DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

CNN —The party of Myanmar’s deposed former leader Aung San Suu Kyi said Thursday they were concerned she is “not receiving adequate medical care” while in prison, amid reports her health is failing. “If [Aung San Suu Kyi’s] health is not only impaired but her life also is endangered, the military junta is solely responsible,” the party said. Suu Kyi's son, Kim Aris, said he was "extremely worried" about his mother's health. Alishia Abodunde/ReutersA source told CNN earlier this month that Suu Kyi was suffering from gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, and toothache, but had since recovered. The ruling military junta on August 1 pardoned Suu Kyi on five charges for which she was previously convicted, reducing her lengthy sentences.

Persons: Myanmar’s, Aung San Suu Kyi, “, Suu, Kim Aris, ”, Aris, Suu Kyi's, Alishia Abodunde, Suu Kyi, Farhan Haq, Kamala Harris, Min Aung Hlaing Organizations: CNN, National League for Democracy, Facebook, Reuters, United Nations, ASEAN, Army Locations: Myanmar, Britain, Jakarta, Indonesia

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

CNN —Thailand’s parliament on Tuesday voted for real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin to be the country’s next prime minister, bringing an end to three months of political deadlock. Srettha, 60, was the sole candidate put forward by the populist Pheu Thai Party and received 482 votes out of a possible 747 in Thailand’s bicameral parliament. “I want to be a prime minister who can make the difference,” Srettha told CNN. During campaigning, Pheu Thai pledged to give 10,000 baht (about $300) in a digital wallet to every citizen over the age of 16. But with an 11-member coalition that includes bitter military rivals, it is unclear whether Pheu Thai can govern effectively.

Persons: CNN —, Srettha Thavisin, Thaksin Shinawatra, Srettha, Pheu Thai, Pracharath, Prayut Chan, Pheu Thai’s, Thaksin’s, Yingluck Shinawatra, Thais, Thaksin, “, ” Srettha Organizations: CNN, Pheu Thai Party, Pheu Thai, United Thai Nation Party, National Institute of Development Administration, Reuters, “, Claremont Graduate School, Procter & Gamble Locations: Thailand, Pheu, Thai, “ Thailand, United Kingdom, United States

The former prime minister then left on a police truck, headed to the Supreme Court. The Thaksin-backed Pheu Thai party, which came second in the May election, will nominate its choice for the country’s next leader Tuesday: real estate mogul Srettha Thavisin. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra while flanked by his son Panthongtae Shinawatra and daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand on August 22. Pheu Thai Party leader Cholnan Srikaew said in a statement Monday that the coalition would not include Move Forward Party, which won the most votes in the election. In 2006, Thaksin was ousted and, facing a potential prison sentence over corruption charges, went into self-imposed exile.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Thaksin’s, Yingluck Shinawatra, Paetongtarn, Srettha Thavisin, Palang Pracharath, Prayut Chan, Yingluck, Panthongtae Shinawatra, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Athit, Thais, Cholnan Srikaew, –, ”, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Prayut, “, “ We’ve, ” Thitinan Organizations: CNN, Manchester City Football Club, UN, Mueang International, Supreme, Thaksin, United Thai Nation Party, Thai, Thai Party, Party, National Institute of Development Administration, Reuters, Facebook, Institute of Security, Studies, Chulalongkorn University, Forward Party Locations: Thailand, New York, Singapore, Bangkok’s, Thai, Don Mueang, Bangkok

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

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

CNN —At least 12 people were killed and 121 injured in an explosion at a fireworks warehouse in southern Thailand. The incident – in the village of Mu No – reduced the warehouse and surrounding area to rubble, drone footage showed. At least two of the victims were children, including a four-year-old boy and a eight-month-old baby girl, according to state run Radio Thailand. Kriya Tehtani/APThe cause of the explosion is under investigation but initial reports suggested there had been a welding error. When there was a flood, I still could survive but now I really have nothing left.”Fireworks accidents are not uncommon in Thailand.

