Princess Ubolratana disqualified to run for PM / Bahraini footballer Hakeem free to return to Australia
It's a busy day today in Thailand. First the Election Comission has disqualified Princess Ubolratana's bid for PM. And: Bahraini footballer Hakeem Al-Araibi is coming home after months of Thai dentention and a diplomatic tussle between Bahrain and Australia.
#ThaiElection19: Prime Minister candidates confirmed for next election, Princess Ubolratana not on the list
The Election Commission of Thailand has announced 45 PM candidates for the next #ThaiElection19, excluding Thai Raksachart's candidate Princess Ubolratana, stating that since she's a Royal Family member she cannot run for office.
#ThaiElection19: Thai Raksachart Party's fate in limbo after Princess' PM bid
Following Friday's political earthquake, the fate of the Thaksin-aligned Thai Raksachart Party is in limbo after the Election Commission is urged to investigate against the party for nominating Princess Ubolratana as their PM candidate, which was followed by a rebuke of her brother, the King, called her bid "inappropriate" and "unconstitutional".
#ThaiElection19: Sister of Thai King to run for PM against current PM Prayut Chan-ocha
Two bombshell announcements have shaken Thai politics in the run up to the March 24, as Princess Ubolratana, the elder sister of King Maha Vajiralongkorn is running as Thai Raksachart Party's PM candidate against current PM Prayut Chan-ocha, who's running for the military-aligned Palang Pracharat Party. Here I explain the significance of today's developments for Thai politics.
#BREAKING: Sister of Thai king Princess Ubolratana to run for PM in March election
The elder sister of Thailand's king is running for prime minister in the country's election on Mar 24. Channel NewsAsia's Saksith Saiyasombut explains why this is an unprecedented move in Thai political history.
MP Registration opens today, kicking off #ThaiElection19 campaign season
Today, registration centers across the country have opened their doors to receive the potential MP candidates in the upcoming #ThaiElection19. All the major political parties have come to Bangkok to sign. Here I explain the process.
Thai PM threatens to get tough on Bangkok pollution
Thai PM General Prayut Chan-ocha is mulling more drastic measures in order to combat Bangkok’s ongoing air pollution. Among the measures are forced car-pooling and banning diesel cars.
Bangkok struggles to find solution to air pollution
Bangkok has been choking on bad air pollution for most of the month on Janurary - as it did in the years before. So what's being done to solve this problem?
(Originally aired on Friday, Jan 25, 2019)
Pheu Thai Party calls for free and fair March 24 elections
Thailand’s political parties are gearing up for the election on March 24. The date was finally announced after weeks of speculation and fears over yet another delay. It will be first democratic elections in Thailand since 2011 and the first since the military coup of 2014.
Thailand (finally) goes to the polls on March 24, 2019
JUST IN: Thailand's democratic elections will be held on Sunday, March 24, 2019. Here're all the latest details just moments ago on Channel NewsAsia.
Thailand signs MOU to end detention of children refugees
The Thai government has signed an MOU to end the detention of children refugees. This follows the high-profile case of Saudi aslyum seeker Rahaf Al-Qunun, who is now resettled in Canada.
Thai pro-elections activists hold forth rally
Pro-election protesters continue to call the military government to confirm a date for the country’s democratic elections, as a surprise counter protest turned out to be not much.
Thai pro-election rally to move as Dep-PM wants poll date to move to March 24
We still don't know when elections will exactly take place, but Deputy PM Wissanu sees March 24 as a "suitable" postponed date. Meanwhile, the pro-election activists - which wants to hold another rally on Saturday - are facing some surprising opposition.
Thai immigration chief promises more tolerant refugee policy after Saudi case
Thailand's immigration chief vowed at a talk at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand not to force refugees to return home "involuntarily", after a Saudi woman's desperate plea for resettlement drew global attention to a country that does not recognize asylum seekers.
Bangkok air pollution can cause economic losses
The ongoing air pollution problem in Bangkok can cause billions of Baht in losses, according to an analysis by Kasikorn Research Center. One sector that can be affected is tourism.
Thai authorities want to make it rain to combat Bangkok's air pollution
Bangkok continues to choke on air pollution, as the authorities are looking to the skies for a solution.
Thailand stops plan to expel Saudi woman fleeing family, grants UNHCR access
Thailand halted plans on Monday to expel an 18-year-old Saudi woman fleeing her family after she barricaded herself inside Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport hotel to prevent immigration officials putting her on a flight to Kuwait. They have also granted the UNHCR access to her.
Saudi woman held at Bangkok airport 'fears death' if sent back
A Saudi woman is fighting against her deportation from Bangkok's airport back to her family in Kuwait, where she claims to be "killed" if she returns. She was trying to head to Australia via a connecting flight in Bangkok, but her travel document was seized by Saudi and Kuwaiti officials upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi airport, according to tweets from her.
Thai Islamic Council bans child marriage under 17
A new regulation from the Central Islamic Council of Thailand (Cicot) bans children under the age of 17 from marriage. The move after public outcry over the controversial marriage in June of an 11-year-old Thai girl to a 41-year-old Malaysian man earlier this year. Meanwhile in Indonesia, there's push for a wide legislative change on the same issue.
Thai military government lifts political restrictions before 2019 elections
Thailand's military government has lifted restrictions on political activities, effectively allowing parties to start campaigning in the run-up to the elections early next year. But when exactly again? I explain all the details.