Published Work | Thailand
Al Jazeera
Fears of discrimination in Thailand despite looming same sex marriage bill
The bill is likely to become law soon, but activists and those from LGBTQ community say more work needs to be done.
As Thailand’s Thaksin goes free, questions about his political future loom | Politics News | Al Jazeera
We use cookies and other tracking technologies to deliver and personalize content and ads, enable features, measure site performance, and enable social media sharing. You can choose to customize your preferences.Learn more about our Cookie Policy.
Thailand sees Chinese tourism soar as visa requirement dropped
Less bureaucracy and more flights are luring Chinese visitors back to Thailand in a boost to the tourism industry.
VICE Asia
Same-Sex Marriage Buzz: Thailand Experiences Rise in Wedding Reservations
Thailand’s 2023 announcement to legalize same-sex marriage spells hope as anticipation builds, inquiries for LGBTQ weddings surge in the Kingdom
The Diplomat
Thailand’s New Government Rebalances Its Relationship With China
While relations between Bangkok and Beijing remain warm, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is pursuing a more diversified foreign policy.
Daily Express
Why so many passengers on Singapore Airlines horror flight had no seatbelts on
More than 40 people are still being treated in hospital following severe turbulence on the Singapore Airlines flight which resulted in one fatality.
Reasons To Be Cheerful
Adopting the Aquaculture of the Future in Thailand
A sustainable, integrated approach to fish farming has caught on in China and elsewhere. Thailand could be next.
DW Asia
Thailand hands out money in ‘digital wallet’ stimulus plan – DW – 10/05/2024
A plan to bolster economic growth by stimulating domestic consumer spending is set to cost the government billions, and there is no guarantee it will pay off.
Thailand visa scheme opens door to digital nomads – DW – 08/21/2024
Thailand has introduced a new visa program to attract digital nomads and remote workers. The scheme offers extended stay options, boosting the country’s economy.
Thailand: Has Thaksin’s influence been curtailed? – DW – 06/19/2024
Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra has been indicted under Thailand’s royal defamation laws. Is the kingdom’s conservative establishment finally reining in the veteran leader?
Former Thai PM Thaksin accused of defaming monarchy – DW – 06/01/2024
Thaksin Shinawatra will go on trial for allegedly insulting Thailand’s royal family. Is this a ploy to thwart his political ambitions?
Thailand: Activist’s death intensifies calls for reform – DW – 05/21/2024
Last week’s death in custody of pro-democracy activist Netiporn “Bung” Sanesangkhom has raised concerns about freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in Thailand.
Thailand: Move Forward party faces dissolution threat – DW – 02/06/2024
Move Forward is the biggest party in Thailand’s parliament. But its reformist agenda has pitted it against the country’s royalist conservative elite.
US-China rivalry: Where does Thailand stand? – DW – 01/30/2024
The recent high-level talks between the United States and China in Bangkok could be seen as a major diplomatic win for Thailand’s government and its measured foreign policy.
Is Thailand’s ‘Clean Air Act’ enough to end pollution? – DW – 01/18/2024
Environmental groups have for years been pushing for new laws to combat Thailand’s growing air pollution problem. The kingdom’s Cabinet has finally endorsed a bill aimed at improving air quality.
Thailand closer to legalizing same-sex marriage – DW – 01/05/2024
After Thai lawmakers recently approved draft bills on marriage equality, Thailand’s LGBTQ community is hopeful a new law could be passed this year.
Why are fewer Chinese tourists visiting Thailand? – DW – 12/05/2023
Thailand’s tourism bureau estimates nearly 1.5 million fewer visitors from China in 2023 than had originally been expected at the beginning of the year. Changing travel trends and economic problems in China are to blame.
Thailand-Russia relations remain strong, but at what cost? – DW – 10/21/2023
Thai PM Srettha Thavisin met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing this past week. The motives behind the warm encounter appear to be economical. But at what cost to Thailand’s reputation?
Thailand: How will Bangkok shooting change gun laws? – DW – 10/10/2023
Thailand is planning to tighten its firearm laws after two people were killed during a mass shooting in a Bangkok shopping mall last week.
Thailand: Cannabis community hopes business can continue – DW – 10/03/2023
Thailand’s new prime minister has indicated the government will more strictly regulate cannabis sales, and the country’s dispensaries are concerned about the future.
Thailand: What next for reformist Pita after failed PM bid? – DW – 09/20/2023
Despite winning the general election, reformist politician Pita Limjaroenrat quit as the Move Forward Party leader last week after being blocked by parliament from becoming Thailand’s next prime minister.