Persons: Anuruth Imarb, “, ”, Samsueya Chuenchompoo, Chiang Mai Organizations: CNN, Radio Thailand, “, Provincial Police, AFP Locations: Thailand, Mu

☆ Thailand elections: Top court suspends prime minister hopeful Pita Limjaroenrat as a lawmaker over shareholding case
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Pita has denied he broke election rules and previously accused the Election Commission of rushing the case to court. A group of opposition parties then formed a coalition aimed at forming a majority government and put forward Pita as a prime minister candidate. Pita, a 42-year-old Harvard alumni, called the coalition “the voice of hope and the voice of change” and said all parties had agreed to support him as the next prime minister of Thailand. In Thailand, a party or coalition needs to win a majority of 375 seats in both lower and upper houses of parliament – currently 749 seats – to elect a prime minister and form a government. Pita received just 324 votes out of the 376 needed for a majority and the kingdom is still without a prime minister as the political jostling continues.

Persons: CNN —, Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Prayut Chan, Establishment’s, – Organizations: CNN, Move Forward, Party, Harvard Locations: Thailand

CNN —Thailand’s parliament will vote for a new prime minister Thursday, a critical moment for the future of democracy in the country following nearly a decade of turbulent military-backed rule. Prayut was elected prime minister in 2019, a win largely credited to a military-drafted constitution that entrenched the military’s power in politics. On Tuesday, Prayut announced his retirement, adding he would remain as prime minister until the new government is formed. Monarchy looms over voteThat could be a major roadblock in Pita’s path to prime minister. Move Forward’s proposed structural changes target the heart of this establishment, with priorities to “demilitarize, demonopolize and decentralize” Thailand, Pita recently told CNN.

Persons: CNN —, Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Prayut Chan, Prayut, –, King, lese, Seri Suwannapanon, Kittisak Rattanawaraha, ” Organizations: CNN, Assembly, Move, Party, Harvard, Sunday, Twitter Locations: Thailand, Thursday’s, decentralize, Bangkok

Bangkok CNN —Burger King is causing a stir in Thailand with its new offering: a burger with no meat and a jaw-dropping amount of cheese. This week, the Thai operator of the fast food chain introduced what it calls the “real cheeseburger,” a bun filled with as many as 20 slices of American cheese. This is for real,” Burger King said in a Sunday social media post. At one Burger King branch in Bangkok on Tuesday, a shift manager was overheard saying the outlet had to stop taking delivery orders so they could have enough stock left for walk-in diners. In Thailand, cheese is especially popular among young customers, and it is common for the dairy product to be sprinkled on all kinds of dishes.

Persons: Bangkok CNN — Burger, ” Burger King, CNN she’d, ”, angus, Alisa Chuengviroj, Burger Organizations: Bangkok CNN, Burger, CNN, Minor International, Dairy Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Thai, United States

CNN —Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will not seek re-election and will retire from politics, his party said Tuesday. The announcement came two days before Thailand’s parliament was set to vote for a new prime minister following a May election that saw Thais overwhelmingly reject military-backed rule. Prayut, 69, has ruled Thailand since 2014, when as army chief, he seized power in a coup and declared himself prime minister. Prayut will remain as prime minister until the new government is formed. The former general’s rule as a military coup leader turned prime minister has been marred by growing authoritarianism and widening inequality.

Persons: CNN —, Prayut Chan, Thais, Pheu, Prayut, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, “, ”, Prayut’s, ” Thitinan, Pita Limjaroenrat, Thitinan Organizations: CNN, CNN — Thailand’s, Party, Institute of Security, Studies, Chulalongkorn University Locations: Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand CNN —A 57-year-old Thai woman had to have her leg amputated after she got caught up in a moving walkway at an international airport in Bangkok on Thursday in a freak accident that has yet to be fully explained by authorities. Don Mueang International Airport’s director Karant Thanakuljeerapat said the incident took place at around 8:27 a.m. local time (7:27 p.m. She has since been transferred to Bumrungrad International Hospital, one of the country’s top medical facilities, the director added. All of the airport’s moving walkways have had their service suspended while the cause of the incident is investigated and engineers do safety checks, he added. One of the two international airports in Bangkok, Don Mueang is located in the northern part of the capital.

