The Thai political party that nominated a princess as its candidate for prime minister could be banned from a general election in March after an activist said on Sunday he would file a petition seeking its dissolution.

Thailand's Election Commission is to meet on Monday to consider the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/thai-princess-thanks-people-after-king-opposes-her-prime-minister-candidacy-196284">candidacy of Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya</a> Sirivadhana Barnavadi, 67, who stunned the nation on Friday when she said she would be the prime ministerial candidate for a populist party loyal to ousted ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Her announcement drew a swift rebuke from King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the princess's younger brother, who issued a statement hours later saying it was "inappropriate" for members of the royal family to enter politics.

The March 24 election is the first since a military coup in 2014 toppled an elected pro-Thaksin government. The current junta leader, Prayuth Chan-ocha, is also contesting the race for prime minister, as the candidate of a pro-military party.

The nomination of the king's elder sister, who has starred in soap operas and an action movie and gave up her royal titles after marrying an American, was a shocking move by forces loyal to Thaksin, who face an uphill battle in the election.

The Election Commission has until Friday to rule on the princess's candidacy. It is unlikely its members would disregard the wishes of the king, who while a constitutional monarch, is considered semi-divine in Thai society.

On Sunday, an activist said he would file a petition to disqualify the Thai Raksa Chart party, which nominated the princess.

"The royal announcement made it clear that the party violated electoral law," Srisuwan Janya, secretary-general of the Association for the Protection of the Constitution, told Reuters.

Srisuwan said his complaint to the Election Commission would ask it to recommend that a Constitutional Court dissolve the party.

Thai Raksa Chart's executive chairman Chaturon Chaisaeng declined to comment on the request to disband it. The party said it would accept the king's message and "move forward into the election arena to solve problems for the country".

The royal family has a long-standing tradition of staying out of politics, and electoral law forbids parties from using the monarchy in campaigns.

Parties loyal to former telecommunications tycoon Thaksin have defeated pro-establishment parties to win every election since 2001, but every time have been removed by court rulings or coups.

The gambit to nominate a member of the royal family could backfire on Thai Raksa Chart, said Titipol Phakdeewanich, dean of the faculty of political science at Ubon Ratchathani University.

"Things are now more unpredictable,” Titipol told Reuters.

If the party is dissolved, it could give more seats to anti-Thaksin affiliated parties like the pro-junta, Phalang Pracharat and progressive Future Forward party, he said.

Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 coup, lives in self-imposed exile after being convicted of corruption in absentia.

He responded to the events on Twitter late on Saturday telling supporters to "keep moving forward" and "learn from past experiences but live for today and the future".

The Thai political party that nominated a princess as its candidate for prime minister could be banned from a general election in March after an activist said on Sunday he would file a petition seeking its dissolution.

The Thai political party that nominated a princess as its candidate for prime minister could be banned from a general election in March after an activist said on Sunday he would file a petition seeking its dissolution. Thailand's Election Commission is to meet on Monday to consider the candidacy of Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi, 67, who stunned the nation on Friday when she said she would be the prime ministerial candidate for a populist party loyal to ousted ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra. Her announcement drew a swift rebuke from King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the princess's younger brother, who issued a statement hours later saying it was "inappropriate" for members of the royal family to enter politics. The March 24 election is the first since a military coup in 2014 toppled an elected pro-Thaksin government. The current junta leader, Prayuth Chan-ocha, is also contesting the race for prime minister, as the candidate of a pro-military party. The nomination of the king's elder sister, who has starred in soap operas and an action movie and gave up her royal titles after marrying an American, was a shocking move by forces loyal to Thaksin, who face an uphill battle in the election. The Election Commission has until Friday to rule on the princess's candidacy. It is unlikely its members would disregard the wishes of the king, who while a constitutional monarch, is considered semi-divine in Thai society. On Sunday, an activist said he would file a petition to disqualify the Thai Raksa Chart party, which nominated the princess. "The royal announcement made it clear that the party violated electoral law," Srisuwan Janya, secretary-general of the Association for the Protection of the Constitution, told Reuters. Srisuwan said his complaint to the Election Commission would ask it to recommend that a Constitutional Court dissolve the party. Thai Raksa Chart's executive chairman Chaturon Chaisaeng declined to comment on the request to disband it. The party said it would accept the king's message and "move forward into the election arena to solve problems for the country". The royal family has a long-standing tradition of staying out of politics, and electoral law forbids parties from using the monarchy in campaigns. Parties loyal to former telecommunications tycoon Thaksin have defeated pro-establishment parties to win every election since 2001, but every time have been removed by court rulings or coups. The gambit to nominate a member of the royal family could backfire on Thai Raksa Chart, said Titipol Phakdeewanich, dean of the faculty of political science at Ubon Ratchathani University. "Things are now more unpredictable,” Titipol told Reuters. If the party is dissolved, it could give more seats to anti-Thaksin affiliated parties like the pro-junta, Phalang Pracharat and progressive Future Forward party, he said. Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 coup, lives in self-imposed exile after being convicted of corruption in absentia. He responded to the events on Twitter late on Saturday telling supporters to "keep moving forward" and "learn from past experiences but live for today and the future".

