Follow Thai politics in English — government policy, elections, parliament and political developments, with reporting and analysis from Thai PBS World.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he believes China’s handling of the coronavirus is proof that Beijing “will do anything they can” to make him lose his re-election bid in November. In an interview with Reuters in the Oval Office, Trump talked tough on China and said he was looking at
The Thai government today declared COVID-19 part of the national agenda and agreed to adjust the current fiscal budget, by increasing the Central Fund and procuring additional funding, estimated at one trillion baht, from domestic sources to fight the pandemic and to rehabilitate the heavily damaged economy. Details of the budgetary revamp and the securing
Former politician and minister in several previous Thai administrations, Mr. Prachuab Chaiyasan, aka Isan Idi (Amin), died of lung cancer at Siriraj hospital this morning (Wednesday). He was 76 years old. Mr. Prachuab is survived by his wife and four children. A religious rite is being held at Wat Thepsirin for three days, starting today.
The parents of about 200 Thai students, currently in the USA under the American Field Service (AFS) exchange program, will meet with Thailand’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister tomorrow (Monday) to seek government support to bring their children back to Thailand. Some of the parents told Thai PBS that the children who are abroad for
A retired Venezuelan general who was charged by the United States with “narco-terrorism” along with President Nicolas Maduro and other officials has surrendered in Colombia to US authorities, prosecutors said Saturday. “The national Attorney General learned that Mr Cliver Alcala surrendered to US authorities,” the Colombian prosecutor said in a statement, adding there was no
The Thai Ministry of Defence has decided to postpone this year’s round of military conscription, scheduled to take place from April 1st to 12th, by as much as three months, due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19. The postponement was ordered by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, in his dual capacity as the country’s defence
In light of the exponential surge in COVID-19 infections and the potential for increased transmission in upcountry provinces, Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang today appealed to everyone, currently in Bangkok, not to travel out of the city and to stay at home. “We are fighting an enemy which is more devastating than any weapon or army.
Thailand’s Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana has self-quarantined after he learned that one of his protection officers has been admitted to the Police Hospital for treatment for COVID-19. The minister’s secretary, Mr. Thanakorn Wangboonchana, said today that he had learned that the officer reported to work on March 11th and then took leave. He added that
Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang today invoked the Infectious Diseases Act to order the closure of boxing stadia, bars, pubs, massage parlours, saunas, cinemas and fitness clubs, effective tomorrow (Wednesday) for 14 days. The Governor’s order follows today’s cabinet decision to close entertainment venues in and around Bangkok, to stem the spread of COVID-19 infections. The
All entertainment places in and around Bangkok, including pubs, massage parlours, nightclubs and movie houses, will be closed for two weeks as part of the government’s attempts to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced Tuesday afternoon. Sporting events both in Bangkok and the rest of the country will also be
Kao Klai (Move Forward) party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, former Future Forward secretary-general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul and former spokeswoman Pannika Wanich reported to Pathumwan district police today to acknowledge charges in connection with the flash mob held at Pathumwan Skywalk in mid-December, 2019. The Pathumwan police have filed five charges against the trio, including organizing a
Kao Klai (Move Forward) party leader Pita Limjaroenrat has vowed to continue the political will and ideology of the now-defunct Future Forward party and “be a beacon of hope for desperate people” in Thailand. The former party-list MP for the Future Forward party said that the new party will represent the poor and disadvantaged, put
