As the global tourism industry is hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asian tourism hub of Thailand has expected to see an 80% fall in tourism numbers this year. Watch report

Thai tourism arrivals to plunge: Ban on international flights lifted

No more touching in the elevators as a Thai shopping mall in Bangkok installed foot pedals for customers to step on instead of pressing the buttons, lowering the risk of having to be exposed to germs.

No more touching: Thai mall installs foot pedals in elevators

When Thai medical student Badeephak Kaosala dares to leave his rented apartment in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, he puts on a mask, gloves, a hat and layers of clothing to try to avoid infection with the coronavirus that has the city on lockdown.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indians-trapped-plead-government-with-folded-hands-for-evacuating-them-from-wuhan-276854">Indian students plead Government with folded hands to evacuate them from Wuhan</a>

"Anywhere you go, you are always self-conscious of touching someone or you always have to keep in mind that you have to keep a distance from the person you're walking next to when he sneezes when he coughs, even when he breathes," said the 23-year-old student at Wuhan's Tongji Medical College.

Lately, he has had trouble finding basic supplies such as milk and eggs in the city of 11 million since it became the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak that has killed 81 and infected 2,740 people in China.

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"There's a shortage. Everyone wants to stock up, but it is already too late," Badeephak told Reuters via Skype.

"There are no vehicles on the road except private vehicles, which I only see going to pharmacies and hospitals," he added.

<h6><img alt="wuhan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="63608b95-1d46-40f0-ae6c-046db4db17eb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_59.jpg" /> 
An empty road is seen in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on January 27, 2020, amid a deadly virus outbreak which began in the city.| AFP</h6>

Badeephak wants to go home to Thailand, he has little choice but to wait.

The Thai government has put a military plane on standby for a possible evacuation of its citizens, but Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Monday they do not yet have Beijing's permission for the airlift.

Most commercial flights out of Wuhan were halted last week to try to contain the virus.

"At the moment the Chinese authorities have said the situation is still under control, so we have prepared a plan. ... Once it's time we will seek permission to fly in," Prayuth said.

Thailand's Foreign Ministry says there are 64 Thais in Wuhan. Badeephak said the Thai Embassy told him there were 118 Thais in all of Hubei province, of which Wuhan is the capital.

The Thai government has faced criticism both at home and abroad over its handling of the illness, with many taking to social media to accuse the government of not doing enough.

Thailand has reported eight cases of coronavirus, including seven Chinese tourists from Wuhan and a Thai woman who visited there.

Prayuth said on Monday most Thais in Wuhan wanted to stay.

&nbsp; &nbsp; But Badeephak said: "I am pretty sure that more than 70-80 per cent&nbsp;(of Thais)... want to go back home because everyone of us here knows that staying here is not safe."

"How I am doing right now is not good," he said. "The town has become a ghost town."

When Thai medical student Badeephak Kaosala dares to leave his rented apartment in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, he puts on a mask, gloves, a hat and layers of clothing to try to avoid infection with the coronavirus that has the city on lockdown.

When Thai medical student Badeephak Kaosala dares to leave his rented apartment in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, he puts on a mask, gloves, a hat and layers of clothing to try to avoid infection with the coronavirus that has the city on lockdown. Also read: Indian students plead Government with folded hands to evacuate them from Wuhan "Anywhere you go, you are always self-conscious of touching someone or you always have to keep in mind that you have to keep a distance from the person you're walking next to when he sneezes when he coughs, even when he breathes," said the 23-year-old student at Wuhan's Tongji Medical College. Lately, he has had trouble finding basic supplies such as milk and eggs in the city of 11 million since it became the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak that has killed 81 and infected 2,740 people in China. × "There's a shortage. Everyone wants to stock up, but it is already too late," Badeephak told Reuters via Skype. "There are no vehicles on the road except private vehicles, which I only see going to pharmacies and hospitals," he added. An empty road is seen in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on January 27, 2020, amid a deadly virus outbreak which began in the city.| AFP Badeephak wants to go home to Thailand, he has little choice but to wait. The Thai government has put a military plane on standby for a possible evacuation of its citizens, but Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Monday they do not yet have Beijing's permission for the airlift. Most commercial flights out of Wuhan were halted last week to try to contain the virus. "At the moment the Chinese authorities have said the situation is still under control, so we have prepared a plan. ... Once it's time we will seek permission to fly in," Prayuth said. Thailand's Foreign Ministry says there are 64 Thais in Wuhan. Badeephak said the Thai Embassy told him there were 118 Thais in all of Hubei province, of which Wuhan is the capital. The Thai government has faced criticism both at home and abroad over its handling of the illness, with many taking to social media to accuse the government of not doing enough. Thailand has reported eight cases of coronavirus, including seven Chinese tourists from Wuhan and a Thai woman who visited there. Prayuth said on Monday most Thais in Wuhan wanted to stay. But Badeephak said: "I am pretty sure that more than 70-80 per cent (of Thais)... want to go back home because everyone of us here knows that staying here is not safe." "How I am doing right now is not good," he said. "The town has become a ghost town."

In virus-hit 'ghost town', stranded Thai student waits for help

In geography and in culture, the rice paddies of northeastern Thailand are thousands of miles away from the birthplace of hip hop in New York City's Bronx, but for Thai rapper RachYo, the language of hip hop is universal. 
 
A recent video features the 18-year-old artist rapping in a rice field, sitting on an old truck as he laments in Thai about jealousy over a girl. It was viewed 57 million times on YouTube. 
 
"I rap about things that really happened to me," says RachYo, based in Nakhon Ratchasima province in northeastern Thailand, whose full name is Rachayothin Pengjunta. He says he mostly sings about girls. 
 
The rising popularity of hip hop in Thailand has created stars that have drawn the attention of music industry players. 
 
Def Jam Recordings, the flagship hip hop label of Vivendi`s Universal Music Group (UMG) that is home to Rihanna, 2 Chainz and Kanye West, last year opened branches in Thailand and Singapore. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/rihanna-boyfriend-hassan-jameel-call-it-quits-after-nearly-3-years-of-dating-275044">Also read:&nbsp; Rihanna, boyfriend Hassan Jameel call it quits</a>

One of the first artists it signed was Thai rapper DaBoyWay, who has 1 million Instagram followers and is releasing a new album on Monday. It has also signed five others from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6QjHxlnv5y/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">new music from @pokmindset featuring @wwwprettyboycom @diamondt_ and yours truly ไปดูกันได้เลยครับ</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/daboyway/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> DaBoyWay</a> (@daboyway) on <time datetime="2019-12-19T15:17:11+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 19, 2019 at 7:17am PST</time>
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Def Jam plans to sign four more Thai artists this year, said Paul Sirisant, who heads UMG and the label`s operations in Bangkok.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vAgYccRP0-c" width="560"></iframe>

Thai artists stand out from others in Southeast Asia because the language innately rhymes in daily speech, lending itself to rap and hip hop, Sirisant said in an interview. It`s also spread to the country`s rural areas, he said. 
 
"Thailand has already tipped in a big way - it`s the paddy fields and hip hop," he said, adding that top-tier rappers can earn around $1.32 million.&nbsp; 
 
Broadcaster Workpoint Entertainment launched a reality TV show in 2018, the Rapper, a contest to find the next rap star. The competition was hugely popular, familiarizing the public with the genre.

&nbsp;<img alt="THAILAND RAPPER" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dfde7657-b971-4203-8e49-4436c49a504c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2820%29_5.jpg" /> 
Courtesy: Reuters

"The Rapper - the show - made hip hop a household name. It was big among teenage boys, then it became a household name," Sirisant said. 
 
A group called Rap Against Dictatorship released a song in 2018 that drew millions of views on YouTube with lyrics like "either eat the truth or bullets" calling out the military junta that ruled until last year. 
 
'Klong Toey'&nbsp;by 19Tyger and H3NRI is about life in Bangkok's Klong Toey slum. Maya Piyapan, 23, says his hip hop crew, WARPGVNG, met online and has members from across the country. 
 
The group, which will have a concert on Jan. 31, has music about getting into trouble and problems with friends after finding fame. 
 
''Labels have reached out to me to help with production and content, but not as an artist," said Maya. 
 
Record deals are the dream for many artists, but not for RachYo - whose recent video Nok (the Thai word for bird) clocked 80 million YouTube views, more than Thailand`s population of nearly 70 million.

He says he raps to express himself, but he`s not interested in signing with a label. "I like being home, in the country. I don`t really like to go anywhere," he said.

In geography and in culture, the rice paddies of northeastern Thailand are thousands of miles away from the birthplace of hip hop in New York City's Bronx, but for Thai rapper RachYo, the language of hip hop is universal.

