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☆ Macao did it. Singapore too. Now Thailand looks to build casinos to attract tourist dollars
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-02 | by ( Charmaine Jacob | In Charmainemariajacob | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Thailand is working on a new game plan to boost foreigner arrivals and increase tourism spending: casinos. The strategy has worked for Macao — which has overtaken Las Vegas as the world's largest gambling hub — and Singapore, with two successful 14-year-old casinos. If Thailand's draft bill gets passed into law, the country could be Macao and Singapore's largest competitor by the end of the decade, industry watchers told CNBC. If the law gets passed, Thailand's casinos could generate 187 billion Thai baht ($5.5 billion) in revenues, or 1% of the country's GDP, according to Maybank research. The Thai economy grew 1.9% in 2023, and is expected to grow 2.7% this year, the finance ministry said.

Persons: Ben Lee, —, Lee, Srettha Thavisin, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Yin Shao Yang Organizations: Macao, Las Vegas, CNBC, IGamiX Management, Consulting, Tourism, Thai, Investment Bank Locations: Pattaya, Thailand, Singapore, Macao, Macau

☆ Thai court dismisses prime minister over cabinet appointment
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-14 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Wednesday dismissed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for appointing to his cabinet a former lawyer who served jail time, raising the specter of more political upheaval and a reset of the governing alliance. Real estate tycoon Srettha becomes the fourth Thai premier in 16 years to be removed by verdicts by the same court, after it ruled he violated the constitution by appointing a minister who did not meet ethical standards. Deputy premier Phumtham Wechayachai is expected to take over as caretaker prime minister. If successful, she would be Thailand’s third Shinawatra premier after Thaksin and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra. Other potential candidates include Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga and Prawit Wongsuwan, an influential former army chief who was involved in the last two coups.

Persons: Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, Srettha’s, Thaksin Shinawatra, Pichit Chuenban, Pichit, Phumtham Wechayachai, ”, Olarn Thinbangtieo, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin, Yingluck Shinawatra, Anutin Charnvirakul, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, Prawit Organizations: Thai, Party, Thai Party, University’s, Political Science, Law, Interior, Energy Locations: BANGKOK

☆ Thai Court Ejects Prime Minister From Office, as Old Guard Reasserts Power
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-14 | by ( Sui-Lee Wee | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Thailand’s Constitutional Court dismissed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office on Wednesday, throwing the country into fresh turmoil and creating deeper uncertainty about the political future of Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy. In a 5-4 verdict, the court ruled that Mr. Srettha, who took office almost a year ago, violated moral and ethical standards set out in the constitution because he appointed an ally of his benefactor, Thaksin Shinawatra, to his cabinet. Mr. Srettha was seen as a figurehead prime minister, with Mr. Thaksin playing a powerful behind-the-scenes role. Wednesday’s ruling served as a warning to the ambitions of Mr. Thaksin, himself a former prime minister and long a foil to Thailand’s royalist-military establishment. Last week, the same court ordered the disbandment of the Move Forward Party, a progressive party that won last year’s election but was blocked from forming a government.

Persons: Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Wednesday’s Organizations: Thailand’s Constitutional, Party Locations: Thailand’s

☆ 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

☆ Thai court dismisses PM Srettha over cabinet appointment
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-14 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Srettha Thavisin, Thailand's prime minister, arrives at Thai Parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. BANGKOK - Thailand's Constitutional Court on Wednesday dismissed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for appointing to his cabinet a former lawyer who served jail time, raising the spectre of more political upheaval and a reset of the governing alliance. Real estate tycoon Srettha becomes the fourth Thai premier in 16 years to be removed by verdicts by the same court, after it ruled he violated the constitution by appointing a minister who did not meet ethical standards. Srettha had maintained his appointment of former Shinawatra lawyer Pichit Chuenban, who was briefly imprisoned for contempt of court in 2008 over an alleged attempt to bribe court staff, was above board. Deputy premier Phumtham Wechayachai is expected to take over as caretaker prime minister.

Persons: Srettha, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha's, Thaksin Shinawatra, Pichit Chuenban, Pichit, Phumtham Wechayachai Organizations: Thai, Party, Thai Party Locations: Thai, Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK

☆ ‘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 ”

Japanese companies established Thailand’s auto industry virtually from scratch, dating back to the years after World War II. By the late 1970s, Japanese brands commanded around 90 percent of car sales in Thailand. Now Japanese automakers’ stronghold is finally being loosened by Chinese manufacturers that offer something they don’t: electric vehicles at affordable prices. The influx of Chinese brands like BYD, Great Wall Motor and SAIC Motor in the past two years is ringing alarms in Japan. In December, Srettha Thavisin, Thailand’s prime minister, traveled to Japan with a message for Japanese companies: Move quickly, invest in electric vehicles or lose out to China.

