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☆ Thais to Be Among Hostages Freed by Hamas if Gaza Truce Agreed, Thai-Muslim Politicians Say
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Nov. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai-Muslim politicians said on Thursday they had received assurances from the Palestinian group Hamas that all the Thai hostages being held would be among those released if mediators succeed in brokering a truce in Gaza. The Islamist militants took some 240 people hostage on Oct.7, when they rampaged through southern Israel killing 1,200 people, according to Israel. Thailand's Foreign Ministry says 25 Thais were among those abducted and 39 were among those killed that day. "Any ceasefire either 3 days or 5 days ... Hamas will release hostages, including all Thais being held, which they promised," Lepong Syed, the president of the Thai-Iran alumni association, told reporters in Bangkok's parliament building. Lepong is part of a team formed by Thai-Muslim politicians, headed by House Speaker, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, that has been in contact with the Hamas since October.

Persons: Thais, Lepong Syed, Wan, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: Hamas, Thailand's, Ministry, House Speaker, Reuters Locations: BANGKOK, Gaza, Israel, Thai, Iran

☆ Thais to be among hostages freed by Hamas if Gaza truce agreed, Thai-Muslim politicians say
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BANGKOK, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Thai-Muslim politicians said on Thursday they had received assurances from the Palestinian group Hamas that all the Thai hostages being held would be among those released if mediators succeed in brokering a truce in Gaza. The Islamist militants took some 240 people hostage on Oct.7, when they rampaged through southern Israel killing 1,200 people, according to Israel. Thailand's Foreign Ministry says 25 Thais were among those abducted and 39 were among those killed that day. "Any ceasefire either 3 days or 5 days ... Hamas will release hostages, including all Thais being held, which they promised," Lepong Syed, the president of the Thai-Iran alumni association, told reporters in Bangkok's parliament building. Lepong is part of a team formed by Thai-Muslim politicians, headed by House Speaker, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, that has been in contact with the Hamas since October.

After the violent struggle with his attacker, Kunwong was left for dead, heavily bleeding from the wound in his throat. He was eventually found and cared for by other migrant workers. ‘Business as usual’ for Thai workers, aid groups sayThe Thai government has called for the release of all remaining citizens being held in Gaza. So far at least 33 Thai nationals have been killed, according to figures shared by Thai authorities with CNN – with 18 Thai nationals still being held hostage as of October 26. Families told CNN that, despite the conflict in Israel, Thai migrant workers were under pressure to honor contracts specifying minimum five years of labor – a heavy price to pay to support their families back home.

Persons: Kunwong, “, ”, has, Thais, Yahel Kurlander, Kurlander, ” Kurlander, Lillian Suwanrumpha, Benjamin Netanyahu, Parnpree Bahiddha, Nukara, Zohar Shvartzberg, AAW, Manee Jirachart, CNN Kunwong, Manee, Chumporn Organizations: Thailand CNN, CNN, Israeli Government Press Office, Hamas, Hai, Getty, UN, Thai, Jobs, Families, Agricultural Workers Locations: Udon Thani, Thailand, Israel, Gaza, Palestinian, Nepal, Philippines, Israel’s, Thai, Tel, Bangkok, AFP, Tel Aviv

BANGKOK (AP) — Shares tumbled in Asia on Thursday following a retreat on Wall Street after big U.S. companies delivered mixed profit reports and Treasury yields added pressure on stocks. Exports rose 4.3% while imports sank 16.3% in September and the trade balance swung to a surplus of 62.4 trillion yen ($410 billion). A big threat for the global economy is what oil prices will do to inflation. It rose 2.6% after reporting stronger profit than expected for the latest quarter as its revenue rose after it hiked prices. In other trading early Thursday, the dollar fell to 149.80 Japanese yen from 149.93 yen.

