Amnesty

  • Thailand NewsThailand rejects lese majeste in new amnesty bill

    Thailand rejects lese majeste in new amnesty bill

    The House of Representatives yesterday voted to reject the proposal to include lese majeste offences in the new political amnesty bill. The decision saw 270 MPs voting against the inclusion, with 152 in favour. The proposal, yesterday, October 24, was part of a special committee report that explored alternatives to the proposed amnesty bill for political offenders. Despite the rejection…

  • Thailand NewsDeputy speaker shuts down House debate on amnesty bill

    Deputy speaker shuts down House debate on amnesty bill

    Tensions flared in Thailand’s House of Representatives yesterday as Deputy House Speaker Pichet Chuamuangphan unexpectedly slammed the gavel on a heated debate, abruptly closing the session before a vote on a controversial amnesty proposal could be held. The debate centred on a report led by Pheu Thai MP Chusak Sirinil, which explored ways to draft an amnesty bill aimed at…

  • Thailand NewsPheu Thai hits the brakes on Amnesty push

    Pheu Thai hits the brakes on Amnesty push

    The Pheu Thai Party has put the brakes on its push for an Amnesty Bill, aware that it could spark a political storm and risk the stability of its already fragile coalition government. The ruling party, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is walking a tightrope, as opposition from the Senate looms large. Despite holding a slim majority in Parliament,…

  • Thailand NewsAmnesty bill committee divided on Thailand’s lese majeste inclusion

    Amnesty bill committee divided on Thailand’s lese majeste inclusion

    The House Committee tasked with studying an amnesty bill has concluded its work but has not reached a decision on whether offences under Section 112, the lese majeste law, and Section 110 of the Criminal Code should be included. Pheu Thai MP and Committee Chairperson Chusak Sirinil announced that the panel has endorsed a report for submission to the House.…

  • Thailand NewsBill leaves bad poll taste: Over 60% oppose controversial amnesty bill

    Bill leaves bad poll taste: Over 60% oppose controversial amnesty bill

    An online poll revealed that more than 60% of respondents are against a contentious draft amnesty bill, proposed by Poonsuk Poonsukcharoen of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights and seconded by a staggering 36,723 people. The bill, currently under parliamentary consideration, sparked a fierce public debate. Conducted between May 13 and June 12 in accordance with Article 77 of the Constitution,…

  • Thailand NewsPheu Thai rethinks lese majeste inclusion in amnesty bill

    Pheu Thai rethinks lese majeste inclusion in amnesty bill

    Pheu Thai Party has reconsidered its earlier statement regarding the inclusion of Section 112, or the lese majeste law, in the amnesty bill. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that the matter is complex and requires public consensus to prevent future disorder. Phumtham, the deputy leader of Pheu Thai, mentioned that the party has not reached a…

  • Thailand NewsHouse committee debates amnesty for lese majeste law violators

    House committee debates amnesty for lese majeste law violators

    A special House committee is urging the government to decide whether to include those who violated the lese majeste law in an amnesty bill following the death of Netiporn Saneysangkhom. Nikorn Jamnong, chairman of the House sub-committee focusing on politically motivated cases, announced that the meeting addressed several key topics. Among these was the demand from Thalufah, a political group,…

  • Politics NewsThailand to discuss lese majeste suspects’ amnesty

    Thailand to discuss lese majeste suspects’ amnesty

    Amidst Thailand’s ongoing political tension, the House of Representatives‘ special committee is poised for a crucial meeting today to deliberate the formation of a new committee. This body is to consider the inclusion of lese majeste suspects in the proposed political amnesty. Nikorn Chamnong, the committee’s secretary-general, confirmed the upcoming discussion. Yuttaporn Issarachai, leading a sub-committee dedicated to the evaluation…

  • Thailand NewsAmnesty angst: Deputy PM dishes on MFP’s controversial bill, lese majeste sparks political fireworks

    Amnesty angst: Deputy PM dishes on MFP’s controversial bill, lese majeste sparks political fireworks

    Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai reported that the proposed amnesty bill by the Move Forward Party (MFP), the main opposition, sparked controversy among various political parties due to its provision for lese majeste offences. Phumtham, also the Commerce Minister and a senior member of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, indicated that while many parties agree with the amnesty bill’s objectives,…

  • Thailand NewsiLaw proposes amnesty bill for political activists since 2006 in Thailand

    iLaw proposes amnesty bill for political activists since 2006 in Thailand

    The Internet Law Reform Dialogue (iLaw) revealed a proposed bill yesterday that offers amnesty to all individuals in Thailand who have been prosecuted or are currently facing charges related to political activities since September 19, 2006, up to the present day. This proposed legislation was introduced at a seminar, sponsored by iLaw, sparking a call to action for the Pheu…