Thailand: Progressive voters disillusioned about the future – DW – 08/29/2023
After Thailand’s progressive election winner was blocked from forming a government, voters in Bangkok told DW what they expect for the country’s political future.
Thaksin Shinawatra returns to Thailand — why now? – DW – 08/22/2023
Thaksin Shinawatra, an ethnic Chinese billionaire, has been a dominant — and divisive — figure in Thai politics for over two decades.
Thaksin Shinawatra set to return to Thailand — what’s next? – DW – 08/01/2023
Thailand’s former prime minister is coming home after 15 years of self-imposed exile. Can he help break the stalemate between progressive parties and junta allies? Or will he make the political crisis worse?
Thailand cannabis industry braces for legalization reversal – DW – 06/20/2023
Thailand’s prospective new government has proposed stricter regulations targeting the country’s budding recreational cannabis industry. However, most Thai pot proprietors say cannabis is here to stay.
Will Thailand’s upcoming elections see a political shift? – DW – 03/21/2023
Thailand’s Parliament has been dissolved, opening the door for new elections. The current prime minister, who led a military coup in 2014, has faded in popularity with voters.
Thai election: Big win for opposition, but uncertainty looms – DW – 05/15/2023
Thailand’s opposition parties have secured a victory in the general election, according to preliminary results. Analysts say it shows the country is ready to move on from military-backed leaders.
Thailand: Anti-junta parties seek to rule but hurdles remain – DW – 05/24/2023
Opposition parties have scored a massive victory in the recent election in Thailand, but even that may not be enough for a new government.
Thailand: New Year festival indicates post-COVID normalcy – DW – 04/17/2023
The Songkran Festival has come as “a national relief” as Thailand celebrates a return to normality after three years of COVID-19. Revelers enjoyed water fights and other festivities throughout the country.
Voice of America (VOA)
2024
More than 20 killed in fiery school bus crash in Thailand
The death toll included 22 students and three teachers, the government says
Thailand’s latest reform party voices optimism, but questions remain
Thailand’s People’s Party is determined to continue to fight for human rights and democracy despite already facing obstacles
Deadly Thai floods intensified by climate change, La Niña displace 150,000 families
The floods were exacerbated by Typhoon Yagi, which rampaged through Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries in mid-September
Floods in northern Thailand seen as test for new prime minister
Experts say China is partly responsible for flooding that has killed at least 22 people and damaged upwards of 30,000 homes
Political change prompts concerns about Thailand’s economy
Analysts say Thailand’s struggling economy needs a clear strategy moving forward under the young new prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Thailand elects Paetongtarn Shinawatra as youngest prime minister
New prime minister describes herself as socially liberal and has supported LGBTQ+ rights and Thailand’s recently passed marriage equality law
Thai ruling coalition to nominate Paetongtarn Shinawatra for PM
Thai parliament to vote for new leader on Friday
Southeast Asia aims to attract remote workers with new visa scheme
Earlier this month, Thailand launched its version of a digital nomad visa
Thailand takes next steps to join BRICS
In recent years the BRICS alliance has been seen as anti-Western, with China and Russian keen for the world’s economy to be less reliant on the US dollar
Thailand’s China submarine deal for relations, not defense, say experts
Thailand’s Navy finalizes deal with its Chinese counterparts for S26T Yuan-class submarine
Thailand moves toward ratifying UN convention against enforced disappearances
Southeast Asian country with a poor human rights record is seeking a seat on the UN Human Rights Council
Most countries in Asia see decline in press freedom
The Asia-Pacific region is the world’s second-most difficult to report in, according to Reporters Without Border’s index for 2024
Thailand closely watches battle for Myanmar border town
Thailand shares a 2,400-kilometer border with Myanmar, and it could face a border spillover if the conflict escalates
Thailand’s extended Songkran festival sees millions celebrate
Thai officials and business owners welcome festivities that increase country’s soft power and boost its economy
Multiple Factors Behind Thailand’s Birth Rate Decline, Experts Say
The Southeast Asian country would face a population crisis should its low birth rate continue
Thaksin’s Presence Shows Political Influence, Say Analysts
Former prime minister’s return to Thailand after 16 years of self-imposed exile only complicate questions about his political role.
Thailand Braces for Refugee Influx After Myanmar Junta Announces Conscription Law
The Thai government pledged more assistance to Myanmar in recent weeks amid the escalating conflict
Russian Rock Band in Thailand Deported to Israel
All members of the Russian-Belarus rock band Bi-2 have been allowed to fly to Israel from Thailand following concerns they would be deported to Russia over the groups anti-war stance
Thailand’s Year of Contrasts as 2024 Beckons
A new Thai government has ended nearly a decade of military-rule, but the voice of Thai people remains limited to who they want in power.
