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☆ Thaksin Shinawatra: Thailand’s jailed former prime minister to be freed
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Helen Regan | Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Bangkok, Thailand CNN —Thailand’s jailed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will soon walk free from detention after his parole was approved, according to Thailand’s justice minister, just six months after his dramatic return to the kingdom. The announcement caps an extraordinary decades-long political saga that will see the return of one of Thailand’s most controversial political figures to everyday life. On Tuesday, Thailand’s Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong confirmed to CNN Thaksin is one of 930 inmates who have been granted parole this month. The party’s candidate Strettha Thavisin became Thailand’s 30th prime minister in August, just hours after Thaksin’s return to the country. Last week, Reuters reported that Thaksin faces possible lese majeste charges under Thailand’s royal insult law, but it’s unclear whether prosecutors will move forward with the complaint.

Persons: Thailand CNN — Thailand’s, Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Maha Vajiralongkorn, Tawee Sodsong, Thaksin —, Strettha Thavisin, Thaksin’s, Pita Limjaroenrat Organizations: Thailand CNN, Manchester City, Thailand’s, CNN Thaksin, The Corrections Department, Thai Corrections Department, Reuters Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, New York, Thai

☆ Thai court orders election-winning party to end its royal reform campaign in blow to voters who backed change
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-31 | by ( Helen Regan | Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

“This would effectively mean that the lese majeste law would become untouchable,” said Munin Pongsapan, associate professor at Thammasat University’s Faculty of Law. Sentences for those convicted under lese majeste can be decades long and hundreds of people have been prosecuted in recent years. Anyone – including ordinary citizens – can bring lese majeste charges on behalf of the king, even if they are not directly involved with the case. Protesters demanding royal reform wanted to abolish the lese majeste law, and to ensure the king is answerable to the constitution, with protesters scrutinizing Vajiralongkorn’s immense wealth and power. Move Forward’s predecessor, the Future Forward Party, came out of nowhere to win the third most seats in the 2019 election.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, lese, ”, Munin Pongsapan, “, Munin, Parit Wacharasindhu, Stringer, Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, ’, Thitinan, ” Thitinan, lese majeste, Thais, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Maha Vajiralongkorn, Anusak, turfing, Pita, Wednesday’s Organizations: Thailand CNN, Wednesday, Party, University’s, of Law, CNN, Anadolu Agency, Chulalongkorn University, Forward Party, Legal, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, Lawmakers Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Thai

☆ Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse: Thai King's son signals willingness to talk about lese majeste as he attends exhibition
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( Helen Regan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, 42, the King’s second-oldest son, who lives in New York, confirmed that he went to see the exhibition on his official Facebook page Monday. “The King can do wrong.”Nonetheless lese majeste prosecutions continued in the last decade of his reign, and increased dramatically when the military seized power in a 2014 coup. An unprecedented demand was royal reform to ensure the King is answerable to the constitution and amendments to the royal insult law. A political toolFor years, human rights organizations and free speech campaigners have said lese majeste has been used as a political tool to silence critics of the Thai government. At least 253 people have been charged with lese majeste during that time, the group said.

Persons: Thailand’s, Maha Vajiralongkorn, King, LeRoy Neiman, Pavin Chachavalpongpun, lese, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, “, ’, ” Vacharaesorn, Vacharaesorn, Thais –, Thais, ”, Pavin, ” Pavin, King Vajiralongkorn, Bhumibol Adulyadej, Bhumibol, Srettha Thavisin, lese majeste, majeste, King Bhumibol, Prayut Chan Organizations: CNN, LeRoy, New York’s Columbia University, Kyoto University’s Center, Southeast Asian Studies, Elections, Thai, YouTube, Facebook, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, Thai Prime Locations: New York, Thailand, Thai, Local