  • Economy NewsMigrant amnesty programme extended for half a million foreign labourers in Thailand

    Migrant amnesty programme extended for half a million foreign labourers in Thailand

    In a bid to alleviate Thailand’s labour shortage and lay the groundwork for post-pandemic economic recovery, the country’s Cabinet has decided to lengthen its foreign migrants’ amnesty programme until the close of the month. This initiative allows close to half a million workers from neighbouring nations, namely Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam, to effectively organise the permits necessary for legal…

  • Politics NewsAmnesty bill proposed in Parliament by Pheu Thai MP for political offenders

    Amnesty bill proposed in Parliament by Pheu Thai MP for political offenders

    Recently elected Pheu Thai Party MP Thossaporn Serirak expressed his determination to introduce a draft amnesty bill in Parliament for political offenders at the earliest opportunity. Thossaporn received his MP endorsement papers from the Election Commission (EC), stating that the proposed amnesty should be given top priority by lawmakers. Thossaporn is well-known for his participation in anti-government protests and has drafted…

  • Thailand NewsMyanmar releases 3000 prisoners including 98 foreigners

    Myanmar releases 3000 prisoners including 98 foreigners

    The military junta of Myanmar released 3,113 prisoners – including 98 foreigners – from prison today to mark the country’s traditional new year, according to a statement released on a pro-junta Telegram channel. Secretary-general of the junta Min Aung Hlaing said the amnesty is a “celebration of Myanmar’s New Year to bring joy for the people and address humanitarian concerns.”…

  • World NewsMyanmar to execute 4 activists despite appeals

    Myanmar to execute 4 activists despite appeals

    The Myanmar junta still intend to execute 4 activists despite appeals from around 200 civil society organisations pleading with the military government to drop the ruling. The UN Amnesty International, and 199 civil society organisations have all backed a statement calling for the Myanmar junta to reverse their decision over the 4 activists. “We, the following organizations and world citizens…

  • World NewsMyanmar grants amnesty to 1,600 prisoners, no political detainees released

    Myanmar grants amnesty to 1,600 prisoners, no political detainees released

    Myanmar’s military government granted amnesty to over 1,600 prisoners, including 42 foreigners, during the country’s New Year’s holiday from April 13-16. The figure is small compared to the 23,000 prisoners released during the holiday last year. Despite Myanmar’s ruling general’s promise to restore peace in the country this year, no political detainees were released. “As part of the celebration of…

  • Thailand NewsOne million sign call for withdrawal of Amnesty International Thailand’s operating license

    One million sign call for withdrawal of Amnesty International Thailand’s operating license

    Apparently, one million people want to expel Amnesty International from Thailand. The vice minister of the Prime Minister’s office says he’s collected one million signatures in his campaign to withdrawal the non-profit organisation’s operating license. The vice minister, who some call “Rambo Isaan,” accuses the NGO of being a threat to the country. Amnesty International Thailand has been a vocal…

  • World NewsBurmese prisoners granted amnesty on first day of Myanmar’s New Year

    Burmese prisoners granted amnesty on first day of Myanmar’s New Year

    Over 23,000 Burmese prisoners and student political activists are enjoying freedom after being released yesterday in an amnesty on the first day of the country’s Lunar New Year celebrations. The state-owned MRTV reported that 23,407 prisoners were released under sections of a penal code. In the Yangon region alone, over 800 prisoners were released, while Mandalay saw around 2,800 released from…

  • Visa InformationVisa Emergency Extension extended to May 30 this year for stranded tourists

    Visa Emergency Extension extended to May 30 this year for stranded tourists

    Stranded foreign tourists, either genuinely stuck in Thailand since April 2020, or stuck here by choice, are able to stay in Thailand until May 30, according to an order signed by the Immigration Bureau last week. The order empowers local officers to grant a 60 day visa extensions from January 29 up to May 30. The order coincides with the…

  • Thailand NewsThailand News Today | Immigration deadline, quarantine update?, arrests averted | October 30

    Thailand News Today | Immigration deadline, quarantine update?, arrests averted | October 30

    Last day of the week and all the main stories from around Thailand. Thailand News Today, a bit late today but here it is… Some immigration offices open tomorrow for last minute visa extensions The latest amnesty is up tomorrow (October 31) and some immigration offices will be open for those who still need sort out their visa extensions. Those…

  • Visa InformationSome immigration offices open tomorrow for last minute visa extensions

    Some immigration offices open tomorrow for last minute visa extensions

    The latest amnesty is up tomorrow (October 31) and some immigration offices will be open for those who still need to apply for visa extensions. Those who miss the deadline could face fines for overstay, immigration officials warn. The extensions all go into effect on November 1 and allow a 60 day stay. Some immigration offices that are typically closed…

