Anti-government activists plan to hold massive rally in Bangkok on Oct 14
Thai police have arrested 10 protesters ahead of a massive anti-government rally in Bangkok on Oct 14. Crowds have already begun gathering at the city's Democracy Monument, calling for reforms. Protesters are expected to surround the prime minister's office in the afternoon. Police will deploy around 3,000 officers to maintain order.
Twitter removes accounts allegedly linking to "information operation" by Royal Thai Army
Twitter has permanently suspended some fifteen-hundred state-linked accounts that violated it policies. Of those accounts, 926 were linked to a state-sponsored information operation allegedly linked to the Royal Thai Army.
Twitter takes down 926 accounts linked to Thai army
Twitter has suspended nearly 1,000 Thailand-based accounts, which it said were linked to the Thai army and used to promote pro-government and pro-military content, and to attack opposition figures. An independent investigation by Stanford University showed most of the accounts were created between December 2019 and January 2020. The accounts were very active in February, when the opposition Future Forward Party was dissolved, and the tweets targeted them and their supporters. The tweets quickly fizzled out at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March.
Thailand names former transport minister Arkom Termpittayapaisith as new finance chief
The Thai King has confirmed Arkom Termpittayapaisith as the country's new finance minister. Mr Termpittayapaisith had previously served as transport minister under Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's military government. He is taking over the finance portfolio amid rumours of politicking within the department and the challenges posed by an economy still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Arrival of first tourists under special visa scheme delayed
The first batch of tourists returning to Thailand under a special visa scheme can't be there, just yet. That's due to paperwork issues. Under the Thailand Special Tourist Visa, travellers will be able to stay in the country for up to 9 months. The government is aiming to bring in 1,200 long-stay tourists this month.
Thai parliament begins debate on constitutional amendments
Both houses of Thailand's parliament are starting a joint-assembly today to debate motions calling for constitutional amendments. The debate comes as anti-government protests are gaining momentum in recent months. Changes to the charter written under the previous military government are a key demand by protesters.
What's next after largest Thailand's largest political protest in years?
Police are mulling charges against pro-demcoracy actvtivsts following them holding a large anti-government protest this weekend on Bangkok's Sanam Luang. But what's going to happen next?
Thai activists stage largest anti-government protest in front of Grand Palace
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Day 2 (20 September 2020)
Thammasat University bans September 19 anti-govt protest
Thammasat University has banned an anti-govt rally to be held at its campus next Saturday, unless its organizers comply with their guidelines. But activists remain defiant, saying the protest will go ahead.
Thailand protests: Students call for reforms in country's education system
Thailand is seeing unprecedented protests by high school students. Energised by recent anti-government rallies, Thai teenagers are seizing the opportunity to demand reform of an education system which they said is outdated.
Thailand reports first local #COVID19 case after 100 days
Thailand has reported its first local transmission of COVID-19 in 100 days. The country appeared to have brought the spread under control, having reported no local infections since May.
Thai finance minister Predee Daochai resigns after 26 days
Thailand's finance minister Predee Daochai has resigned after just 26 days in office. It's not exactly clear why he's quitting, but Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has accepted his resignation. Thailand's economy is set to see its biggest contraction on record due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thailand delays US$724 million deal for two Chinese submarines after public backlash
Thailand will not be taking delivery of two more Chinese submarines this year (2020), due to a public backlash against the purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic. The deal, worth US$724 million, has been pushed to 2021. Critics had doubted whether it makes sense to have submarines at all, given that Thailand does not have any external threats. The Thai Navy has repeatedly justified the purchase and the strategic need -- not only to defend Thailand’s interest on the high seas, but also simply because they want to keep up with their regional neighbours.
Thailand to delay purchase of more submarines
China has agreed to a 12-month extension request by Thailand for the purchase of two submarines worth more than $720 million. A Thai government spokesman said the prime minister has ordered the purchase of the submarines to be taken out of this year’s budget.
Facebook prepares legal action against Thai govt's order to block group critical of monarchy
Facebook is preparing legal action against the Thai government, after it was forced to block an online group critical of the country’s monarchy. The group had one million members, and Facebook said such requests are "severe", go "against international human rights" and have a "chilling" effect on free expression. Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has dismissed accusations of censorship, saying that social media companies have to comply with local laws.
Thai police arrest nine anti-government activists as student rallies press on
The Thai police have arrested more anti-government activists. At least nine people, including a human rights lawyer and a veteran activist, were taken into custody over the past 24 hours. All have since been released on bail. Protests have been going on for the past month. They are emerging as a serious challenge to Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha, who already has to deal with economic woes induced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thai Q2 GDP economy suffers worst contraction in 22 years
Thailand’s economy contracted at its sharpest pace in 22 years in the second quarter, but by less than expected, as the coronavirus outbreak battered tourism, exports and domestic activity.
Bangkok sees biggest pro-democracy rally in years
Thousands of people have gathered peacefully in Bangkok on Sunday in one of the largest anti-government demonstrations since the 2014 coup. The demonstrators - largely led by students - want the resignation of the government and changes to the constitution. Some have also previously called for reforms to the monarchy.
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Thai anti-government student protesters call for another rally on Aug 16
Bangkok could see protests over the weekend. The student movement is calling for another big rally on Aug 16. That is less than a week after thousands protested at Thammasat University. Many young people in Thailand are frustrated with the lack of reform in existing power structures.
Thai PM expresses concern over growing protest movement
Thailand's prime minister has expressed concern over a growing protest movement. Another student group has issued an unprecedented call to reform the monarchy, a highly sensitive topic in Thailand.