2023
Is Thailand Changing its Role on Myanmar?
As fighting between rebel groups and military junta intensifies in Myanmar, experts say Thailand is putting more emphasis on playing humanitarian role
Is a Chinese Blockbuster Discouraging Travel to Thailand?
‘No More Bets’ depicts scams targeting Chinese tourists in Southeast Asia
Digital Rights in Thailand in ‘Free Fall’ Analysts Say
Content takedown requests, ‘vague’ laws and disinformation campaigns are damaging digital rights in Thailand, researchers say
Thai Broadcaster Removes Taiwan Interview, Alarming Media Analysts
Thai officials call for public broadcaster to use more caution after interview with Taiwanese official is pulled
Thailand Extends Visa-Free Visits for Russian Tourists
Russian tourists can now stay in Thailand up to 90 days visa free
Israelis in Thailand Determined to Get Home
As the world watches the war in Gaza unfold, many Israelis in Thailand say they are desperate to get home to assist their country in its battle against Hamas. Israeli nationals are cutting short their Southeast Asia trips so they can aid their country’s war effort.
Thailand is a popular place…
Thailand Pledges to Repatriate Its Nationals From Israel
Forty-one Thai workers returned home on Thursday
Thai Minor Arrested After Shopping Mall Shooting Kills 2
Police said a suspect was apprehended at the Siam Paragon Mall, one of the Thai capital’s biggest and most upscale shopping destinations
Thai PM’s Call to Regulate Weed Worries Some Cannabis Advocates
A little more than a year after Thailand’s de-facto legalization of cannabis, Thailand looking to regulate leisure use
Thailand Removes Visas for Chinese Visitors to Boost Tourism
Starting Monday, Chinese tourists will not need a visa to enter Thailand for tourism
Thailand’s Droughts Could Damage Economy, Increase Poverty, Experts Say
Thailand has seen a year of record-breaking hot weather, which is affecting its agricultural and export economies
Threat of Thai Party Leader’s Disqualification Triggers Protest Fears
Electoral Commission considers suspension for political front-runner
Coalition Efforts to Lead Thai Government ‘In Limbo,’ Experts Say
Military and royalist influence runs deep in Thailand, making it uncertain as to whether the election winners will get the opportunity to lead the country’s next government
Thailand Opposition Signs Coalition Agreement, Pledges to Restore Democracy
General election winners sign a 23-point MOU with its allies in a bid to lead next Thai government
Thai Opposition Coalition Takes Shape
Seven other political parties agree to support MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s push to be Thailand’s premier
Thailand Election Process ‘Improved,’ Monitoring Group Says
Millions of Thais voted in the Sunday general election to choose which political party and prime minister they want to lead the next government
Thai Opposition Parties Score Big Election Victories
Sunday’s general election is seen as chance for change nine years after incumbent Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha first came to power in a 2014 coup
Two Thai Opposition Parties Score Big Election Victories
Sunday’s general election has been seen as chance for change nine years after incumbent Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha first came to power in a 2014 coup
Thailand’s Extreme Heat Predicted to Continue Into Summer
Scorching temperatures, sometimes topping 50 degrees Celsius, force local authorities to warn people not to go outside over weekends
Thousands of Russians Flee to Thailand to Escape War
Russian investment has seen property prices skyrocket in popular Thai islands
Thailand’s Air Quality Could Cloud Songkran Festival
With Thai national holiday on horizon, experts say cloudy conditions could hamper tourism
Thailand-Myanmar Ties Mean Myanmar Anti-Coup Activists Risk Arrest
Three members of a Myanmar anti-military group were recently detained by Thai authorities and handed over to Myanmar’s junta
https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/anti-government-protests-grow-again-thailand
Anti-Government Protests Grow Again in Thailand
For the second time in as many days, anti-government protesters took to the streets of Bangkok demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-O-Cha. Saturday’s demonstrations came two days after protesters gathered by the thousands outside parliament and Cabinet offices to mark 89th anniv…
https://www.voanews.com/east-asia-pacific/anti-government-protests-persist-thailand-despite-record-covid-19-cases
Anti-Government Protests Persist in Thailand Despite Record COVID-19 Cases
Anti-government protesters were met with a large police presence in Bangkok this the weekend even as Thailand struggles with surging COVID-19 cases. Hundreds of activists took to the streets in the capital calling for political reforms.