Persons: Australia's, Sensex, ” Yeap Jun Rong, IG, Brent, Morgan Stanley, Gold Organizations: Hamas, Nikkei, Bank of, New York Mercantile Exchange, Dow Jones Industrial, Nasdaq, Netflix, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Procter, Gamble, Treasury Department, Federal Reserve Locations: BANGKOK, Asia, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Japan, Israel, Bank of Korea, Shanghai, Gaza, Tel Aviv, U.S

BANGKOK (AP) — Markets fell in Europe and Asia after China reported Wednesday that its economy grew at a 4.9% annual pace in July-September, down from 6.3% in the previous quarter. The future for the S&P 500 lost 0.2% and that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average was 0.1% lower. Weak global demand and the property industry remain the biggest shadows overhanging the economy in the near term, economists said. “The wider data on the property sector remained weak, although green shoots are appearing,” Capital Economics said in a report. Bank of New York Mellon rose 3.8% after it also reported stronger profit than expected for the latest quarter.

Persons: Germany's DAX, Wyndham, Brent, Writers Zen Soo, Stan Choe Organizations: —, CAC, FTSE, Dow Jones, Bureau of Statistics, Nikkei, Nasdaq, U.S, Treasury, Nvidia, Bank of America, Wall, Bank of New, Bank of New York Mellon, Wyndham Hotels, Resorts, ”, New York Mercantile Exchange, AP, Writers Zen Locations: BANGKOK, Europe, Asia, China, Paris, Shanghai, Tokyo, Bank of New York, Iran

NEW YORK (AP) — Shares fell in Asia as investors braced Monday for an expected invasion by Israel in the Gaza Strip. On Friday, the price of a barrel of benchmark U.S. crude oil jumped $4.78 to settle at $87.69. Early Monday, U.S. crude oil was unchanged while Brent was up 3 cents at $90.92 a barrel. Worries about the war pulled Treasury yields lower, which often happens when investors head for safer investments during times of stress. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.63% from 4.70% late Thursday.

Persons: —, Israel, Brent, Korea's Kospi, Australia's, Wells, JPMorgan Chase, Jamie Dimon, Todd Vasos Organizations: Economics, Markets, Nikkei, Nasdaq, Dow, Treasury, United Nations, Federal Reserve, JPMorgan Chase, JPMorgan, UnitedHealth, Wall, Dollar, U.S . Locations: Asia, Israel, Gaza, U.S, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Wells Fargo

☆ What Thailand's new coalition government means for the cannabis market
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-10 | by ( Nyshka Chandran | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

In June 2022, the Southeast Asian nation became the first in Asia to decriminalize the cannabis plant, allowing it to be grown and consumed freely. Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai party and one of Srettha's coalition partners, was a key figure responsible for legalizing recreational cannabis. Currently, many outlets claim to be medical cannabis platforms but they often prioritize profits rather than patient health, a number of clinics told CNBC. "This could foster a more positive perception of the cannabis industry among the public, and for the industry to sustain in the long run," Jintana said. "The prospect of exporting cannabis products to legal foreign markets aligns with Thailand's medical hub policy propelling both medicinal cannabis and other traditional herbs to the forefront," said Jintana.

Persons: Dimas Ardian, that's, Srettha Thavisin, Soratat, Srettha, hasn't, Soratat Pongsangiam, Sornkanok, Anutin Charnvirakul, Anutin, Jintana Manorompatrasal, Jintana, May's Organizations: Bloomberg, Getty, Greenhead, Reuters, Greenhead Clinic, Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University, Deputy, CNBC, Sawasdee Clinic Locations: San, Bangkok, Thailand, Asia, Phuket, U.S

BANGKOK (AP) — Share prices were mixed on Monday after the Israeli government declared war following deadly attacks by Hamas from the Gaza Strip. U.S. futures were lower and oil prices gained more than $3 a barrel. Conflict in the Middle East often raises the specter of higher oil prices given the risk of disruptions to supplies. Wall Street hates high interest rates because they knock down prices for all kinds of investments. It means the economy is still doing well despite high rates, which could support corporate profits.