Party that nominated Thai princess for PM faces ban after king's rebuke

The Thai princess who has announced she was running for prime ministerŽs post and was quickly opposed by her brother, the king, on Saturday thanked the people of Thailand for their support.

In a message that sounded like a farewell posted on her Instagram account, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/thai-party-to-comply-with-royal-order-against-princess-pm-candidacy-statement-196191">Princess Ubolratana</a>, 67, did not comment on her candidature that was called "inappropriate" by the monarch, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 66.

The princess said she was grateful to the Thai people for their "love and support," adding she would like to see the country make progress and all its citizens enjoy their rights and opportunities for happiness and well-being.

Ubolratana relinquished her royal titles in 1972 at the time of her marriage to an American, but following her divorce in 1998, she returned permanently to Thailand and has since enjoyed the due recognition of her lineage.

On Friday, she was nominated as the prime ministerial candidate of the Thai Raksa Chart party, opposed to the military junta currently ruling the country.

The Thai Raksa Chart party has been linked to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been living in exile after he who was ousted by the military in a 2005 coup.

Around 12 hours after the nomination for her candidature was filed before the authorities, the king made a rare intervention by saying that his sister's unprecedented involvement in politics was unconstitutional.

"A prominent member of the royal family becoming involved in politics, no matter how, goes against tradition," the king said in a statement, adding "it is deemed extremely inappropriate."

The disapproval of the king - who, according to local laws, serves as a guide to the nation and cannot be questioned - practically scuttles Ubolratana's bid for the office of prime minister.

On February&nbsp;15, the Election Commission is scheduled to announce the official lists for the elections and decide on a recourse presented by the pro-military group against the nomination of a member of the royal family.

The Thai Raksa Chart cancelled Ubolratana's campaign events planned for Saturday.

The unexpected nomination of Ubolratana posed a turnaround in the political scenario in Thailand ahead of the March 24 general elections, in which the head of the junta and current Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha will seek another term.

The Puea Thai party, headed by Shinawatra, has won every election that has been held since 2001. Shinawatra's sister Yingluck was prime minister when the government was overthrown in a coup in 2014.

The elections, which were postponed several times by the military junta, will be held to elect 500 members of the House of Representatives - the lower house. Some 375 of them will be chosen directly through constituency elections, while 125 will be elected through party-list proportional representation.

The Senate - the upper house - will be formed of 250 legislators appointed by the military junta, and will take part in voting in the parliament to elect a new prime minister, according to the new Constitution drafted by the junta and approved in a referendum in 2017.

The Thai princess who has announced she was running for prime ministerŽs post and was quickly opposed by her brother, the king, on Saturday thanked the people of Thailand for their support.

