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☆ Thai court gives death penalty to woman accused of cyanide serial killings
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-21 | by ( Jessie Yeung | Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Bangkok, Thailand CNN —A Thai court has handed down the death penalty to a woman accused of fatally poisoning at least a dozen people, the first ruling in a high-profile serial murder case that has gripped the nation. The court convicted her of charges including premeditated murder, robbery causing death and spiking food or other consumables resulting in death. In addition to the death sentence, she was also ordered to pay compensation for unrecovered stolen items. Thanicha told CNN on Thursday that Saratat denies the accusations against her and plans to appeal her conviction. No executions have taken place since, but courts have handed down the death sentence in several cases, including the high-profile murders of two British backpackers in 2019.

Persons: Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, NBT Connext, –, Siriporn, Sararat, Thanicha Eksuwanwat, Witoon, Thanicha, Saratat, ” Thanicha Organizations: Thailand CNN, CNN, Sararat Locations: Bangkok, Thailand

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati attends a press conference in Paris, France, on October 24. “We are doing our best and are optimistic that within the next few hours or days we will have a ceasefire,” Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said Wednesday in an interview with Lebanese media outlet Al Jadeed. Any progress at lowering temperatures in the region will be considered a win inside the White House. CIA Director Bill Burns was in Cairo on Thursday for discussions on Gaza and Lebanon, including a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Read more about the diplomatic push.

Persons: Najib Mikati, Sarah Meyssonnier, Benjamin Netanyahu, ”, Netanyahu, Biden, –, Bill Burns, Abdel Fattah El, Amos Hochstein, Brett McGurk, Hochstein Organizations: Reuters American, CIA, White Locations: Paris, France, Gaza, Lebanon, Israel, Cairo, Iran

Thailand’s foreign ministry said it was “profoundly saddened” by the death of a Thai worker in northern Israel on Friday, according to a statement. The Thai foreign ministry disputed that account, saying the death, and the injury of another of its nationals, had resulted from “an explosion of dropped ammunition” without providing additional details. The statement said the embassy was working to evacuate 10 additional Thai nationals from the kibbutz where the incident had occurred. The agriculture industry in Israel has employed thousands of Thai nationals to tend crops and work in dairies. Thais made up the largest group of foreign nationals killed in the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.

Persons: Magen David Adom, Thais Organizations: Thai Locations: Israel, Galilee, Lebanon, The Thai, Gaza

☆ Chiang Mai: About 100 rescued elephants escape flash floods at popular sanctuary in northern Thailand
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-03 | by ( Helen Regan | Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Dramatic video and images from the Elephant Nature Park near the city of Chiang Mai showed dozens of elephants wading through belly-deep water to find safety on higher ground. A view of the flooded elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Elephant Nature ParkThe Elephant Nature Park is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center in the Chiang Mai countryside that has rescued more than 200 elephants from the tourism and logging industries since its inception in the 1990s. Rescue workers evacuate animals to higher ground at Elephant Nature Park after severe flooding caused the nearby river to overflow in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Elephant Nature ParkSeveral villages in Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim district have been inundated by water from upstream runoffs, local media reported Thursday.

Persons: Chiang Mai, Chailert, “, Saengduean, ”, Typhoon Yagi, ” Saengduean Organizations: Bangkok CNN, CNN, Facebook Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, Chaing Mai, Chiang, Mae Rim

☆ Thai farmer forced to kill more than 100 crocodiles after a typhoon damaged their enclosure
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-27 | by ( Lex Harvey | Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

More than 100 were killed at a crocodile farm in Lamphun, northern Thailand, after a typhoon damaged their enclosure. More than 100 crocodiles were killed to prevent them from escaping after a typhoon damaged their enclosure in Lamphun, northern Thailand. Among the crocodiles killed was one named Ai Harn, the eldest male breeder and leader of the pack, at 4 meters (13 feet) long. Earlier this year, 60 Siamese crocodile eggs hatched in Cambodia, the largest recorded breeding event for the species this century. Thai crocodile farmer Natthapak Khumkad owns the biggest crocodile farm in the province of Lamphun, northern Thailand.