In geography and in culture, the rice paddies of northeastern Thailand are thousands of miles away from the birthplace of hip hop in New York City's Bronx, but for Thai rapper RachYo, the language of hip hop is universal. A recent video features the 18-year-old artist rapping in a rice field, sitting on an old truck as he laments in Thai about jealousy over a girl. It was viewed 57 million times on YouTube. "I rap about things that really happened to me," says RachYo, based in Nakhon Ratchasima province in northeastern Thailand, whose full name is Rachayothin Pengjunta. He says he mostly sings about girls. The rising popularity of hip hop in Thailand has created stars that have drawn the attention of music industry players. Def Jam Recordings, the flagship hip hop label of Vivendi`s Universal Music Group (UMG) that is home to Rihanna, 2 Chainz and Kanye West, last year opened branches in Thailand and Singapore. Also read: Rihanna, boyfriend Hassan Jameel call it quits One of the first artists it signed was Thai rapper DaBoyWay, who has 1 million Instagram followers and is releasing a new album on Monday. It has also signed five others from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. View this post on Instagram new music from @pokmindset featuring @wwwprettyboycom @diamondt_ and yours truly ไปดูกันได้เลยครับ A post shared by DaBoyWay (@daboyway) on Dec 19, 2019 at 7:17am PST × Def Jam plans to sign four more Thai artists this year, said Paul Sirisant, who heads UMG and the label`s operations in Bangkok. Thai artists stand out from others in Southeast Asia because the language innately rhymes in daily speech, lending itself to rap and hip hop, Sirisant said in an interview. It`s also spread to the country`s rural areas, he said. "Thailand has already tipped in a big way - it`s the paddy fields and hip hop," he said, adding that top-tier rappers can earn around $1.32 million. Broadcaster Workpoint Entertainment launched a reality TV show in 2018, the Rapper, a contest to find the next rap star. The competition was hugely popular, familiarizing the public with the genre. Courtesy: Reuters "The Rapper - the show - made hip hop a household name. It was big among teenage boys, then it became a household name," Sirisant said. A group called Rap Against Dictatorship released a song in 2018 that drew millions of views on YouTube with lyrics like "either eat the truth or bullets" calling out the military junta that ruled until last year. 'Klong Toey' by 19Tyger and H3NRI is about life in Bangkok's Klong Toey slum. Maya Piyapan, 23, says his hip hop crew, WARPGVNG, met online and has members from across the country. The group, which will have a concert on Jan. 31, has music about getting into trouble and problems with friends after finding fame. ''Labels have reached out to me to help with production and content, but not as an artist," said Maya. Record deals are the dream for many artists, but not for RachYo - whose recent video Nok (the Thai word for bird) clocked 80 million YouTube views, more than Thailand`s population of nearly 70 million. He says he raps to express himself, but he`s not interested in signing with a label. "I like being home, in the country. I don`t really like to go anywhere," he said.

Rap and rice paddies: Thai hip hop creates unlikely new stars

Santa Claus swapped his reindeer for elephants Monday as he arrived at the Thai city of Ayutthaya to spread holiday cheer to school children. Four elephants of all ages and sizes wearing red and white costumes handed out presents and wrapped candies to excited students, many of whom were also wearing Christmas costumes.

Elephants spread Christmas cheer at Thai school

Thai opposition MPs demanded Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-parliament-votes-for-coup-leader-to-stay-on-as-prime-minister-225013">Prayut Chan-O-Cha</a> resign following weeks of the uproar over the ex-junta head's omission of a vow to uphold the constitution during his inauguration, raising questions of his legitimacy.

The mastermind of a 2014 coup, Prayut headed the junta regime for five years before a disputed March election tilted to the military formally ushered him in as a civilian premier.

But the new government has struggled to maintain a foothold as it is dogged by scandals from a cabinet member being accused of serving time in jail for drug-dealing in Australia to Thais angered by a slow response to floods in the rice bowl northeast.

Questions over his administration's legitimacy have also been raised after it was revealed Prayut and his cabinet had pledged loyalty to the king but failed to recite allegiance to the constitution when he was sworn in as civilian premiere in July.

The Constitutional Court last week had declined to deliberate on his omission.

But in parliament Wednesday, opposition lawmakers called for his resignation, saying the incomplete oath showed his "ignorance of the constitution", and questioned whether he can be trusted to uphold the rule of law.

It has "destroyed public confidence as well as his credibility", Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, secretary-general of the youth-driven Future Forward Party, said.

"Prayut's incomplete oath-taking makes the public doubt whether he will uphold and comply with the constitution," he said.

The omission could also mean that the ex-junta chief "may have thought of staging another coup", said Thai Liberal Party leader Sereepisuth Temeeyaves.

Prayut was present for part of the parliament session, held only for one day without a vote before MPs go for recess on Thursday.

Speaking briefly after listening to MPs hammer him for several hours, Prayut proclaimed "respect for all the principles in the constitution".

Coups and street protests have plagued Thailand's politics for almost two decades, with the putsch-happy army pressing the reset button on previous administrations.

But political divisions remain deep as Thais in the latest March election have shown a weariness towards a conservative arch-royalist elite, choosing instead to vote in MPs vowing to remove the military from politics. 
&nbsp;

Thai opposition MPs demanded Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha resign following weeks of the uproar over the ex-junta head's omission of a vow to uphold the constitution during his inauguration, raising questions of his legitimacy.

Thai opposition MPs demanded Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha resign following weeks of the uproar over the ex-junta head's omission of a vow to uphold the constitution during his inauguration, raising questions of his legitimacy. The mastermind of a 2014 coup, Prayut headed the junta regime for five years before a disputed March election tilted to the military formally ushered him in as a civilian premier. But the new government has struggled to maintain a foothold as it is dogged by scandals from a cabinet member being accused of serving time in jail for drug-dealing in Australia to Thais angered by a slow response to floods in the rice bowl northeast. Questions over his administration's legitimacy have also been raised after it was revealed Prayut and his cabinet had pledged loyalty to the king but failed to recite allegiance to the constitution when he was sworn in as civilian premiere in July. The Constitutional Court last week had declined to deliberate on his omission. But in parliament Wednesday, opposition lawmakers called for his resignation, saying the incomplete oath showed his "ignorance of the constitution", and questioned whether he can be trusted to uphold the rule of law. It has "destroyed public confidence as well as his credibility", Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, secretary-general of the youth-driven Future Forward Party, said. "Prayut's incomplete oath-taking makes the public doubt whether he will uphold and comply with the constitution," he said. The omission could also mean that the ex-junta chief "may have thought of staging another coup", said Thai Liberal Party leader Sereepisuth Temeeyaves. Prayut was present for part of the parliament session, held only for one day without a vote before MPs go for recess on Thursday. Speaking briefly after listening to MPs hammer him for several hours, Prayut proclaimed "respect for all the principles in the constitution". Coups and street protests have plagued Thailand's politics for almost two decades, with the putsch-happy army pressing the reset button on previous administrations. But political divisions remain deep as Thais in the latest March election have shown a weariness towards a conservative arch-royalist elite, choosing instead to vote in MPs vowing to remove the military from politics.

Thai MPs call for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to resign following oath omission

A university in Thailand on Friday launched four products from cannabis extracts, riding on the wave of the government's push to develop a medical cannabis industry.

Thailand, which has a tradition of using cannabis to relieve pain and fatigue, has legalised marijuana for medical use and research to help boost agricultural incomes.

Rangsit University, which it claims opened the country's first medicinal cannabis research institute in April, launched oral spray, oil, wafer tablets and a traditional Thai medical herb recipe with extractions from the plant.

"We'll continue on the research of the modern medicine on cannabis. Because we believe there's great potential of it. And we have now achieved four medicines already," said the school's rector Arthit Ourairat.

Besides medical research, the university has been given green light by the Ministry of Public Health to grow its own cannabis plants to develop strains.

Thailand announced on Thursday that it plans to distribute about 10,000 bottles of cannabis oil next week for hospital patients, the first official use of medical marijuana since a law legalising it came into effect this year.

Cannabis oil will be used to treat patients who suffer from nausea from chemotherapy, epilepsy, and aches and pains, the government said, adding that patients with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and in palliative care would also benefit.

A university in Thailand on Friday launched four products from cannabis extracts, riding on the wave of the government's push to develop a medical cannabis industry.

A university in Thailand on Friday launched four products from cannabis extracts, riding on the wave of the government's push to develop a medical cannabis industry. Thailand, which has a tradition of using cannabis to relieve pain and fatigue, has legalised marijuana for medical use and research to help boost agricultural incomes. Rangsit University, which it claims opened the country's first medicinal cannabis research institute in April, launched oral spray, oil, wafer tablets and a traditional Thai medical herb recipe with extractions from the plant. "We'll continue on the research of the modern medicine on cannabis. Because we believe there's great potential of it. And we have now achieved four medicines already," said the school's rector Arthit Ourairat. Besides medical research, the university has been given green light by the Ministry of Public Health to grow its own cannabis plants to develop strains. Thailand announced on Thursday that it plans to distribute about 10,000 bottles of cannabis oil next week for hospital patients, the first official use of medical marijuana since a law legalising it came into effect this year. Cannabis oil will be used to treat patients who suffer from nausea from chemotherapy, epilepsy, and aches and pains, the government said, adding that patients with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and in palliative care would also benefit.

Thai university launches four products made from cannabis extracts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-king-opens-first-parliament-since-2014-coup-221290">Thailand's new parliament </a>convened Wednesday to vote for prime minister, with junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha tipped to sweep away the challenge of a charismatic billionaire leading the anti-military bloc.

