Thailand

Facebook said it was preparing to sue the Thai government legally after being compelled to restrict access within Thailand to a group of one million members who are debating the monarchy. The social media giant blocked access to the “Royalist Marketplace” forum late Monday, after the government threatened legal action for failing to remove content considered defamatory to the monarch. …

In the midst of the growth of the digital economy and tech-driven capitalism, PTT is moving forward to join forces with a leading Silicon Valley tech company to push Thai economy. With the goal of transforming Thailand through digital transformation, PTT Public Company Limited is announcing its partnership with the Silicon Valley based business Plug and Play Tech Center, an …

The youth-led protests started with three demands: dissolution of the House, constitutional amendment and an end to state critics’ intimidation. Later, at the Thammasat meeting on 10 August, a 10-point plan to reform the monarchy was announced, stirring even more confusion in an already fragmented Thai political arena. The Free Youth group grew into the Free Citizens party and on …

The Department of Corrections is working on proposals to turn 72 prisons nationwide into tourist attractions, Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin announced. Attractions could include activities such as cooking competitions for chefs behind bars, and shops where visitors might purchase products made by prisoners. For five jails, which are pilot sites, the justice minister said the program was also being implemented. …

A majority of people agree with the three demands raised by the Free People group, believing they are in line with democratic principles, but some believe the demonstrators should not infringe the monarchy, according to an opinion survey conducted by the University of Suan Dusit Rajabhat or Suan Dusit poll. On Aug 16-21 the poll was conducted online on 197,029 …

In the midst of battling the zero cases for COVID-19, A weather alert has been given over the weekend for 40 provinces as cloud formations indicate a forecast of rain in the northern and northeastern regions. Some provinces in the north and northeast should expect heavy rain, forecaster Ek-anong Kienthong said Friday. Provinces in the lower part of the northern …

Phuket Rajabhat University’s president insisted that a first year student ‘s death had nothing to do with a hazing ritual. She collapsed to cheerleading practice during a warm up run. Hiran Prasarnkarn said at a media briefing on Friday, in the presence of other university executives, lecturers and staff, the university had expressed its deepest condolences to Phornphiphat Eaddam ‘s …

Chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda said police officers had no choice but to uphold the law and arrest leaders of youth protests this week. Pol Gen Chakthip said police officers are required to make the arrests because the leaders of the protest broke the law. Failure to act against the members would result in police being charged with dereliction of …

After latest laboratory tests showed what a 35-year-old Thai woman who completed 14-day quarantine had was a Covid-19 antibody, health authorities have allayed fears of Covid-19 transmissions. Dr Taweeslip Visanuyothin, spokesperson for the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CSSA), a team of doctors from Ramathibodi Hospital and the Disease Control Department, announced the woman’s test results. Dr Surasak Leela-Udomlipi, Ramathibodi …

The Criminal Court has approved bail applications for nine people, including lawyer Anon Nampa and two rappers, who were arrested in the July 18 and Aug 3 rallies during the past 20 hours for their roles. They were the guarantors of three Move Forward Party MPs, two Pheu Thai Party MPs and four academics. Five more people, including two rappers, …