☆ Former Thai PM Thaksin eligible for parole in February - official
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( Panarat Thepgumpanat | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to be arrested upon his return as he ends almost two decades of self-imposed exile, waves at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand August 22, 2023. While abroad, Thaksin was found guilty in absentia in three cases involving abuse of power, conflict of interest and malfeasance. There was speculation that Thaksin reached some deal with his old foes, after the pro-military parties gave the Pheu Thai candidate Srettha their backing to form a new government. On his first night in Thailand, Thaksin was transferred to a police hospital with chest pains and high blood pressure where is currently being treated. "After serving six months of his sentence, Thaksin will be eligible for parole for prisoners older than 70 or those who are ill," Corrections Department Deputy Director General Sitthi Sutivong, told Reuters.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Athit, Thaksin, Thailand's, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Sitthi Sutivong, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Chayut Setboonsarng, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: Thai, REUTERS, Rights, Corrections, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Don Mueang, Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, Thai

Reviving Thailand's economy will be one of the biggest tasks for political newcomer Srettha, who became prime minister last month following prolonged uncertainty after a May election. On the day of the vote, Pheu Thai figurehead Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand in a dramatic homecoming after living abroad for 15 years in self-exile to avoid an 8-year prison sentence. Srettha's rapid ascent to power, Thaksin's smooth return and a coalition between Pheu Thai and former rivals fuelled speculation about an agreement between Thaksin and his foes among the country's powerful conservative and royalist army. Thaksin and the Pheu Thai party say that is not the case. The Pheu Thai will control key economic ministries, which will be crucial in implementing its policies, including a 10,000 baht ($285.63)handout in the form of digital currency.

Persons: Pheu, Thailand's, Athit, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Bhumjaithai, Chayut Setboonsarng, Miral Fahmy, Gerry Doyle Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Pheu, Conservative, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK

REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Sept 2 (Reuters) - Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn endorsed a new cabinet, including real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin as the country’s new prime minister and finance minister, according to a Royal gazette published on Saturday, months after the May elections. Srettha's Pheu Thai party, backed by the billionaire Shinawatra family, will oversee defence, transport, commerce, health and the foreign ministry portfolios. The second-place Pheu Thai broke off an alliance with Move Forward and brought on rival parties aligned with army generals that ousted Shinawatra-linked parties in 2006 and 2014 coups. Thaksin and the Pheu Thai party say that is not the case. The new cabinet has Pheu Thai controlling ministries overseeing the economy ministries, which will be crucial in implementing its policies, including a 10,000 baht ($285.63)handout in the form of digital currency.

Persons: Pheu, Thailand's, Athit, Maha Vajiralongkorn, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha's, Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Bhumjaithai, Srettha, Chayut Setboonsarng, Miral Fahmy, Gerry Doyle Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Pheu, Conservative, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to be arrested upon his return as he ends almost two decades of self-imposed exile, waves at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand August 22, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Thailand's king has commuted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's eight-year prison sentence to one year, the royal gazette said on Friday, a day after the billionaire submitted a request for pardon. His return overshadowed a vote in parliament that installed political ally Srettha Thavisin of the Shinawatra-backed Pheu Thai party, as prime minister. "Thais should accept and not criticise this outcome because it could be considered a violation of royal power," he said. Thailand's strict royal insult law shields the monarchy from criticism, carrying a prison sentence of up to 15 years.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Athit, Thaksin Shinawatra's, Thaksin, Srettha Thavisin, Thaksin's, Winyat Chatmontri, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Thais, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat, Panu, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: Thai, REUTERS, Rights, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Don Mueang, Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK

CNN —Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has submitted a request for a royal pardon, the outgoing justice minister said, just over a week after his dramatic return to the country from more than 15 years in self-exile. Thaksin, the head of a famed political dynasty, was prime minister from 2001 until he was ousted in a military coup in 2006. Outgoing Justice Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam confirmed to reporters Thursday that he had received Thaksin’s letter requesting a royal pardon from King Maha Vajiralongkorn. It is unclear how long the application process for a royal pardon will take. In Thailand, prisoners can request a royal pardon through the justice minister, who passes the application to the prime minister and then on the the King for final approval.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Wissanu Krea, ngam, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Thailand’s, ”, Srettha, Pheu, Pheu Thai’s, Thaksin’s, Yingluck Shinawatra, King, Prayut Chan Organizations: CNN, Former, Thai Corrections Department Locations: Former Thai, Thailand, Bangkok