Prayut, who seized power in 2014, is all but assured of completing his transformation from junta head to civilian leader with the support of 250 hand-picked senators.

The only competition is anti-junta coalition candidate Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, who faces an uphill battle numerically and has been besieged by court cases after his Future Forward party scooped up millions of votes in a March poll.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/king-vajiralongkorn-formally-crowned-rama-x-of-thailand-215813">King Vajiralongkorn formally crowned Thailand's divine monarch, vows to 'reign with righteousness'</a>

Thailand remains bitterly divided after 13 years defined by coups, violent street protests and short-lived civilian governments.

At root is a rivalry between an arch-royalist conservative establishment -- buttressed by the courts and the army -- and pro-democracy parties supported by many of the lower and middle class.

MPs in black suits filed into their seats for the opening after several gave speeches outside.

In a sign of the acrimonious debate to come, former prime minister and ex-Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva resigned before taking his seat to protest his party's decision on the eve of the session to support the junta chief.

"I cannot walk in and vote to support Prayut", he said.

Parliament is deciding on a premier more than two months after Thailand held its first election since the last coup, a poll marred by allegations of inaccurate counting and vote-buying.

Allies of Prayut say he is a stabilising figure who can steer Thailand away from its perennial political crises.

"Prayut has the qualities, has the capability, the leadership to do the job," Uttama Savanayana, the leader of junta proxy party Palang Pracharat, told AFP a day before the vote.

But his critics say the famously gruff ex-army chief represents a narrow elite and lacks the vision or temperament to govern as a civilian leader.

Unexpected third force

The election was cast as a choice between junta-backed rule and parties aligned with former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister Yingluck, whose administration was toppled in 2014.

But an unexpected third force emerged led by billionaire auto-parts scion Thanathorn.

His Future Forward won more than six million votes and 81 seats to become Thailand's third largest party.

The social media savvy 40-year-old is now heading a coalition with the Shinawatra's main party -- Pheu Thai -- and five others.

Analysts say Thanathorn represents the greatest challenge to the junta and its establishment allies, with his articulate calls to bridge the kingdom's chasmic social inequality and end the military's influence over politics.

But Thanathorn is weighed down by legal problems that could see him banned from politics or jailed.&nbsp;

Those led to his suspension from parliament and a dramatic walk-out from its early sessions.

He has said the complaints are politically motivated and that the suspension had nothing to do with qualifying as a candidate for prime minister.

"The most important thing is to return Thailand to democracy," he told reporters on the eve of the vote, calling on mid-sized parties to back him. "And to stop Prayut to come back as prime minister."

Assuming the Thai senate votes with the junta, Thanathorn would need a gargantuan 376 votes from the lower house to emerge as premier.

Prayut, who did not attend, only needs 126.

The late pledge of support from the Democrat Party -- the oldest in Thailand -- should smooth his path to office.

But analysts say troubles lie ahead for a military man unused to debate and consensus-building.

"Politicians will try to make scenes... to expose Prayut," said Titipol Phakdeewanich, a political scientist as Ubon Ratchathani University.

Thailand's new parliament convened Wednesday to vote for prime minister, with junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha tipped to sweep away the challenge of a charismatic billionaire leading the anti-military bloc.

Thailand's new parliament convened Wednesday to vote for prime minister, with junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha tipped to sweep away the challenge of a charismatic billionaire leading the anti-military bloc. Prayut, who seized power in 2014, is all but assured of completing his transformation from junta head to civilian leader with the support of 250 hand-picked senators. The only competition is anti-junta coalition candidate Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, who faces an uphill battle numerically and has been besieged by court cases after his Future Forward party scooped up millions of votes in a March poll. Also read: King Vajiralongkorn formally crowned Thailand's divine monarch, vows to 'reign with righteousness' Thailand remains bitterly divided after 13 years defined by coups, violent street protests and short-lived civilian governments. At root is a rivalry between an arch-royalist conservative establishment -- buttressed by the courts and the army -- and pro-democracy parties supported by many of the lower and middle class. MPs in black suits filed into their seats for the opening after several gave speeches outside. In a sign of the acrimonious debate to come, former prime minister and ex-Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva resigned before taking his seat to protest his party's decision on the eve of the session to support the junta chief. "I cannot walk in and vote to support Prayut", he said. Parliament is deciding on a premier more than two months after Thailand held its first election since the last coup, a poll marred by allegations of inaccurate counting and vote-buying. Allies of Prayut say he is a stabilising figure who can steer Thailand away from its perennial political crises. "Prayut has the qualities, has the capability, the leadership to do the job," Uttama Savanayana, the leader of junta proxy party Palang Pracharat, told AFP a day before the vote. But his critics say the famously gruff ex-army chief represents a narrow elite and lacks the vision or temperament to govern as a civilian leader. Unexpected third force The election was cast as a choice between junta-backed rule and parties aligned with former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister Yingluck, whose administration was toppled in 2014. But an unexpected third force emerged led by billionaire auto-parts scion Thanathorn. His Future Forward won more than six million votes and 81 seats to become Thailand's third largest party. The social media savvy 40-year-old is now heading a coalition with the Shinawatra's main party -- Pheu Thai -- and five others. Analysts say Thanathorn represents the greatest challenge to the junta and its establishment allies, with his articulate calls to bridge the kingdom's chasmic social inequality and end the military's influence over politics. But Thanathorn is weighed down by legal problems that could see him banned from politics or jailed. Those led to his suspension from parliament and a dramatic walk-out from its early sessions. He has said the complaints are politically motivated and that the suspension had nothing to do with qualifying as a candidate for prime minister. "The most important thing is to return Thailand to democracy," he told reporters on the eve of the vote, calling on mid-sized parties to back him. "And to stop Prayut to come back as prime minister." Assuming the Thai senate votes with the junta, Thanathorn would need a gargantuan 376 votes from the lower house to emerge as premier. Prayut, who did not attend, only needs 126. The late pledge of support from the Democrat Party -- the oldest in Thailand -- should smooth his path to office. But analysts say troubles lie ahead for a military man unused to debate and consensus-building. "Politicians will try to make scenes... to expose Prayut," said Titipol Phakdeewanich, a political scientist as Ubon Ratchathani University.

Thai parliament to vote for PM with junta chief in prime position

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lanka-suicide-bombers-visited-kashmir-kerala-for-some-sorts-of-training-army-chief-215900">Sri Lanka suicide bombers visited Kashmir, Kerala for 'some sorts of training': Army chief</a>

Sri Lanka Army's chief has said that some of the&nbsp;suicide bombers&nbsp;who carried out the country's worst terror attack on Easter Sunday visited Kashmir and Kerala for "some sorts of training" or to "make some more links" with other foreign outfits.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-must-resist-us-sanctions-through-oil-non-oil-exports-iran-president-rouhani-215895">Iran must resist US sanctions through oil, non-oil exports: Iran President Rouhani</a>

Iran President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday said Iran must counter&nbsp;US sanctions&nbsp;by continuing to export its oil as well as boosting non-oil exports.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-conservatives-look-for-brexit-compromise-after-local-poll-losses-215916">UK Conservatives look for Brexit compromise after local poll losses</a>

Britain's governing Conservatives need to be open to compromise with the opposition Labour Party in order to deliver Brexit following heavy losses in Thursday's local elections, senior ministers said on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/54-magnitude-earthquake-hits-parts-of-northeast-india-215915">5.4 magnitude earthquake hits parts of Northeast India</a>

An earthquake measuring&nbsp;5.4 on the Richter Scale hit parts of Northeast India and Myanmar today,&nbsp;India Meteorological Department said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/king-vajiralongkorn-formally-crowned-rama-x-of-thailand-215813">King Vajiralongkorn formally crowned Thailand's divine monarch, vows to 'reign with righteousness'</a>

King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Rama X of Thailand, was crowned Saturday in a dazzling show of pageantry, laced with Hindu and Buddhist ritual, vowing to reign "with righteousness" on behalf of the Thai people.

&nbsp;

Sri Lanka suicide bombers visited Kashmir, Kerala for 'some sorts of training': Army chief Sri Lanka Army's chief has said that some of the suicide bombers who carried out the country's worst terror attack on Easter Sunday visited Kashmir and Kerala for "some sorts of training" or to "make some more links" with other foreign outfits.

