Thai politics

  • Thailand NewsThai PM is ready to work closely with the US President

    Thai PM is ready to work closely with the US President

    Thailand’s PM Prayut Chan-o-cha sent a letter of congratulations to US resident Joe Biden. He says the Thai government is ready to work closely with the US government to promote cooperation in all aspects and all levels. He also says that Thailand and the US have a long relationship that dates back over 200 years. And, as Thailand is the…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s emergency decree extended again

    Thailand’s emergency decree extended again

    Thailand’s nationwide Emergency Decree has been extended again, this time until the end of February. The decree gives the Thai government the ability to set policies and procedures to prevent the control the spread of Covid-19… things like restricting travel, setting up road checkpoints and introducing other restrictions without having to consult the parliament. All the latest articles about Thailand’s Covid-19…

  • Politics NewsMultiple challenges to Thai PM’s leadership have failed

    Multiple challenges to Thai PM’s leadership have failed

    Some compare him to Teflon for his ability to survive all manner of allegations, because the legal challenges keep coming and PM Prayut Chan-o-cha keeps winning. The Thai PM has now survived 3 legal challenges to his leadership, not to mention the countless calls for his resignation that were a hallmark of the recent pro-democracy protests. It’s probably safe to…

  • Thailand Protest NewsProtest leader Parit distances himself from Free Youth’s justification of communism

    Protest leader Parit distances himself from Free Youth’s justification of communism

    Pro-democracy protest leader Parit Chiwarak, aka “Penguin”, has sought to distance himself from the Free Youth group, following the movement’s defence of republicanism and communism. Thai PBS World reports that Parit’s move comes after a statement by the group, declaring that communism does not mean dictatorship. The statement, which appeared on a banner posted online by Free Youth, came shortly…

  • Thailand Protest NewsUS senators introduce resolution in support of Thailand’s pro-democracy movement

    US senators introduce resolution in support of Thailand’s pro-democracy movement

    The US Senate has called on the Thai government to end violence against political activists, as it introduced a resolution in support of the pro-democracy movement. 9 members of Congress introduced the resolution, including Thai-American senator Tammy Duckworth, who has previously served in the US military. “As a Thai-American who fought to protect the right to peacefully protest here at…

  • Politics NewsCourt to deliver verdict on PM’s military residence this afternoon

    Court to deliver verdict on PM’s military residence this afternoon

    Security is expected to be extremely tight at Bangkok’s Constitutional Court today, as the ruling in the matter of the PM’s residence is delivered. Prayut Chan-o-cha is accused of violating army rules by occupying a military residence rent-free, despite having retired from the army in 2014. Critics say his tenancy represents a conflict of interest. Should the court agree with…

  • Politics NewsElection Commission to investigate charges that Progressive Movement is run as a political party

    Election Commission to investigate charges that Progressive Movement is run as a political party

    Political activist Srisuwan Janya is accusing the Progressive Movement of being run like a political party, with its leaders campaigning for members in local elections, in violation of the Political Party Act. The claim has prompted the Election Commission to launch an investigation into the movement. The movement was formed by Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, Piyabutr Saengkanokkul and Pannika Wanich, after their…

  • Thailand Protest NewsProtester slammed for dressing as schoolgirl to highlight sexual harassment in Thai schools

    Protester slammed for dressing as schoolgirl to highlight sexual harassment in Thai schools

    2 government MPs have criticised a member of the “Bad Students” protest movement after she dressed as a schoolgirl to highlight sexual harassment in Thai schools. In an online protest, the activist donned a school uniform and held up a sign condemning sexual harassment in the Thai education system. Nation Thailand reports that while her actions have generally been supported…

  • Thailand NewsApirat Kongsompong appointed deputy director of Crown Property Bureau

    Apirat Kongsompong appointed deputy director of Crown Property Bureau

    His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn has appointed former army chief Apirat Kongsompong and ardent royalist as deputy director of the Crown Property Bureau. The Bangkok Post reports that Apirat‘s appointment has been announced in the Royal Gazette and is effective immediately. The Crown Property Bureau is the quasi-government agency responsible for managing the property of the Monarchy of Thailand. The bureau…

  • Thailand Protest NewsAnti-government activists condemn rejection of iLaw draft, vow to fight on

    Anti-government activists condemn rejection of iLaw draft, vow to fight on

    Protests are set to continue following Parliament’s decision yesterday to reject a draft charter amendment submitted by human rights non-profit group iLaw, with the backing of over 100,000 signatures. Protest leader Jatupat Boonpattarasaksa says the rejection, which happened after the first reading of the bill, has left activists with no choice other than to continue the protests. He added that…