Persons: ” Stephen Innes, Brent, India's Sensex, SET, Lloyd Austin, GM, JPMorgan Chase Organizations: Management, New York Mercantile Exchange, Shanghai, U.S . Defense, Ford, Wall Street, Federal Reserve, Dow, Nasdaq, Treasury, Fed, Workers, General Motors, United Auto Workers, Detroit’s, Delta Air Lines, JPMorgan, UnitedHealth Group Locations: BANGKOK, Gaza, Tokyo, Australia, Hong, Palestinian, Israel

☆ Thai mall shooting victim's mother bids emotional farewell at cremation
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Mourners attend the cremation ceremony of Moe Myint, a 31-year-old Burmese victim of the Thailand mall shooting, at a temple in Nonthaburi, Thailand, October 8, 2023. REUTERS/Jorge Silva Acquire Licensing RightsNONTHABURI, Thailand, Oct 8 (Reuters) - Among the hundreds mourning Moe Myint on Sunday was the mother of the Burmese victim of last week's shooting rampage at a Bangkok mall, seeming dazed at the cremation ceremony on the outskirts of the Thai capital. Tears streaking her face, Khin Win was revived with smelling salts as she sat at the Buddhist ceremony. Moe Myint was one of two killed when a 14-year-old boy went on a shooting spree at the luxury Siam Paragon shopping centre in Bangkok's bustling commercial area on Tuesday. Moe Myint's employer, Aksorn Chantarojvanich, who attended the funeral, said she would provide the family 10,000 baht ($270) a month, matching the remittances Moe Myint had sent home.

Persons: Moe Myint, Jorge Silva, Win, Khin Win, Moe Myint's, Aksorn Chantarojvanich, Tawee Sodsong, Napat Weshasartar, Panu, William Mallard Organizations: REUTERS, Siam Paragon, Thai, Thomson Locations: Thailand, Nonthaburi, Bangkok, Thai, Siam, Myanmar

People flee following shots fired at the luxury Siam Paragon shopping mall, in Bangkok, Thailand, October 3, 2023. China is vital to that effort as the biggest source of foreign visitors to Thailand in pre-COVID years. 'SHOCKED'Chinese visitors accounted for 11 million of a record 39.9 million foreign tourists to Thailand in 2019, before the pandemic. Thailand recorded 20 million foreign tourist arrivals in the January to October period, who spent 839 billion baht ($22.58 billion). At the re-opened Siam Paragon mall, on a typically gridlocked thoroughfare, crowds were trickling back.

Persons: Devjyot, Srettha Thavisin, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Somsong Sachaphimukh, Dong Peijian, Napat Wesshasartar, Thomas Suen, Robert Birsel Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Police, Siam Paragon, Tourism Authority of, Tourism Council, Thomson Locations: Siam, Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, China, Myanmar, Asia's, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai, Southeast Asia

☆ Shooting at a major Bangkok shopping mall kills 3, and a suspect is in police custody
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Emergency responders are seen entering the Siam Paragon mall after a shooting incident inside on October 03, 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. BANGKOK (AP) — A shooter opened fire inside a major shopping mall in the center of Thailand's capital Tuesday afternoon, killing three people before being apprehended, authorities said. Police said a suspect was apprehended less than an hour after the first reported gunshots at the Siam Paragon Mall, long been seen as one of Bangkok's biggest and most upscale shopping destinations. Witnesses said crowds of people left the building, one of several shopping centers in the area popular with tourists and well-heeled Thais alike. She said she heard gunshots and an alarm ringing, and that the lights in the mall went out.

Persons: Archayon Kraithong, Yutthana Sretthanan, Witnesses, Liu Shiying, We're Organizations: Paragon, Police, Siam Paragon, Bangkok's Emergency Medical Center, Thais, Associated Press, AP Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK, Siam, Nakhon Ratchasima

Fleeing shoppers were ushered by security guards from the mall into torrential rain and towards a road with heavy traffic. We saw all the people run, run, run, we didn't understand what was happening," said 26-year-old Shir Yahav from Israel, who was at a designer store at the time of the shooting. [1/6]People flee following shots fired at the luxury Siam Paragon shopping mall, in Bangkok, Thailand, October 3, 2023. The mall said it had evacuated shoppers and staff immediately, stressing safety was of the utmost importance. "Siam Paragon would like to express our deep apologies for the unexpected event," it said in a statement, adding the mall would reopen on Wednesday.

