Thailand has a long history of coups, coups that should put the country back on the right track. After all, Thailand is a special country that, according to many coup-committing generals, is better off with a 'Thai-style' democracy. The country has so far not had the chance to develop properly democratically. What attempts at democratic development has the country experienced in the first 20 years of this century?
Thailand has a long history of coups, coups that should put the country back on the right track. After all, Thailand is a special country that, according to many coup-committing generals, is better off with a 'Thai-style' democracy. The country has so far not had the chance to develop properly democratically. What attempts at democratic development has the country experienced in the first 20 years of this century?
Again demonstrations and unrest in Bangkok
Thai parliament speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont has suspended debate on the reconciliation process 'until further notice' after PAD supporters (yellow shirts) and a group of multi-colored shirts blocked access to parliament. It has been restless in the Thai capital for three days.
News from Thailand – April 22, 2012
Since Monday's earthquake, the Seismological Bureau has measured 24 minor earthquakes in Thalang district (Phuket). The last one on Friday had a magnitude of 2 on the Richter scale.
Thaksin is coming back this year – or not?
Panlop Pinmanee, security adviser to Prime Minister Yingluck, is working on a plan to bring Thaksin back this year. If that happens, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) will take to the streets, spokesman Parnthep Pourpongpan said. A former classmate of Thaksin at the military academy considers it unlikely that the former prime minister will return this year. "Thaksin knows very well that conflicts still exist and reconciliation is a long way off."
Yellow shirts have lost their shine
The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) no longer draws the same crowds as it did a few years ago, Veera Prateepchaikul, former editor of the Bangkok Post, said in his old newspaper.
News from Thailand – March 3, 2012
Lop Buri province is Asean's Columbia, says Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung. This weekend he will visit the province that is considered a hub of the drug trade. According to Chalerm, the drug trade is decreasing thanks to extra efforts by the police. A barbed wire fence along the Sai River in Chiang Rai has made it more difficult for drug smugglers to enter Thailand, Chalerm said.
News from Thailand – February 25
King Bhumibol is concerned about deforestation and the consequences it has (had) for flooding. He calls on the government to take strict action against those responsible for this and 'greedy' officials who turn a blind eye to illegal deforestation.
News from Thailand – February 23
After a long time, the yellow shirts stir again. The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) threatens legal action and mass rallies if the government goes ahead with its plan to amend the constitution
News from Thailand – January 30
Don Mueang Airport will open on March 6. The eastern runway will be used first. Passenger terminal building 1 and other buildings are also usable again. Air Nok resumes flights from the airport; Orient Thai Lines has not yet made a decision. Restoration of the western runway that has been under water for longer will cost 135 million baht
Yellow Shirt Movement on the verge of death
The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD, yellow shirts) will probably be dissolved. The demonstration at Government House, which started two months ago, is attracting few supporters and important politicians are also staying away. According to an anonymous source, the two founding PAD leaders, Sondhi Limthongkul and Chamlong Srimuang, will announce the dissolution on April 6. PAD spokesperson Parnthep Pourpongpan, however, knows nothing about a possible cancellation. 'We will continue our political movement until the government bows to …
Fear the worst
By Khun Peter Although I am not a pessimist by nature, I have a rather vague feeling about the near future in Bangkok. I expect a strong intervention from the army soon. The question is not if, but when. I draw this conclusion from reports and the international news that I follow. More and more statements are being made that indicate that the army wants to put things in order once and for all. Given the …
News Update: Grenade Attack and Blood Actions
Day 4. 'The Red March' – Redshirts move to Bangkhen – Government rejects ultimatum Redshirts – Headquarters 'Yellowshirts' guarded – Redshirts return to Ratchadamnoen – UDD denies actions at Airport – Two soldiers wounded in missile attack – Blood as the stake of the battle . . Redshirts move to Bangkhen Early this morning the Redshirts, led by Jatuporn Promphan, moved to the 11th Infantry Regiment on Pahon Yothin in Bangkhen. Government rejects…
Bangkok prepares for Redshirts invasion
– Thaksin family out of the country – Internal Security Act in force – No police violence against demonstrators – Dissolution of parliament not an option – Yellow shirts keep aloof – Red shirts deploy boats Tension in and around Bangkok is rising. The government, army and police are preparing for a 'turbulent' weekend. We've listed the latest news for you. Thaksin family out of the country Thaksin's family, including his …
Thaksin will advise Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia
Exiled former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra becomes personal adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. This will further increase the tension between Thailand and neighboring Cambodia. Hun Sen's provocation towards Thailand Hun announced some time ago that he had offered Thaksin a job as a consultant. This happened just before the start of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit on October 23 in Cha-am. He then informed…
The uncertain (political) future of Thailand
Thailand faces an uncertain future. The Thai people are divided into two political camps and are diametrically opposed. With this, Thailand seems to be heading for a serious crisis and far-reaching escalation of the conflict. Still a lot of unrest after three years On September 19, 2006, the incumbent Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was deposed after a non-violent coup. Thaksin had to leave because, according to his opponents, he was engaged in self-enrichment, abuse of power, conflicts of interest and corruption. …