☆ Thailand's jailed ex-PM Thaksin hospitalised after return from exile
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( Panarat Thepgumpanat | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to be arrested upon his return as he ends almost two decades of self-imposed exile, pays his respects to a portrait of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand August 22, 2023. The latest condition of 74-year-old Thaksin, the billionaire founder of the populist juggernaut Pheu Thai, was not clear on Wednesday and his representatives did not immediately respond to a request from Reuters for comment. The Pheu Thai Party's Srettha was confirmed as prime minister having received royal endorsement, a parliament official said on Wednesday. Police said Thaksin was hospitalised because the prison was unable to guarantee he would get the right care. Thaksin and Pheu Thai have denied that.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand's, Maha Vajiralongkorn, Suthida, Athit, Thaksin, Srettha, Pheu, Srettha Thavisin, General Prachuab Wongsuk, Ayuth Sintoppant, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Panu, Martin Petty, Michael Perry, Robert Birsel Organizations: Thai, REUTERS, Reuters, Corrections Department, Wednesday . Police, National Police, Supreme, Thomson Locations: Don Mueang, Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK

☆ Thailand: Visit of King's estranged sons comes at a delicate time for monarchy
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-20 | by ( Helen Regan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse is blessed by a Buddhist monk during a religious ceremony at Wat Yannawa temple in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 10. Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse visits the Foundation for Slum Child Care supported by the Royal Family, in Bangkok on August 8. Of the two sons, analysts say Vacharaesorn could be the one to watch for any future role within the royal family. Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse prays during a religious ceremony at Wat Yannawa temple in Bangkok, Thailand, August 10. The places they visited were significant, nothing too official but enough to exhibit their connections to the country and royal family, analysts say.

Persons: Thailand’s, Maha Vajiralongkorn, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, Vacharaesorn, Chakriwat Vivacharawongse, King, ” Vacharaesorn, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi, Athit Perawongmetha, Pavin Chachavalpongpun, Thais, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, –, Bajrakitiyabha, Vajiralongkorn, Yuvadhida Polpraserth, Vivacharawongse, Princess Sirivannavari, Queen, ”, Paul Handley, “, Never, King Vajiralongkorn, ’, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Handley, Chakriwat, Prince Mahidol –, Pavin Organizations: CNN, Reuters, Kyoto University’s Center, Southeast Asian Studies, Foundation for Slum Child, King’s Guard, Thai Crown, Elections, Thai, Chulalongkorn University, “, New, ” CNN, Center, BTS, Siriraj Hospital Locations: Bangkok, United States, United Kingdom, New York, Thailand, Bangkok’s, Wat Yannawa, Thai, Hong Kong

Bangkok, Thailand CNN —Two estranged sons of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn said Monday they hoped to return to the country soon after an unexpected visit that has fueled speculation among many in the kingdom. Since I have returned to Thailand this time, I have received warmth from everyone I met. Their return sparked interest among many in the kingdom and drove speculation that the sons may officially be welcomed back into the royal family, after almost three decades of estrangement. Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse visits the Foundation for Slum Child Care supported by the Royal Family, in Bangkok on August 8. Their sister Princess Sirivannavari was later welcomed back to Thailand following their estrangement and is a fashion designer and equestrian.

Persons: Thailand CNN —, Thailand’s, Maha Vajiralongkorn, “, ”, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, ” Vacharaesorn, Thais, Chakriwat Vivacharawongse, Prince Mahidol –, Athit Perawongmetha, Chakriwat, –, King Vajiralongkorn, Vajiralongkorn, Yuvadhida Polpraserth, Sirivannavari, King, Bajrakitiyabha, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Srirasmi, Queen Suthida Organizations: Thailand CNN, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi, Siriraj Hospital, Foundation for Slum Child, Reuters, CNN, Yuvadhida, King’s Royal Guard Command Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Bangkok’s, United States

