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

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

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

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

In a statement to Reuters, Mobile World said it would announce the information once the deal was concluded. The sources said the deal could value Bach Hoa Xanh, Vietnam's third largest grocery chain, at around $1.5-$1.7 billion. Founded in 2015, Bach Hoa Xanh, backed by Vietnam's retail giant Mobile World Investment (MWG.HM), is running more than 1,700 stores in Vietnam's southern and south-central provinces. The Ho Chi Minh City-headquartered company had first planned the sale of a stake of up to 20% in Bach Hoa Xanh last year. Bach Hoa Xanh was expected to be profitable from next year, its managing director told investors last month.

Persons: GIC, Bach, Xanh, Yantoultra Ngui, Chayut, Kane Wu, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: Investment, Mobile, Revenue, Thomson Locations: SINGAPORE, HANOI, Thailand, Vietnam, China, United States, Chi Minh City, Bach Hoa, Singapore, Phuong Nguyen, Hanoi, Bangkok

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

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

☆ Activist Who Called for Thai Monarchy Reforms Sentenced to Four Years for Royal Insults - Judge
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-25 | by ( Sept. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: 1 min

BANGKOK (Reuters) - An 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 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. Arnon had denied wrongdoing. (Reporting by Napat Wesshasartar, Chayut Setboonsarng and Panarat Thepgumpanat; Editing by Martin Petty)

Persons: Arnon Nampa, Arnon, Napat Wesshasartar, Chayut, Martin Petty Locations: BANGKOK

☆ Thailand expects Tesla, Google, Microsoft to invest $5 billion, prime minister says
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin speaks during a press conference after a weekly cabinet meeting at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, September 13, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Sept 24 (Reuters) - Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Sunday the country expected to receive investment of at least $5 billion from Tesla (TSLA.O), Google (GOOGL.O) and Microsoft (MSFT.O). "Tesla would be looking into an EV manufacturing facility, Microsoft and Google are looking at data centres," he said, without detailing whether the $5 billion was expected to be a combined investment or made individually by each company. Tesla, Google and Microsoft did not respond immediately to requests for comment. Srettha spoke with Tesla CEO Elon Musk last week about the electric vehicle sector.

Persons: Srettha Thavisin, Athit, Tesla, Srettha, Elon Musk, Asia's, Chayut Setboonsarng, Jamie Freed Organizations: Thailand's, REUTERS, Rights, Tesla, Google, Microsoft, General Assembly, EV, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, New York

☆ Thailand's opposition Move Forward Party names new leader
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BANGKOK, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Thailand's opposition Move Forward named a new leader on Saturday after Pita Limjaroenrat, who led the party to a stunning election victory in May, was thwarted in his efforts to become premier. The progressive party will lead the opposition after conservative lawmakers and an unelected senate blocked its attempts to form a government. Pita stepped down as party leader earlier this month amid a host of legal and legislative challenges that many see as part of a pattern by the pro-military and royalist establishment to diminish a new generation of leaders. Pita would continue on as advisor to the party and manage activities outside parliament, Chaitawat said. "This could easily wipe out members of the opposition, who give commentary calling for reforms," he added.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Chaithawat, Pita, Chaitawat, Pannika, penalises, Phasuk, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panu, Kanupriya Kapoor, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: Human Rights Watch, Reuters, Thomson Locations: BANGKOK, Thailand

☆ Thailand's Opposition Move Forward Party Names New Leader
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( Sept. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's opposition Move Forward named a new leader on Saturday after Pita Limjaroenrat, who led the party to a stunning election victory in May, was thwarted in his efforts to become premier. The progressive party will lead the opposition after conservative lawmakers and an unelected senate blocked its attempts to form a government. Pita stepped down as party leader earlier this month amid a host of legal and legislative challenges that many see as part of a pattern by the pro-military and royalist establishment to diminish a new generation of leaders. Pita would continue on as advisor to the party and manage activities outside parliament, Chaitawat said. "This could easily wipe out members of the opposition, who give commentary calling for reforms," he added.

☆ Thailand's new prime minister courts US companies for investment
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin speaks during a press conference after a weekly cabinet meeting at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, September 13, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Sept 22 (Reuters) - Thailand's new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met with U.S. companies including Microsoft (MSFT.O), Google (GOOGL.O), and Estee Lauder (EL.N) in his first trip abroad since coming to power last month, looking to draw investment to boost a flagging economy. The prime minister also held talks with banks. "To service foreign investments, we will need financial institutions ... Goldman Sachs (GS.N) said they will consider setting up an office in Thailand," Srettha said. In the first six months of 2023, investment pledges to Thailand rose 70%, driven by Chinese auto investors.