Persons: ”, Khumkad, Natthapak, “, Yagi, Benjamin Horton, Hurricane Ian, CrocodileLamphun Natthapak, ” Natthapak, Pornthip Nualanong, Ai Harn, Pornthip, suckling, Natthapak Khumkad Organizations: Bangkok CNN, CNN, Observatory of, International Fund for Animal Welfare Locations: Bangkok, Lamphun, Thailand, China, Southeast Asia, Thailand’s, Observatory of Singapore ., Florida, Punta Gorda, Cambodia, Hong Kong

☆ Thai woman freed after hours of being strangled by a python
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-19 | by ( Kocha Olarn | Chris Lau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Bangkok, Thailand CNN —A Thai woman has been rescued by police after being strangled by a python for more than two hours. The python then wrapped itself around her until she fell to the ground. She struggled to free herself from the snake’s tightening coils for two hours without success, according to the police. According to Thailand’s National Health Security office, some 12,000 people were treated for venomous snake and animal bites in the country last year. Twenty-six people died from snake bites during that period, official figures show.

Persons: ”, “, Sergeant Anusorn Wongmalee, Arom Organizations: Thailand CNN, CNN, ” Police, Thai National Parks ., Thailand’s National Health Security Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Thai, Samut, Samut Prakan

☆ Moo Deng: Baby pygmy hippo is Thailand’s latest online sensation. But her keeper is worried about her fame
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-14 | by ( Kocha Olarn | Chris Lau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Moo Deng gives her handler a good chew on the knee. One person poured water [on her] while another threw a shell onto Moo Deng when she lay on the floor,” he said. While she continues to draw admirers in person, Moo Deng has found her biggest stardom online. “This will be the time Moo Deng will be energetic as the keeper will splash the water around,” he said. Another good time would be in the afternoon when the keeper feeds her mother, as Moo Deng follows her around.

Persons: Deng, she’s, ” Narongwit Chodchoy, Moo Deng, Narongwit, Moo, ”, –, Aom, Napatsawan Balee, “ Haha, Jona, Tony Organizations: Bangkok CNN —, CNN, Facebook Locations: Bangkok, Thai, West Africa, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Jona

☆ Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin removed from office in shock court ruling
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-14 | by ( Helen Regan | Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Bangkok, Thailand CNN —Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been removed from office after a court ruled he had violated the constitution, in a shock decision that plunges the kingdom into further political uncertainty. But Wednesday’s ruling shocked political analysts who believed the court would side with the prime minister. Pheu Thai and the establishmentPopulist Pheu Thai is the latest incarnation of parties aligned with divisive former leader Thaksin, who was ousted by the military in a 2005 coup. His dramatic return from a 15-year self-imposed exile last year coincided with the Senate’s vote to appoint Srettha as the country’s 30th prime minister. With Srettha now out of office, political negotiations will restart, with coalition partners jostling for Cabinet positions and the top job.

Persons: Thailand CNN —, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, Pichit, Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Wednesday’s, jostling, Pheu, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s Organizations: Thailand CNN, Thailand CNN — Thailand’s, Party, Populist, Manchester City Football Club, Pheu Thai Locations: Bangkok, Thailand

☆ ‘Terrible’: Apple’s new promo video sparks backlash in Thailand
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-31 | by ( Chris Lau | Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —A new promotional video by tech giant Apple has been met with heavy criticism in Thailand, with many social media users claiming it offers an unrealistic, outdated view of the country. The plot follows four characters – known as the underdogs – and their attempts to overcome workplace crises using Apple devices and software. Since the series’ debut in 2019, the characters have left their corporate jobs and founded their own company. It’s fine,” wrote Thai social media user Sakchawit Attasillekha on Facebook, pointing out there are “plenty of old hotels in Bangkok” and “old taxis decorated with Buddha amulets.”“However, we also have good things too,” he added. Sombat Boonngamanong, a prominent social activist, also weighed in on Facebook saying that he was surprised the video had caused such a stir.