Sri Lanka suicide bombers visited Kashmir, Kerala for 'some sorts of training': Army chief Sri Lanka Army's chief has said that some of the suicide bombers who carried out the country's worst terror attack on Easter Sunday visited Kashmir and Kerala for "some sorts of training" or to "make some more links" with other foreign outfits. Iran must resist US sanctions through oil, non-oil exports: Iran President Rouhani Iran President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday said Iran must counter US sanctions by continuing to export its oil as well as boosting non-oil exports. UK Conservatives look for Brexit compromise after local poll losses Britain's governing Conservatives need to be open to compromise with the opposition Labour Party in order to deliver Brexit following heavy losses in Thursday's local elections, senior ministers said on Saturday. 5.4 magnitude earthquake hits parts of Northeast India An earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter Scale hit parts of Northeast India and Myanmar today, India Meteorological Department said. King Vajiralongkorn formally crowned Thailand's divine monarch, vows to 'reign with righteousness' King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Rama X of Thailand, was crowned Saturday in a dazzling show of pageantry, laced with Hindu and Buddhist ritual, vowing to reign "with righteousness" on behalf of the Thai people.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn will be crowned this weekend in a pageantry-laden ceremony flecked by Hindu and Buddhist ritual, as Rama X furthers his primacy over one of the world's richest monarchies and a kingdom beset by ulcerous political divides.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-king-names-his-consort-queen-days-before-coronation-215170">Thai king names his consort queen days before coronation</a>

The May 4-6 coronation comes more than two years after Vajiralongkorn ascended the throne at the death of his father Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Bhumibol reigned over seven tumultuous decades and was revered by Thais as a symbol of unity in a politically chaotic country.

His fiercely private 66-year-old son -- Rama X of the Chakri dynasty -- is less well-known by his subjects, and makes frequent trips overseas.

On Saturday at the auspicious hour of 10:09 am the public will be given a rare window into the heart of Thai power as blanket television coverage of the three-day coronation begins.

It will start with King Vajiralongkorn's "purification" by water drawn from ponds and rivers followed by a presentation of holy water by the top Buddhist patriarch and Chief Brahmin.

Then, as he sits underneath an ornate nine-tiered umbrella inside the Grand Palace, will be handed the diamond-encrusted Great Crown of Victory and issue his first royal command.

The rituals "are a symbolic system to upgrade the king from human to god", according to Tongthong Chandransu, a researcher of royal ceremonies.&nbsp;

The following day Thais, who have not witnessed a coronation since Bhumibol's in 1950, will see the newly-crowned monarch as he is carried on a palanquin for seven kilometres through Bangkok's historic heart.&nbsp;

"I'm excited, it's a rare event... everyone respects the monarchy, it is the spiritual anchor for Thais," Surasak Nantaket, a 20-year-old student, told AFP.&nbsp;

The government has set aside 1 billion baht ($31 million) for the ceremony, according to the deputy prime minister.

Queen Suthida

Inscrutable and powerful, Vajiralongkorn rarely addresses the Thai public, leaving his views broadly unknown and much of his private life a mystery and subject to gossip and conjecture.

In an unexpected twist late Wednesday, the palace named his consort -- and deputy head of his security -- Suthida Vajiralongkorn na Ayudhya as his fourth wife, making her Queen Suthida.

It has added to the mounting intrigue around the royal ceremony.

"Public curiosity, excitement and anticipation is naturally palpable and pervasive," said political analyst Thitinan Pongsudhirak.

The coronation "underscores the paramount role of the monarchy in Thai society".

Thailand's monarchy is protected by one of the world's harshest royal defamation laws, making criticism or full analysis inside the kingdom all but impossible.

The Thai constitutional monarchy was established in 1932.

But recent actions -- notably to extinguish a bid by his elder sister to run for premier -- have shown an increasingly assertive crown.

The kingdom has been cut by political divisions for more than 13 years, with coups and violence toppling short-lived civilian governments.

Full results from a contentious March 24 general election, the first since generals again seized power in 2014, are due to be announced on May 9.

Historically the monarchy and army have survived in partnership.

The ruling junta, led by former army chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha, wants to return as a civilian government and claims legitimacy from winning the popular vote.

But deadlock looms with an anti-junta bloc claiming most parliamentary seats and the right to form a government.

"The role of the crown will be key in restoring and ushering in some kind of a new normal, a new kind of political stability," said Thitinan.&nbsp;

Volunteer spirit

Since ascending the throne, Vajiralongkorn has repeatedly left his mark on the Thai bureaucracy.&nbsp;

Parliament has been shuttered since the palace reclaimed the land it stands on; police have been ordered to wear a short crew-cut, while the king's pointmen now sit on the influential privy council and manage his beefed-up security.

Significantly, the king transferred direct control of the Crown Property Bureau to himself, breaking the tradition of civilian stewardship of the hugely wealthy body.

In the absence of public debate on those moves, a wave of royal volunteerism has surged across the country ahead of the coronation.&nbsp;

Millions have signed up to clean streets, plant mangroves and repaint roads across the kingdom, while vast portraits of the king now stud virtually every street.

But not everyone is captivated by the ceremony.

"I'm not really interested," said one office worker, requesting anonymity, expressing concern at "changes under the new reign".

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn will be crowned this weekend in a pageantry-laden ceremony flecked by Hindu and Buddhist ritual, as Rama X furthers his primacy over one of the world's richest monarchies and a kingdom beset by ulcerous political divides.

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn will be crowned this weekend in a pageantry-laden ceremony flecked by Hindu and Buddhist ritual, as Rama X furthers his primacy over one of the world's richest monarchies and a kingdom beset by ulcerous political divides. Also read: Thai king names his consort queen days before coronation The May 4-6 coronation comes more than two years after Vajiralongkorn ascended the throne at the death of his father Bhumibol Adulyadej. Bhumibol reigned over seven tumultuous decades and was revered by Thais as a symbol of unity in a politically chaotic country. His fiercely private 66-year-old son -- Rama X of the Chakri dynasty -- is less well-known by his subjects, and makes frequent trips overseas. On Saturday at the auspicious hour of 10:09 am the public will be given a rare window into the heart of Thai power as blanket television coverage of the three-day coronation begins. It will start with King Vajiralongkorn's "purification" by water drawn from ponds and rivers followed by a presentation of holy water by the top Buddhist patriarch and Chief Brahmin. Then, as he sits underneath an ornate nine-tiered umbrella inside the Grand Palace, will be handed the diamond-encrusted Great Crown of Victory and issue his first royal command. The rituals "are a symbolic system to upgrade the king from human to god", according to Tongthong Chandransu, a researcher of royal ceremonies. The following day Thais, who have not witnessed a coronation since Bhumibol's in 1950, will see the newly-crowned monarch as he is carried on a palanquin for seven kilometres through Bangkok's historic heart. "I'm excited, it's a rare event... everyone respects the monarchy, it is the spiritual anchor for Thais," Surasak Nantaket, a 20-year-old student, told AFP. The government has set aside 1 billion baht ($31 million) for the ceremony, according to the deputy prime minister. Queen Suthida Inscrutable and powerful, Vajiralongkorn rarely addresses the Thai public, leaving his views broadly unknown and much of his private life a mystery and subject to gossip and conjecture. In an unexpected twist late Wednesday, the palace named his consort -- and deputy head of his security -- Suthida Vajiralongkorn na Ayudhya as his fourth wife, making her Queen Suthida. It has added to the mounting intrigue around the royal ceremony. "Public curiosity, excitement and anticipation is naturally palpable and pervasive," said political analyst Thitinan Pongsudhirak. The coronation "underscores the paramount role of the monarchy in Thai society". Thailand's monarchy is protected by one of the world's harshest royal defamation laws, making criticism or full analysis inside the kingdom all but impossible. The Thai constitutional monarchy was established in 1932. But recent actions -- notably to extinguish a bid by his elder sister to run for premier -- have shown an increasingly assertive crown. The kingdom has been cut by political divisions for more than 13 years, with coups and violence toppling short-lived civilian governments. Full results from a contentious March 24 general election, the first since generals again seized power in 2014, are due to be announced on May 9. Historically the monarchy and army have survived in partnership. The ruling junta, led by former army chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha, wants to return as a civilian government and claims legitimacy from winning the popular vote. But deadlock looms with an anti-junta bloc claiming most parliamentary seats and the right to form a government. "The role of the crown will be key in restoring and ushering in some kind of a new normal, a new kind of political stability," said Thitinan. Volunteer spirit Since ascending the throne, Vajiralongkorn has repeatedly left his mark on the Thai bureaucracy. Parliament has been shuttered since the palace reclaimed the land it stands on; police have been ordered to wear a short crew-cut, while the king's pointmen now sit on the influential privy council and manage his beefed-up security. Significantly, the king transferred direct control of the Crown Property Bureau to himself, breaking the tradition of civilian stewardship of the hugely wealthy body. In the absence of public debate on those moves, a wave of royal volunteerism has surged across the country ahead of the coronation. Millions have signed up to clean streets, plant mangroves and repaint roads across the kingdom, while vast portraits of the king now stud virtually every street. But not everyone is captivated by the ceremony. "I'm not really interested," said one office worker, requesting anonymity, expressing concern at "changes under the new reign".

Thailand set for coronation of King Rama X, first in 69 years

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn announced on Wednesday that he had married his consort, General Suthida Vajiralongkorn, and named her Queen Suthida.

The announcement, carried in the Royal Gazette, came just before the official coronation of the king, 66, on May 4-6.

Vajiralongkorn, also known by the title King Rama X, became constitutional monarch after the death of his revered father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in October 2016, after 70 years on the throne.

In 2014, Vajiralongkorn appointed Suthida Tidjai, a former flight attendant for Thai Airways, as a deputy commander of his bodyguard unit.

