New Pheu Thai leader Chonlanan Srikaew appears to have acknowledged he won’t be a prime ministerial candidate for the opposition party at the next general election. The five-time MP also…
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New Pheu Thai leader Chonlanan Srikaew appears to have acknowledged he won’t be a prime ministerial candidate for the opposition party at the next general election. The five-time MP also…
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After seven years out of government, the Shinawatra family appears to be keen on making a comeback. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest daughter of former prime minister Thaksin, made a surprise…
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The recent appointment of Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit to lead the fight against Thailand’s new epicenter of COVID-19, the restive deep South, has sparked controversy on all sides. Nattaphon, a PM’s…
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Former justice minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga is making waves in the ruling Palang Pracharath Party after being appointed as advisor to powerful party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwan. Key party figures describe…
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Rumors that Chatchai Phromlert was poised to enter politics were circulating long before his mandatory retirement as Interior Ministry permanent secretary last week. Media reports outlined three possibilities for Chatchai…
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Veteran politician Wirat Ratanaset’s indictment on corruption charges has cast a cloud over his status as government chief whip and is threatening to impact the ruling coalition. However, he still…
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Though he survived a plot to unseat him at the latest censure debate, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is now suffering “aftershocks” in the ruling Palang Pracharath Party. Two Cabinet members…
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The public is watching closely to see if the scandal over a drug suspect shown tortured to death at a police station will trigger reforms or merely deepen the flaws…
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Tanat Thanakitamnuay was addressing a crowd of anti-government protesters in Bangkok on August 13 when he was hit by a projectile that his family says permanently blinded him in one…
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As a prolific writer and editor, Suchart Sawasdsri was honored with the role of the national artist (literature) in 2011. However, as a keen political observer and critic, he is…
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Though its name suggests it has closer links with communities upcountry, the Rural Doctors Society (RDS) is now a hero to Bangkokians after it stepped up to battle the raging…
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A red-shirt politician loyal to self-exiled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra has suddenly emerged as co-leader of a campaign to oust embattled Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, in an apparent collaboration between…
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Panipak Wongpattanakit has etched her name in history as the first Thai woman to win an Olympic gold medal with a kick. Crowned the Taekwondo champion after scoring a last-minute…
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Behind every successful man is a supportive (albeit sometimes grumpy) woman, but behind the Olympics gold medal success of taekwondo heroine Panipak “Tennis” Wongpattanakit is a South Korean man who…
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Once a darling of the anti-establishment movement, Nuttaa “Bow” Mahattana is now being denounced as a traitor to the cause – though the human rights activist insists she is just…
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Famed as Thailand’s top “economics tsar”, former deputy prime minister Somkid Jatusripitak has served both elected governments and a junta regime during his long and colorful career. Somkid, 68, abruptly quit…
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Debutant MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn from the opposition Move Forward Party has campaigned relentlessly for full disclosure of the government’s vaccine procurement contracts, insisting that transparency is vital in the fight…
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Like Dr. Anthony Fauci in the United States, Prof Dr. Yong Poovorawan has been at the forefront of his country’s battle against COVID-19. As a chief medical adviser to the government,…
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As the new spokesman of the Centre for Economic Situation Administration (CESA), Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana’s first job was to defend the government’s relief measures for people affected by COVID-19. His opening…
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Politics is a game where there are no permanent enemies, and no permanent friends, only permanent interests. The old saying was proved true again recently when veteran politician Ruangkrai Leekitwattana…
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Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s younger brother, General Preecha, has become the first member of the premier’s immediate family to be charged by Thailand’s anti-graft agency. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC)…
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Within a six-year span, Leicester City Football Club has achieved the unthinkable for pundits and fans alike: an English Premier League title in 2016 and the FA Cup on May…
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A wealthy businessman once viewed by many as a saint and a model of success now stands accused of leading a fraudulent Bt1-billion investment ring. Prasit Jeawkok, 45, handed himself…
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The first female president of Thailand’s Supreme Court, Metinee Chalodhorn, faces a tough mission to defend the judiciary’s reputation against growing allegations of double standards as political conflicts escalate. Meeting…