  • Thailand Protest NewsHuman rights group iLaw calls on Parliament to approve draft charter amendment

    Human rights group iLaw calls on Parliament to approve draft charter amendment

    The director of iLaw, a Thai human rights non-profit group, is calling on Parliament to approve its charter amendment bill. Jon Ungphakorn made the call as MPs and senators meet for a second day to vote on 7 draft charter amendments. The amendment submitted by iLaw is the only one not submitted by the government and opposition MPs. Yesterday, protesters…

  • Thailand Protest NewsBangkok police urge drivers, pedestrians, to avoid Parliament area ahead of today’s protest

    Bangkok police urge drivers, pedestrians, to avoid Parliament area ahead of today’s protest

    Police in Bangkok say motorists and pedestrians should steer clear of routes around the Parliament today or risk heavy congestion and road closures. The advice comes ahead of a planned rally in the capital, as Parliament begins a 2 day session to vote on draft charter amendments. Already this morning there has been a protest from Royalist groups, clad in…

  • Thailand Protest NewsProtesters advise police of plan for today’s Bangkok rally, several routes affected

    Protesters advise police of plan for today’s Bangkok rally, several routes affected

    The pro-democracy group, “Bad Students”, has formally submitted details of today’s rally to officers at Chanasongkram Police Station in Bangkok. Posting on its Facebook page, the group says it has advised police of its plans to assemble in front of the Education Ministry on Ratchadamnoen Road at 1pm today, before marching to the Democracy Monument. There, the group will join…

  • Politics NewsPheu Thai MP says charter amendment court hearing is government delaying tactic

    Pheu Thai MP says charter amendment court hearing is government delaying tactic

    The Pheu Thai MP for Ubon Ratchathani has attacked the ruling Palang Pracharat party and members of the Senate for what he sees as an attempt to slow down the charter amendment process. Somkid Chuakong says asking the Constitutional Court to decide if the opposition’s attempt at a charter re-write is in violation of the supreme law, is merely an…

  • Thailand Protest NewsStudent protesters to repeat calls for PM’s resignation at Bangkok rally tomorrow

    Student protesters to repeat calls for PM’s resignation at Bangkok rally tomorrow

    A group of student activists going by the name, “Bad Students”, have confirmed plans for tomorrow’s anti-government protest in Bangkok, where they will once again call for the PM’s resignation. The pro-democracy activists will assemble outside the Ministry of Education building, before marching to the Democracy Monument. It’s understood the protesters will reiterate their 3 key demands: the resignation of…

  • Politics NewsParliament to debate draft charter amendments over 2 days next week

    Parliament to debate draft charter amendments over 2 days next week

    Parliament Speaker Chuan Leekpai says members will meet on November 17 and 18 to vote on 7 draft amendments to Thailand’s constitution. Nation Thailand reports that 6 of the drafts are the work of the government and a number of opposition MPs, while the 7th is from the Internet Dialogue on Law Reform, with the support of more than 100,000…

  • Thailand Protest NewsProtest leader calls on rally “guards” to refrain from violence

    Protest leader calls on rally “guards” to refrain from violence

    Prominent human rights lawyer and protest leader, Anon Nampa, is calling on guards at anti-government rallies to remain peaceful. He says that getting violent will only harm the movement and play into the hands of the government. According to a Bangkok Post report, Anon credits his next door neighbour in Chiang Mai for the advice. “Last night, while I drank…

  • Thailand Protest NewsArmy chief dismisses rumours of impending coup – VIDEO

    Army chief dismisses rumours of impending coup – VIDEO

    Thailand’s Army chief Narongpan Jitkaewthae has described the chances of a coup as, “less than zero”, insisting the current political unrest can only be solved by political means. Pro-democracy activists continue to put pressure on the government, repeating their demands for the resignation of PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, a charter (constitution) re-write and reform of the role of the country’s revered…

  • Thailand NewsThai TV debate: Royalist accuses Jewish Americans of funding pro-democracy protests

    Thai TV debate: Royalist accuses Jewish Americans of funding pro-democracy protests

    A debate between a royalist and a pro-democracy supporter got heated and turned into shouting during a broadcast on a Thai news channel. In one bizarre exchange, the royalist spokesperson accused Jewish Americans of backing the pro-democracy movement. The ongoing political protests, calling on government and monarchy reformation, has led to a divide in Thailand with a split between those…

  • Politics NewsPM says he’d be happy to step aside if someone better comes along

    PM says he’d be happy to step aside if someone better comes along

    The Thai PM, Prayut Chan-o-cha, says he’d have no problem stepping down if someone better could take over, adding that he’s tired of all the power now. “If in the future, there is a person who is better, more capable and more honest than me, similarly honest, (he or she) would continue the work and be in charge of the…

