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Thai PM Srettha Thavisin's removal from office raises fears of political uncertainty

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      China

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      Thai PM Srettha Thavisin's removal from office raises fears of political uncertainty

      2024-08-15 22:06 Last Updated At:23:37

      Thailand's Constitutional Court dismissed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office after finding him guilty of an ethics violation, throwing the Southeast Asian nation into a fresh spell of political uncertainty.

      This ruling comes after the Court ordered the dissolution of the main opposition party a week ago.

      This latest chapter lasted less than 12 month and Srettha's rise to the highest elected position in the country was almost as rapid as his exit, with the Constitutional Court ruling that he had breached ethics rules by appointing a lawyer who had served prison time to the Cabinet. He became prime minister last August, despite his Pheu Thai party finishing second in the election, after the victorious Move Forward party was blocked from forming the government.

      For his supporters, his promises of economic reform and a fresh approach to governance resonated after nine years of military rule.

      But his tenure was marred by setbacks, with polls indicating that the majority of Thais have an unflattering view of his leadership.

      His removal now suggests a period of renewed political instability is coming at a time when Thailand desperately needs unity and direction.

      "In order to sort the economic issues, we need stability in the state. So that is why everything would move very, very quickly, and they have to make sure that the new prime minister has to come up very very quickly, make sure they can keep the whole cabinet together. And at the same time, they have to make sure that they have fine-tuned policies. So, I think everyone is waiting, tired, they want stability, they want Thailand to move on as quickly as possible," said Viroj Ari, a political analyst at Thammasat University.

      This ruling, however, is more than just a legal outcome; it is a reflection of Thailand's ongoing struggle to reconcile its democratic aspirations with the realities of its entrenched political landscape.

      "In Thailand, politics is not just about politicians. It's about the bureaucracy, it's about this kind of non-electoral institutions and power. So, what's going on now? If the worst case scenario happen will be the dissolution of the parliament. That would mean the frustration and that may lead to street protests," said Dr. Pitch Pongsawat, associate professor and head of Department Government of the Faculty of Political Science at Chulalongkorn University

      Internationally, this ruling also raises concerns about Thailand's stability. Foreign investments may grind to a halt as markets await more clarity on who leads the nation.

      The country is struggling to revive its faltering economy, with weak exports, lackluster consumer spending and sky-high household debt.

      Thai PM Srettha Thavisin's removal from office raises fears of political uncertainty

      Thai PM Srettha Thavisin's removal from office raises fears of political uncertainty

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      Promotional video for CMG Spring Festival Gala screened in various countries

      2025-01-22 16:50 Last Updated At:17:07

      A global wave of festive celebrations is unfolding as the Chinese Lunar New Year approaches, with the 2025 Spring Festival Gala promotional video by China Media Group (CMG) serving as a cultural bridge, connecting people from diverse backgrounds to the richness of Chinese traditions.

      The Spring Festival falls on Jan 29 this year, ushering in the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese lunar calendar.

      At the new compound of the Mission of China to the AU in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, a gala was held on Monday to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival.

      Featured Chinese foods and traditional performances from both China and Africa, among others, the event has brought together over 300 participants including the representatives of the AU and the Chinese community in Addis Ababa.

      Monique Nsanzabaganwa, deputy chairperson for the African Union Commission, said AU-China cooperation has achieved gratifying and fruitful results during the previous years, noting China's 35-year-long tradition of dispatching its foreign minister to Africa on their first overseas trips at the start of a year.

      The AU is willing to work with China to make greater contribution to the development and prosperity of the Global South, she said.

      "I wish Africa-China relations will achieve greater progress in 2025 and building an all weather Africa-China community with a shared future for the new era will yield fruitful results," Nsanzabaganwa said.

      The promotional video for the 2025 Spring Festival Gala was also aired at the event, marking a step forward in cultural exchange while igniting interest in Chinese traditions among attendees.

      Meanwhile, cinemas in landmark locations across Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban in South Africa conducted a synchronized screening of the promotional video for the Spring Festival Gala, marking a first for the collaborative initiative.

      A South Korean expatriate residing in South Africa expressed that seeing the promotional video of the gala, which represents elements of the Chinese Lunar New Year, in South African cinemas evoked a warm sense of longing for family reunions within her.

      "As a foreigner, I was very impressed by the Chinese Spring Festival Gala last year, I was so happy to see the beautiful performances in South Africa's shopping mall at Nu Metro (Cinema). I'm very looking forward to see the live performance with my husband and baby at this Chinese New Year," she said.

      In addition, the Chinese Embassy in Zambia on Sunday held the 2025 Zambia-Chinese Spring Festival Temple Fair with a display of Chinese culture in celebration of the upcoming Spring Festival.

      Featuring various Chinese cultures, including a kung fu performance, the celebration attracted scores of both Chinese people and local people, officials from the Chinese embassy and the Zambian government, and representatives of Chinese enterprises operating in Zambia.

      Chinese food was also on display, while Chinese companies took advantage of the ceremony to showcase their products and services.

      During the event, the promotional video for the gala made a stunning appearance, becoming the focal point of the gathering.

      In December last year, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization inscribed "Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional new year" on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

      Promotional video for CMG Spring Festival Gala screened in various countries

      Promotional video for CMG Spring Festival Gala screened in various countries

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