Latest Thailand government News

Head of Myanmar's military government urges ethnic rebels to join peace talks

Oct. 15, 2024 11:57 AM EDT

BANGKOK (AP) — The head of Myanmar’s military government on Tuesday invited ethnic rebels to hold peace talks to end armed conflict across the country, the second time in less than a month that the ruling generals have publicly promoted negotiations. Senior Gen. Min Aung...

New arrests revive concern that nonviolent political protesters in Myanmar may be tortured

Oct. 11, 2024 11:57 AM EDT

BANGKOK (AP) — Concern was rising on Friday that two nonviolent activists opposed to military rule in Myanmar are at high risk of torture after being arrested in raids this week in Yangon, the country’s biggest city. Paing Phyo Min, 27, a leading member of AJAY — the Anti-Junta...

Senior member of Myanmar's former ruling party dies while serving prison sentence

Oct. 07, 2024 04:21 AM EDT

BANGKOK (AP) — Zaw Myint Maung, a senior member of Myanmar’s former ruling party arrested during the 2021 military takeover, died Monday while serving a prison sentence that was considered politically motivated. He was 72. He was a close colleague of ousted leader Aung San Suu...

Myanmar's military government begins a census seen as a way to gather information about opponents

Oct. 01, 2024 22:43 PM EDT

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

Sep. 30, 2024 03:59 AM EDT

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

Sep. 27, 2024 07:58 AM EDT

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

Sep. 25, 2024 06:28 AM EDT

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

Sep. 18, 2024 11:08 AM EDT

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

Sep. 12, 2024 01:26 AM EDT

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

Sep. 04, 2024 07:15 AM EDT

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...