Persons: Srettha Thavisin, Athit, Estee Lauder, Srettha, I've, Tesla, Elon Musk, Goldman Sachs, Chayut Setboonsarng, Lincoln Organizations: Thailand's, REUTERS, Rights, U.S, Microsoft, Google, General Assembly, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, New York

☆ Thailand's new PM meets Tesla chief Musk in New York
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Elon Musk, Chief Executive Officer of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of Twitter, gestures as he attends the Viva Technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre in Paris, France, June 16, 2023. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Sept 21 (Reuters) - Thailand's new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Thursday he met with Tesla (TSLA.O) chief Elon Musk in New York, where they discussed the electric vehicle industry. Srettha, who is in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, said he spoke with Musk about EV manufacturer Tesla and his rocket and satellite company SpaceX, including its internet venture Starlink. Around half of all regional EV sales are from Thailand, followed by Vietnam and Indonesia, with Chinese carmakers like BYD leading by a wide margin. Tesla, also popular in Thailand, launched models in the growing market last year.

Persons: Elon Musk, Porte, Gonzalo Fuentes, Srettha Thavisin, Tesla, Asia's, Srettha, Chayut Setboonsarng, Jane Merriman, Richard Chang Organizations: SpaceX, Tesla, Viva Technology, Porte de, REUTERS, Rights, EV, United Nations General Assembly, Twitter, Toyota, Honda, Thomson Locations: Paris, France, Rights BANGKOK, New York, Thailand, Southeast Asia, Japanese, Vietnam, Indonesia, Asia

☆ Thailand's New Prime Minister Courts US Companies for Investment
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( Sept. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met with U.S. companies including Microsoft, Google, and Estee Lauder in his first trip abroad since coming to power last month, looking to draw investment to boost a flagging economy. That is a challenge for Srettha, who is aiming to grow Southeast Asia's second-largest economy by 5% each year. The prime minister also held talks with banks. "To service foreign investments, we will need financial institutions ... Goldman Sachs said they will consider setting up an office in Thailand," Srettha said. In the first six months of 2023, investment pledges to Thailand rose 70%, driven by Chinese auto investors.

Persons: Srettha Thavisin, Estee Lauder, Srettha, I've, Elon Musk, Goldman Sachs, Chayut Setboonsarng, Lincoln Organizations: U.S, Microsoft, Google, General Assembly, Tesla Locations: BANGKOK, Thailand, New York

☆ Thai lawmakers plan fresh push to tighten use of cannabis
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Cannabis buds are seen inside an indoor farm at the Amber Farm, in Bangkok, Thailand, January 30, 2023. "Cannabis will be - double underline - for medical purposes and research," said Saritpong Kiewkong of the Bhumjaithai party, which spearheaded the decriminalisation and is now the second largest component of Thailand's 11-party coalition government. "There is no policy for recreational use," the lawmaker told reporters in parliament, adding that such measures were not yet being considered. It covers permits for growing plants, sales and distribution, and tighter measures against sales in temples, schools and amusement parks. Last week, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said he supported only medical, and not recreational, use of cannabis.

Persons: Athit, Srettha Thavisin, Chayut Setboonsarng, Clarence Fernandez Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, Southeast Asia, Phuket, misbehaviour

☆ Thailand Launches Probe Into Chinese Rolled Steel Imports
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( Sept. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: 1 min

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand has launched an investigation into imports of Chinese rolled steel for evading anti-dumping measures, the commerce ministry said in a statement. The probe includes hot-rolled steel sheets in coils and non-coils from 17 manufacturers in China, according to the statement published on Sept 15. "There is sufficient evidence that there is avoidance of anti-dumping duties and so an investigation is warranted," the statement said. The announcement comes after four Thai steel makers lodged a complaint with Thailand's Foreign Trade Department. (Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng and Panarat Thepgumpanat; Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor)

Persons: Chayut Setboonsarng, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: Thailand's Foreign Trade Department Locations: BANGKOK, Thailand, China

