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☆ 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

☆ The ‘fearless young activists’ thrown in jail for climate campaigns in Cambodia
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-06 | by ( Heather Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

“We demand that our friends in Mother Nature Cambodia, and all political prisoners, be released immediately,” said Fridays for Future, the youth-led global climate strike movement founded by Thunberg, in a statement. “Like what we are seeing with dictators in other countries, Cambodia is becoming more repressed,” said Alejandro Gonzalez-Davidson, a Spaniard who co-founded Mother Nature Cambodia over a decade ago, alongside local Cambodian activists. Environmental activists stage a mock funeral procession in the streets of Phnom Penh. Video footage showed activists Mother Nature Cambodia activists Ly Chandaravuth, Long Kunthea, Thun Ratha, Phuon Keoraksmey and Yim Leanghy surrounded by dozens of armed police officers and dragged away into waiting cars, bound for prisons across the country. “This week, a new generation of Cambodian activists was born – one that did not exist back in 2012,” he said.

Persons: Greta Thunberg, ”, Thunberg, Mu Sochua, “, ” “, ” Mu Sochua, Chantha Lach, Hun Sen –, Hun Manet, Hun Sen, Alejandro Gonzalez, Davidson, Pen Bona, Ole von Uexkuell, Magnus Lejhall, Gonzalez, Valeria Mongelli, –, Ly Chandaravuth, Long, Phuon Keoraksmey, Yim, Pilorge, lèse, Thameen Al, Kheetan Organizations: CNN, Nature Cambodia, Reuters, United States Agency for International Development, USAID, Nature, TT, Agency, AFP, Getty, Facebook, Court, Cambodian League, Promotion, Human, Journalists, ” United Nations Human Rights Locations: Cambodia, Nature, Reuters Cambodia, Nature Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodian, Sweden, Stockholm, Sihanoukville, Thun

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ Thailand's Paroled Former PM Thaksin Meets Prosecutor on Royal Insult Case
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-18 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: 1 min

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's newly paroled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has met with a prosecutor over a royal insult complaint stemming from a 2015 interview, the attorney general's office said on Monday. The meeting relates to a lese majeste case brought against Thaksin in 2016, in which the attorney general's office is now considering new evidence. Violations of the law are punishable by up to 15 years in jail.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin Locations: 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

☆ Convicted Thai Ex-PM Thaksin Facing Possible Royal Insults Charge
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's attorney general is considering prosecuting convicted former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra over an alleged insult of the powerful monarchy, an official said on Tuesday, just weeks away from his possible release on parole. The lese-majeste law is among the world's strictest, with each perceived offence punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The influential Thaksin, prime minister from 2001-2006, made a dramatic homecoming last August from 15 years in self-imposed exile to serve an eight-year jail sentence for abuse of power, later commuted to one year by the king. Prayut Petchkhun, spokesperson for the attorney-general's office, told reporters the seven-year delay in acting on the royal insults complaint was because Thaksin had been abroad. Thailand current government is backed by the Shinawatra family, with Thaksin's return coinciding with ally and real estate mogul Srettha Thavisin becoming prime minister that same day.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin's, Thaksin, Prayut Petchkhun, Prayut, Srettha Thavisin, Panu, Martin Petty Organizations: Thaksin Locations: BANGKOK, Thai, South Korea, Thailand

☆ New Blow for Thai Election Winners as Lawyer Launches Dissolution Bid
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-01 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

The constitution states the king is enshrined to be held in a position of "revered worship". The election commission will weigh the merits of the complaint and whether to send it to the Constitutional Court to decide on party dissolution, which could see its executives banned from politics for a decade. Its predecessor, Future Forward, had championed similar policies and was disbanded in 2020 for violating campaign funding rules. "The election commission must take into account (yesterday's) case ... the commission must carry out its duties and cannot remain idle," Ruangkrai told reporters. Move Forward has rejected accusations that it sought to undermine the monarchy and says it wanted to prevent the wrongful use of the royal insults law.