Persons: Christopher Mintz, ” David William, he’s, ”, John F, “, Nipawan Labbunruang, Lillian Suwanrumpha, Chai Wacharonke, Srettha Thavisin, Sombat Organizations: CNN, YouTube, Plasse, Kennedy International Airport, Bangkok, Getty, Indochina Productions, Apple, Facebook Locations: Thailand, tuk, Thai, “ Thailand, Bangkok, AFP, Bangkok ”

☆ Why Thailand is making it easier for travelers to stay longer
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-28 | by ( Karla Cripps | Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

The popular Southeast Asia destination recently introduced a new five-year visa targeted at remote workers and other travelers looking to stay in the kingdom for extended periods. According to a statement issued by the Thai prime minister’s office, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) will allow eligible travelers a period of stay up to 180 days per visit, on a multiple-entry basis, within five years. Thailand certainly isn’t alone in its desire to bring travelers in for longer periods. “A global trend we have observed throughout the post-Covid-19 period has been that travelers are staying at destinations for longer,” he says. “These measures will likely enhance the appeal of Thailand for long-term visitors, potentially increasing these proportions over time.”

Persons: It’s, it’s, ”, Gary Bowerman, ” Bowerman, “ You’ve, Olivier Ponti, Ponti, “ Organizations: Bangkok CNN, Muay, Thailand Visa, CNN, ” Locations: Bangkok, Phuket, Muay Thai, Thailand, Southeast Asia, Thai, Asia, –, Asia Pacific

☆ Thailand: Cyanide poisoning likely killed six found dead in Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel, including two US citizens, police say
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-17 | by ( Helen Regan | Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

The grisly discovery was made on Tuesday when staff at the five-star Grand Hyatt Erawan in the Thai capital entered the fifth-floor suite after the guests missed check out by more than 24 hours. Uneaten meals are left on a table in a suite at Bangkok's Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, where six people were found dead on July 16, 2024. Rescue teams arrive at the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel in Bangkok on July 16, 2024. The Grand Hyatt hotel, where the deaths occurred, is located in a bustling tourist area in the heart of Bangkok that’s home to luxury shopping malls and restaurants. Next to the hotel is the Erawan shrine, a famous landmark popular with Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh communities and tourists.

Persons: Grand, Trairong Phiewphan, ” Trairong, Noppasin Poonsawat, “, Noppasin, ” Noppasin, Lauren DeCicca, Matthew Miller, Rangsiwuthaporn Organizations: Thailand CNN, Grand Hyatt Erawan, Police, Hyatt, Hotel, Royal Thai Police, Deputy Metropolitan Police, Rescue, Getty Images Police, US State Department, Reuters, Thai Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Thai, Bangkok ”

☆ Thailand is now the Myanmar junta’s favored banking destination as military attacks ramp up, UN expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-27 | by ( Helen Regan | Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Hong Kong/Bangkok CNN —International banks are playing a significant role in the Myanmar military junta’s ability to carry out its systematic and deadly assault on its people, a new United Nations-backed report has found. Athit Perawongmetha/ReutersThe Thai connectionSingapore-based entities were Myanmar’s third largest source of weapons and military materials. In 2022, Singapore-based banks facilitated more than 70% of the junta’s purchases passing through the banking system. Looking for other financial institutions, the junta found neighboring Thailand. “Our banking and financial institutions follow banking protocols as any major financial hub.