Persons: Torsak Sukvimol, Torsak, Yahav, Devjyot, handcuffing, Panu, Pasit, Napat, Artorn, Athit, Kanupriya Kapoor, Martin Petty, Gareth Jones Organizations: Siam, Police, Thai, Siam Paragon, National, REUTERS, Thomson Locations: Myanmar, BANGKOK, Bangkok, China, Israel, Thailand, Siam, Nakhon Ratchasima, Instagram, Sun

☆ Why Thailand's having second thoughts about decriminalizing cannabis
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( Heather Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Little more than a year after cannabis decriminalization, following an election that saw a more conservative coalition government come into power, there are signs Thailand’s laws on cannabis could be rewritten once again. Most cannabis dispensaries like his he says, have been responsible and diligent from the start in checking buyers’ IDs and educating customers about cannabis rules. “Thousands of cafes, stores, and other cannabis businesses have sprouted and hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent by tourists in a short amount of time,” Zaytsev said. The debate comes just as the quality of domestically produced cannabis in the country was improving, she added. “The quality of Thai cannabis has gotten better and better.

Persons: “, ” Iemvijan, –, Nitikrist Attakrist, ” Attakrist, Chiang Mai, Srettha Thavisin, ” Thavisin, Iemvijan, Cannabis, ”, Wisawa Mcintyre, Anutin Charnvirakul, Athit Perawongmetha, hasn’t, Ley Singdam, Ley, ” Ley, Kitty Chopaka, Chopaka, Michael Zaytsev, LIM, ” Zaytsev, Gloria Lai, ” Lai, ” “, Thavisin, Manan Vatsyayana Organizations: CNN, Thai, Bloomberg, Thailand’s Public, Thai Health, Staff, Reuters Observers, ” Farmers, Thais, International Drug Policy Consortium, Bhumjaithai Party, Getty Locations: Thai, Bangkok, Thailand, Southeast Asia, San, Thonglor, Phuket, ‘, ”, Athit, New York, Asia, Singapore, Indonesia, AFP

[1/5] A Chinese tourist is welcomed by Thai traditional puppets during a welcome ceremony of the first batch of Chinese tourists under a five-month visa-free entry scheme at Bangkok's International Airport, Thailand, September 25, 2023. The visa waiver programme runs from Sept. 25 until February next year. The government expects 2.88 million Chinese visitors during that 5-month period, slightly higher than the 2.34 million Chinese who have visited this year. "More Chinese tourists come to Thailand for holiday, because it is indeed very convenient," he said. Chinese tourists say they are drawn to Thailand for its beaches and food.

Persons: Athit, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, Gu, ”, Ye Weihe, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Miral Fahmy, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Bangkok's International, REUTERS, Rights, Thomson Locations: Thai, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, Bangkok, Shanghai, Srettha, Tourism, Suvarnabhumi, China, Pattaya

☆ Foodpanda confirms layoffs, says it's in talks to sell part of Asia food delivery business
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( Sheila Chiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A courier for Foodpanda, a meal-delivery service operated by Delivery Hero AG, checks his smartphone while sitting on a motorcycle at the company's operations center in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, March 16, 2018. Bangkok's famed love affair with food is spilling over to meal-delivery apps, a fledgling sector that Foodpanda projects will surge in 2018 as competition intensifies. Photographer: Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesSingapore-headquartered food delivery service Foodpanda on Friday confirmed to CNBC that it is conducting its latest round of layoffs as the need to be "more agile remains critical." "Our company priority right now is to become leaner, more efficient and even more agile. This is Foodpanda's third round of layoffs since job cuts in February and September last year amid macroeconomic headwinds, according to media reports.

