Follow Thai politics in English — government policy, elections, parliament and political developments, with reporting and analysis from Thai PBS World.
A small group of Thai people rallied in front of the US Embassy in Bangkok this morning (Tuesday), to protest against alleged interference, by some embassy officials, in Thailand’s internal affairs. Led by Mr. Nitithorn Lumlua and Pichit Chaimongkol, the “Peoples of Thailand” group handed a protest letter to an embassy official. Then Mr. Pichit
The Criminal Court rejected another bail application for anti-establishment Ratsadon leader Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak today (Monday), on the grounds that there is no reason to change the previous bail decisions, by both the Criminal and Appeals courts. Mrs. Sureerat Chiwarak applied for bail for her son Parit, by posting a surety worth about 200,000 baht.
Thailand’s anti-establishment Ratsadon leader Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak declared, before judges of the Criminal Court today (Monday), that he does not recognize the judicial process and will not attend his trial because he has not been accorded justice and granted bail to enable him to find evidence in his defence. He also asked his lawyer, Mr.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha assured today (Friday) that the government will not yet impose lockdowns or curfews in order to contain the COVID-19 spread, adding that he felt the pain every time such restrictions were imposed in the past, because they hurt a lot of people, especially low income, grassroots people. Speaking to the media,
Immigration Police and Khon Kaen University have denied that the termination of the employment contract, work permit and visa of David Streckfuss are related to his political activism in Thailand. Khon Kaen University’s International Affairs Division also denied allegations of police pressure, telling ThaiPBS World that the termination was due to his failure to fulfill
A resident of Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Rai, who is facing a lèse majesté charge in his home province, was arrested by Pahonyothin police in Bangkok today (Wednesday), as he staged a solo protest in front of the Ratchadapisek Criminal Court to demand the release of Ratsadon leaders and followers being held in remand
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 and highest-ranking government official to test positive for COVID-19. News of his infection sparked public anger amid strong rumours he contracted the virus at a
Followers of Thailand’s United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), or the red-shirt movement, assembled at the October 14th memorial, at the Kok Wua intersection on Ratchadamnoen Avenue in Bangkok on Saturday, to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the violent crackdown on red-shirt protesters by the government of then Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. Among the
The Criminal Court today granted bail for Patiwat Saraiyaem, alias Mor Lum Bank, one of the three anti-establishment Ratsadon leaders who sought bail, after he pledged not to take part in political protests and not to criticize the Thai Monarchy. The two other leaders, Somyos Prueksakasemsook and Chatupat Boonpatthararaksa, alias Pai Daodin, who earlier had
Thailand’s opposition Pheu Thai Party has challenged the ministerial legitimacy of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha over his announcement, in April 2019, extending the concession contract, for another 40 years, of the operator of the Green Line train service. A petition, co-signed by 75 Pheu Thai MPs, was submitted to House Speaker Chuan Leekpai today, asking
While opinion polls show Bangkok voters favour independent candidates in the upcoming governor election, observers say the “swing vote” in the capital makes it difficult to predict a winner. Many voters remain undecided up until a few days before polling stations open. The election is expected later this year, though the Prayut Chan-o-cha government has
United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) chairman Jatuporn Promphan admitted today (Monday) the challenge for people of different political ideals to come together as a united force, after decades of political polarization in Thailand. He said, however, that he will keep trying to do so, in the hope that, after Songkran, more people will
