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.
16.00h
22.00h
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.
Thai protest makes unprecedented call for reform of monarchy
Thousands of protesters joined a student-led pro-democracy rally on the outskirts of Bangkok Monday evening, calling for the government to resign. They are also calling for reforms to Thailand's monarchy, which is a highly sensitive topic in the country. The rally is the latest in a series of anti-government protests that have been held mostly on university campuses in recent weeks.
Thailand unveils new Cabinet line-up
Thailand has unveiled its new ministry, after a Cabinet shake-up in July. Mr Predee Daochai, formerly co-president of Kasikornbank and chairman of the Thai Bankers' Association is now finance minister. Meanwhile, the foreign and energy ministers will double as deputy prime ministers. These men are expected to help the government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha in stimulating a Thai economy that has been very much affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.