Persons: Tom Andrews, ” Andrews, Banks, ”, Athit Perawongmetha, “ Organizations: Bangkok CNN — International, United Nations, UN, Administration Council, SAC, “ Banking, Military Junta, States, Karen National Liberation Army, Siam Commercial Bank, CNN, Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Economic Bank Locations: Hong Kong, Bangkok, Myanmar, Singapore, Myawaddy, Thailand, Thai, Siam

☆ Thailand to become first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-18 | by ( Helen Regan | Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

The result of the vote means that Thailand will become only the third place in Asia to allow for marriage equality after Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage in 2019 and Nepal in 2023. Mark Phillips/CNNPrevious attempts to legalize marriage equality over the past decade had stalled. Nonetheless Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, of the Pheu Thai Party, had also promised to bring the marriage equality bill to parliament. Japan is the only Group of Seven (G7) country that has not recognized either same-sex civil unions or same-sex marriage, despite recent high court decisions that ruled not allowing same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. South Korea does not legally recognize same-sex marriage but in February 2023, a South Korean court ruled in favor of a same-sex couple seeking equal health benefits.

Persons: ”, Panyaphon Phiphatkhunarnon, Thailand –, ” Panyaphon, Watit, ” Pokpong, Pokpong, Mark Phillips, Pita Limjaroenrat, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, “, Peerapon Boonyakiat, Xi Jinping Organizations: CNN, Love Foundation, Pokpong, “, Party, Thailand’s, Pheu Thai Party, Bangkok Pride Locations: Thailand, Southeast Asia, Asia, Taiwan, Nepal, Bangkok, Sukhumvit, Myanmar, Brunei, Indonesia, Aceh, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, China, Beijing, South Korea, Korea

☆ Chatuchak: Bangkok market fire leaves hundreds of animals dead
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-11 | by ( Kocha Olarn | Alex | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Hundreds of animals are believed to have died after a fire ripped through Bangkok’s popular Chatuchak animal market on Tuesday, according to local authorities. The fire started around 4:10 a.m. local time in Sri Somrat market, in Chatuchak, where live fish and animals were being sold, the Chatuchak administrative office said. Bangkok authorities said no one was injured in the blaze, but “lots of pet animals” were affected. It said the damaged area is estimated to be around 1,400 square meters (about 15,000 square feet). Dogs, cats, rabbits, snakes, birds, fish and chickens were among the animals affected, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s emergency unit 911.

Persons: Chanakarn Laosarakham, Athit Perawongmetha, Natthanicha K, ” Organizations: CNN, Bangkok Metropolitan, Authorities, Getty, Firefighters, Reuters Locations: Sri Somrat, Chatuchak, Bangkok, AFP

☆ Thaksin Shinawatra: Thailand indicts former leader on royal insult charges
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-29 | by ( Helen Regan | Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Bangkok CNN —Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been indicted on lese majeste charges, authorities said Wednesday, in the latest twist in a decades-long political saga in the Southeast Asian kingdom. The case, filed by police, alleged Thaksin violated Thailand’s notoriously harsh royal insult law during an interview he gave in 2015 to the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo. “The attorney general has decided to indict Thaksin on all charges,” spokesperson Prayuth Bejraguna, told reporters Wednesday. Earlier this month, the death of a young Thai activist in pre-trial detention for lese majeste charges shocked many in the country and sparked renewed calls for justice reform. A push to reform the lese majeste laws gained significant traction ahead of the 2023 general election, which saw the progressive Move Forward Party win the most votes.

Persons: Bangkok CNN —, Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Thailand’s, Prayuth Bejraguna, —, Thaksin’s, Paetongtarn, Chiang Mai, majeste, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, King Bhumibol Adulyadej Organizations: Bangkok CNN, South Korean, Chosun Ilbo, Manchester City Football Club, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, Party, Constitutional Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Thai

☆ Khon in Bangkok: Inside Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre, passionate performers keep a masked art form alive
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-17 | by ( Karla Cripps | Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

But one of the best places to experience an authentic Khon performance is Bangkok’s Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre. Among the performers tasked with playing that role at Sala Chalermkrung is 34-year-old Thanet Pakwisath, who has been practicing Khon for more than 20 years. “And I believe that other performers here at Sala Chalermkrung would have the same belief.”But like many of his colleagues, he fears for its fate. I want everyone to help – both Thai people and foreigners.”Sala Chalermkrung: A living museumBangkok’s Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theater has its own fascinating back story. But from the late 1970s, visitors to Sala Chalermkrung began to decline.

