Thailand forms fact-finding commission to look into Red Bull heir hit-and-run case
The family of the late Red Bull co-founder has issued an open letter apologising to the Thai society that one of its members has caused anger and dissatisfaction. The Thai government has launched a fact-finding commission to look into the dropped criminal charges against Red Bull heir Vorayuth Yoovidhya. He was accused of causing the death of a police officer in a deadly hit-and-run incident in 2012.
CNA Correspondent: How the Thai League prepares to restart its 2020 season
As most European football leagues will be starting their next season in September - that's when the Thai League is set to continue its suspended 2020 season interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore how Thailand's top flight is preparing for its restart and found that its biggest threat may not be the coronavirus.
Young Thais protest to demand resignation of government, new constitution
Thai activists have burned portraits of the country's leaders as they continue protests against the government, despite a ban on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A loose coalition of young Thais called the "Free Youth" said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's government is merely a continuation of the military regime since the 2014 coup, thanks to a 2019 election that was deemed rigged. Their demands include a new constitution, the resignation of the government and the dissolvement of parliament.
Thai cabinet's economic team resign, pre-empting cabinet shakeup
Thai Dep-PM Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana and 3 other ministers have resigned from the cabiet, pre-empting a major cabinet shakeup. Here's my CNA analysis shortly after their resignation.
Thai PM to reshuffle cabinet following resignations
Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has said he will finalise a much-anticipated cabinet reshuffle "no later than August". This follows the resignation of his top economic team.
Bangkok's nightlife scene grapples with 'new normal'
Daily life in Thailand has largely returned to near normal, after more than three months of lockdown. Most businesses have been allowed to reopen, including those forming Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife scene. However, that doesn't mean an end to the problems faced by business owners and musicians performing in pubs.
Special thanks to United We Stream Asia and Tropic City Bar for telling us their story.
COVID-19: Thai PM Prayut apologises after imported cases spark public health scare
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has apologised to citizens for an "unnecessary public health scare" in eastern Thailand. He also acknowledged the country is letting its guard down in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerns over a possible second wave grew after an Egyptian soldier who was part of a military delegation was found to have the coronavirus.
COVID-19: Thailand scrambles to contact trace after visiting Egyptian officer tests positive
Thailand is investigating several locations in Rayong province, after a 43-year-old Egyptian military officer tested positive for COVID-19. A group of foreigners, including the officer, reportedly left their quarantine facility and went to public places. This could end the country’s streak of 49 days without a local transmission. According to the government's COVID-19 taskforce, the man was part of a group of 31 men from the Egyptian military that spent three nights in Rayong. Since it was a military delegation, they were exempt from the mandatory 14 days of quarantine.
Thailand's Q1 household debt at 80% of GDP, highest in 4 years
Thailand's household debt-to-GDP, rose slightly to 80.1% in the first quarter. It is the highest level in four years. Central bank data shows the trend is likely to continue along this trajectory as COVID-19 reins in growth in Southeast Asia's second largest economy.
COVID-19: Schools across Thailand reopen after months of closure
Thailand has begun Phase 5 of easing coronavirus restrictions. After more than three months, places considered high-risk will reopen, including nightlife venues such as pubs, bars and karaoke clubs. Schools also reopened on Jul 1.