  • Visa InformationReminder from Thai Foreign Affairs about staying in Thailand after October 31

    Reminder from Thai Foreign Affairs about staying in Thailand after October 31

    The following was sent by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reminding foreigners about staying in Thailand after the current visa amnesty expires… “Mr. Tanee Sangrat, Director-General of the Department of Information and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson reiterated that all stranded foreign nationals who wish to stay in the Kingdom of Thailand beyond 31 October 2020 need to submit an application for…

  • Covid-19 NewsComplete Thailand Travel Guide (October 2020)

    Complete Thailand Travel Guide (October 2020)

    Latest update – October 21. If you are overseas and wish to come to Thailand your FIRST port of call must be the Royal Thai Embassy in your country before you make any bookings. Thailand Longstay is also a valuable resource of information at this time. First ‘tourists’ arrive in Thailand under the Special Tourist Visa In 2019, almost 40 million tourists…

  • Visa Information60 day visa extensions, filed during amnesty, go into effect November 1

    60 day visa extensions, filed during amnesty, go into effect November 1

    Foreigners currently on visa amnesty, who didn’t make the initial September 26 deadline to file for extension, can extend their visa between now and October 31. The Immigration Bureau is trying to reduce overcrowding at local immigration offices and say that no matter what day the 60 day extension is made, it will go into effect on November 1. In…

  • Thailand video newsThailand News Today | Visa amnesty extended, first STV tourists, teacher sacked | September 29

    Thailand News Today | Visa amnesty extended, first STV tourists, teacher sacked | September 29

    Daily TV news on thethaiger.com, Thailand News Today. Get your visa figured out by October 31 In a surprise decision that arrived late yesterday afternoon, following a week of denials and threats to prosecute foreigners on overstay, the Thai government has granted another stay of grace to foreigners up to the end of October. Foreigners stuck in Thailand will now be…

  • Thailand NewsThailand News Today | Rumours of amnesty extension, 22 new Covid cases | September 28

    Thailand News Today | Rumours of amnesty extension, 22 new Covid cases | September 28

    Daily TV news and updates from around Thailand on The Thaiger and on Youtube at Thaiger TV. 22 new cases of Covid-19 detected in Thailand Out of nowhere, the Thai government’s CCSA has reported 22 new cases of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours this morning, raising the country’s total of infections to 3,545. 22 cases is the largest number…

  • Visa InformationSome immigration offices set to open on Saturday, September 26, as visa amnesty looms

    Some immigration offices set to open on Saturday, September 26, as visa amnesty looms

    With September 26 just a day away, Thailand’s Immigration offices have never been busier. Many expats and visitors, who have been either stranded in Thailand, or decided to wait out Thailand’s outbreak of Covid-19, need to get their visas sorted out, officially, by September 26. Whilst many foreigners have left things to the last minute, here’s the latest in the…

  • Visa InformationGetting a visa before September 26 – VIDEO

    Getting a visa before September 26 – VIDEO

    Wanting to stay in Thailand and don’t have a visa yet? You need to act quickly or risk being arrested and even blacklisted. Watch this… Tourists have 5 days to renew their visa or they could get arrested. The current visa amnesty ends on September 26 and there isn’t going to be another sudden announcement for another grace period, according…

  • Visa InformationThis is how to apply to extend your visa in Bangkok 2024

    This is how to apply to extend your visa in Bangkok 2024

    Thailand’s visa extension procedure can seem complicated, especially given the frequently changing laws. But with our help, you’ll notice that extending your visa will be a simple process that will allow you to take advantage of all that the city has to offer without running afoul of the law. The Thaiger also offers to help you extend your visa! Before…

  • Visa InformationThe end of the visa amnesty – get your house in order

    The end of the visa amnesty – get your house in order

    Up to 500,000 foreigners are now thought to have been part of the Thai government’s visa amnesty which was introduced in April for foreigners, both on tourist and other visas, who were stuck in Thailand and unable to leave. Around the world, planes had been grounded and Thailand closed its borders at the time. Six months later, and following 2…

  • Visa InformationImmigration to provide 30-day extensions after ‘visa amnesty’ ends, in some circumstances

    Immigration to provide 30-day extensions after ‘visa amnesty’ ends, in some circumstances

    The Thai cabinet has approved a number of concessions on the situation for people stranded in Thailand under any form of tourist visa after September 26. The Thai Immigration Deputy Commander announced that…. • Tourists unable to return home after September 26 (the end of the tourist amnesty), due to sickness or are unable to fly, are to apply for…