The Thai princess who has announced she was running for prime ministerŽs post and was quickly opposed by her brother, the king, on Saturday thanked the people of Thailand for their support. In a message that sounded like a farewell posted on her Instagram account, Princess Ubolratana, 67, did not comment on her candidature that was called "inappropriate" by the monarch, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 66. The princess said she was grateful to the Thai people for their "love and support," adding she would like to see the country make progress and all its citizens enjoy their rights and opportunities for happiness and well-being. Ubolratana relinquished her royal titles in 1972 at the time of her marriage to an American, but following her divorce in 1998, she returned permanently to Thailand and has since enjoyed the due recognition of her lineage. On Friday, she was nominated as the prime ministerial candidate of the Thai Raksa Chart party, opposed to the military junta currently ruling the country. The Thai Raksa Chart party has been linked to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been living in exile after he who was ousted by the military in a 2005 coup. Around 12 hours after the nomination for her candidature was filed before the authorities, the king made a rare intervention by saying that his sister's unprecedented involvement in politics was unconstitutional. "A prominent member of the royal family becoming involved in politics, no matter how, goes against tradition," the king said in a statement, adding "it is deemed extremely inappropriate." The disapproval of the king - who, according to local laws, serves as a guide to the nation and cannot be questioned - practically scuttles Ubolratana's bid for the office of prime minister. On February 15, the Election Commission is scheduled to announce the official lists for the elections and decide on a recourse presented by the pro-military group against the nomination of a member of the royal family. The Thai Raksa Chart cancelled Ubolratana's campaign events planned for Saturday. The unexpected nomination of Ubolratana posed a turnaround in the political scenario in Thailand ahead of the March 24 general elections, in which the head of the junta and current Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha will seek another term. The Puea Thai party, headed by Shinawatra, has won every election that has been held since 2001. Shinawatra's sister Yingluck was prime minister when the government was overthrown in a coup in 2014. The elections, which were postponed several times by the military junta, will be held to elect 500 members of the House of Representatives - the lower house. Some 375 of them will be chosen directly through constituency elections, while 125 will be elected through party-list proportional representation. The Senate - the upper house - will be formed of 250 legislators appointed by the military junta, and will take part in voting in the parliament to elect a new prime minister, according to the new Constitution drafted by the junta and approved in a referendum in 2017.

Thai princess thanks people after king opposes her prime minister candidacy

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn late Friday said a move by a political party to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/legal-doubts-raised-after-thai-kings-sister-confirms-pm-bid-196103">make his sister Princess Ubolratana prime minister </a>if they triumphed in upcoming elections was "inappropriate and unconstitutional".

"To bring a senior royal family member into the political system is against royal traditions and the nation's culture... it is inappropriate," an unexpected statement in the Royal Gazette said.

Early Friday, Thai Raksa Chart, a party affiliated with billionaire ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/thai-kings-sister-nominated-for-pm-in-march-polls-in-unprecedented-move-195919">submitted Ubolratana's name </a>as their only candidate for prime minister should they win the March 24 elections.

Princess Ubolratana, 67, the older sister of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, was announced as a candidate for the Thai Raksa Chart party steered by the divisive Shinawatra political clan.

The Thai monarchy, a revered institution shielded from criticism by a tough defamation law, has traditionally been seen as above the political fray, although royals have intervened in moments of political crisis.

Ubolratana's nomination has electrified the buildup to a March 24 election which had seemed poised to return the junta and its proxies to power in some form.

Her involvement gives a royal sheen to Thaksin Shinawatra's political machine, which has won every election since 2001.

And it also potentially builds a bridge between Thaksin's "Red" shirted supporters and the "Yellow" shirts who are arch royalists. Deadly violence and disruption linked to the two groups has defined Thailand's turbulent last decade.

"Thank you for all the love and encouragement," the princess, who gave up her royal titles to marry a foreigner, said in a typically colourful Instagram post on Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

"I want to clarify that I have relinquished the rank of nobility and am living as a commoner ... I allowed Thai Raksa Chart Party to use my name for the nomination to the prime minister's post."

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn late Friday said a move by a political party to make his sister Princess Ubolratana prime minister if they triumphed in upcoming elections was "inappropriate and unconstitutional".