Persons: Don, Karant Thanakuljeerapat, Karant, “, ” Karant, Bangkok , Don Mueang Organizations: Thailand CNN, Don Mueang International, Bumrungrad International, Suvarnabhumi Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Nakhon Si, Bangkok , Don

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

How relevant is this ad to you? Video player was slow to load content Video content never loaded Ad froze or did not finish loading Video content did not start after ad Audio on ad was too loud Other issues

Bangkok, Thailand CNN —Opposition parties intent on preventing the military establishment from remaining in power in Thailand have formed a coalition with the hopes of forming a new government that could radically transform the kingdom if they are successful. Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of Thailand’s Move Forward Party, which won the largest share of seats and the popular vote in Sunday’s election, said Thursday seven other parties had joined him in a coalition. Together, they secure a majority 313 votes in the lower house, according to Pita, who said: “We definitely will be able to form a government.”The eight parties include Move Forward, Pheu Thai, Thai Sang Thai, Prachachart, Seri Ruam Thai, Pheu Thai Ruam Palang, FAIR Party, and the Plung Sungkom Mai Party. Party members in the new coalition will now develop a memorandum of understanding, which will be presented on May 22. Prayut’s United Thai Nation Party won just 36 seats in the election, while another military-backed party Palang Pracharat, led by former army chief Prawit Wongsuwan, received 40.

Pita Limjaroenrat’s progressive Move Forward Party is on track to win the largest share of seats and the popular vote, according to unofficial results, far ahead of the party of incumbent Prime Minister – and 2014 coup leader – Prayut Chan-o-cha. Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat leads a victory parade with fellow party members and supporters outside Bangkok City Hall on May 15. A party or coalition needs to win a majority in both houses to elect a prime minister and form a government. Asked what would happen if Thailand’s military tried to subvert election outcomes, Pita said, “we have to minimize the risk” of subversion. Move Forward’s predecessor, the Future Forward Party, won the third most seats in the 2019 election.

☆ Thai election: Opposition parties deliver surprise challenge to military leaders
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-14 | by ( Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Bangkok, Thailand CNN —Thai voters have dealt a surprise blow to the ruling military-backed government in the country’s general election, throwing their support behind progressive anti-establishment parties that could change the course of the kingdom’s politics after years of military rule. Before counting paused, the Bhumjai Thai party was in third position, projected to win around 70 seats, while Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s party potentially would grab about 12 seats. Thai Prime Minister and United Thai Nation Party's candidate Prayut Chan-o-Cha leaves after casting his ballot at a polling station in Bangkok on May 14, 2023. Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty ImagesPrayut’s rise from military coup leader to prime minister has been marred with controversy, growing authoritarianism and widening inequality. It’s the party of the billionaire Shinawatra family – a controversial political dynasty headed by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn was initially arrested last week for the alleged murder of Siriporn Kanwong, Deputy National Police Commissioner Gen. Surachate Hakparn told CNN. Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn appeared in Bangkok's criminal court after her arrest Tuesday, where she was taken into police custody. Daily News/ReutersPolice are also investigating Sararat’s partner Witoon Rangsiwuthaporn, a senior police official who held the rank of Lt. Earlier this week, Witoon was fired from his job as a local deputy police chief. He is also facing charges of fraud and embezzlement related to the alleged murders, Surachate confirmed.