Persons: Srettha Organizations: South Korean, Motor, SAIC Locations: Thailand, Japan, China

☆ Thailand plans to give $275 cash handouts to 50 million low-income citizens
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-26 | by ( Kenneth Niemeyer | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

It will give $275 to about 50 million people, more than two-thirds of the population. The prime minister said the program would cost $13.7 billion and stimulate a struggling economy. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementThailand is the latest country to experiment with a cash handout program, hoping it will help its economy recover from a pandemic-induced slump. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said the program — called "Digital Wallet" — will offer payments of 10,000 baht, or about $275, to anyone making less than 840,000 baht, or $23,000, a year.

Persons: —, Srettha Thavisin, Thavisin Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Thailand

☆ 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

☆ Thailand passes landmark bill recognising marriage equality
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-18 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Thailand's Senate passed the final reading of a marriage equality law on Tuesday, paving the way for the country to become the third territory in Asia to recognize same-sex couples after Nepal and Taiwan. The law gained the support of nearly all upper house lawmakers and will be sent to the palace for royal approval. LGBTQ+ advocates called the move a "monumental step forward" as it would make Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to enact marriage equality legislation. Thailand is already known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ culture and tolerance, making it a popular destination for tourists. "This would underscore Thailand's leadership in the region in promoting human rights and gender equality," the Civil Society Commission of marriage equality, activists and LGBTI+ couples said.

Persons: Srettha Thavisin Organizations: Civil Society Commission, Pride Locations: Thailand's, Asia, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand, Southeast Asia, Bangkok

☆ 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 decriminalized cannabis 2 years ago. Its prime minister wants to ban it again.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Thibault Spirlet | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Thailand's prime minister has called for a ban on recreational cannabis in a major U-turn. Thailand was the first Asian country to decriminalize cannabis for recreational use in 2022. AdvertisementThailand's prime minister wants to ban cannabis just two years after his country decriminalized it for recreational use. AdvertisementThailand was the first Southeast Asian country to legalize medical cannabis in 2018, and the first Asian country to decriminalize recreational cannabis in 2022, according to Forbes. Other countries have legalized or decriminalized cannabis for recreational use in recent years, including Canada, Germany, Mexico, and South Africa.

Persons: Thailand's, Srettha Thavisin, —, Thavisin, Anutin Charnvirakul Organizations: Service, country's Ministry of Public Health, Forbes, New York Times, Bloomberg, District of Columbia, Prohibition Partners, Thailand's Center, Addiction Locations: Thailand, Thai, Canada, Germany, Mexico, South Africa

☆ Thailand Prime Minister Seeks to Criminalize Weed in Reversal
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Amanda Holpuch | More About Amanda Holpuch | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Thailand’s prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, said on Wednesday that he wanted cannabis to be re-listed as a narcotic by the end of the year, a reversal two years after the country became one of the first in Asia to decriminalize marijuana. All marijuana sales in Thailand are technically for medical purposes, but lax regulations mean that many businesses openly sell dried marijuana flowers and illegal imports. Thailand decriminalized marijuana in June 2022, giving rise to a domestic industry that has recently been challenged by competition and oversupply. There are thousands of registered dispensaries in the country, and cannabis is prescribed at hundreds of traditional medicine clinics. Foreign investors have also backed the construction of high-tech indoor cannabis farms.

Persons: Thailand’s, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha Organizations: Ministry of Health Locations: Asia, Thailand

☆ Thailand's central bank will act independently and not cave to 'political' pressure, governor says
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-29 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Political pressure won't force the hand of Thailand's central bank in making its interest rate decisions independently, the country's central bank chief told CNBC on Monday. "The proof is in the pudding," Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput told CNBC's "Street Signs Asia." Despite the "clamoring" for rate cuts, the BOT didn't act on it "if we weren't operating independently," he added. The BOT kept the key interest rate steady at 2.50% in its latest policy meeting in April. But the central bank has been facing intense pressure from the government to lower rates, including from the country's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Reuters reported.

Persons: Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, CNBC's, Srettha Thavisin Organizations: CNBC, Bank of Thailand, country's, Reuters

☆ Thai prime minister says legalizing casinos is good for revenue and jobs, eyes entertainment project
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-29 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Prime Minister of Thailand Srettha Thavisin seen during the Asian World Cup qualifying round, second round, Group C match between Thailand and South Korea at Rajamangala Stadium. Thailand's government is considering drafting a casino bill and if passed by parliament, it would generate more jobs and state revenue and allow for the creation of a mega entertainment project, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Friday. Casinos are illegal in Thailand and the only gambling allowed is on state-controlled horse races and the lottery, though illicit gambling is commonplace, with underground casinos and soccer betting rife. Southeast Asia's second-largest economy is considering allowing casinos as another means of drawing in investment and tourism, according to a study in parliament that was passed late on Thursday. "We can regulate the grey economy and collect taxes ... We do not want to promote gambling, but would rather supervise it and use the investment to create jobs," Srettha said in a post on X.