Persons: Bangkok's, Brent Lewin, Jakob Sebastian Angele Organizations: Bloomberg, Getty Images Singapore, CNBC Locations: Bangkok, Thailand

LGBTQ+ people from China, frequently scorned and ostracized at home, are coming to Thailand in droves, drawn by the freedom to be themselves. Thailand doesn't keep figures on LGBTQ+ tourists. But through mid-August, it has counted 2.2 million Chinese tourists out of an overall 16 million. But LGBTQ+ people in China face other pressures to conform that can make the free expression of their identities difficult. Another draw for tourists, inside and outside the LGBTQ+ community, is Thailand’s loose enforcement of prostitution laws and renowned nightclub shows.

Persons: Xinyu Wen, Wen, “, ”, ” “, hasn't, Apichai Chatchalermkit, Owen Zhu, Jade Yang, Yang, Adisak Wongwaikankha, Eros Li, Li Organizations: Thailand Tourism Authority, The Nation Locations: BANGKOK, Thailand, Bangkok's, Thai, China, Bangkok, “, Beijing, Malaysia, Asia, asia

In top consumer China, premiums climbed to as high as $55 an ounce over global spot prices this week, traders said, from $20-$38 last week. The policy-measures to support the economy are expected boost physical gold demand, said Peter Fung, head of dealing at Wing Fung Precious Metals. Official data on Thursday also showed that the People's Bank of China increased its gold holdings to 69.62 million fine troy ounces at end-August. Local gold prices were trading around 59,200 rupees per 10 grams on Friday, up nearly 2% in three weeks. In Japan, where domestic gold rates were trading at record levels this week, dealers charged $0.5 premiums.

Persons: Peter Fung, Bernard Sin, Harshad Ajmera, JJ, Anushree Mukherjee, Swati Verma, Rajendra Jadhav, Maju Samuel Organizations: Chinatown, Metals, People's Bank of China, U.S ., MKS, JJ Gold, Traders, Rajendra, Thomson Locations: China, Japan, India, Greater China, Kolkata, Local, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Bengaluru, Mumbai

☆ Exclusive: Line Man Wongnai targets listing as early as 2025 -exec
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( Sam Nussey | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The logo of Thailand Stock exchange is pictured at an exhibition hall in Bangkok, Thailand, May 12, 2016. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsTOKYO, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Thai food delivery startup Line Man Wongnai has begun appointing advisors to prepare for an initial public offering and is targeting a listing as soon as 2025, according to a senior executive at the Southeast Asian unicorn. Line Man Wongnai competes with Singapore-based Grab (GRAB.O), Foodpanda, and the food delivery business of Siam Commercial Bank. It was formed in 2020 from a merger of Line Man, the Thai food delivery business of Line, and restaurant aggregator Wongnai. "We are in a position to really help digitalise Thailand," said Chung, a former Goldman Sachs banker from South Korea who previously worked for Line, adding that the food delivery business is gaining market share.

Persons: Athit, Wongnai, Young Chung, Chung, Goldman Sachs, Sam Nussey, Yantoultra Ngui, Stephen Coates Organizations: Thailand Stock, REUTERS, Rights, Reuters, Siam Commercial Bank, Siam Cement, FoodStory, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, United States, Asia, Singapore, Siam, South Korea

☆ Health of Thailand's billionaire ex-PM Thaksin still a concern, doctor says
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Thailand's billionaire former premier Thaksin Shinawatra was still being treated in hospital on Friday and his condition remained a concern, a senior doctor said, three days after his historic return from self-exile. The Pheu Thai Party that Thaksin founded will lead the next government. Rumours have swirled that his return could be part of a secret agreement with his rivals, which he denies. Tul has asked for physicians from outside of the hospital to examine Thaksin also. "All the rooms at the police hospital have this view," said Soponrat, the doctor at the hospital.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Athit, Thaksin, Srettha Thavisin, Tul Sittisomwong, Tul, Chayut Setboonsarng, Martin Petty Organizations: Thai, REUTERS, Rights, Thai Party, Thaksin, Thomson Locations: Don Mueang, Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, Dubai, Britain