Some royal observers and foreign media have linked Suthida romantically with the king, but the palace had previously never acknowledged a relationship between them.

The king made Suthida a full general in December 2016, and the deputy commander of the king's personal guard in 2017. He also made her a Thanpuying, a royal title meaning Lady.

While the king took the throne after the death of his father, his formal coronation follows a mourning period for King Bhumibol, whose royal cremation was held a year after his death.

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn announced on Wednesday that he had married his consort, General Suthida Vajiralongkorn, and named her Queen Suthida. The announcement, carried in the Royal Gazette, came just before the official coronation of the king, 66, on May 4-6.

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn announced on Wednesday that he had married his consort, General Suthida Vajiralongkorn, and named her Queen Suthida. The announcement, carried in the Royal Gazette, came just before the official coronation of the king, 66, on May 4-6. Vajiralongkorn, also known by the title King Rama X, became constitutional monarch after the death of his revered father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in October 2016, after 70 years on the throne. In 2014, Vajiralongkorn appointed Suthida Tidjai, a former flight attendant for Thai Airways, as a deputy commander of his bodyguard unit. Some royal observers and foreign media have linked Suthida romantically with the king, but the palace had previously never acknowledged a relationship between them. The king made Suthida a full general in December 2016, and the deputy commander of the king's personal guard in 2017. He also made her a Thanpuying, a royal title meaning Lady. While the king took the throne after the death of his father, his formal coronation follows a mourning period for King Bhumibol, whose royal cremation was held a year after his death.

Thai king names his consort queen days before coronation

The story of the dramatic rescue of 12 boys and their coach who were trapped for two weeks in a cave in northern Thailand last year will be told by the United States-based media platform Netflix following a deal between several producers announced in Bangkok on Tuesday.

Netflix to stream story of Thai youth soccer team's dramatic rescue from cave

A Thai political party leader expressed public contrition on Tuesday for selecting a princess as a candidate for prime minister, days after the move provoked a rebuke from her brother, King Maha Vajiralongkorn.&nbsp;

Thai Raksa Chart, a party linked to the powerful Shinawatra clan, on Friday proposed Princess Ubolratana as its prime ministerial candidate for March polls, an unprecedented bid in Thailand where the royal family is seen as above the political fray.&nbsp;

But Thai monarchs have intervened in times of political crisis since 1932 when the country became a constitutional monarchy.

King Vajiralongkorn quashed the candidacy the same day it was filed in a royal command calling it "highly inappropriate", prompting an immediate reversal from the party.

Thailand's wealthy and powerful monarchy is revered by Thais and protected by a draconian lese majeste law, and the king's word is seen as final.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/thai-election-panel-disqualifies-princess-ubolratana-as-pm-candidate-196660">The princess was disqualified Monday</a> by the Election Commission, which is currently discussing whether it should recommend that Thai Raksa Chart be disbanded.

A contrite party leader Preechaphol Pongpanit reiterated Tuesday his party's compliance with the royal command and said it did everything "sincerely with good intentions".

"Above us is His Majesty and the monarchy," he told reporters at the party's headquarters, bowing his head and pressing his palms together in a gesture of respect.

"We are ready to be investigated."

If Thai Raksa Chart is disbanded, it will amount to a crippling setback for Pheu Thai -- the country's most popular party affiliated with ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra -- which had hoped to secure a large number of seats in the lower house to offset the junta-appointed senate.

Junta leader Prayut Chan-O-Cha has agreed to stand for premier again under a military-aligned party.&nbsp;

Prayut led the coup that toppled the administration of Thaksin's sister Yingluck in 2014.

The events of recent days have seeded unease in a country known for behind the scenes plotting.

After rumours swirled of a fresh coup, Prayut dismissed it as "fake news".

Meanwhile, another organisation affiliated with the Shinawatras was in the crosshairs on Tuesday.

Voice TV, owned by Thaksin's son Ponthongtae, was ordered by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to go off-air for 15 days.

The NBTC said the channel had aired content that caused &nbsp;"confusion and provocation".&nbsp;

The two programs in question were Tonight Thailand and Wake Up News, Perapong said, adding that the shutdown could be extended.&nbsp;

Voice TV CEO Mekin Petplai said the move was unfair and "affects freedom of the press" in the run-up towards the election.&nbsp;

He added that Voice TV has been suspended three times since the 2014 coup, and they will fight this latest decision in court. &nbsp;

A Thai political party leader expressed public contrition on Tuesday for selecting a princess as a candidate for prime minister, days after the move provoked a rebuke from her brother, King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

A Thai political party leader expressed public contrition on Tuesday for selecting a princess as a candidate for prime minister, days after the move provoked a rebuke from her brother, King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Thai Raksa Chart, a party linked to the powerful Shinawatra clan, on Friday proposed Princess Ubolratana as its prime ministerial candidate for March polls, an unprecedented bid in Thailand where the royal family is seen as above the political fray. But Thai monarchs have intervened in times of political crisis since 1932 when the country became a constitutional monarchy. King Vajiralongkorn quashed the candidacy the same day it was filed in a royal command calling it "highly inappropriate", prompting an immediate reversal from the party. Thailand's wealthy and powerful monarchy is revered by Thais and protected by a draconian lese majeste law, and the king's word is seen as final. The princess was disqualified Monday by the Election Commission, which is currently discussing whether it should recommend that Thai Raksa Chart be disbanded. A contrite party leader Preechaphol Pongpanit reiterated Tuesday his party's compliance with the royal command and said it did everything "sincerely with good intentions". "Above us is His Majesty and the monarchy," he told reporters at the party's headquarters, bowing his head and pressing his palms together in a gesture of respect. "We are ready to be investigated." If Thai Raksa Chart is disbanded, it will amount to a crippling setback for Pheu Thai -- the country's most popular party affiliated with ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra -- which had hoped to secure a large number of seats in the lower house to offset the junta-appointed senate. Junta leader Prayut Chan-O-Cha has agreed to stand for premier again under a military-aligned party. Prayut led the coup that toppled the administration of Thaksin's sister Yingluck in 2014. The events of recent days have seeded unease in a country known for behind the scenes plotting. After rumours swirled of a fresh coup, Prayut dismissed it as "fake news". Meanwhile, another organisation affiliated with the Shinawatras was in the crosshairs on Tuesday. Voice TV, owned by Thaksin's son Ponthongtae, was ordered by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to go off-air for 15 days. The NBTC said the channel had aired content that caused "confusion and provocation". The two programs in question were Tonight Thailand and Wake Up News, Perapong said, adding that the shutdown could be extended. Voice TV CEO Mekin Petplai said the move was unfair and "affects freedom of the press" in the run-up towards the election. He added that Voice TV has been suspended three times since the 2014 coup, and they will fight this latest decision in court.

Thai party leader contrite after rebuke for princess' PM candidacy

Legal doubts have been raised over the announcement on Friday that Princess Ubolratana, the elder sister of the King of Thailand, will run for prime minister, an unprecedented move in a country where the monarchy has traditionally avoided direct involvement in politics.&nbsp;

While legal experts consider Ubolratana's candidacy to be valid, at least one political party has already filed an appeal with the Election Commission urging it to reject her nomination.

An announcement over her candidacy's legality is due on February 15, when the official list of candidates for the March 24 elections - the first since the coup in 2014 - is set to be released, an EC official told EFE.

A group of representatives of the Thai Raksa Chart party, opposed to the military junta and linked to ousted former president Thaksin Shinawatra, on Friday named Ubolratana as their only candidate to head the government if the party wins the elections.

It was an unprecedented decision, marking the first time that a direct relative of a Thai monarch will take part in the polls.

Paiboon Nititawan, a leader of the People's Reform party, close to the current military regime, has publicly opposed the former princess' candidacy.

In a complaint to the EC, Paiboon alleged that it violates the ban on using the monarchy as a part of an electoral campaign. He said that her name could be used to benefit the electoral campaign of Thai Raksa Chart.

Ubolratana, the 67-year-old first-born of late King Bhumibol, relinquished her royal titles in 1972 when she married American Peter Jensen, whom she divorced in 1998 and returned to Thailand shortly after with her three children.

Despite losing her titles, Ubolratana still enjoys the recognition associated with her lineage and continues to be considered a princess by the population.

Paiboon said that Ubolratana, as the first offspring of late King Bhumibol and the sister of King Vajiralongkorn, remains a part of the Royal Family.

A number of legal experts have rejected this argument. Anon Chawalawan, a lawyer working for nonprofit ILaw, told EFE that Ubolratana could legally file her candidacy for the post of prime minister as she had renounced her royal title and met all the requirements.

Manit Jumpa, a professor at the faculty of law of the Chulalaongkorn university agreed, saying people continued to call the King's daughter a princess since they did not know how else to address her. She is a member of the Royal Family only by blood, and is thus eligible to run.

The unexpected announcement has jolted Thai politics less than two months before the long-awaited election, in which current prime minister and leader of the military junta Prayut Chan-ocha is also in the fray.

In a message on her Instagram account - where she promotes "building happiness" in Thailand - Ubolratana confirmed that she had renounced all her royal titles and lived as a "commoner".