https://www.voanews.com/a/thai-journalists-on-challenges-of-covering-protest-movement/6259955.html
Thai Journalists on Challenges of Covering Protest Movement
Strict media laws, police harassment make reporting on calls for reform in Thailand harder, local media says
https://www.voanews.com/a/thailand-reopens-borders-for-tourists-caution-still-remains/6298173.html
Thailand Reopens Borders for Tourists, Caution Still Remains
Visitors from more than 60 countries deemed “low risk” are now able to visit the Southeast Asian nation, with quarantine essentially scrapped
https://www.voanews.com/a/no-absolute-monarchy-thousands-of-thais-march-for-royal-reforms-/6312708.html
Thai Protesters Rally for Reforms of Monarchy After Court Rules Against Activists
Angry demonstrators protest after Thailand’s Constitutional Court rules three activists had attempted to overthrow the monarchy last year
https://www.voanews.com/a/thailand-facing-crackdown-on-freedoms/6400615.html
Thailand Facing Crackdown on Freedoms
People in Thailand have faced increased repression of their rights and incidents of torture in recent years, human rights groups and activists say
https://www.voanews.com/a/laws-police-visits-create-climate-of-fear-for-thai-media/6412301.html
Laws, Police Visits Create ‘Climate of Fear’ for Thai Media
Journalists covering anti-government protests say police have visited their homes, questioned them about their work
https://www.voanews.com/a/thailand-at-crossroads-as-covid-19-surges-amid-tourism-economy-rebound/6458728.html
Thailand at ‘Crossroads’ as COVID-19 Surges Amid Tourism, Economy Rebound
Thailand’s tourism drive has kick-started once again, but the spread of omicron could bring further restrictions
https://www.voanews.com/a/6462110.html
Ukraine Anti-Invasion Protests Continue in Bangkok
Second Day of Protests in Thailand Against Russian Invasion
https://www.voanews.com/a/russian-tourists-stranded-in-thailand-without-access-to-funds-/6486834.html
Russian Tourists Stranded in Thailand Without Access to Funds
Some families are sleeping on beaches and in churches on Thailand’s popular southern islands
https://www.voanews.com/a/thailand-aiming-for-endemic-status-as-more-travel-restrictions-lifted/6496583.html
Thailand Aiming for Endemic Status as More Travel Restrictions Lifted
New coronavirus infections remain high in Thailand as experts warn that evolving variants could slow country’s efforts to recover from pandemic
https://www.voanews.com/a/hundreds-in-bangkok-protest-court-ruling-allowing-thai-pm-to-stay-in-office/6771681.html
Hundreds in Bangkok Protest Court Ruling Allowing Thai PM to Stay in Office
Activist group Thalufah stages rally beside Bangkok’s Victory Monument, a regular demonstration venue in recent years that has seen protesters and police clash violently
https://www.voanews.com/a/gunman-in-thailand-kills-at-least-30-at-childcare-center/6778264.html
Mass Shooting in Northern Thailand Leaves Dozens Dead, Including Children
Ex-Thai police officer kills at least 38 before turning gun on himself, his family
https://www.voanews.com/a/in-thailand-new-media-balance-journalism-with-activism-/6780513.html
In Thailand, New Media Balance Journalism With Activism
Citizen journalists find new platforms to allow opposition voices a space
https://www.voanews.com/a/cnn-crew-leaves-thailand-following-controversy-over-coverage-of-day-care-center-attack/6783698.html
CNN Crew Leaves Thailand Following Controversy Over Coverage of Day Care Center Attack
Authorities cleared the two journalists of misconduct following outrage over their coverage of the aftermath of a massacre in Nong Bua Lam Phu province
https://www.voanews.com/a/thai-student-publisher-rejects-china-businessman-s-request-to-shut-down-/6810136.html
Thai Student Publisher Rejects China Businessman’s Request to Shut Down
Managers of a Bangkok publishing house known for its releases critical of China say they were twice approached by representatives of a Chinese businessman offering them large sums of money to shut down their business.
The representatives, who identified themselves as employees of a private...
https://www.voanews.com/a/thailand-open-for-business-as-tourism-sector-continues-rebound/6829164.html
Thailand Open for Business as Tourism Sector Continues Rebound
Government says it is highly likely that Thailand will meet its target of 10 million visitors by the end of the year
Thailand Reverses New COVID Vaccine Rules for Visitors
Thailand scraps recently announced rules for all international arrivals as Chinese tourists return
Thailand Welcomes Tourism, Economic Progress, Looks Ahead to 2023 Elections
Experts say elections could promote further economic growth, create stability for kingdom
Nikkei Asia
https://asia.nikkei.com/Editor-s-Picks/Tea-Leaves/In-the-wake-of-COVID-19-reporting-on-Asia-isn-t-what-it-used-to-be
In the wake of COVID-19, reporting on Asia isn’t what it used to be
Amid rising authoritarianism in Hong Kong and elsewhere, correspondents seek next regional hub