Persons: Thavisin, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha Organizations: Rajamangala, Casinos Locations: Thailand, South Korea, Macao, China

☆ 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

Taylor Swift has descended on Southeast Asia, or one small part of it at least: All of her six sold-out shows are in Singapore, the region’s wealthiest nation. The shows — and the undisclosed price that Singapore paid to host them — have also generated diplomatic tension with two of its neighbors, Thailand and the Philippines. Last month, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand said publicly that Singapore had paid Ms. Swift up to $3 million per show on the condition that she play nowhere else in Southeast Asia. A lawmaker in the Philippines later said that was not “what good neighbors do.”

Persons: Taylor Swift, Swift’s, Srettha, Swift, ” Organizations: Singapore Locations: Southeast Asia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines

☆ Debate heats up as Singapore prime minister says exclusive Taylor Swift deal isn't 'unfriendly'
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | Marylou Costa | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Tuesday that a closed-door deal for Taylor Swift to perform in the city-state ensured she would not perform in other Southeast Asian countries during her Eras tour. The statement is the first confirmation from the city-state that the agreement for Swift to perform in Singapore contained exclusivity terms preventing her from performing in other countries. He also did not reveal the size of the grant to Swift, but stated the amount is "not anywhere as high as speculated." During her first three concerts in Singapore, Swift asked her audience to applaud — first the locals, then those who had traveled from overseas to come to the show. Edwin Tong Singapore Minister for Culture, Community and YouthSome liken the deal to how cities vie to host major sports events, such as the Olympics, the Super Bowl and the World Cup.

Persons: Lee Hsien Loong, Taylor Swift, Swift, Edwin Tong, Srettha Thavisin, Joey Salceda, Lee, Ashok Kumar, —, Selena Oh, de Boer, Irene Hoe, — haven't Organizations: Singapore, Reuters, Thai, Swift's, Philippine, Getty, Edwin Tong Singapore Minister, Culture ,, Super Bowl Locations: Singapore, Southeast Asia, Melbourne, Bangkok, ASEAN, Tokyo, Asia, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Asia — Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Philippines, Cambodia, what's, Edwin Tong Singapore

☆ Eras Tour: Singapore defends Taylor Swift’s exclusive Southeast Asia stop after neighbors cry foul
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Singapore is drawing fans from all over Southeast Asia and beyond to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, much to the annoyance of the city-state’s regional neighbors. “[Our] agencies negotiated an arrangement with her to come to Singapore and perform and to make Singapore her only stop in Southeast Asia,” Lee said at a press conference in Melbourne while on a state visit to Australia. I don’t see that as being unfriendly.”“If we had not made such an arrangement, would she have come to more places in Southeast Asia? Southeast Asia fans dig deep to see SwiftThe Eras Tour is a multi-continent extravaganza that surged to become the highest-grossing tour of all time – and Swift is making Singapore a lot of money. I never really spent big like six-digit (Philippine peso) amounts for someone else, just Taylor Swift,” Suizo said.

Persons: Taylor, Swift, Joey Salceda, Lee Hsien Loong, “, ” Lee, Edward Tong, ”, Srettha Thavisin, Taylor Swift, hasn’t, Edmund Ong, Yun Liu, Errol De Asis, Gilliane, Christel Kaye Kuan, Yedda Mendoza, ” Suizo, it’s, Granada, That’s Organizations: CNN, Southeast, Singapore –, ”, Singapore, Coldplay, World Bank Locations: Singapore, Southeast Asia, Melbourne, Australia, Bangkok, Thailand, Philippines, Asia, Maybank, ASEAN, Gilliane Granada, China, Granada

☆ 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

☆ Taylor Swift is making Singapore a mountain of money, and some of the country's neighbors are salty about it
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Edwin Tong, Singapore's culture minister, told local outlet Mothership on February 28 that the amount of grant given "is not what is being speculated online." As Tong, the Singapore culture minister, told Mothership, the city-state is looking "beyond just the economic impact" of Swiftonimics. Economists estimate that Swift's concerts in Singapore could contribute up to 500 million Singapore dollars, or $372 million, in tourist receipts. AdvertisementIt's a different story for spending on experiences — and it's heightened because Singapore is Swift's only stop in Southeast Asia. Mann said the people who have money to pay for flight tickets, Swift's concert tickets, and a hotel are likely to keep spending at other tourist spots.