Persons: Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, Ruangkrai, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panu, Martin Petty Organizations: Thailand's, Party, Constitutional Locations: BANGKOK, 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

☆ Pita Limjaroenrat: Thai court dismisses media shares case against popular progressive politician
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-24 | by ( Helen Regan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Thailand’s Constitutional Court dismissed a case against Pita Limjaroenrat, 43, that alleged he violated election rules by running for office while holding shares in a media company – the long-defunct broadcaster iTV. Thai law bans members of parliament from owning or holding shares in media companies. Ahead of Wednesday’s verdict, Pita expressed confidence outside the court in Bangkok. Move Forward won the most seats and the largest share of the popular vote in the May election. And most recently, Move Forward’s predecessor, the Future Forward Party, won the third most seats in the 2019 election.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, ”, “, Thais, turfing, Srettha Thavisin, Samak Sundaravej, Thaksin Shinawatra, – Organizations: Thailand CNN, Constitutional, iTV, Party, Thai Stock Exchange, CNN, National Institute of Development Administration, Reuters, Lawmakers, Forward Party Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, “

☆ Thailand sentences man to record 50 years in prison for insulting the monarchy
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Helen Regan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Sentences for those convicted under Section 112 of Thailand’s Criminal Code, or lese majeste law, can be decades long and hundreds of people have been prosecuted in recent years. A criminal court found him guilty of 14 violations of lese majeste and sentenced him in January 2023 to 28 years. At least 262 people have been charged with lese majeste during that time, the group added. Thailand’s lese majeste prosecutions continue despite a civilian government now being in power, following almost a decade of military-backed rule. The verdicts include a decision by the Constitutional Court on whether Pita sought to overthrow the monarchy through his election campaign to amend the lese majeste law.

Persons: Mongkol Thirakhot, Chiang Rai, ”, majeste, TLHR, Mongkol, Akarachai Chaimaneekarakate, Akarachai, Anchan Preelert, lese, Arnon Nampa, Arnon, ” TLRH, Thailand’s lese, Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita Organizations: CNN, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, Facebook, Supreme, UN Human Rights, YouTube, Forward, Constitutional Locations: Chiang Rai, Thailand, TLHR, Thai

☆ Thai court denies bail for lawyer who called for monarchy reforms
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Arnon Nampa, a prominent activist and former human rights lawyer, speaks to media ahead of a Thai criminal court's verdict in a case of allegedly having insulted the monarchy, at the criminal court in Bangkok, Thailand, September 26, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Sept 30 (Reuters) - A Thai court denied bail on Saturday for an activist lawyer sentenced to four years in prison for royal insults, his lawyer said, in one of the Southeast Asian country's highest-profile lese-majeste cases. Human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa, 39, is widely known for a speech during pro-democracy protests in 2020 when he broke taboos by calling for public debate on the role of Thailand's powerful king. The Appeal Court read out an order on Saturday rejecting Arnon's bail request due to concerns that "if bail was given he would escape", said his lawyer, Krisadang Nutcharus. Krisadang said he would consult with Arnon on whether to make another bail request or appeal the order to the Supreme Court.

Persons: Arnon, Athit, Arnon Nampa, Krisadang, Thailand's, Prayuth Chan, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Orathai Sriring, William Mallard Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Supreme, Thomson Locations: Arnon Nampa, Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK

☆ Activist who called for Thai monarchy reforms sentenced to 4 years for royal insults
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Sept 26 (Reuters) - A prominent activist and lawyer made famous for his open calls for reform of Thailand's powerful monarchy was on Tuesday sentenced to four years in prison for royal insults, a judge and his lawyer said. Human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa is widely known for his taboo-breaking speech during pro-democracy protests in 2020 during which he called for public debate on the role of Thailand's powerful king. Thailand's lese-majeste law shields the palace from criticism and carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years for each perceived insult of the monarchy, a punishment widely condemned by international human rights groups. He was a leader in the youth-led pro-democracy movement that swept the capital Bangkok in 2020, drawing hundreds of thousands into the streets. As of last month, at least 257 people have been charged with 112 since 2020, according legal aide group, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.