  • Thailand Protest News4 political activists, including human rights lawyer Anon, released from custody

    4 political activists, including human rights lawyer Anon, released from custody

    Human rights lawyer and protest leader, Anon Nampa, has been released from custody, alongside 3 other pro-democracy activists. Thai PBS World reports that Aekkachai Hongkangwan, Somyot Prueksakasemsook, and Suranart Paenprasert left Bangkok Remand Prison with Anon, just after midnight last night. Their release comes after the Criminal Court rejected a bid by police to retain the 4 in custody. Anon…

  • Thailand Protest News2 protest leaders re-arrested while recuperating in hospital

    2 protest leaders re-arrested while recuperating in hospital

    3 protest leaders are recovering in hospital following skirmishes outside the Bangkok Remand Prison during their release on Friday night. 2 of the 3, Panupong Jadnok and Parit Chiwarak have been re-arrested, while still recovering at Praram 9 Hospital in Bangkok. Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul is also being treated at the hospital and it’s understood police are seeking a court order to…

  • Thailand Protest NewsPalang Pracharath MP calls for probe into Pheu Thai MP who cut own arm in parliament

    Palang Pracharath MP calls for probe into Pheu Thai MP who cut own arm in parliament

    Opposition politicians are clashing over the actions of one MP who deliberately cut his arm in an act of self-harm to draw attention to the plight of anti-government protesters. Palang Pracharath MP, Sira Jenjaka, is threatening Wisarn Techathirawat, Pheu Thai MP for Chiang Rai, with removal from office for what he’s calling a publicity stunt. On Tuesday, during a special joint…

  • Thailand Protest NewsContempt charge dropped against protest leader Parit

    Contempt charge dropped against protest leader Parit

    The leader of the Free People protest group, Parit Chiwarak, aka, “Penguin”, has had a charge of contempt dropped. He had been charged after calling on activists to gather at the court on August 8 to obstruct proceedings in a case against fellow protest leaders, Anon Nampa and Panupong Jadnok. The Bangkok Post reports that the Criminal Court dropped the…

  • Thailand Protest NewsOpposition MP slashes his arm in protest at treatment of anti-government activists

    Opposition MP slashes his arm in protest at treatment of anti-government activists

    An opposition party MP has slashed his arm in front of officials in Parliament, in protest at the treatment of political activists. Visan Techatirawat, a partY member of the opposition Pheu Thai Party, says the gesture was his own personal protest to oppose the government’s action against peaceful protesters at a rally in the capital on October 17. Police remain…

  • Thailand Protest NewsJailed activists request individual cells, access to books, ahead of exams

    Jailed activists request individual cells, access to books, ahead of exams

    3 protest leaders currently behind bars have spoken with the Justice Minister to ask for a number of personal requests to be granted. Panupong Jadnok, Parit Chiwarak, and Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, each met with Somsak Thepsutin, with Panupong calling for a separation between prisoners awaiting trial and those who’ve already been convicted. Both Panupong and Parit are being held at Bangkok…

  • Thailand Protest NewsThai PM: Do you know what will happen if I resign?

    Thai PM: Do you know what will happen if I resign?

    The Thai PM has asked opposition MPs if they know what would happen if he resigns – then proceeded to tell them. Speaking in Parliament yesterday, prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha called on members of the opposition to clarify whether they want him to resign or to dissolve the House of Representatives. Thai PBS World reports that his comment was in…

  • Thailand Protest NewsAnti-government protesters plan march to German Embassy today

    Anti-government protesters plan march to German Embassy today

    A political rally is being planned at the German Embassy on Bangkok’s Sathon Road this evening as anti-government activists continue to call for the PM’s resignation and pout pressure on the government for reforms to the country’s political system and constitution. Thai PBS World reports that protesters are expected to gather at the Sam Yan intersection on Rama IV Road…

  • Thailand Protest NewsActivists agree to step back, while telling PM to resign by Sunday

    Activists agree to step back, while telling PM to resign by Sunday

    Following a televised address to the nation by the Thai PM at 7pm last night, amid rising political tension, anti-government protesters have agreed to take a step back. However, they are still insisting the Thai leader must resign by Sunday and calling for all charges against arrested activists to be dropped. While speaking to the nation via a televised broadcast…

  • Politics NewsFormer Pheu Thai chair to challenge legality of State of Emergency

    Former Pheu Thai chair to challenge legality of State of Emergency

    Thai politician and former chair of the Pheu Thai Party, Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, has confirmed she plans to challenge the legality of the state of emergency in court. She joins a number of opposition MPs and other activists who are petitioning to have the order lifted. Bangkok awoke to a state of emergency declared by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha in the…