Bangkok, Thailand CNN —The frontrunner in Thailand’s upcoming national elections gave birth to a son on Monday, just two weeks before the polls open. The vote has been framed as a showdown between Paetongtarn, whose billionaire Shinawatra family dominates the largest opposition Pheu Thai party, and incumbent Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, head of a pro-military conservative grouping. Prayut is a former army chief who in 2014 seized power from the Pheu Thai government, after Paetongtarn’s aunt Yingluck was removed from power in a controversial court ruling. She was the most popular choice for prime minister, the NIDA survey found, receiving “more than double the support” of her rivals – the incumbent Prime Minister Prayut and Pita Limjaroenrat from the progressive Forward Party. This year’s election will see some 52 million eligible voters elect 500 members to the lower house in Thailand’s bicameral system.

The suspect, who police have identified only by the name Am, was arrested on Tuesday for the alleged murder of Siriporn Kanwong, Deputy National Police Commissioner Gen. Surachate Hakparn told CNN. Siriporn was last seen on CCTV footage with Am before she fainted and died, and an autopsy later found traces of cyanide in Siriporn’s system, Surachate said. Am’s lawyer, Thannicha Akesuwannawat, told local media Thairath TV on Wednesday that her client denies any involved in Siriporn’s death. Surachate said one woman who was allegedly targeted by Am came forward to authorities after news of her arrest broke. In the potentially linked cases currently being investigated by police, all the victims ate or drank with Am in the run up to their deaths.

“Looking at the medical angle, doctors are even recommending [sex toys], instead of buying a sex service or cheating on partners,” Thanadirek told CNN. The party wants to decriminalize the sale of sex toys, which are considered “obscene” under Section 287 of Thailand’s Criminal Code. Custom officers confiscated at least 500,000 Thai baht ($15,000) worth of goods, including sex toys, e-cigarettes and products made of ivory in February 2015. She acknowledged that some people may have religious or moral concerns about legalizing sex toys but insisted that doing so could have a positive health impact. Thanadirek said the Thai government could collect taxes on imported sex toys, and the country, as a major global producer of rubber, has the potential to become a sex toy production hub.

Bangkok/Hong Kong CNN —For years, Thailand welcomed legions of Chinese tourists to its golden beaches, shopping districts and striking temples. Three government ministers headed to Bangkok’s international airport earlier this week to personally greet the first group of Chinese tourists to arrive after China lifted travel restrictions. Amazing Thailand always warmly welcomes our Chinese family.”Travelers from a Xiamen Airlines flight being welcomed by Thai officials upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok on Jan. 9, 2023. “The arrival of tourists from China, as well as from countries around the world, to Thailand is expected to increase continually. In Thailand, that’s been no exception, with travel companies beginning to reactivate Chinese social marketing campaigns and increase staffing, according to Barnett.

☆ Thai princess Bajrakitiyabha hospitalized with heart condition, palace says
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: 1 min

CNN —A Thai media tycoon and transgender rights advocate has bought the Miss Universe Organization for $20 million, according to her company, which will now host the international beauty pageant. In a joint statement, the CEO and president of the Miss Universe Organization said they were “excited to continue the evolution of the Miss Universe Organization with JKN.”“Our progressive approach continues to position us at the forefront of our industry,” they said. The purchase makes Jakkaphong the first woman owner of the Miss Universe Organization, according to the JKN news release. The Miss Universe beauty contest, one of the world’s most-watched pageants, has been running since 1952. And in 2019, the winners of five major pageants – Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss America, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA – were all women of color, a remarkable milestone given black women weren’t allowed to compete in Miss America until the 1940s, and the first black contestant didn’t take that stage until 30 years later.

Bangkok, Thailand CNN —Thailand recoiled in horror Thursday after at least 36 people were killed, at least 24 of them children, in a massacre at a child care center in northeastern Thailand believed to be the country’s deadliest incident of its kind. Among the dozens of victims are Panya’s wife and stepson, whom investigators say he killed before taking his own life. “He also used a knife to stab both children and staff at the center,” Paisan said. Police General Damrongsak Kittiprapas said that the attacker “mainly used a knife” to kill the children. TPBS/ReutersMedics arrive at the child care center on Thursday, where more than 30 people, mainly children, were killed.

Search resuls for: "Kocha"

25 mentions found