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn late Friday said a move by a political party to make his sister Princess Ubolratana prime minister if they triumphed in upcoming elections was "inappropriate and unconstitutional". "To bring a senior royal family member into the political system is against royal traditions and the nation's culture... it is inappropriate," an unexpected statement in the Royal Gazette said. Early Friday, Thai Raksa Chart, a party affiliated with billionaire ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, submitted Ubolratana's name as their only candidate for prime minister should they win the March 24 elections. Princess Ubolratana, 67, the older sister of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, was announced as a candidate for the Thai Raksa Chart party steered by the divisive Shinawatra political clan. The Thai monarchy, a revered institution shielded from criticism by a tough defamation law, has traditionally been seen as above the political fray, although royals have intervened in moments of political crisis. Ubolratana's nomination has electrified the buildup to a March 24 election which had seemed poised to return the junta and its proxies to power in some form. Her involvement gives a royal sheen to Thaksin Shinawatra's political machine, which has won every election since 2001. And it also potentially builds a bridge between Thaksin's "Red" shirted supporters and the "Yellow" shirts who are arch royalists. Deadly violence and disruption linked to the two groups has defined Thailand's turbulent last decade. "Thank you for all the love and encouragement," the princess, who gave up her royal titles to marry a foreigner, said in a typically colourful Instagram post on Friday afternoon. "I want to clarify that I have relinquished the rank of nobility and am living as a commoner ... I allowed Thai Raksa Chart Party to use my name for the nomination to the prime minister's post."

Move to make princess PM 'inappropriate and unconstitutional': Thai King

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

Thailand defended on Wednesday its arrest of a Bahraini footballer with refugee status in Australia, saying officials only detained him because Australian authorities sent an Interpol "red notice" after he boarded a plane to Bangkok.

Hakeem Al Araibi's case has drawn international criticism as a Thai court considers an extradition request from Bahrain for him to serve a 10-year sentence related to the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011. He denies the charges.

He was arrested at Bangkok's international airport in November when he flew from Australia to Thailand with his wife for a honeymoon.

Araibi, 25, says he faces torture if returned to Bahrain. He says he only wants to return to Australia, where he has lived since 2014 and plays for a Melbourne football club.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called again on Tuesday for Araibi to be released and sent back to Australia, saying he was "disturbed" to see photos of Araibi in shackles as he arrived for a court hearing earlier this week

The Thai foreign ministry updated a statement on the case early on Wednesday, which it described as "involving two countries competing for Mr. Hakeem's custody".

It said Thailand only became involved "by chance" after a police bureau that handles Interpol matters in Australia notified Thai authorities that Araibi had boarded a flight to Bangkok and was the subject of a "red notice" initiated by Bahrain.

"It took several days after the arrival of Mr. Hakeem before the Australian authorities informed us that the red notice had been cancelled," the statement said.

"By that time, legal proceedings in Thailand regarding Mr. Hakeem had already started and could not be reversed," it said.

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne called on Thai authorities to use their discretion in Araibi's case.

"Given ... that he is a permanent resident of our country, on the pathway to citizenship, we have encouraged the Bahraini government not to proceed with the extradition application, and we have encouraged the Thai government to exercise the discretion that they have available to them," she told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation from Samoa.

Australia's Home Affairs office confirmed in December that federal police had advised Thai authorities a person with a red notice was on the way to Thailand but did not say if the bureau was aware Araibi had refugee status.

Thailand's attorney general is scheduled to hold a news briefing on the case later on Wednesday.

Araibi was convicted of vandalising a police station during 2011 anti-government protests in Bahrain and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in absentia after he fled.

He denies the charges, saying he was playing in a televised soccer match at the time of the police station attack.

New York-based Human Rights Watch has said Araibi was tortured by Bahraini authorities because of his brother's political activities during the Arab Spring uprising in 2011.

Bahraini authorities deny allegations of torture.

Thailand defended on Wednesday its arrest of a Bahraini footballer with refugee status in Australia, saying officials only detained him because Australian authorities sent an Interpol "red notice" after he boarded a plane to Bangkok.