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While for outsiders Anwar Salaeh is a rebel MP, most of his fellow Democrats consider him a black sheep for his role as an opponent of both his party and…
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As an academic, Anek Laothamatas made his name with a “Tale of Two Democracies”, which explores the divide in Thai society between the rural and urban sectors. But in his…
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Tycoon-turned-politician Anutin Charnvirakul may arguably be Thailand’s most-hated public health minister by now. But to be fair, his predecessors never had to tackle the world’s worst virus crisis in more…
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As a young girl, Paphangkorn Tavatanakit watched golf legend Tiger Woods on TV and told her dad “That’s who I want to be.” Her dream of golf superstardom came true…
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Saksayam Chidchob was previously best known as the “nominee” of his older brother, veteran politician Newin. However, last week he landed himself in trouble by becoming the first Cabinet member…
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The new digital economy and society (DES) minister, Chaiwut Thanakhamanusorn, is set to get tougher with fake news aimed at undermining the government and the monarchy — intensifying an unfinished…
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An “accidental leader” of the anti-establishment reformist movement, Patsaravalee “Mind” Tanakitvibulpon, has boldly made its first direct address to His Majesty the King. On Wednesday night (March 24), Patsaravalee made…
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Former digital economy and society minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta’s political future is hanging in the balance after the Criminal Court last month sentenced him to seven years in jail for his…
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No anti-establishment protest activist has been more effective at grabbing media attention than Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak. The tubby 23-year-old Thammasat University student has even managed to make headlines from behind…
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Pol Lt-General Surachate Hakparn has risen like a phoenix from the flames this week, strutting back to the Royal Thai Police two years after he was kicked out in disgrace….
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Chaiwat Limlikhit-aksorn has courted danger and controversy many times in his civil service career, but so far, he’s come out on top. Lauded for taking tough action against forest encroachers,…
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As calls grow among the young generation to reform the monarchy, some Thai celebrities are risking boycotts and hatred to defend their beloved royal institution. Their emotional reactions to the…
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Many Thai celebrities are putting their careers on the line to support anti-establishment protesters’ push for political change in Thailand, including reform of the monarchy. They risk losing their jobs,…
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Miss Universe Thailand 2020 Amanda Obdam is not the first beauty queen to fall victim to the Kingdom’s bitter political divide. But just like Miss Thailand 2017 Maria Poonlertlarp before…
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Although new to Parliament, Sira Jenjaka has lost no time in stealing the limelight from veteran MPs – drawing publicity for his outspoken views, belligerent talk and ability to take…
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The prime minister and nine Cabinet members managed to sail through the recent censure vote, but the voting has rejiggered a rift between the coalition’s two largest partners. Six MPs…
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Assistant Professor Arnond Sakworawich first came under the spotlight last November, when he sparred on TV with firebrand protest leader Panusaya “Rung” Sitthijirawattanakul over royal assets. Viewers were glued to…
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Born to a wealthy family, Apirak “Sia Po” Chat-anon could have made money without courting legal trouble. But this 28-year-old macho internet celebrity chose a different path – one that…
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A court ruling against Theptai Senapong has brought the curtain crashing down on one of Thailand’s most colourful political performers. Renowned for his sense of humour, the senior Democrat politician…
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(Reuters) – Myanmar’s powerful military chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, is in the spotlight after politicians from the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party were detained and the…
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As the new wave of COVID-19 exploded in Samut Sakhon, the governor leading the fightback always managed to keep a smile on his face, radiating much-needed confidence to his team…
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Dr. Apisamai Srirangsan has become the second former beauty queen to join the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)’s spokesperson team, tasked with updating the public on the mission to…
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The old saying “there are no permanent friends or foes in politics” has been proven true once again. Jatuporn Prompan, an activist/politician and a long-time loyal ally of the Shinawatra…
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With fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as his role model, Pol Lt-General Camronwit Toopkrajank is on a mission to turn his hometown of Pathum Thani into a highly developed…
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Pop diva Nantida Kaewbuasai is set to become the first woman to head the Samut Prakan Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) after scoring a landslide victory at the polls. Unofficial tallies…
