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Thai PM warns of "foreign interference" in anti-govt protests

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-Ocha repeated his warning against "foreign interference" - without proof - in ongoing protests calling for his ouster. Anti-government protesters flooding Bangkok's streets in the last two weeks also demanded political change and the reform of the monarchy. Mr Prayut's comment came as yellow-shirted royalists responded to the student-led movement with their own rallies in recent days, opposing any challenge to the monarchy.

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CNA Correspondent: Chronicling the first five days of the Thai protests

An uprecedented wave of protests have gripped Bangkok and in other parts of Thailand, as youth-led on almost daily gatherings are calling for vast political changes including of the monarchy. Even though protests have taken place since July, October saw a new escalation on both sides. We chonicle the first five days on the ground. (Originally aired on Oct 24)

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Thai Airways restaurant aiming to keep grounded airline afloat

Grounded literally and financially by the pandemic, Thai Airways has to look for new ways to make money. One such venture is the launch of a restaurant serving its on board dishes, compelte in air plane seats and full service. (Note: This was filmed before Oct 12 and was first aired on Oct 16)

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Thai PM Prayut prepared to lift emergency decree to ease tensions

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has said he will make the first move to defuse the situation in the country. He's prepared to lift emergency measures in Bangkok if there are no violent incidents. Hundreds of protesters returned to the streets on Oct 21 to show their disapproval of the government. They marched from the Victory Monument to the Government House after taking a break yesterday.

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Protesters continue to rally in Thailand as parliament is recalled

Several protest leaders in Thailand have been released on bail, as demonstrators continue to rally in Bangkok. The protesters are demanding reform to the monarchy and the resignation of the prime minister. Parliament is to reconvene for an extraordinary session to find a way out of the political crisis.

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Police fire water canons on Thai protesters defying emergency decree

The Thai police deployed water cannon several times on Oct 16, after protesters defied a ban on gatherings for the second consecutive day. The protest organisers have declared an end to demonstrations after riot police fired liquid into the crowd to disperse protesters. Thousands had taken to the streets of Bangkok despite a warning by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

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Thai protesters defy emergency decree banning large gatherings

On Oct 15, anti-government protesters gathered in Bangkok, defying new emergency measures. Thailand woke up to an emergency decree -- which bans gatherings of five or more people -- announced by the government overnight. The new rules come a day after an escalation in protests, calling for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to step down. Protests have been going on for months, and the demonstrators have also demanded reform to the monarchy.

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Thai anti-government protesters, royalists put up rival show of force in Bangkok

Anti-government protesters and royalist supporters staged rival shows of force in Bangkok on Oct 14. Both sides traded punches and threw plastic bottles as the police tried to keep them apart. The standoff began after several hundred protesters gathered at the Democracy Monument, demanding a new constitution, the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, and the reformation of the Thai monarchy. Political tension in Thailand has been growing after three months of protests. There are fears that there might be a return of the street violence that preceded a military coup in 2014.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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