Thailand defended on Wednesday its arrest of a Bahraini footballer with refugee status in Australia, saying officials only detained him because Australian authorities sent an Interpol "red notice" after he boarded a plane to Bangkok. Hakeem Al Araibi's case has drawn international criticism as a Thai court considers an extradition request from Bahrain for him to serve a 10-year sentence related to the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011. He denies the charges. He was arrested at Bangkok's international airport in November when he flew from Australia to Thailand with his wife for a honeymoon. Araibi, 25, says he faces torture if returned to Bahrain. He says he only wants to return to Australia, where he has lived since 2014 and plays for a Melbourne football club. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called again on Tuesday for Araibi to be released and sent back to Australia, saying he was "disturbed" to see photos of Araibi in shackles as he arrived for a court hearing earlier this week The Thai foreign ministry updated a statement on the case early on Wednesday, which it described as "involving two countries competing for Mr. Hakeem's custody". It said Thailand only became involved "by chance" after a police bureau that handles Interpol matters in Australia notified Thai authorities that Araibi had boarded a flight to Bangkok and was the subject of a "red notice" initiated by Bahrain. "It took several days after the arrival of Mr. Hakeem before the Australian authorities informed us that the red notice had been cancelled," the statement said. "By that time, legal proceedings in Thailand regarding Mr. Hakeem had already started and could not be reversed," it said. Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne called on Thai authorities to use their discretion in Araibi's case. "Given ... that he is a permanent resident of our country, on the pathway to citizenship, we have encouraged the Bahraini government not to proceed with the extradition application, and we have encouraged the Thai government to exercise the discretion that they have available to them," she told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation from Samoa. Australia's Home Affairs office confirmed in December that federal police had advised Thai authorities a person with a red notice was on the way to Thailand but did not say if the bureau was aware Araibi had refugee status. Thailand's attorney general is scheduled to hold a news briefing on the case later on Wednesday. Araibi was convicted of vandalising a police station during 2011 anti-government protests in Bahrain and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in absentia after he fled. He denies the charges, saying he was playing in a televised soccer match at the time of the police station attack. New York-based Human Rights Watch has said Araibi was tortured by Bahraini authorities because of his brother's political activities during the Arab Spring uprising in 2011. Bahraini authorities deny allegations of torture.

Thailand blames Australia for arrest of refugee Bahraini footballer

Bahrain's government has submitted documents for the extradition of Hakeem Al Araibi, a Bahraini refugee footballer held in prison in Thailand, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday.

Araibi, who has refugee status in Australia and is a vocal critic of Bahrain's government, was convicted of vandalising a police station in 2014. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in absentia and has denied wrongdoing.

Araibi was arrested in November in Bangkok, where he had travelled for his honeymoon, on an Interpol notice issued at the Gulf Arab state's request. Under the Thai legal system, Bahrain must submit the documents for his extradition by Feb. 8 or apply for an extension for another 30 days.

Thai authorities could not immediately be reached for comment.

Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne had urged Thai authorities to release Araibi while rights groups have said he was persecuted for political reasons.

Bahraini Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah al-Khalifa said in a statement to Reuters that proceedings to extradite him to Bahrain are ongoing and criticised what he described as "external interference" in Manama's internal affairs.

"Those who speak now of Al Araibi having been mistreated and those who question the integrity of Bahrain’s courts ignore the fact that Al Araibi was released on bail of 100 dinars by the courts," the statement added.

Bahraini authorities have said Araibi can return to appeal against the sentence, noting that others arrested with Araibi who have done so have been acquitted.

The minister said Araibi, who was allowed to travel with the national soccer team while on bail, had fled to Iran from Qatar "never to return".

Araibi was granted asylum in Australia, where he now plays, in 2017 after fleeing Bahrain three years earlier.

He was a critic of Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa, a member of Bahrain’s ruling family and cousin of the king, when he contested the FIFA presidential election in 2015. Sheikh Salman is president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

The AFC said last week that the president had been recused from all matters relating to West Asia and AFC Vice President Praful Patel was working with global governing body FIFA “to find a solution” to the matter of Araibi's detention.

Human Rights Watch said Araibi was tortured by Bahraini authorities because of his brother's political activities during the Arab Spring uprising in 2011. Bahraini authorities deny allegations of torture.

