Latest Thailand government News
Myanmar's military government begins a census seen as a way to gather information about opponents
BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military government began a nationwide census Tuesday, saying it will be used to compile voter lists for a general election promised for next year, even though much of the country is engulfed in civil war. The census is widely seen as an effort to gather...
Thai court orders extradition of Vietnam activist who rights groups say will be at risk if returned
BANGKOK (AP) — A Thai court on Monday ordered the extradition of a 32-year-old Vietnamese activist detained in Bangkok, despite fears among rights groups he could be at risk if sent home. The Bangkok Criminal Court granted Vietnam's request for the extradition of Y Quynh Bdap, who...
Myanmar's opposition rejects a military appeal for talks on a political solution to armed conflict
BANGKOK (AP) — The main group coordinating opposition to military rule in Myanmar rejected on Friday a surprise offer from the ruling generals to hold talks on a political solution to the country’s nationwide armed conflict. Nay Phone Latt, a spokesperson for the opposition’s...
AP PHOTOS: As Thailand approves same-sex marriage, a couple celebrates feeling freed
BANGKOK (AP) — Kunchanok Khantiphong and Edward Jonathan Caiga were at work when Thailand's Senate voted to allow same-sex marriages on a June afternoon. At home that evening, the couple celebrated over hopeful conversations of how their lives would change. Marriage and building a...
Thailand will indict ex-security personnel over the deaths of 78 Muslim protesters in 2004
BANGKOK (AP) — Eight former state security personnel accused of responsibility for the deaths of 78 Muslim protesters who were arrested in southern Thailand in 2004 will be indicted on murder charges, the prosecutor’s office announced Wednesday. The case earned special notoriety...
Thailand's slumping economy is new leader Paetongtarn's focus in her first parliamentary speech
BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra vowed Thursday in her inaugural speech to Parliament to continue many of her predecessor’s plans to solve the country’s economic woes. Paetongtarn, the leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party and daughter of...
After the king's endorsement, Thailand has a new Cabinet but with some familiar faces
BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand on Wednesday welcomed a new Cabinet after King Maha Vajiralongkorn approved the appointment of 35 members to serve under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Paetongtarn took office on Aug. 16, after her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin was forced out of...
Military-run Myanmar to hold a census next month to prepare for election slated for 2025
BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar will hold a national census next month to compile voter lists for a general election and to analyze population and socioeconomic trends, the head of the military government said. Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing’s announcement on Sunday comes as Myanmar is...
UN rights chief raises alarm about Myanmar's Rohingya civilians trapped by fighting
BANGKOK (AP) — The U.N.’s human rights chief joined a chorus of concern Friday for members of Myanmar’s Muslim Rohingya ethnic minority after many were reported killed in recent fighting between the military government and the Arakan Army, an armed ethnic rebel group. According...
Paetongtarn Shinawatra becomes Thai prime minister after royal signoff
BANGKOK (AP) — Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of the divisive former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, became Thailand's prime minister after receiving a royal letter of endorsement Sunday, two days after she was chosen by Parliament following a court order that removed her predecessor. ...