Thai parliament to hold no-confidence debate against PM Prayut
Thailand's parliament is set to hold a new no-confidence debate against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha and 10 other Cabinet ministers this week.
Review of Thai cave rescue movie trailer: How close is Thirteen Lives to real-life events?
The trailer for Thirteen Lives, a Ron Howard-directed movie on the 2018 Thai cave rescue and starring Colin Farrell and Viggo Mortensen is out. How close is it to real-life events at Tham Luang, where a football team and their coach were trapped in a cave and only evacuated after 18 days with the help of a complex operation involving hundreds? CNA's Thai correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut gives his take.
Thailand to scrap pre-registration for arrivals, outdoor mask mandate as it moves to “endemic” COVID-19
Thailand is forging ahead with opening up. The kingdom will lift more COVID-19 restrictions next month, as the pandemic situation improves.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin holds talks with Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha in Bangkok
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is in Thailand on the second leg of his trip to Asia. He held talks with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in Bangkok, as part of Washington's efforts to strengthen alliances in the region. Mr Austin is also expected to outline plans towards deepening US military cooperation with Thailand.
Thailand plans $20 billion budget deficit to bolster recovery
Thailand plans to stick to an expansionary fiscal policy to aid its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's government has proposed a higher spending worth more than $93 billion in its 2023 draft budget bill. The budget deficit is projected at $20 billion, or 3.9% of the country's GDP. Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy is forecast to expand between 3.2% and 4.2% next year, as revenues are expected to improve amid higher domestic demand and a revival in the tourism sector.
Guest Appearance: Nordic Asia Podcast - "The Race for the Governor: Talking Bangkok Elections with Saksith Saiyasombut"
“Why did Chadchart Sittipunt win the Bangkok governor race? What does his win tell us about broader political trends in Thailand? And how did it feel covering the Bangkok election? Saksith Saiyasombut, CNA’s Thailand Correspondent in Bangkok, joins Petra Alderman to talk about the significance of the Bangkok governor race – and the local administrative and council elections – and the challenges of being a journalist in Thailand.”
Chadchart Sittipunt's First Day As Governor-Elect and Analyzing the Bangkok Election Results
Bangkok looks set to usher in its first democratically elected governor in nine years. An unofficial count by the Election Commission shows independent candidate Chadchart Sittipunt winning the election by a landslide - with a million votes ahead of his nearest rival.
After Walkout, APEC Trade Minister Meeting Ends Without Joint Statement
The APEC Trade Minister Meeting in Bangkok concluded without a joint statement today (Sunday). This follows a walk-out of representatives of 5 Western countries in protest against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Japanese PM in Thailand to talk economics, Myanmar and Ukraine war
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida continues his diplomatic world tour, stopping by in Bangkok today. Mr Kishida met his Thai counterpart Prayut Chan-o-cha earlier to discuss issues on bilateral relations and regional issues.
Democrat Party Apologizes for Sexual Assault Claims Against Former Deputy Leader Prinn
Thailand’s Democrat Party has expressed “deep regret” over the mounting sexual assault allegations against its former deputy leader Prinn Panitchpakdi. At least 14 women have filed complaints against him, as the party vows to take responsibility.
CNA Correspondent: Night Shift with Bangkok's Volunteer Rescuers
In Bangkok, most emergency first responders are volunteers organized by private foundations. One of them is the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. Founded in 1959 by a son of Chinese immigrants, this and other organizations initially transported the dead to morgues and crematoriums, earning them the nickname ‘Body Collectors’. Today, they provide emergency services and disaster relief. CNA Thailand Correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut followed the nightly rescue crews to tend to people in need - and those that have passed.
CNA Correspondent: Return to Paradise (Full Episode)
Maya Bay in Thailand's Krabi province reopened at the start of 2022, after it was forced to close for three and a half years to allow its ecological system to recover from excessive tourism. CNA's Saksith Saiyasombut revisits the landmark made famous by the Hollywood movie "The Beach". There are now strict rules in place to protect Maya Bay's environment. Thailand's dramatic coastal landscapes that have attracted film-makers also reflect a major environmental challenge. The country's coastlines are shrinking up to 30 square kilometres every year, threatening communities by the sea. CNA Correspondent also explores the reasons for this phenomenon and looks at solutions mitigating the problem.
Bangkok governor resigns to contest next local election
Bangkok’s governor has resigned, as he seeks re-election in the city's gubernatorial polls in May. Asawin Kwanmuang held his post in Thailand's capital for more than five years, after he was appointed by the then-military government.
Thailand regulators seeking to put brakes on cryptocurrency boom
Cryptocurrency trading is hugely popular in Thailand, with about 2 million trading accounts registered online. But regulators are looking to regin in the hype.
Tapping Potential for Electric Mobility in Thailand
Thailand is one of Asia’s biggest car manufacturers, but the electrification of mobility still has yet to take hold. The government has set out an ambitious goal for the industry to produce all-electric vehicles by 2035. Many players have already joined the race with their solutions, from charging infrastructure to ride-sharing.
Palang Pracharath loses Bangkok by-election, deepening problems for ruling party
Unofficial results from Sunday's by election in Bangkoks Laksi-Chatuchak show a landslide win for the opposition Pheu Thai Party over the ruling Palang Pracharath Party. The by-election has been viewed as a popularity test of the national government. The capital is expected to hold elections for its governor in mid-2022 and general elections no later than next year.
Ruling Palang Pracharath Party sacks Thamanat, 20 other MPs
Thailand's ruling party has sacked its secretary general Thamanat Prompow, along with 20 other MPs. Palang Pracharath leaders say Mr Thamanat made unacceptable demands and his disruptive behaviour was affecting the party's work. The move could cause a major political shake up for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's government.
The Year Ahead 2022: Thailand's Hopes for Reopening & Recovery
Not wanting to be held hostage by the pandemic any longer, countries like Thailand have started to reopening to tourists. But with still many uncertanties ahead, can the country bounce back in 2022? (Filmed in November and early December 2021)
Thailand scraps quarantine-free travel due to Omicron variant
Thailand will revoke its quarantine-free travel scheme from today over omicron concerns. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha says no new applications for the Thailand pass will be accepted.
COVID-19: Thailand detects its first potential case of Omicron variant
Thailand has detected its first potential case of Omicron as the COVID-19 variant continues its global march. The strain has now been detected in close to 50 countries and regions, including locations in Asia like Japan and Hong Kong.