Bahrain's government has submitted documents for the extradition of Hakeem Al Araibi, a Bahraini refugee footballer held in prison in Thailand, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday.

Bahrain's government has submitted documents for the extradition of Hakeem Al Araibi, a Bahraini refugee footballer held in prison in Thailand, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday. Araibi, who has refugee status in Australia and is a vocal critic of Bahrain's government, was convicted of vandalising a police station in 2014. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in absentia and has denied wrongdoing. Araibi was arrested in November in Bangkok, where he had travelled for his honeymoon, on an Interpol notice issued at the Gulf Arab state's request. Under the Thai legal system, Bahrain must submit the documents for his extradition by Feb. 8 or apply for an extension for another 30 days. Thai authorities could not immediately be reached for comment. Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne had urged Thai authorities to release Araibi while rights groups have said he was persecuted for political reasons. Bahraini Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah al-Khalifa said in a statement to Reuters that proceedings to extradite him to Bahrain are ongoing and criticised what he described as "external interference" in Manama's internal affairs. "Those who speak now of Al Araibi having been mistreated and those who question the integrity of Bahrain’s courts ignore the fact that Al Araibi was released on bail of 100 dinars by the courts," the statement added. Bahraini authorities have said Araibi can return to appeal against the sentence, noting that others arrested with Araibi who have done so have been acquitted. The minister said Araibi, who was allowed to travel with the national soccer team while on bail, had fled to Iran from Qatar "never to return". Araibi was granted asylum in Australia, where he now plays, in 2017 after fleeing Bahrain three years earlier. He was a critic of Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa, a member of Bahrain’s ruling family and cousin of the king, when he contested the FIFA presidential election in 2015. Sheikh Salman is president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The AFC said last week that the president had been recused from all matters relating to West Asia and AFC Vice President Praful Patel was working with global governing body FIFA “to find a solution” to the matter of Araibi's detention. Human Rights Watch said Araibi was tortured by Bahraini authorities because of his brother's political activities during the Arab Spring uprising in 2011. Bahraini authorities deny allegations of torture.

Bahrain closer to extradition of footballer held in Thailand

Thailand will hold a general election to restore civilian rule on March 24, the election commission (EC) said on Wednesday, reported news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

The EC announced the new date for the often postponed election, which will be the first since a 2014 military coup.

The commission in December said that elections would be held on February 24, but the military government had expressed concern that election-related events would clash with early preparations for the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, scheduled for May 4-6.

Last month, the military government lifted a ban on political activities to allow parties to campaign.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Thailand will hold a general election to restore civilian rule on March 24, the election commission (EC) said on Wednesday, reported news agency Reuters. The EC announced the new date for the often postponed election, which will be the first since a 2014 military coup.

Thailand will hold a general election to restore civilian rule on March 24, the election commission (EC) said on Wednesday, reported news agency Reuters. The EC announced the new date for the often postponed election, which will be the first since a 2014 military coup. The commission in December said that elections would be held on February 24, but the military government had expressed concern that election-related events would clash with early preparations for the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, scheduled for May 4-6. Last month, the military government lifted a ban on political activities to allow parties to campaign. (With inputs from Reuters)

Thailand to hold first general election since coup on March 24

A Belarusian model who claimed she had proof of Russian efforts to help Donald Trump win office was set to be deported after being convicted Tuesday nearly a year after her arrest in Thailand for participating in a "sex training course".

Anastasia Vashukevich, known by her pen name Nastya Rybka, has been held with several others since a police raid in the sleazy seaside resort of Pattaya last February.

She had travelled to Thailand after becoming embroiled in a political scandal with Russian aluminium tycoon Oleg Deripaska, a one-time associate of US President Trump's disgraced former campaign director Paul Manafort.

She set off a scramble for details after promising to reveal "missing puzzle pieces" regarding claims the Kremlin aided Trump's 2016 election victory.

But the material never surfaced and critics dismissed it as a publicity stunt.

The Pattaya Provincial Court convicted her and seven co-defendants after they suddenly pleaded guilty to multiple charges including solicitation and illegal assembly.