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Pol General Chakthip Chaijinda has never held a political post let alone contested for one. Yet, his entry in the upcoming Bangkok governor’s race – if confirmed – will send…
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A former key leader of Pheu Thai dating back to its incarnation as Thai Rak Thai in 1998, veteran politician Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan has left the opposition party abruptly. In her…
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Social critic Sulak Sivaraksa, a veteran scholar who has a love-hate relationship with royalists, was the “big surprise” planned by protest leaders at their anti-establishment rally last Wednesday (November 25). …
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Jon Ungphakorn is the man behind the civil sector’s first ever constitutional-amendment motion to go before Parliament – though it was overwhelmingly rejected by lawmakers. Only three senators voted for…
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As the saying goes, behind every successful man, there’s a woman. Except in Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow’s case, there are two – the woman he is legally…
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When Thailand’s rising political conflict went international outside two embassies last week, two women with opposing viewpoints were leading the way. Patsaravalee “Mind” Tanakitvibulpon, a 25-year-old student, led several thousand…
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As ongoing pro-democracy protests prompt more and more Thais to choose sides, actor and charity worker Bin Bunluerit has stood up to declare himself an uncompromising royalist. He surprised the…
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Buddha Isara, a former monk convicted for his role in violent protests seven years ago, returned to the spotlight on Friday when he caught the attention of Their Majesties the…
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As soon as political heat rises in the country, the name of ultra-royalist Maj-General Dr Rienthong Nanna starts flashing on the radar. Last week he won media coverage not for…
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Colourful solo activist Ekachai Hongkangwan has landed himself in legal trouble again – this time facing the rare charge of threatening Her Majesty the Queen. The former lese-majeste…
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Behind every successful man there stands a strong woman, goes the old saying. And no one illustrates this better than Khunying Potjaman Na Pombejra, who has taken much credit…
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In a move never before attempted by any Thai politician, opposition MP Rangsiman Rome has proposed a “new deal” between the people and the monarchy to ensure that Thailand becomes…
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A firebrand leader of student-led protests against the Thai establishment, Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak may sound aggressive on stage and at times may seem bent on getting what he wants at…
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Thailand has witnessed the departure of two finance ministers in just past two months, and a veteran politician who served as their deputy is now offering himself as a well-qualified…
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The man behind a popular Facebook page critical of the Thai monarchy and military has been left to defend himself against allegations that he employs an authoritarian approach in running…
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Army chief General Apirat Kongsompong has stirred up politics and ruffled more than a few feathers during his two years as Thailand’s most powerful military figure. He has launched repeated…
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Warong Dechgitvigrom is best remembered for his crucial role in exposing corruption in the rice-pledging scheme of the Yingluck government. And now the veteran politician is carving a niche for…
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In the eyes of pro-royalists, Anon Nampa, Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul and Parit Chiwarak are trying to abolish the monarchy, but for fellow anti-establishment protesters they are heroes. The three have become…
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Predee Daochai is taking on what is probably the most unenviable task — steering Thailand out of its worst economic crisis in modern history. By accepting Prime Minister Prayut…
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Khairiyah Rahmanyah from the deep South of Thailand may not be as famous as Sweden’s young environmental activist Greta Thunberg, but they both have plenty in common. Not only are…
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It was no surprise that Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan, Palang Pracharath’s chief strategist, was elected the party’s new chief at its general meeting on Saturday, replacing Finance Minister…
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Former Thai deputy commerce minister Banyin Tangpakorn was taken from the maximum-security Bang Kwang Central Prison to a court hearing on Monday morning under the watchful eye of two dozen…
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Wanchalerm Satsaksit is not the first activist living in exile in a neighbouring country to mysteriously disappear since the 2014 military coup, and he may not be the last. At…
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Ranking among the country’s most talked-about female MPs, former Miss Congeniality Pareena Kraikupt has received huge media coverage ever since she joined the Palang Pracharath Party. The coverage has not always…
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In his 34 years as a politician, Chaturon Chaisang has never been out of the spotlight. Despite being ousted by three coups, seeing his parties dissolved twice and being banned…