☆ Former Thai PM Thaksin eligible for parole in February - official
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( Panarat Thepgumpanat | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to be arrested upon his return as he ends almost two decades of self-imposed exile, waves at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand August 22, 2023. While abroad, Thaksin was found guilty in absentia in three cases involving abuse of power, conflict of interest and malfeasance. There was speculation that Thaksin reached some deal with his old foes, after the pro-military parties gave the Pheu Thai candidate Srettha their backing to form a new government. On his first night in Thailand, Thaksin was transferred to a police hospital with chest pains and high blood pressure where is currently being treated. "After serving six months of his sentence, Thaksin will be eligible for parole for prisoners older than 70 or those who are ill," Corrections Department Deputy Director General Sitthi Sutivong, told Reuters.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Athit, Thaksin, Thailand's, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Sitthi Sutivong, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Chayut Setboonsarng, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: Thai, REUTERS, Rights, Corrections, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Don Mueang, Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, Thai

☆ Thailand to roll out more populist policies this year - PM
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Electric poles with electrical and telephone cables are seen in Bangkok, Thailand, August 9, 2017. "In addition to lowering cost of living is increasing wages," he said, adding that an announcement could be expected in November. Srettha, a real estate mogul and political newcomer, has come under fire in parliament for policies the opposition say lack clear direction. But the PM has said the policies would be fiscally responsible. He also plans to meet top business executives during his U.S. trip to draw more investment to Thailand.

Persons: Athit, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Thai, Southeast, United Nations General Assembly, U.S, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, El, Africa, New York, China, United States

☆ Thai PM: Will Gradually Reduce Electricity Prices
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-17 | by ( Sept. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Monday his government will gradually reduce electricity prices amid efforts to lower living costs in Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy. "We've already reduced electricity prices but want to reduce more but it will take several weeks," the premier said, adding the country's economic situation is "not so good". He was speaking at a forum hosted by Thai media outlet, Thairath. Srettha, a real estate mogul and political newcomer, has come under fire in parliament for policies the opposition say are vague and lack clear direction. But the PM has said the policies would be fiscally responsible and a signature 560 billion baht digital wallet handout policy would not rely on loans.

Persons: Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: Thai Locations: BANGKOK, Southeast Asia's

☆ Thai PM: 'I don't agree with recreational use' of cannabis
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/4] Tourists shop cannabis at a cannabis store, at Khaosan Road, one of the favourite tourist spots in Bangkok, Thailand, January 6, 2023. "Cannabis policy will be medical cannabis. On recreational use, I do not agree with that," he said in an interview with Thai news website, The Standard. Srettha's Pheu Thai party leads an 11-party coalition government, which came into power in August. "Drug abuse is a big problem for the country that's been under-addressed ... cannabis has to be used medically," Srettha said.

Persons: Athit, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, Chayut Setboonsarng, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Thai, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, Southeast Asia's, New York

☆ Thailand's Pita quits as leader of election-winning party after failed PM bid
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat reacts during a rally to thank voters ahead of the vote for a new prime minister on July 13, in Bangkok, Thailand, July 9, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Sept 15 (Reuters) - Thailand's Pita Limjaroenrat resigned on Friday as leader of the progressive Move Forward party, months after delivering a stunning electoral victory on an anti-establishment reform agenda that threatened to upend the political status quo. "I want to allow other lawmakers to take on this role of opposition leader," Pita said on Facebook. "But in any position, I will work with Move Forward and the people to the fullest of my abilities." The charismatic Pita had led pre-election opinion polls as Thailand's top choice for prime minister but faced a host of legal and legislative challenges that he maintains were orchestrated to keep him from power.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Athit, Pita, Chayut Setboonsarng, Martin Petty Organizations: Forward, REUTERS, Rights, Harvard, Facebook, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK

☆ Thailand's new PM draws flak in parliament for 'aimless' economic agenda
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin delivers the policy statements of the Council of Ministers to the parliament, in Bangkok, Thailand, September 11, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Sept 11 (Reuters) - Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin came under fire in parliament on Monday over a new government policy agenda that opposition lawmakers called vague and short of some of his party's boldest election pledges. Srettha confirmed his agenda before parliament on Monday which included digital cash handouts, lowering energy prices and relaxing visa rules to boost tourism. The new administration adopts an economy that is expected to grow 2.8% this year, below a previous forecast of 3.6%. ($1 = 35.4500 baht)Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat Thepgumpanat and Panu Wongcha-um; Editing by Martin PettyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Srettha Thavisin, Athit, Srettha, Pheu, Sirikanya Tansakul, Party's Jurin Laksanawisit, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat, Panu, Martin Petty Organizations: Thailand's, Ministers, REUTERS, Rights, Thai, Pheu Thai Party, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, Real

REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Sept 2 (Reuters) - Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn endorsed a new cabinet, including real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin as the country’s new prime minister and finance minister, according to a Royal gazette published on Saturday, months after the May elections. Srettha's Pheu Thai party, backed by the billionaire Shinawatra family, will oversee defence, transport, commerce, health and the foreign ministry portfolios. The second-place Pheu Thai broke off an alliance with Move Forward and brought on rival parties aligned with army generals that ousted Shinawatra-linked parties in 2006 and 2014 coups. Thaksin and the Pheu Thai party say that is not the case. The new cabinet has Pheu Thai controlling ministries overseeing the economy ministries, which will be crucial in implementing its policies, including a 10,000 baht ($285.63)handout in the form of digital currency.

Persons: Pheu, Thailand's, Athit, Maha Vajiralongkorn, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha's, Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Bhumjaithai, Srettha, Chayut Setboonsarng, Miral Fahmy, Gerry Doyle Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Pheu, Conservative, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK

Reviving Thailand's economy will be one of the biggest tasks for political newcomer Srettha, who became prime minister last month following prolonged uncertainty after a May election. On the day of the vote, Pheu Thai figurehead Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand in a dramatic homecoming after living abroad for 15 years in self-exile to avoid an 8-year prison sentence. Srettha's rapid ascent to power, Thaksin's smooth return and a coalition between Pheu Thai and former rivals fuelled speculation about an agreement between Thaksin and his foes among the country's powerful conservative and royalist army. Thaksin and the Pheu Thai party say that is not the case. The Pheu Thai will control key economic ministries, which will be crucial in implementing its policies, including a 10,000 baht ($285.63)handout in the form of digital currency.

Persons: Pheu, Thailand's, Athit, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Bhumjaithai, Chayut Setboonsarng, Miral Fahmy, Gerry Doyle Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Pheu, Conservative, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to be arrested upon his return as he ends almost two decades of self-imposed exile, waves at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand August 22, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Thailand's king has commuted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's eight-year prison sentence to one year, the royal gazette said on Friday, a day after the billionaire submitted a request for pardon. His return overshadowed a vote in parliament that installed political ally Srettha Thavisin of the Shinawatra-backed Pheu Thai party, as prime minister. "Thais should accept and not criticise this outcome because it could be considered a violation of royal power," he said. Thailand's strict royal insult law shields the monarchy from criticism, carrying a prison sentence of up to 15 years.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Athit, Thaksin Shinawatra's, Thaksin, Srettha Thavisin, Thaksin's, Winyat Chatmontri, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Thais, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat, Panu, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: Thai, REUTERS, Rights, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Don Mueang, Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to be arrested upon his return as he ends almost two decades of self-imposed exile, waves at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand August 22, 2023. Thaksin, Thailand's most famous politician, made a dramatic homecoming last week after 15 years abroad where he lived in self-exile to avoid prison. A representative of the 74-year-old Thaksin declined to comment when asked by Reuters about his pardon request. A request for royal pardon must be submitted through the corrections department to the justice minister. If a royal pardon is not granted, Thaksin will have to wait two years to submit another request.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Athit, Wissanu Krea, ngam, Thaksin, Thailand's, Srettha, Prayuth Cha, Wissanu, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat, Panu, Martin Petty, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: Thai, REUTERS, Rights, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Don Mueang, Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to be arrested upon his return as he ends almost two decades of self-imposed exile, gestures while flanked by his son Panthongtae Shinawatra and daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand August 22, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Aug 29 (Reuters) - The daughter of Thailand's jailed former premier Thaksin Shinawatra on Tuesday said any move to seek a royal pardon for her father would be entirely "up to him" and such a process would take time. "Drafting (a pardon request) takes time and it is up to him to choose the time and process," Paetongtarn told reporters. The long-awaited return of Thaksin coincided with ally Srettha Thavisin being elected prime minister in a parliamentary vote that same day. An anti-Thaksin group has lodged a complaint at the corrections department seeking to block Thaksin from seeking a royal pardon, arguing corruption cases should not be entitled to clemency.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Panthongtae Shinawatra, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Athit, Thailand's, Thaksin, Paetongtarn, poof, Srettha Thavisin, Pheu Thai, Chayut Setboonsarng, Martin Petty Organizations: Thai, REUTERS, Rights, Pheu Thai Party, Pheu, Thaksin, Thomson Locations: Don Mueang, Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK

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

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

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

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