Thai protesters rally outside parliament ahead of no-confidence vote for PM Prayut
Tight security in Bangkok, as the police brace for more anti-government protests. Crowds have gathered in front of parliament, where lawmakers are debating a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. A vote will take place tomorrow (Feb 20).
Thai PM Prayut grilled on first day of parliamentary censure debate
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his administration are facing their second no-confidence motion. The parliament is holding a censure debate that's expected to culminate with a vote on the weekend. The opposition has accused the government of mismanaging the COVID-19 outbreak, and anti-government protesters have resumed rallies demanding Mr Prayut's resignation.
Thai protesters clash with police as anti-govt rallies set to continue
Thai anti-government protesters and police have clashed at a rally in Bangkok. Several people have been arrested, several other people injured. Thai anti-govt and pro-democracy protesters have congregated at Democracy Monument again in their continued campaign for political reforms and an end to royal defamation laws.
Thai anti-govt mass protests return to the streets of Bangkok
After a short pause, Thai anti-govt protests have returned on the streets of Bangkok to continue their demands for political reforms. A brief scuffle at a nearby police station nearly escalated, before all detained were released.
Thailand to ease COVID-19 restrictions, as govt pledges vaccines will still arrive in February
Thailand is planning to ease COVID-19 restrictions by reopening schools and some businesses next week. But it will depend on the severity of the outbreak in each region. Meanwhile, authorities insist that first batches of AstraZeneca vaccines will still arrive in Februarry, despite shipping delays in Europe.
Thai opposition politician Thanathorn defends criticism of govt's COVID-19 vaccine policy
A banned Thai opposition politician has defended his criticism of the government's COVID-19 vaccine strategy, which heavily relies on a local manufacturer owned by King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit has been charged with insulting the monarchy, but he has vowed to keep campaigning for reforms. Mr Thanathorn would become the highest profile case to be charged with royal defamation that punishes criticism of the monarchy with up to 15 years in jail per offence.
Thai government files royal defamation complaint against opposition figure Thanathorn
A prominent Thai opposition politician has responded to charges of royal defamation and computer crimes. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit had been demanding for more transparency on the government's COVID-19 vaccine policy, as well as its dealings with a local drug manufacturer Siam Bioscience, which is owned by the King. Mr Thanathorn has been banned from politics and his party was dissolved in 2020. He could become the highest-profile case to be tried under the lese majeste law, which punishes criticism of the monarchy with up to 15 years in jail per offence.
Thai woman sentenced to 87 years in jail under lese majeste law
A record jail term has been handed down for insulting the Thai monarchy. A former civil servant has been sentenced to 87 years in prison for sharing audio clips that violate the lese majeste law. But it has been reduced by half after she pleaded guilty.
One year after Thailand's first COVID-19 case, second wave threatens to undo recovery
It's been a year since Thailand reported its first case of COVID-19. The patient was a Chinese tourist from Wuhan – who was also the first recorded case outside China. Compared to many other countries, Thailand was mostly on top of the pandemic for much of last year. But a new outbreak could undo its efforts and threaten economic recovery.
Thais start new year with concerns of new COVID-19 wave
Thais were hoping for a good start into 2021, but a new surge of COVID19 cases has people worried that the country could go into another lockdown. (Recorded on Jan 5, 2020)
Thai PM overrules Bangkok's dining restrictions after record daily COVID19 hike
New COVID-19 restrictions have come into force in Thailand today. Officials continue to shy away from imposing a nationwide lockdown., despite reporting a daily record of 745 new infections. Bangkok and 27 other provinces have been declared high-risk zones.
Thailand introduces more restrictions in 28 provinces amidst second #COVID19 wave
More restrictions kick in today in Thailand, as the country battles a resurgent wave of the coronavirus. The government's COVID19 task force has declared 28 provinces as high-risk zones. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha has signed of measures allowing provincial governors to establish tighter restrictions in these areas. Thailand had the pandemic under control for most of last year. But it's now battling an outbreak blamed on illegal migration from neighboring Myanmar. The country reported 315 new cases on Sunday, most of them, locally transmitted.
Thai government pledges to tackle air pollution in Bangkok and surrounding areas
Thailand has said it will take action to tackle air pollution. Air quality in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces has been unsafe in recent days.
Thai PM Prayut found "not guilty" in conflict of interest case
Thailand's prime minister has survived a key test to his leadership. The country’s highest court has ruled that Prayut Chan-o-cha is not guilty of a conflict of interest. The opposition had accused Mr Prayut of illegally overstaying in military housing despite no longer being the army chief. Losing the case could have forced him out of office. At the same time, anti-government protesters have returned to the streets.
Constitutional court to hand down ruling on Thai PM's residence
After weeks of protests in Bangkok, the focus switches to the constitutional court on Dec 2. It will hand down a ruling on the fate of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his government. The opposition has accused him of illegally overstaying in army-provided housing, despite retiring as army chief.
Constitutional court to hand down ruling on Thai PM's residence
After weeks of protests in Bangkok, the focus switches to the constitutional court on Dec 2. It will hand down a ruling on the fate of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his government. The opposition has accused him of illegally overstaying in army provided housing, despite retiring as army chief.
Thai anti-government protesters gather for 'rehearsal' to fight against 'possible coup'
Anti-government protesters were back on the streets of Bangkok on Nov 27, after taking a day off. They rallied at Lat Phrao, a major transportation hub near the popular Chatuchak market. Protest leaders said they are rehearsing to fight a possible coup. There has been speculation of a military takeover for weeks, although Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has rubbished the rumours.
Thousands gather in Bangkok for anti-government rally; protest leaders face charges
Thousands have gathered in Bangkok to rally against the government. At the same time, several protest leaders are facing charges of insulting the monarchy.
Thai police to deploy thousands as Bangkok braces for another pro-reform protest
Thai police will deploy nearly 6,000 on Wednesday for a protest at the Crown Property Bureau. Police say no protester will be allowed within 150 meters of the office that manages the Royal's fortunes. Royalists have also announced they want to gather to support the monarchy, that faces its biggest challenge in decades. Anti-government protesters are calling for reform of the country's political system, including the once-revered monarchy.
Thai police HQ vandalized by protesters as parliament votes charter change bills
Anti-government protesters have spend another day rallying in Bangkok on Wednesday evening, as Thai lawmakers voted to pass two bills on constitutional reforms but rejected five other bills.