☆ Thai king's sons wind up surprise first visit home in 27 years
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Vacharaeson Vivacharawongse, 42, arrived in Thailand last week and visited a child care centre and took part in religious ceremonies at a Bangkok temple. Their visits come at a fraught time for the royal family, with the monarch's eldest daughter in a coma since December. Vacharaesorn and Chakriwat are the second and third of four sons of King Vajiralongkorn's second wife, Sujarinee Vivacharawongse, a former actress whom the then-crown prince divorced in 1996. Vacharaesorn's younger sister was later re-embraced by the royal family and given the royal title Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana. Reporting by Juarawee Kittisilpa, Napat Wesshasartar and Chayut Setboonsarng; Editing by Nick MacfieOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Chakriwat, Maha Vajiralongkorn's, Read, Maha Vajiralongkorn, Vacharaeson Vivacharawongse, Vacharaeson, Vacharaesorn, King Vajiralongkorn's, Sujarinee, Sirivannavari Nariratana, Juarawee Kittisilpa, Napat, Nick Macfie Organizations: Thomson Locations: United States, Thailand, BANGKOK, Thai, Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand CNN —The estranged second oldest son of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has made an unexpected visit to the country, his first in almost three decades, in a return that surprised many in the kingdom. “I am delighted to return to Thailand, I have been warmly welcomed. I have been away for a long time, 27 years,” Vacharaesorn told reporters at the Foundation for Slum Child Care. Vacharaesorn is the second of four sons of King Vajiralongkorn, 71, and his second wife, Yuvadhida Polpraserth, who he married in 1994 and later divorced. Vacharaesorn, his mother and siblings were estranged after the separation and he does not hold a formal royal title.

Persons: Thailand CNN —, Thailand’s, Maha Vajiralongkorn, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, “, ” Vacharaesorn, King Vajiralongkorn, Yuvadhida Polpraserth, Vacharaesorn, Bajrakitiyabha, Athit Perawongmetha, Vajiralongkorn, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Srirasmi, Queen Suthida, –, Vacharaesorn’s, Sirivannavari, King Organizations: Thailand CNN, Foundation for Slum, Reuters, Yuvadhida, King’s Royal Guard Command, CNN Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, United States, tuk, Bangkok’s

[1/6] Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, 42, the second-eldest son of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn arrives at the Foundation for Slum Child Care supported by the Royal Family, in Bangkok, Thailand, August 8, 2023. The trip by Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, 42, comes at a fraught time for the Thai royal family, with the monarch's eldest daughter in a coma since December. To me he is still a member of the royal family," said Angsana Seeprasit, 66. Vacharaesorn's younger sister was later re-embraced by the royal family and given the royal title Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana. The thrice-divorced King Vajiralongkorn has seven children.

Persons: Vivacharawongse, Thailand's, Maha Vajiralongkorn, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, Vacharaesorn, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thais, Vacharaesorn's, SonOfTenReturnToThailand, King Rama X, Angsana Seeprasit, King Vajiralongkorn's, Sujarinee, Sirivannavari Nariratana, King Vajiralongkorn, Queen Suthida, Bajrakitiyabha Narendira, Kay Johnson, Robert Birsel Organizations: Foundation for Slum Child, REUTERS, Foundation for Slum, Household, Twitter, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK, New York

☆ Thailand's Parliament is about to pick a new prime minister — and a generation's hopes are at stake
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-12 | by ( Clement Tan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

Move Forward Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat addresses supporters ahead of the July 13 parliamentary vote to elect Thailand's next prime minister, in front of Central World in Bangkok on July 9, 2023. The installation of Wan Noor as a compromise candidate after second-placed party Pheu Thai had objected to Move Forward's choice, was just the beginning. "It puts the Pheu Thai Party in an advantageous position if Mr Pita fails to get sufficient votes from the senators to back him as prime minister." Limjaroenrat needs 376 votes to become prime minister. Pictured in this May 18 photograph are (from left) Sudarat Keyuraphan, leader of the Thai Sang Thai Party; Pita Limjaroenrat, prime minister candidate and leader of the Move Forward Party; and Cholnan Srikaew, leader of Pheu Thai Party.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Thailand's, Tananchai, Wan, —, Party —, Limjaroenrat —, Prayut Chan, Wan Noor, Thai, Mr Wan, Syetarn Hansakul, Mr Pita, it's, Sudarat Keyuraphan, Cholnan Srikaew, Forward's, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Prapanth Koonmee, Nomura, EIU's, Limjaroenrat, Napon Jatusripitak, ISEAS, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Thaksin Shinawatra, — he's, Pheu, Thaksin, He's, he's, Pavin Chachavalpongpun Organizations: Forward Party, Afp, Getty, Thailand's, Representatives, Party, Harvard, Thai Party, Economist Intelligence Unit, National Assembly, Thai Sang, Pheu Thai Party, Limjaroenrat's, ISEAS Yusof, Institute, Chulalongkorn University, CNBC, Prachachat Party, Kyoto University's Center, Southeast Asian Studies, Thai Lawyers for Human Locations: Bangkok, Thai, Thai Sang Thai, Thailand, Singapore, Thai Rak Thai