☆ Thailand's jailed former Prime Minister Thaksin hospitalized after return from exile
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (C), son Panthongtae (L) and daughter Pinthongta (R) greet supporters after his return to Thailand at the private jet terminal at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was moved to hospital overnight, officials said on Wednesday, over concern about his heart and high blood pressure on his first night in jail following his historic return from self-exile. Thaksin made his homecoming on Tuesday and was escorted to jail in dramatic scenes that stole the spotlight from political ally Srettha Thavisin, who was elected prime minister in a parliamentary vote later in the day. 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 hospitalized because the prison was unable to guarantee he would get the right care.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Panthongtae, Pinthongta, Thaksin, Pheu, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, General Prachuab Wongsuk Organizations: Thai, Don Mueang, Reuters, Corrections Department, Wednesday . Police, National Police Locations: Thailand, Don, Bangkok

☆ Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin may not be in jail for as long as expected, professor says
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailFormer Thai Prime Minister Thaksin may not be in jail for as long as expected, professor saysPunchada Sirivunnabood, associate professor at Bangkok's Mahidol University, discusses the return of former prime minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been jailed after years in exile.

Persons: Thaksin, Punchada Sirivunnabood, Thaksin Shinawatra Organizations: Former Thai, Bangkok's Mahidol University Locations: Thailand

☆ 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

BANGKOK, Aug 22 (Reuters) - When Thailand's deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra went into self-imposed exile in 2008 facing a raft of corruption charges following his ouster in a military coup, he issued a hand-written note. Thaksin has been Thailand's most prominent politician for decades, retaining outsized influence despite the years away. "It closes a crucial chapter in Thailand's politics," Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University, said of Thaksin's return. A shrewd operator who rarely minces his words, an increasingly wealthy Thaksin entered politics in the mid-1990s, initially serving as foreign minister and then deputy prime minister. But the brash Thaksin, who called himself Thailand's first "CEO prime minister", faced royalist accusations that he was undermining the revered monarchy, which he denied.

Persons: Thailand's, Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Thaksin's, Yingluck Shinawatra, Critics, watchdogs, Chalinee, Chiang Mai, Love Thais, Devjyot Ghoshal, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panu, Robert Birsel Organizations: Thaksin, Chulalongkorn University, Thai, REUTERS, Rights, Shin Corporation, Thai Rak Thai, Singapore's Temasek, Premier League, Manchester City, Thomson Locations: BANGKOK, Bangkok, Thailand, Chiang, United States, Thai, Britain

☆ Srettha Thavisin elected Thailand's new prime minister after months of political deadlock
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-22 | by ( Ruxandra Iordache | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The Pheu Thai Party's Srettha Thavisin will become Thailand's prime minister after clinching parliamentary support in a Tuesday vote. Srettha, a real estate mogul who entered the Thai political landscape mere months ago under the Pheu Thai's mantle, required 375 votes to become premier and set up Bangkok's next government. He won 482, his party said in a Google-translated Facebook post on Tuesday. Thailand has been administered by a caretaker government since March, with its parliament in deadlock. Pheu Thai initially supported the party, but progressed with its own bid for power after Move Forward's failure to gain support.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Prayuth Chan, Pheu Organizations: National Economic, Social Development, Assembly Locations: Thailand

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra looks on as he speaks to Reuters during an interview in Singapore February 23, 2016. Also scheduled for Tuesday is another parliamentary vote for prime minister, to be nominated by the Thaksin-backed Pheu Thai Party. Some analysts said Thaksin's return suggests Pheu Thai has reached a deal with political parties on forming a government after gaining support from military-backed parties. Pheu Thai, set to nominate real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin, needs the support of more than half the bicameral legislature, including the military-appointed Senate. The party on Thursday gained support from a rival military-backed party after a lawmaker from another military-backed party said they would support Pheu Thai in overcoming the impasse.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Edgar Su, Thaksin, Thaksin's, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Surachate Hakparn, Thanaporn Sriyakul, Srettha Thavisin, Orathai Sriring, William Mallard Organizations: Thai, Reuters, REUTERS, BANGKOK, Thaksin, Thai Party, Political Science Association of Kasetsart University, Thomson Locations: Singapore, Thailand, Muang, Pheu

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