Persons: Ling ”, Khon, Sala, Apassara, khon, Karla Cripps, Hanuman, “, ”, “ Khon, Hanuman Thanet, Sala Charlermkrung, Mark Phillips, ” Sala, King Prajadhipok, Sala Chalermkrung Organizations: CNN, Bangkok CNN, Suvarnabhumi International, Heritage, Chalermkrung, Khon, Royal, Sala Chalermkrung, Sala Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Khon, Thai, Sala, –, Sala Chalermkrung, Thanet, “, Charoenkrung, Phra Nakhon District

☆ Young Thai activist’s death in detention after 65-day hunger strike sparks calls for justice reform
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Helen Regan | Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

She had been in jail since January 26 and was awaiting trial, according to legal advocacy group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. While in detention, Netiporn went on a 65-day hunger strike until April to protest the jailing of political dissidents without bail, the group said. Panu Wongcha-Um/Reuters/FileThe activist faced seven criminal cases, including two lese majeste charges. Those attending included Panusaya “Rung” Sithijirawattanakul, a fellow activist who also faces lese majeste charges for her involvement in the 2020 protests. At least 270 people have been charged with lese majeste during that time, the group added.

Persons: Thailand’s, ”, “, Netiporn, Thalu Wang, Thais, Panu, Panusaya, lese, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, Strettha, Mongkol Thirakhot, majeste, Akarachai Chaimaneekarakate, Akarachai Organizations: CNN, ” Thailand’s Corrections Department, Thammasat University Hospital, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, Thai Corrections Department, Bangkok Criminal Court, Thailand’s Ministry, Justice, Rights, United Nations Human Rights Council, European Union Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Thai, lèse

☆ Why mango sticky rice is one of Thailand’s most beloved summer dishes
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Karla Cripps | Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Better known to the rest of the world as mango sticky rice, it’s a deceptively simple dish. And few have perfected that balance as well as 63-year-old Varee Jeensuwan, the undeniable queen of mango sticky rice in Bangkok. In 2022, she performed at the Coachella music festival in California and ended her show by digging into a bowl of mango sticky rice. K Panich has been dishing out mango sticky rice since 1932. According to R-Haan co-owner/chef Chumpol Jangprai, there’s evidence suggesting mango sticky rice has been around since Thailand’s late Ayutthaya period (1351-1767), with references to the dish found in the centuries to follow.

Persons: Mae Varee, “, Bangkok's Mae Varee, Lauren DeCicca, Rong, ”, Nam Dok Mai, Chiang Rai, Milli, Panich, Pongpat, – it’s, Bib, Khun Nan, Mai, it’s, It’s, Haan, Chumpol Jangprai, Rama V’s Organizations: CNN, Bangkok CNN, Coachella, Haan Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Bangkok’s, Thonglor, Mae, Bangkok's, province’s Bangkhla, Damnoen Saduak, Ratchaburi province, “, nieow, Thailand’s, Suratthani, China , Hong Kong, Singapore, Thai, California

CNN —Myanmar rebels fighting the junta say they have seized the last remaining military base in a key border town, dealing the latest significant blow to the country’s military rulers as they struggle to cling to power. About 200 soldiers abandoned their base in the southeastern town of Myawaddy and have been pushed to the No 2. “Officially we (are in) control of the town Myawaddy since last night,” KNU spokesperson Saw Taw Nee said. Footage also showed Thai military vehicles and troops stationed along the border. CNN has reached out to Myanmar’s military junta for comment.