"I'd like to exercise my rights and freedom as a commoner under the constitution and the law, and I consent to Thai Raksa Chart Party's nomination," she said, according to an unofficial translation of her original message in Thai.

Parties linked to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra - who has been living in self-imposed exile as a fugitive of the Thai judicial system. which has charged him with corruption - have won all elections held since 2001 but have been ousted from power by the military or controversial legal rulings.

Legal doubts have been raised over the announcement on Friday that Princess Ubolratana, the elder sister of the King of Thailand, will run for prime minister, an unprecedented move in a country where the monarchy has traditionally avoided direct involvement in politics.

Legal doubts have been raised over the announcement on Friday that Princess Ubolratana, the elder sister of the King of Thailand, will run for prime minister, an unprecedented move in a country where the monarchy has traditionally avoided direct involvement in politics. While legal experts consider Ubolratana's candidacy to be valid, at least one political party has already filed an appeal with the Election Commission urging it to reject her nomination. An announcement over her candidacy's legality is due on February 15, when the official list of candidates for the March 24 elections - the first since the coup in 2014 - is set to be released, an EC official told EFE. A group of representatives of the Thai Raksa Chart party, opposed to the military junta and linked to ousted former president Thaksin Shinawatra, on Friday named Ubolratana as their only candidate to head the government if the party wins the elections. It was an unprecedented decision, marking the first time that a direct relative of a Thai monarch will take part in the polls. Paiboon Nititawan, a leader of the People's Reform party, close to the current military regime, has publicly opposed the former princess' candidacy. In a complaint to the EC, Paiboon alleged that it violates the ban on using the monarchy as a part of an electoral campaign. He said that her name could be used to benefit the electoral campaign of Thai Raksa Chart. Ubolratana, the 67-year-old first-born of late King Bhumibol, relinquished her royal titles in 1972 when she married American Peter Jensen, whom she divorced in 1998 and returned to Thailand shortly after with her three children. Despite losing her titles, Ubolratana still enjoys the recognition associated with her lineage and continues to be considered a princess by the population. Paiboon said that Ubolratana, as the first offspring of late King Bhumibol and the sister of King Vajiralongkorn, remains a part of the Royal Family. A number of legal experts have rejected this argument. Anon Chawalawan, a lawyer working for nonprofit ILaw, told EFE that Ubolratana could legally file her candidacy for the post of prime minister as she had renounced her royal title and met all the requirements. Manit Jumpa, a professor at the faculty of law of the Chulalaongkorn university agreed, saying people continued to call the King's daughter a princess since they did not know how else to address her. She is a member of the Royal Family only by blood, and is thus eligible to run. The unexpected announcement has jolted Thai politics less than two months before the long-awaited election, in which current prime minister and leader of the military junta Prayut Chan-ocha is also in the fray. In a message on her Instagram account - where she promotes "building happiness" in Thailand - Ubolratana confirmed that she had renounced all her royal titles and lived as a "commoner". "I'd like to exercise my rights and freedom as a commoner under the constitution and the law, and I consent to Thai Raksa Chart Party's nomination," she said, according to an unofficial translation of her original message in Thai. Parties linked to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra - who has been living in self-imposed exile as a fugitive of the Thai judicial system. which has charged him with corruption - have won all elections held since 2001 but have been ousted from power by the military or controversial legal rulings.

Legal doubts raised after Thai King's sister confirms PM bid

Thai immigration chief Surachate Hakparn said Monday&nbsp;that they would not forcibly deport the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/injunction-filed-in-thai-court-to-prevent-deportation-of-saudi-teenager-188786">18-year-old Saudi girl Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun</a>.

"If she does not want to leave, we will not force her," immigration chief Surachate Hakparn at a press conference at Suvarnabhumi airport.

Rahaf had locked herself up in a hotel room at the airport. She says she is fleeing an abusive family in Saudi Arabia, and that she fears they will kill her if she returns. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I wil still here until UN helps me <a href="https://t.co/HUFiSodcFC">https://t.co/HUFiSodcFC</a>
— Rahaf Mohammed رهف محمد القنون (@rahaf84427714) <a href="https://twitter.com/rahaf84427714/status/1082212804549959687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Hakparn added that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-woman-held-at-bangkok-airport-fears-she-will-be-killed-if-repatriated-188650">Rahaf </a>would be allowed to meet UN refugee officials and that they would not send her anywhere against her wishes.

Qunun had earlier tweeted&nbsp;demanding the intervention of UN in the case.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Saudi news said I was living in Kuwait, but that’s wrong I live in Saudi Arabia and this is the proof 
My Saudi university card (Ha’il university) <a href="https://t.co/RO9VBbz63w">pic.twitter.com/RO9VBbz63w</a>
— Rahaf Mohammed رهف محمد القنون (@rahaf84427714) <a href="https://twitter.com/rahaf84427714/status/1082219005161684992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN! 
I want UN!
— Rahaf Mohammed رهف محمد القنون (@rahaf84427714) <a href="https://twitter.com/rahaf84427714/status/1082211096918876161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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I’m not going to open the door I want UN <a href="https://t.co/UTI3Dwsm3q">pic.twitter.com/UTI3Dwsm3q</a>
— Rahaf Mohammed رهف محمد القنون (@rahaf84427714) <a href="https://twitter.com/rahaf84427714/status/1082210548228341762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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I want UNHCR
— Rahaf Mohammed رهف محمد القنون (@rahaf84427714) <a href="https://twitter.com/rahaf84427714/status/1082206036038082560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun has been at Bangkok airport since Saturday when she was denied entry into the country by Thai immigration officials.

The Thai immigration officials and the Saudi Foreign Ministry have denied her allegations that its embassy had confiscated her passport.

Rahaf told Reuters she fled Kuwait while her family was visiting the Gulf country and had planned to travel from Thailand to Australia to seek asylum. She said she was detained after leaving her plane in Bangkok and told she would be sent back to Kuwait.

"My brothers and family and the Saudi embassy will be waiting for me in Kuwait," Qunun said by text and voice message from the hotel on Sunday.

"They will kill me," she said. "My life is in danger. My family threatens to kill me for the most trivial things."

Asked why she was seeking refuge in Australia, she said: "Physical, emotional and verbal abuse and being imprisoned inside the house for months. They threaten to kill me and prevent me from continuing my education.

"They won`t let me drive or travel. I am oppressed. I love life and work and I am very ambitious but my family is preventing me from living."&nbsp;

(With input&nbsp;from agencies)

Thai immigration chief Surachate Hakparn said Monday that they would not forcibly deport the 18-year-old Saudi girl Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun. "If she does not want to leave, we will not force her," immigration chief Surachate Hakparn at a press conference at Suvarnabhumi airport.

Thai immigration chief Surachate Hakparn said Monday that they would not forcibly deport the 18-year-old Saudi girl Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun. "If she does not want to leave, we will not force her," immigration chief Surachate Hakparn at a press conference at Suvarnabhumi airport. Rahaf had locked herself up in a hotel room at the airport. She says she is fleeing an abusive family in Saudi Arabia, and that she fears they will kill her if she returns. I wil still here until UN helps me https://t.co/HUFiSodcFC — Rahaf Mohammed رهف محمد القنون (@rahaf84427714) January 7, 2019 × Hakparn added that Rahaf would be allowed to meet UN refugee officials and that they would not send her anywhere against her wishes. Qunun had earlier tweeted demanding the intervention of UN in the case. Saudi news said I was living in Kuwait, but that’s wrong I live in Saudi Arabia and this is the proof My Saudi university card (Ha’il university) pic.twitter.com/RO9VBbz63w — Rahaf Mohammed رهف محمد القنون (@rahaf84427714) January 7, 2019 × I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! I want UN! — Rahaf Mohammed رهف محمد القنون (@rahaf84427714) January 7, 2019 × I’m not going to open the door I want UN pic.twitter.com/UTI3Dwsm3q — Rahaf Mohammed رهف محمد القنون (@rahaf84427714) January 7, 2019 × I want UNHCR — Rahaf Mohammed رهف محمد القنون (@rahaf84427714) January 7, 2019 × Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun has been at Bangkok airport since Saturday when she was denied entry into the country by Thai immigration officials. The Thai immigration officials and the Saudi Foreign Ministry have denied her allegations that its embassy had confiscated her passport. Rahaf told Reuters she fled Kuwait while her family was visiting the Gulf country and had planned to travel from Thailand to Australia to seek asylum. She said she was detained after leaving her plane in Bangkok and told she would be sent back to Kuwait. "My brothers and family and the Saudi embassy will be waiting for me in Kuwait," Qunun said by text and voice message from the hotel on Sunday. "They will kill me," she said. "My life is in danger. My family threatens to kill me for the most trivial things." Asked why she was seeking refuge in Australia, she said: "Physical, emotional and verbal abuse and being imprisoned inside the house for months. They threaten to kill me and prevent me from continuing my education. "They won`t let me drive or travel. I am oppressed. I love life and work and I am very ambitious but my family is preventing me from living." (With input from agencies)

Saudi woman will not be forcibly deported: Thailand immigration chief

Thailand`s Maya Bay, made famous by the film "The Beach", will close to visitors for four months from June to allow its coral reefs to recover from rising temperatures and the environmental impact of thousands of visitors each day.