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Crowned Miss Thailand 2008, Dr Panprapa Yongtrakul returned to the spotlight last week as assistant spokeswoman of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). Her task in this new position…
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Former Constitutional Court president Nurak Mapraneet was named privy councillor on Monday (May 4), becoming the 17th since His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s accession to the throne in 2016. Following…
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Given his humble background and inspirational rise to the top, Loei governor Chaiwat Chuenkosum knows exactly where to find people in dire need. Hence, his destination one day recently was…
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A crucial weapon in the battle against any public crisis is concise information that can be understood by each and every one of us. However, since the outbreak of Covid-19,…
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With just two years in the field of politics, Pita Limjaroenrat has taken on the challenging mission of leading more than 50 MPs elected under the banner of the now-defunct…
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Grudge and weaponry expertise can be a very bad mix, as proven tragically in the case of Sergeant Major Jakrapanth Thomma, the gunman in what is Thailand’s first massive random…
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Sorrayuth Suthassanachinda started off like any young, promising journalist — bold, relentless, working hard, getting great exclusives and building good, widespread connections. He, however, has ended up on a treacherous…
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Being a complete political outcast is difficult, especially in Thailand, where one man’s villain is easily another man’s hero. Deputy Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao has not fallen into the “ostracized”…
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Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha may have taken one step closer to the brink with the Cabinet he has set up. But it’s not quite about the “faces”, which are a…
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For someone whose name was largely associated with “half-baked democracy”, to be generally accepted as a “statesman” is unique. Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda, who passed away this week at…
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Jurin Laksanavisit’s first job as Democrat leader is tackling an immense dilemma that brought down his immediate predecessor Abhisit Vejjajiva. A social media cynical post has it that Jurin had…
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Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, secretary-general of the Future Forward Party, is travelling at the speed of light politically. A virtual nobody last year, he has come under a major media spotlight along…
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If Jurin Laksanawisit is a footballer, he will be called a “utility player”. By that, he can help the team by playing any role no matter how small, how big,…
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Because of his height and good look, Korn Chatikavanij is an outstanding man. In politics, though, he is the sort of men who let many people, including those less qualified,…
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Amid all the uncertainties in the aftermath of Sunday’s general election, one man has gone virtually and mysteriously underground. Everyone’s radar, though, has been searching for Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul,…
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All eyes will be on Future Forward leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit next week when he and two other party executives face the prosecutors for a Facebook Live session that allegedly discredited…
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Spareparts are usually unseen, but if you happen to need them you are glad you have them. Somkid Jatusripitak is like that. News that he would be in the Palang…
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Thaksin Shinawatra’s camp always springs a surprise when it comes to who it picks as prime minister. Late Samak Sundaravej was a veteran, but everyone had ruled him out when…
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The Thai politics nowadays may be crawling with estranged allies. Sudarat Keyuraphan is said to have upset many in the Thaksin camp. Jatuporn Prompan is not seeing eye to eye…
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Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is not playing hard to get. In keeping people waiting for his decision to vie for post-election premiership, he probably does not want to get bombarded…
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Messages of solidarity poured in Wednesday from around the world on the one-year anniversary of the arrest of two Myanmar Reuters journalists who exposed a massacre of Rohingya Muslims in…
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The once-revered Carlos Ghosn’s life was even made into a manga comic but soon after Monday’s arrest his successor at Nissan referred to the ‘dark side’ of his tenure Carlos…
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“This puts football into perspective”. A famous line among those involved in the world’s most popular sport when a human tragedy strikes has to do with the fact that there…
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As former coup leader Gen Sunthorn Kongsompong’s son, new Army chief Gen Apirat Kongsompong can never say what many people think regarding toppling a government by military force. The real…
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Few people believe Warong Dechgitvigrom could dethrone Abhisit Vejjajiva in the Democrat Party’s leadership battle, but flying under the radar to hit the target seems to be what the former…
Read MoreFew people believe Warong Dechgitvigrom could dethrone Abhisit Vejjajiva in the Democrat Party’s leadership battle, but flying under the radar to hit the target seems to be what the former…
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