The military has for decades invoked its duty to defend the monarchy to justify intervention in politics, and used the lese majeste law to stifle dissent, critics say. Much depends on whether Move Forward's main ally, second-place winner Pheu Thai, sticks with it or seeks other coalition partners if Pita's bid looks doomed. King Vajiralongkorn, 70, who has no role in choosing a government, has remained silent on the lese majeste issue since the election. In the last election in 2019, no party would have dared suggest amending the lese majeste law. Pheu Thai, which has 141 seats to Move Forward's 151, could nominate its prime ministerial candidate with the eight-party alliance intact.

Persons: Maha Vajiralongkorn, Suthida, Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Seri Suwanpanon, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Prayuth Chan, Pheu, King Vajiralongkorn, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Thaksin Shinawatra, Titipol Phakdeewanich, Amarat Chokepamitkul, Panu, Kay Johnson, Robert Birsel Organizations: REUTERS, Reuters, Royal News, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University, Senate, Ubon Ratchathani University, Royal Household Bureau, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Thai, Handout, BANGKOK, Pheu

☆ Thai parliament to convene as Move Forward looks to lead new government
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-03 | by ( Chayut Setboonsarng | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Move Forward Party leader, Pita Limjaroenrat holds hands with coalition party leaders following a meeting with coalition partners in Bangkok, Thailand, May 18, 2023. It will team up in parliament with the populist heavyweight Pheu Thai Party after the two won the lion's share of the house seats, trouncing parties allied with a royalist military that has controlled government since a 2014 coup. "Pheu Thai has a concluded on the matter and choosing the house speaker tomorrow has a definite direction. We will not let the public down," Pheu Thai lawmakers Suthin Klangsaeng told reporters. The alliance is backing Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat, 42, to become premier.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Athit, Pita, PM Pita, Maha Vajiralongkorn, Suthin Klangsaeng, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Martin Petty Organizations: Forward Party, REUTERS, PM, Party, Pheu Thai Party, Pheu, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK

Bangkok, Thailand CNN —A Thai court on Wednesday acquitted five activists accused of obstructing the Queen’s motorcade at a protest in 2020, in a landmark judgment that ended the prospect of more severe punishment nearly three years after rare calls for reform of the powerful monarchy erupted in the kingdom. Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, which represented the five activists, said a court in the capital Bangkok acquitted the defendants on all the charges, ruling the protesters were not aware of the incoming royal convoy. On October 14, 2020, dozens of protesters had gathered outside Bangkok’s Government House when Queen’s Suthida’s motorcade drove past. If the actions are considered likely to endanger the Queen’s life, then the death penalty could be applied. When the protesters realized it was a royal procession, they allowed it to move through and there were no objects thrown or obstruction of the procession, the court found, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.

Persons: Boonkueanun “ Francis ” Paothong, –, Lese, Queen’s, King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s, Prince Dipangkorn, Ekachai, Suranat Paenprasert, ‘, ’ Boonkueanun, Boonkueanun, “, ” Organizations: Thailand CNN, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, CNN, Party, Hunger Games, Police, Queen, Relations, Mahidol University Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Thai, Thailand’s, Bangkok’s

Move Forward's main coalition partner would be the Pheu Thai party, backed by the billionaire Shinawatra family that was - until now - the main challenger of the conservative, military-backed royalist establishment that has held power for the last decade. Pheu Thai, which won the last five general elections but got pushed out of power each time, secured 141 seats, according to the latest projections, only 10 fewer than Move Forward. "There are many obstacles that Move Forward and Pheu Thai have to overcome." Full-time politics came in 2019, when Pita entered parliament with 80 other members of the Future Forward Party. To become prime minister, Pita must also navigate the upper house.

