CNA Correspondent: Muay Thai - Fighting for the Future (Full Episode)
Thailand’s national martial arts, Muay Thai (or Thai boxing), is in the spotlight — boxers may soon be fighting their way to the Olympics. But the road to the top is paved with sweat, tears, hopes and heartbreak. CNA Correspondent meets those who have made it big and those fighting to join them, and finds out the price they have to pay to make it in Thailand’s national sport.
Muay Thai sets its sights on Olympic glory
Thailand’s national martial art Muay Thai, which has an increasingly global audience, could soon make its debut on the world’s biggest sporting stage, the Olympics. But not everyone is thrilled. CNA’s Saksith Saiyasombut reports.
TRAILER: "Muay Thai - Fighting for the Future" - CNA Correspondent | Wed (30 Nov) at 8.30pm BK
Muay Thai’s time in the spotlight is now. Thailand’s national martial arts now looking to the future, with new players entering the sport and fighting its way to the Olympics. But away from the million-baht arenas, it’s the road to the top is paved with sweat, tears, hopes and heartbreak. CNA Correspondent meets those who have made it big, those fighting to join them and find out the price they have to pay to make it in Thailand’s national sport.
"Muay Thai - Fighting for the Future" airs on Wednesday, 30 Nov, at 8.30pm BK on CNA and is available as VOD on CNA Insider.
APEC Summit ends with joint leader statement condemning Ukraine War
Asia-Pacific leaders wrapping up a weeklong summit in Bangkok, in which 21 member economies discussed ways to steer the region through the turmoils of war, a pandemic and other threats to peace and stability. On the last day, they added their voices to international pressure on Russia over its invasion in Ukraine, issuing a joint statement saying most of its members condemn the war.
APEC Summit: US VP Kamala Harris, regional allies condemn Pyongyang's missile launch
APEC leaders have condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine. A joint statement signed at the 29th APEC Summit also further advances economic integration in the region.
EARLIER REPORT
World leaders meet on sidelines on eve of APEC Summit in Bangkok
World leaders are arriving in Bangkok for the APEC Summit, capping off a back-to-back-to-back series of international meetings in Southeast Asia. CNA’s Saksith Saiyasombut reports on the flurry of diplomatic activities and what to look out for when the summit starts on Friday.
EARLIER REPORT
Thailand Hosts APEC Summit, But Global Issues Overshadow Meeting
Thailand is all geared up to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit this evening, as it enters the final lap of its year-long chairmanship of the organisation. As leaders from the APEC economies start arriving in the Thai capital for the two-day summit, CNA's Saksith Saiyasombut takes to the streets of Bangkok to find out what APEC means to ordinary Thais as well as Thailand as the host economy.
Gunman kills dozens at Thailand childcare centre
At least 38 people, many of them children, have been killed in a shooting rampage in northeastern Thailand. Ten other people were injured in the attack that began at a childcare centre. The gunman is among the fatalities. He reportedly took his own life after he fled the scene. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has sent his condolences to the victims and their loved ones.
EARLIER REPORT
Thai Constitutional Court rules PM Prayut has not reached 8-year term limit
Thailand's Constitutional Court will rule on the fate of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha tomorrow (Sep 30). It will decide whether the former coup leader has hit the term limit of eight years. Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan has taken over duties since then and has used this time for more walkabouts in the provinces. Observers said these appearances are the first rehearsals for Mr Prawit -- who’s also the leader of the ruling Palang Pracharat Party -- for the next election campaign within the next few months.
EARLIER REPORT
How Constitutional Court ruling on Thai PM Prayut's term limit could affect his political career
Thailand's Constitutional Court will rule on the fate of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha tomorrow (Sep 30). It will decide whether the former coup leader has hit the term limit of eight years. Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan has taken over duties since then and has used this time for more walkabouts in the provinces. Observers said these appearances are the first rehearsals for Mr Prawit -- who’s also the leader of the ruling Palang Pracharat Party -- for the next election campaign within the next few months.
Thailand joins race to lure high-income foreign talent
Thailand is offering perks to draw foreign talent as it tries to revive its economy and secure its long-term economic future. Applicants must either have $80,000 in annual income or half as much when they hold a Master's degree relevant to their profession, and in some cases, an existing investment of up to $500,000. In exchange, a 10-year long-term resident visa awaits, including a work permit and a 17% personal income tax - almost half of what people in a similar income bracket would pay.
2 dead, 1 injured in shooting at Thai military education facility
Two people were killed and one injured after a shooting incident inside a military education facility in Bangkok. Police have a suspect in custody.
CNA Correspondent Podcast: Did Hollywood get the Thai cave rescue right?
In 2018, a team of young footballers and their coach ventured into a cave in Northern Thailand. Steve Lai and correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut were on air day after day as the dramatic events unfolded. On this episode of CNA Correspondent, they recount their experience, as the latest Hollywood version of this captivating story is released.
Prawit Wongsuwan takes over from Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha
It is the day after the suspension of Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha by the Constitutional Court, which also means it is the first day for Prawit Wongsuwan as acting prime minister. CNA takes a look at the politicians' movements and analyses the power dynamics between the pair.
Thai court suspends PM Prayut from official duty pending term limit review
Thailand's top court has suspended Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha from duty, while it considers a legal challenge to his term in office. The Kingdom's constitution limits leaders to eight years in power. Opposition parties have argued that the ex-army chief has overstayed his tenure since he seized power in the 2014 military coup. However, some of Mr Prayut's supporters say his premiership started in 2019, after the first general election under the latest constitution.
EARLIER STORY
Thailand's Constitutional Court has accepted the opposition's petition to review Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha's term limit, while also suspending him from duty until there's a verdict. Prayut's opponents claim that his 8 year term ended yesterday, since he took over power in 2014.
Thai protesters call for PM Prayut to step down after 8 years in office
Protesters are gathering at Bangkok's Democracy Monument to call for the removal of Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. The demonstrations come as the constitutional court considers whether to take up a petition to rule on when Mr Prayut's eight-year term expires.
CNA Correspondent Podcast: What happens when inflation hits the humble instant noodle?
After China, Indonesia is the world’s top consumer of instant noodles. Thailand regularly makes it to the top 10 list too. Teresa Tang asks our correspondents in Jakarta and Bangkok how hard inflation has hit the convenient carb, and explores what governments are doing to keep the pantry favourite affordable.
Thai Prime Minister survives last no confidence vote before new elections
Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-Ocha and his governemtn have surived yet another no confidence vote after a four-day-censure-debate. The result came at no surprise for political observers, as the government has prevailed against previous attempts to unseat it. Here's what we can expect next in Thai politics.
Fighting inflation, Thailand steps in to control instant noodle prices
Like many Asian countries, Thais love their instant noodles as well. Along with eight other Asian countries including Indonesia, India and the Philippines, Thailand makes up the top ten countries in the world that consumes the most instant noodles. And because it has become such a staple, the government has stepped in to make sure it remains within the reach of everyone in the country.
Thai parliament holds no-confidence debate against PM Prayut, 10 Cabinet members
Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is fending off yet another no-confidence debate, alongside 10 other Cabinet members. They face accusations of corruption and economic mismanagement from the country's opposition.