The bay, on Phi Phi Leh island in the Andaman Sea, was the main location of the 2000 film starring Leonardo Di Caprio, which revealed to viewers the stunning beauty of Thailand`s turquoise seas and white-powder beaches, spurring many to visit.

Up to 5,000 visitors go to the beach every day, says Thailand`s tourism agency, travelling by speedboat and ferries to Maya Bay, which is sheltered by 100-meter high cliffs.

The closure from June 1 is a bid to salvage the area`s coral reefs, which have been damaged by warmer temperatures and growing numbers of tourists.

"This is one way to try to preserve our natural heritage, which is a vital part of our important tourism industry," said Kanokkittika Kritwutikon, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand`s office in Phuket.

No boats will be allowed to moor in the bay, said a tour operator, Maya Bay Tours.

"We have been advised that Maya Bay will close from 1 June to 30 September 2018 to allow some recovery time for the bay," it said on its website. "No boats will be allowed to moor in Maya Bay, but we will run past the bay."

Tourism receipts make up about 12 percent of Southeast Asia`s second-largest economy, but there has been increasing concern about Thailand`s ability to manage its rapidly growing number of visitors and the environmental impact of mass tourism.

This year the country banned smoking and littering at 24 beachside locations over environmental concerns.

Thailand is among the world`s biggest contributors to ocean waste, posing a serious threat to wildlife, the magazine Science said in a report in 2015.&nbsp;

Some in the tourism industry said Maya Bay`s closure would have little impact, however.&nbsp;

"There are other places to visit which are equally interesting," said Geng, 35, a hotel receptionist on Phi Phi Island, who gave only one name.&nbsp;

"June to September is not high season. I can take tourists to other beaches, like Monkey Beach and Bamboo Island."&nbsp;

The bay, on Phi Phi Leh island in the Andaman Sea, was the main location of the 2000 film starring Leonardo Di Caprio

Thailand`s Maya Bay, made famous by the film "The Beach", will close to visitors for four months from June to allow its coral reefs to recover from rising temperatures and the environmental impact of thousands of visitors each day. The bay, on Phi Phi Leh island in the Andaman Sea, was the main location of the 2000 film starring Leonardo Di Caprio, which revealed to viewers the stunning beauty of Thailand`s turquoise seas and white-powder beaches, spurring many to visit. Up to 5,000 visitors go to the beach every day, says Thailand`s tourism agency, travelling by speedboat and ferries to Maya Bay, which is sheltered by 100-meter high cliffs. The closure from June 1 is a bid to salvage the area`s coral reefs, which have been damaged by warmer temperatures and growing numbers of tourists. "This is one way to try to preserve our natural heritage, which is a vital part of our important tourism industry," said Kanokkittika Kritwutikon, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand`s office in Phuket. No boats will be allowed to moor in the bay, said a tour operator, Maya Bay Tours. "We have been advised that Maya Bay will close from 1 June to 30 September 2018 to allow some recovery time for the bay," it said on its website. "No boats will be allowed to moor in Maya Bay, but we will run past the bay." Tourism receipts make up about 12 percent of Southeast Asia`s second-largest economy, but there has been increasing concern about Thailand`s ability to manage its rapidly growing number of visitors and the environmental impact of mass tourism. This year the country banned smoking and littering at 24 beachside locations over environmental concerns. Thailand is among the world`s biggest contributors to ocean waste, posing a serious threat to wildlife, the magazine Science said in a report in 2015. Some in the tourism industry said Maya Bay`s closure would have little impact, however. "There are other places to visit which are equally interesting," said Geng, 35, a hotel receptionist on Phi Phi Island, who gave only one name. "June to September is not high season. I can take tourists to other beaches, like Monkey Beach and Bamboo Island."

Thai Bay made famous by film ''The Beach'' to close for four months

With mascots dressed as smiling fish and a police rock band, Thai authorities launched a &quot;Happy Zone&quot; at the weekend to improve the image of a city notorious for sex tourism.

Stung by foreign headlines portraying the seaside resort of Pattaya as &quot;Sin City&quot; and &quot;The World&#39;s Sex Capital&quot;, Thailand&#39;s junta has begun a new effort to re-brand it. But the contradictions in Pattaya highlight Thailand&#39;s challenge in tackling a side of its tourist industry that remains economically vital while being officially excoriated.

&quot;I want people to see that we are not like what they say. We are not allowing prostitution in these entertainment places,&quot; provincial governor Pakkaratorn Teianchai told reporters on the infamous Walking Street in Pattaya, southeast of Bangkok.

Less than 10 metres (yards) away, women accosted foreign men to offer sex for 2,000 baht ($60). Others lined up with numbers so customers could take their pick. Masseuses in miniskirts offered &quot;happy ending&quot; massages whose euphemistic title has nothing to do with the Happy Zone of the authorities.

&quot;Everyone is here to make a living,&quot; said one 35-year-old woman who came originally from a village in central Thailand. Tagged with the number &quot;136&quot;, she declined to give her name. &quot;I would rather be a waitress, but then I couldn&#39;t send my children to school and I want them to have a better future than this,&quot; she said.

In fact, sex tourism is not growing as fast as other aspects of Thailand&#39;s tourist industry - the only bright spot for an economy whose expansion has been by far the slowest among major Southeast Asian economies since the 2014 coup.

No official figures show its scale. But there is an indication in the balance of male to female visitors. In 2012, there were nearly 6 men for every 4 women. In 2015, the numbers were pretty much even, according to figures provided to Reuters by the tourism ministry.

Sex tourism began in Pattaya when it became an R&amp;R spot for US&nbsp;soldiers during the Vietnam War, though prostitution is just as evident in parts of Bangkok and other resorts.

The number of female sex workers in Thailand was put at over 120,000 in a 2014 UNAIDS report. Some estimates run to double that and not all the women who get paid for sex are full-time prostitutes.

Given a 305 baht ($8.80) a day minimum wage, the chance of earning several times more is an obvious lure, particularly in poorer rural regions.

&nbsp;

CRACKDOWN

The latest of many crackdowns in Pattaya happened after foreign newspaper reports last month, which drew an angry response from junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha, for whom bringing order is a mantra.

A handful of bars were raided. Bar owners and working women were fined. Scared to venture out, tourists looking for sex stayed in hotels. Street vendors and shops saw sales tumble. The money which flows to all levels in the city - including law enforcement agencies - fell off.

The Happy Zone approach is a softer way to try to show that something is being done. If it works on Walking Street, the idea will be spread to the less sanitised side streets - the sois.

Businesses in the Happy Zone are asked to make the area feel safer, there are increased security patrols, police launched a mobile phone app for visitors to summon them in emergency.

&quot;This is a pioneer project to organise a tourist destination and elevate it to promote Thailand&#39;s quality tourism,&quot; Apichai Krobpetch, chief of Pattaya city police, told Reuters. &quot;We will also stamp out prostitution in the area.&quot;

There was no sign of that at the weekend. In fact, Pattaya&#39;s sex industry has become an attraction in its own right for the millions of Chinese who make up about one in three visitors to Thailand.

Led by guides with pennants, the Chinese tour groups thread quickly along Walking Street, past the go-go bars and the beer bars where young Thai women sit down with foreign men.

They only pause to take pictures. &quot;We just came here to see. That&#39;s all,&quot; laughed twenty-something saleswoman Linda Sieng in a group of 11 tourists from Guaghzhou in southern China.

(Reuters)

($1 = 34.6 baht)

&nbsp;

Pattaya's sex industry is economically vital, but officially excoriated. Leadership is trying to rebrand and clean it up with 'Happy Zones'

