be enough for a majority coalition. Bhumjaithai controls a large bloc of votes in the northeast and helped put the military-backed coalition into power. Move Forward’s Pita is a possible target for what the opposition, from bitter experience, calls dirty tricks. A Palang Pracharath candidate last week filed a complaint with the Election Commission and the National Anti-Corruption Commission claiming Pita failed to list a stock shareholding on a statutory assets declaration. Pita denied any wrongdoing in the minor, technical claim. However, the leader of the Future Forward Party, forerunner of Move Forward, lost his Parliament seat on similar technical grounds. His party, also considered a radical challenge to the military-backed royalist establishment, was dissolved. Tyrell Haberkorn, a University of Wisconsin Thai studies scholar, said there is a chance street protests could be trigged again if Move Forward meets the same fate as its predecessor. “The time is up for the generals and their allies in the palace and the courts. The military can either listen to the voters and step down gracefully, or lead the country into chaos,” Haberkorn said.