☆ Young Thais who questioned monarchy look to win seats in parliament
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Panu Wongcha-Um | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

They are bringing the issue of the role of monarchy in society into the open. Changing - though not abolishing - those laws is part of the platform of Lookkate's progressive Move Forward party, which is campaigning on reducing the severity of punishments for royal insult and how it is applied. Kanokrat said the protests had put issues such as LGBT rights and the ending of the military conscription on the agenda. They had energised the progressive left while at the same time triggering the rise of a right-wing royalist party, Thai Pakdee, which is campaigning on toughening up the lese majeste law, he said. "We have a real progressive left that connects with street politics and a far-right party that rises as a response."

☆ Thailand dissolves parliament for election
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has endorsed a decree to dissolve parliament, according to an announcement in the Royal Gazette on Monday, paving the way for elections in May. An election must be held 45 to 60 days after the house dissolution, which takes effect immediately. "This is a return of political decision-making power to the people swiftly to continue democratic government with the King as head of state," said the decree published on Monday. An election date has yet to be announced but Deputy Prime Minster Wissanu Krea-ngam earlier in the day said it would likely be held on May 14, if the house were dissolved on Monday. Thailand's election is expected to showcase a long-running political battle between the billionaire Shinawatra family and the country's conservative pro-military establishment.

☆ Thai activist sentenced to 28 years for online posts about king
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

The court in the northern province of Chiang Rai found that Mongkhon Thirakot violated the lese majeste law in 14 of 27 posts for which he was arrested last August. The 42-year total prison term was reduced by one third, to 28 years, because of Mongkhon’s cooperation with the court. Prosecutions under the lese majeste law have recently drawn increased public attention because of a prison hunger strike by two female activists charged with the offense. The opposition Move Forward Party, which has been offering support, has proposed amending the lese majeste law, but no action has been taken in Parliament. “The entire Thai justice system has a problem and so does the enforcement of the lese majeste law, which is also used as a political tool.

☆ Thai king's daughter remains unconscious weeks after collapsing
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BANGKOK, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha remained unconscious more than three weeks after collapsing due to a heart problem, a palace statement said in an update on the health of the the 44-year-old potential heir to the throne. The eldest child of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn lost consciousness on Dec. 15 due to severe heart arrhythmia resulting from inflammation following a mycoplasma infection, according to a statement issued by the palace late on Saturday. The princess's "overall condition is that she remains unconscious," the palace said. read moreShe is one of three children of King Vajiralongkorn who have formal titles, making her eligible for the throne under a palace succession law and the country's constitution. The king has yet to formally designate an heir and there has been no official discussion on the prospect of the princess taking the throne.

☆ Thai king's hospitalised daughter stable 'at a certain level' - royal palace
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BANGKOK, Dec 19 (Reuters) - The eldest child of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn is in a stable condition "at a certain level", with doctors using medication and equipment to support her lung, heart and kidney functions after she suffered a heart problem, the palace said on Monday. The princess was taken ill and lost consciousness on Wednesday while preparing her dogs for a competition in northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima province, the palace said. Princess Bajrakitiyabha is one of three children of King Vajiralongkorn who have formal titles, making her eligible for the throne under a palace succession law and the country's constitution. In its statement, the palace said her "condition is stable at a certain level" and her heartbeat was being controlled by medicine, but her heart contraction was still weak. The princess was born on Dec. 7, 1978 as the daughter of the king and his first wife, Princess Soamsawali.

☆ Prayers in Thailand for king's hospitalised daughter
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Well-wishers sign a book and pay their respects for Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha as she has been hospitalized due to a heart problem at Chulalongkorn hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, December 16, 2022. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and many senior officials, politicians and religious leaders visited Chulalongkorn hospital on Friday to lay orange flowers, the colour associated with the princess, and sign a book of well wishes. Thailand's Buddhist Supreme Patriarch, Somdet Phra Ariyavangsagatayana has requested all Thai temples at home and abroad to conduct special daily chanting sessions for the princess, an official announcement from the National Office of Buddhism said. The princess is one of three children of King Vajiralongkorn who has a formal title, making her eligible for the throne under a 1924 Palace Law of Succession and the country's constitution. Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um and Athit Perawongmetha; Editing by Kanupriya KapoorOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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