Thai court rules Move Forward Party's bid to amend royal insult law "unlawful"

Thailand's Constitutional Court has ordered the Move Forward Party to cease its campaign to reform the royal insult law, describing it as an "unconstitutional" act. The verdict could set a precedent for any future review of one of the world's strictest lese majeste laws. Saksith Saiyasombut explains the significance of the ruling for the opposition party.

CNA Correspondent Podcast: Thai hostage held by Hamas shares his gripping story

Thais made up the largest number of foreign nationals abducted by Hamas when the militants attacked Israel on Oct 7, 2023. Nearly two dozen Thais have since been released and returned home. Thai correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut explains to Teresa Tang why he took time to interview the hostages on this episode of the CNA Correspondent podcast.

Thailand’s Constitutional Court set to rule on Move Forward Party

Thailand’s Constitutional Court is scheduled to rule on the opposition Move Forward Party, just a week after it cleared its ex-leader Pita Limjaroenrat. This time it is about whether the party’s campaign promise to amend the country’s strict royal insult law is unconstitutional. Saksith Saiyasombut breaks down the case and the controversial law at the centre of attention.

Thai court clears former PM hopeful Pita of violating election law, reinstates him as lawmaker

Thailand's constitutional court has cleared opposition figure Pita Limjaroenrat of violating an election law and reinstated the once-prime ministerial hopeful as a lawmaker. The ruling marks a win for the Move Forward Party, which has been facing fierce resistance over its plans to radically reform the country's strict royal insult laws, military and business monopolies. However, this doesn't mean Mr Pita is off the hook yet. Next week, the constitutional court will decide in another case against him and the entire Move Forward Party.

Thai opposition figure Pita Limjaroenrat awaits court decision on his political future

Thai opposition figure Pita Limjaroenrat is awaiting a decision that could determine his future in politics. The constitutional court will hand down its ruling tomorrow over his alleged illegal possession of media company shares. The case was brought against Mr Pita by the Election Commission shortly after his opposition Move Forward Party surprisingly won the most seats and when he was in the middle of forming a government coalition.

Thai PM urges central bank to consider easing interest rates amid negative inflation

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has slammed the country's central bank, demanding it cut interest rates because inflation has turned negative. He said keeping rates elevated could cause trouble for low-income earners and businesses. This marks another disagreement between the government and the central bank on monetary policy. The Bank of Thailand has left its policy rate unchanged at 2.5% since September as a means to curb inflation.