Persons: Karen, ”, Saw Taw, Thailand’s Mae Sot, Manan Vatsyayana, “, Naw Tee, Aung, Thailand's, Prasarn Saengsirirak, ” Prasarn, Prasarn, Kim Jolliffe, it’s Organizations: CNN, Myanmar, Karen National Union, UN, Reuters, Getty, Karen National Liberation Army, Command, National League for Democracy, Army, Arakan Army Locations: Myawaddy, Myanmar, Thailand, Thailand’s, Tak, Thailand's Mae Sot, AFP, Teetering, Aung San, Kachin, China, Rakhine, Arakan

☆ Thailand’s lower house passes bill to legalize same-sex marriage
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Kocha Olarn | Helen Regan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Thailand’s House of Representatives voted to legalize same-sex marriage on Wednesday, bringing the Southeast Asian nation a step closer to becoming the third territory in Asia to guarantee equal marital rights. The lower house of parliament passed the bill following a third and final reading, with 400 representatives voting in favor. It would also make the country only the third place in Asia to allow for marriage equality after Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage in 2019 and Nepal in 2023. Previous attempts to legalize marriage equality over the past decade have stalled. Nonetheless Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, of the Pheu Thai Party, had also promised to bring the marriage equality bill to parliament.

Persons: CNN —, Pita Limjaroenrat, Srettha Thavisin Organizations: CNN, CNN — Thailand’s, Party, Thailand’s, Pheu Thai Party Locations: Asia, Thailand, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Nepal

☆ Tesla is in talks to build a factory in Thailand, government official says
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Kocha Olarn | Manveena Suri | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Hong Kong/Bangkok CNN —Tesla is in talks with the Thai government to build a production facility in the country, the prime minister’s office told CNN on Tuesday. The government has offered Tesla (TSLA) a 100% green facility, according to Prommin Lertsuridej, secretary general to the prime minister, who added: “We are in talks with them.”According to Prommin, Tesla representatives last visited Thailand in November, the same month Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visited the electrical vehicle giant’s Gigafactory in Fremont, California. “It is my hope that this collaboration will cement Thailand as the hub for EV and renewable energy in the years to come,” he wrote. That factory is Tesla’s biggest car manufacturing plant outside the United States and accounted for the bulk of its global deliveries last year. Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly spelled the name of the prime minister's general secretary.

Persons: Tesla, Prommin Lertsuridej, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, ”, Elon Musk, Narendra Modi Organizations: Bangkok CNN, CNN, EV, Indian Locations: Hong Kong, Bangkok, Thailand, Fremont , California, Asia, Shanghai, United States, India, New York

CNN —Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released from detention on Sunday, having served six months in prison following his return to the kingdom after more than 15 years in self-imposed exile. His jail sentence was later reduced to one year after he submitted a request for a royal pardon. His release from prison reintroduces a towering and divisive figure to Thailand at a tense political time. Wearing a neck collar and arm sling, the former prime minister was seen leaving the Police General Hospital in Bangkok on Sunday in a black van alongside his daughters, Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Pintongta Shinawatra. He returned to his residence in Bangkok where a handwritten banner had been hung on the gate welcoming him home.

Persons: CNN —, Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Pintongta Shinawatra Organizations: CNN, Thai Corrections Department, Police, Hospital Locations: Thailand, Bangkok

☆ 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

☆ Canadian arrested for allegedly opening plane door, deploying evacuation slide in Thailand
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-09 | by ( Kocha Olarn | Karla Cripps | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Bangkok CNN —A Canadian man has been arrested in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai after he allegedly opened the door on a commercial plane and triggered the evacuation slide prior to takeoff. According to a statement issued by the Chiang Mai International Airport, the incident took place on the night of February 7. The Airbus A320 was unable to be immediately moved, temporarily preventing other flights from taking off and landing, said the statement. Chiang Mai officials say 2,295 passengers were affected by the February 7 incident. Police said they were unaware of the suspect’s motive for opening the door, but noted he appeared stressed and was difficult to communicate with.

Persons: Bangkok CNN —, Chiang Mai, Chiang, “, ”, Ronnakorn Chalermsanyakorn, Manuschai, Wong Sai Heung Organizations: Bangkok CNN, Chiang Mai International Airport, Thai Airways, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi, Airbus, Airways, Chiang Mai International Airport Thai Airways, Chiang Mai Police, CNN, Police, Psychiatric, Canadian Embassy Locations: Bangkok, Thai, Chiang Mai, Thailand

☆ 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

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