Persons: —, Taylor Swift, Srettha, Edwin Tong, Swift, it's, Yun Liu, Tong, Kevin Cheong, David Mann, Mann, Coldplay, Si Ying Toh, Cheong, Joey Salceda, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno Organizations: Service, Business, HSBC, Asia Pacific, Mastercard, Nomura, Philippine Star, Bloomberg, Vegas Locations: Singapore, Southeast Asia, British, Thailand, Bangkok, Indonesia, Sands

☆ Singapore brokered a deal with Taylor Swift, so she wouldn't take the Eras Tour to other Southeast Asian countries. Now, a Philippines lawmaker is calling it out.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-02 | by ( Eve Crosbie | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewThere's a feud between Singapore and neighboring government officials — and it's all down to Taylor Swift. "Some $3 million in grants were allegedly given by the Singapore government to AEG to host the concert in Singapore. AdvertisementFans of US singer Taylor Swift arrive for the first of the pop star's six sold-out Eras Tour concerts at the National Stadium in Singapore on March 2, 2024. Taylor Swift performs at the National Stadium on March 2, 2024 in Singapore. He claimed he was told the Singapore government offered $2 million to $3 million per show in exchange for exclusivity.

Persons: —, Taylor Swift, Joey Salceda, Swift, Salceda, Rosland Rahman, Ashok Kumar, Srettha Thavisin, Angel Zhong Organizations: Service, Business, Philippines, Department of Foreign Affairs, Singapore, AEG, The Straits Times, Getty, GMA Network, Association of South East Asian Nations, Sky News, BBC News, CNA, Finance, RMIT University, Forbes Locations: Singapore, Philippines, Southeast Asia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Bangkok, Thailand

☆ Factbox-Thailand's Polarising Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-17 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +4 min

(Reuters) - Thailand's billionaire former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released from detention on Sunday, enjoying freedom in his country for the first time since fleeing into exile nearly 16 years ago to avoid jail. - Thaksin ran several failed businesses with his wife before getting his break in the 1980s leasing computers to the police. In 2010, a court seized $1.4 billion worth of Shinawatra assets, concluding Thaksin had concealed his Shin Corp shareholdings and tailored policy to benefit his business. - Thaksin's sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, was also prime minister and suffered an almost identical fate as him. - Thaksin's youngest daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, is Pheu Thai party leader and eligible to become prime minister.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Chiang Mai, Thaksin, Yingluck Shinawatra, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Srettha Thavisin, Martin Petty, Raju Gopalakrishnan Organizations: Reuters, Eastern Kentucky University, Kentucky Fried, Thailand's, Shin Corporation, Shin Corp, English Premier League football, Fulham, Manchester City, Forbes, Thai Rak, Thai Rak Thai, People Power Party, Srettha Locations: Thai, Chiang, Kentucky, Singapore, Thailand, Liverpool, Dubai, Britain, Montenegro, Thai Rak Thai, Thai Rak, Bangkok

☆ Thaksin Shinawatra: Ousted Thai PM's Life in Politics
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-17 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +4 min

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's controversial billionaire former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released on parole on Sunday after serving six months in detention. 1998Thaksin founds the Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais) party. In September, the military launches a coup against Thaksin while he is overseas, citing the need to end the protests. 2011New elections are won in a landslide by another new pro-Thaksin party, Pheu Thai. Thaksin applies for a royal pardon and his eight-year jail term is commuted to a year by the king.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Love Thais, Thais, Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin's, Srettha Thavisin, Nick Macfie, Martin Petty Organizations: Thai Rak Thai, Thaksin, People's Alliance for Democracy, Shin Corporation, Temasek, English Premier League, Manchester City, Power Party, United Front for Democracy, Democrat Party Locations: BANGKOK, Thai, Singapore, Thai Rak Thai, Britain, Bangkok, Thailand

☆ Thailand's Ex-PM Thaksin Seen Leaving Hospital on Day of Parole
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-17 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

By Napat Wesshasartar and Athit PerawongmethaBANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's jailed billionaire former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was seen early on Sunday in a vehicle leaving a hospital where he has been in detention for the past six months, according to Reuters witnesses. Thaksin, 74, had been scheduled to be released on parole on Sunday, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Thailand's best-known and most polarising premier, Thaksin has loomed large over politics for two decades, despite 15 years in self-imposed exile to avoid a jail sentence for abuse of power and conflicts of interest. Thaksin made a dramatic return from exile in August to cheering crowds and was taken to prison to serve an eight-year sentence. (Reporting by Napat Wesshasartar Napat Wesshasartar Athit Perawongmetha and Panarat Thepgumpanat; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Nick Zieminski)

Persons: Napat Wesshasartar, Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Srettha Thavisin, Mercedes van, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Martin Petty, Nick Zieminski Locations: Athit, BANGKOK

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