With mascots dressed as smiling fish and a police rock band, Thai authorities launched a "Happy Zone" at the weekend to improve the image of a city notorious for sex tourism. Stung by foreign headlines portraying the seaside resort of Pattaya as "Sin City" and "The World's Sex Capital", Thailand's junta has begun a new effort to re-brand it. But the contradictions in Pattaya highlight Thailand's challenge in tackling a side of its tourist industry that remains economically vital while being officially excoriated. "I want people to see that we are not like what they say. We are not allowing prostitution in these entertainment places," provincial governor Pakkaratorn Teianchai told reporters on the infamous Walking Street in Pattaya, southeast of Bangkok. Less than 10 metres (yards) away, women accosted foreign men to offer sex for 2,000 baht ($60). Others lined up with numbers so customers could take their pick. Masseuses in miniskirts offered "happy ending" massages whose euphemistic title has nothing to do with the Happy Zone of the authorities. "Everyone is here to make a living," said one 35-year-old woman who came originally from a village in central Thailand. Tagged with the number "136", she declined to give her name. "I would rather be a waitress, but then I couldn't send my children to school and I want them to have a better future than this," she said. In fact, sex tourism is not growing as fast as other aspects of Thailand's tourist industry - the only bright spot for an economy whose expansion has been by far the slowest among major Southeast Asian economies since the 2014 coup. No official figures show its scale. But there is an indication in the balance of male to female visitors. In 2012, there were nearly 6 men for every 4 women. In 2015, the numbers were pretty much even, according to figures provided to Reuters by the tourism ministry. Sex tourism began in Pattaya when it became an R&R spot for US soldiers during the Vietnam War, though prostitution is just as evident in parts of Bangkok and other resorts. The number of female sex workers in Thailand was put at over 120,000 in a 2014 UNAIDS report. Some estimates run to double that and not all the women who get paid for sex are full-time prostitutes. Given a 305 baht ($8.80) a day minimum wage, the chance of earning several times more is an obvious lure, particularly in poorer rural regions. CRACKDOWN The latest of many crackdowns in Pattaya happened after foreign newspaper reports last month, which drew an angry response from junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha, for whom bringing order is a mantra. A handful of bars were raided. Bar owners and working women were fined. Scared to venture out, tourists looking for sex stayed in hotels. Street vendors and shops saw sales tumble. The money which flows to all levels in the city - including law enforcement agencies - fell off. The Happy Zone approach is a softer way to try to show that something is being done. If it works on Walking Street, the idea will be spread to the less sanitised side streets - the sois. Businesses in the Happy Zone are asked to make the area feel safer, there are increased security patrols, police launched a mobile phone app for visitors to summon them in emergency. "This is a pioneer project to organise a tourist destination and elevate it to promote Thailand's quality tourism," Apichai Krobpetch, chief of Pattaya city police, told Reuters. "We will also stamp out prostitution in the area." There was no sign of that at the weekend. In fact, Pattaya's sex industry has become an attraction in its own right for the millions of Chinese who make up about one in three visitors to Thailand. Led by guides with pennants, the Chinese tour groups thread quickly along Walking Street, past the go-go bars and the beer bars where young Thai women sit down with foreign men. They only pause to take pictures. "We just came here to see. That's all," laughed twenty-something saleswoman Linda Sieng in a group of 11 tourists from Guaghzhou in southern China. (Reuters) ($1 = 34.6 baht)

Sex in Thai city frustrates junta

Thai wildlife authorities found 40 tiger cub carcasses in a freezer in Thailand&#39;s infamous Tiger Temple on Wednesday as they removed live animals in response to international pressure over suspected trafficking and abuse.

The Buddhist temple in Kanchanaburi province west of Bangkok had become a tourist destination where visitors snapped selfies with bottle-fed cubs.

But the temple has been investigated for suspected links to wildlife trafficking and abuse. A raid that began on Monday is the latest move in a tug-of-war since 2001 to bring the tigers under state control.

Tiger parts are used in traditional Chinese medicine.

The 40 dead tiger cubs were found in a freezer in a kitchen area, said Adisorn Nuchdamrong, deputy director-general of the Department of National Parks.

&quot;They must be of some value for the temple to keep them,&quot; he said. &quot;But for what is beyond me.&quot;

Officials wearing protective masks displayed the bodies of the cubs to media at the temple. Also on display was the body of a Binturong, a protected species commonly known as a bearcat, which the authorities found with the cub carcasses.

Monks at the temple were not immediately available for comment.

Officials have moved 52 live tigers from the temple since Monday, Adisorn said, leaving 85 still there.

Thailand has long been a hub for the illicit trafficking of wildlife and forest products, including ivory. Exotic birds, mammals and reptiles, some of them endangered species, can often be found on sale in markets.

On Tuesday, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals group said the temple was &quot;hell for animals&quot; and called on tourists to stop visiting animal attractions at home and abroad.

Wildlife authorities found 40 tiger cub carcasses in a freezer in Thailand's infamous Tiger Temple on Wednesday as they removed live animals in response to international pressure over suspected trafficking and abuse

Thai wildlife authorities found 40 tiger cub carcasses in a freezer in Thailand's infamous Tiger Temple on Wednesday as they removed live animals in response to international pressure over suspected trafficking and abuse. The Buddhist temple in Kanchanaburi province west of Bangkok had become a tourist destination where visitors snapped selfies with bottle-fed cubs. But the temple has been investigated for suspected links to wildlife trafficking and abuse. A raid that began on Monday is the latest move in a tug-of-war since 2001 to bring the tigers under state control. Tiger parts are used in traditional Chinese medicine. The 40 dead tiger cubs were found in a freezer in a kitchen area, said Adisorn Nuchdamrong, deputy director-general of the Department of National Parks. "They must be of some value for the temple to keep them," he said. "But for what is beyond me." Officials wearing protective masks displayed the bodies of the cubs to media at the temple. Also on display was the body of a Binturong, a protected species commonly known as a bearcat, which the authorities found with the cub carcasses. Monks at the temple were not immediately available for comment. Officials have moved 52 live tigers from the temple since Monday, Adisorn said, leaving 85 still there. Thailand has long been a hub for the illicit trafficking of wildlife and forest products, including ivory. Exotic birds, mammals and reptiles, some of them endangered species, can often be found on sale in markets. On Tuesday, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals group said the temple was "hell for animals" and called on tourists to stop visiting animal attractions at home and abroad.

Dead tiger cubs found in Thai temple amid trafficking fears

Thailand`s junta leader swatted away critics, vowing to stay in power despite &quot;people&#39;s hatred&quot; for him, &nbsp;as tensions simmered before a referendum which the military says will pave the way for elections.&nbsp; 
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha seized power two years ago from the elected government when he was army chief, promising to heal a bitter decade-long political divide.&nbsp; 
But his regime has curbed free speech, outlawed political activities and penned a new charter designed to entrench the military`s role in government.&nbsp; 
&quot;I won`t go anywhere as long as the country is not at peace and in order. I won`t leave, despite how much you hate me,&quot; Prayut, who is renowned for his often irate outbursts, said in remarks to a forum in Bangkok.&nbsp; 
While he was speaking Wednesday morning a Thai folk singer was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for royal defamation -- one of several harsh laws the junta has used to curb critics, especially on the Internet.&nbsp; 
The singer, known by his stage name Tom Dundee, was convicted for comments he made in a 2013 speech at a political rally organised by supporters of the now-ousted government. 
Prayut also defended the sweeping powers granted to him as junta chief, saying &quot;there are still some politicians expressing their opinions&quot;.&nbsp; 
On the surface the political climate has calmed significantly under the junta, following years of competing street protests that often turned deadly.&nbsp; 
But disquiet is returning before an August referendum on the charter, despite a new law which punishes campaigning in the run-up to the vote with up to 10 years in prison.&nbsp; 
The junta has promised elections will go ahead in 2017 but has not clarified what will happen if the charter is rejected in the referendum, raising fears the timetable will slip once again.&nbsp; 
Prayut`s speech comes after the junta appeared to be loosening its grip by ending travel restrictions on many former politicians and promising to move its &quot;attitude adjustment&quot; sessions -- a common punishment for critics -- from military camps to government buildings and police stations.&nbsp; 
Critics say the regime is bent on dismantling the powerful political network of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, whose parties have long dominated the polls but are reviled by Bangkok`s military-allied elite.&nbsp; 
Analysts say the political troubles are exacerbated by the failing health of the 88-year-old monarch Bhumibol Adulyadej as competing elites jostle for power before the succession.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha had seized power two years ago from the elected government when he was the army chief, promising to heal a bitter decade-long political divide

Thailand`s junta leader swatted away critics, vowing to stay in power despite "people's hatred" for him, as tensions simmered before a referendum which the military says will pave the way for elections. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha seized power two years ago from the elected government when he was army chief, promising to heal a bitter decade-long political divide. But his regime has curbed free speech, outlawed political activities and penned a new charter designed to entrench the military`s role in government. "I won`t go anywhere as long as the country is not at peace and in order. I won`t leave, despite how much you hate me," Prayut, who is renowned for his often irate outbursts, said in remarks to a forum in Bangkok. While he was speaking Wednesday morning a Thai folk singer was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for royal defamation -- one of several harsh laws the junta has used to curb critics, especially on the Internet. The singer, known by his stage name Tom Dundee, was convicted for comments he made in a 2013 speech at a political rally organised by supporters of the now-ousted government. Prayut also defended the sweeping powers granted to him as junta chief, saying "there are still some politicians expressing their opinions". On the surface the political climate has calmed significantly under the junta, following years of competing street protests that often turned deadly. But disquiet is returning before an August referendum on the charter, despite a new law which punishes campaigning in the run-up to the vote with up to 10 years in prison. The junta has promised elections will go ahead in 2017 but has not clarified what will happen if the charter is rejected in the referendum, raising fears the timetable will slip once again. Prayut`s speech comes after the junta appeared to be loosening its grip by ending travel restrictions on many former politicians and promising to move its "attitude adjustment" sessions -- a common punishment for critics -- from military camps to government buildings and police stations. Critics say the regime is bent on dismantling the powerful political network of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, whose parties have long dominated the polls but are reviled by Bangkok`s military-allied elite. Analysts say the political troubles are exacerbated by the failing health of the 88-year-old monarch Bhumibol Adulyadej as competing elites jostle for power before the succession.

Thailand's junta leader says he will stay in power despite 'people's hatred' for him

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