Persons: Arnon, Athit, Arnon Nampa, Thailand's, Krisadang Nutcharus, Prayuth Chan, ocha, Martin Petty Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Reuters, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, Thomson Locations: Arnon Nampa, Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK

☆ 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

☆ Thailand has a new leader but it's not the one people voted for. Here's why
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( Helen Regan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Protesters walk through smoke after setting fire to mock corpses during a protest at Pheu Thai Party headquarters in Bangkok on August 2, 2023. It formed a coalition with other like-minded parties, including runners up Pheu Thai. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra flanked by his son Panthongtae Shinawatra and daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand August 22, 2023. “I want to be a prime minister who can make the difference,” Srettha previously told CNN. But with an 11-member coalition that includes bitter rivals, it’s unclear whether Srettha and Pheu Thai will be able to govern effectively.

Persons: staved, Srettha Thavisin, Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Thais, Valeria Mongelli, Hans Lucas, lese, Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Pheu, Pheu Thai, Thaksin’s, Shinatwatra, ”, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Panthongtae Shinawatra, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Athit, ” Thitinan, Yingluck Shinawatra, “, Strettha, Thailand’s King Vajiralongkorn, Srettha, Prayut Chan Organizations: CNN, Party, Pheu Thai Party, Reuters, Pheu, Senate, Chulalongkorn University . Former Thai, Thaksin, Manchester City Football Club, Thai, Facebook, Thai Corrections Department, Procter & Gamble, Bangkok Post Locations: Thailand, Bangkok, Senate, Thai, Pheu Thai, Don Mueang

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

☆ 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

☆ Malaysia charges opposition leader with sedition over remarks on royalty
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Reuters) - Malaysia on Tuesday charged opposition leader Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor with sedition for allegedly insulting the country's revered sultans, state media Bernama reported. Negative remarks about its royalty can be prosecuted under a colonial-era Sedition Act, which has been used against people who criticise the sultans on social media. However, sedition charges against Malaysian politicians have been rare in recent years. Muhammad Sanusi's remarks, according to other media reports, questioned decisions taken by the royalty regarding the formation of government in the federal and state level. If found guilty, he faces up to three years in prison and a maximum penalty of 5,000 ringgit ($1,102.54).

Persons: Muhammad Sanusi Md, Muhammad Sanusi, Anwar Ibrahim's, Muhammad Sanusi's, Martin Petty Organizations: PAS, Malaysian, Thomson Locations: KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Kedah, Thailand

On Thursday, 42-year-old Pita Limjaroenrat failed in his initial bid to win the premiership after he was unable to secure enough votes in a joint sitting of Thailand's 750-member parliament. Another vote is expected to be held next week, which Pita can contest if nominated again. But Pita and Move Forward's agenda - particularly a once-unthinkable proposal to amend Thailand's "lese majeste" law - also pit them against the country's powerful conservative establishment, which controls the 250-member appointed senate. First, Thailand's election commission recommended the Constitutional Court disqualify Pita as a lawmaker because of his ownership of shares in a media company in violation of electoral rules. Some of those protesters - and some of those demands - were part of Move Forward's electoral juggernaut, including a call to amend the lese majeste law.

Persons: Thailand's, Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Thais, Thaksin Shinawatra, Kannawee Suebsang, Devjyot Ghoshal, Panu, Nick Macfie Organizations: Wednesday, Constitutional, Harvard University, Pheu Thai Party, Fair Party, Thomson Locations: BANGKOK, Thai, Thailand, Bangkok

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

☆ 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

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

☆ Thai protesters acquitted over run-in with queen's motorcade
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun/File PhotoBANGKOK, June 28 (Reuters) - A Thai court on Wednesday acquitted five anti-government protesters indicted on charges of attempted violence against the country's queen during a demonstration in 2020, a legal aid group said. The case stemmed from an event at the height of pro-democracy demonstrations in 2020, in which a motorcade carrying Queen Suthida was heckled as it drove past a group of protesters. The monarchy, which many Thais consider sacrosanct, is officially above politics and constitutionally enshrined to be held in "revered worship". "The court saw that police did not clear the way for the royal motorcade ... there was no announcement before the procession," Thai Lawyers for Human Rights said on Wednesday. "Witness testimony was different and even police in the area did not know there would be a royal motorcade (passing through)," the group said.

Persons: Suthida, Prince Dipangkorn, Soe Zeya, I'm, we've, Bunkueanun, Francis, Paothong, Chayut Setboonsarng, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: Government, REUTERS, for Human Rights, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK

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