Today in History: June 24, Sally Ride completes historic space shuttle mission

Today in History Today is Monday, June 24, the 176th day of 2024. There are 190 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On June 24, 1983, the space shuttle Challenger — carrying America’s first woman in space, Sally K. Ride —...

Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin is in trouble again as he's indicted for royal defamation

BANGKOK (AP) — Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was indicted and arraigned Tuesday on a charge of defaming the country’s monarchy in one of several court cases that have rattled Thai politics. He was granted bail. Thaksin is the unofficial power behind the party...

As Thailand gasps through another haze season, researchers hope a fire-charting app can help

SAMOENG, Thailand (AP) — When the haze season comes, village chief Nanthawat Tiengtrongsakun and his tribesmen start preparing the land for fire. They cut shrubs and trees on their small parcels of land, then set controlled burns that will clear their fields for planting — and...

Thailand’s Senate overwhelmingly approves a landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriages

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s Senate voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to approve a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage, clearing the last legislative hurdle for the country to become the first in Southeast Asia to enact such a law. Thailand has a reputation for acceptance and...

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been indicted on a charge of defaming Thailand's monarchy

Rare twin elephants in Thailand receive monks' blessings a week after their tumultuous birth

BANGKOK (AP) — Buddhist monks in Thailand on Friday blessed twin baby elephants, one male and the other female, a week after their rare birth came close to being a tragedy. Their mother, Chamchuri, gave birth to the pair on the night of June 7 at a camp in Thailand’s ancient...

Chinese soccer fans are pouring money into a food stall run by Singapore's goalkeeper. Here's why

Chinese soccer fans have poured their love — and money — into a Singaporean goalkeeper’s food stall after his performance in a game this week indirectly helped China advance to the third qualifying round for the World Cup in 2026. Hassan Sunny, a 40-year-old goalkeeper on the...

Rights groups urge Thailand not to extradite Vietnamese activist, saying he's at risk if sent home

BANGKOK (AP) — Human rights groups urged Thailand on Thursday not to extradite a Vietnamese activist detained in Bangkok, saying he could be at risk if handed back to Vietnam. Y Quynh Bdap, who had United Nations refugee status in Thailand, was picked up by local police on Tuesday,...

Fire at Thailand's famous Chatuchak Weekend Market kills hundreds of caged animals

BANGKOK (AP) — Hundreds of caged animals died Tuesday after a fire struck Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the most famous markets in Thailand’s capital. The fire was reported early in the morning and quickly swept across more than 100 shops in the market's pet section, according...

Singapore Airlines offers compensation to passengers on flight that hit extreme turbulence

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Singapore Airlines said Tuesday it has offered compensation to passengers of a flight that hit extreme turbulence last month, in a rare case that killed one passenger and injured dozens. The Being 777 jet, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew from...