"The court found them all guilty of soliciting sex," said a judge on the panel, handing them three-year sentences and $6,000 fines but reducing the sentences to time served.

"The court releases them today," the judge added.

Thai immigration chief Surachate Hakparn said they would be transferred to an immigration detention centre in Bangkok and deported.

"The next step, I will coordinate with the Russian government for their deportation, which will likely take one week for all the processes to complete," Surachate told AFP.

"They are blacklisted from Thailand permanently for conducting bad deeds."

Seduction guru 

The risque seminar was led by self-styled Russian seduction guru Alex Kirillov and some participants wore shirts that said "sex animator" even though one participant at the time described it as more of a romance and relationship course.

Kirillov, who has served as a spokesman for the mostly Russian group, told reporters as they arrived at court Tuesday that he believed they were set up.

"I think somebody ordered (our arrest)... for money," he said.

Vashukevich and Kirillov had once expressed fear of being deported back to Russia and at one stage called on Washington for help.

But Vashukevich later blamed the US for their imprisonment.

Both Washington and Moscow publicly had shrugged off Vashukevich's story, which the US State Department described as "bizarre".

A friend of theirs who has been involved in the case and was at the court told AFP they were "very happy" with the verdict.

Vashukevich, who has penned a book about seducing oligarchs, also faces legal problems in Russia.

Deripaska won an invasion of privacy lawsuit against her and Kirillov in July after a video apparently filmed by the model showed the tycoon vacationing with an influential Russian deputy prime minister.

Kremlin-connected Deripaska and Manafort, Trump's ex-campaign manager, did business together in the mid-2000s.

Manafort has since been convicted in the US of financial crimes related to political work he did in Ukraine before the 2016 election as well as witness tampering.

A Belarusian model who claimed she had proof of Russian efforts to help Donald Trump win office was set to be deported after being convicted Tuesday nearly a year after her arrest in Thailand for participating in a "sex training course".

A Belarusian model who claimed she had proof of Russian efforts to help Donald Trump win office was set to be deported after being convicted Tuesday nearly a year after her arrest in Thailand for participating in a "sex training course". Anastasia Vashukevich, known by her pen name Nastya Rybka, has been held with several others since a police raid in the sleazy seaside resort of Pattaya last February. She had travelled to Thailand after becoming embroiled in a political scandal with Russian aluminium tycoon Oleg Deripaska, a one-time associate of US President Trump's disgraced former campaign director Paul Manafort. She set off a scramble for details after promising to reveal "missing puzzle pieces" regarding claims the Kremlin aided Trump's 2016 election victory. But the material never surfaced and critics dismissed it as a publicity stunt. The Pattaya Provincial Court convicted her and seven co-defendants after they suddenly pleaded guilty to multiple charges including solicitation and illegal assembly. "The court found them all guilty of soliciting sex," said a judge on the panel, handing them three-year sentences and $6,000 fines but reducing the sentences to time served. "The court releases them today," the judge added. Thai immigration chief Surachate Hakparn said they would be transferred to an immigration detention centre in Bangkok and deported. "The next step, I will coordinate with the Russian government for their deportation, which will likely take one week for all the processes to complete," Surachate told AFP. "They are blacklisted from Thailand permanently for conducting bad deeds." Seduction guru The risque seminar was led by self-styled Russian seduction guru Alex Kirillov and some participants wore shirts that said "sex animator" even though one participant at the time described it as more of a romance and relationship course. Kirillov, who has served as a spokesman for the mostly Russian group, told reporters as they arrived at court Tuesday that he believed they were set up. "I think somebody ordered (our arrest)... for money," he said. Vashukevich and Kirillov had once expressed fear of being deported back to Russia and at one stage called on Washington for help. But Vashukevich later blamed the US for their imprisonment. Both Washington and Moscow publicly had shrugged off Vashukevich's story, which the US State Department described as "bizarre". A friend of theirs who has been involved in the case and was at the court told AFP they were "very happy" with the verdict. Vashukevich, who has penned a book about seducing oligarchs, also faces legal problems in Russia. Deripaska won an invasion of privacy lawsuit against her and Kirillov in July after a video apparently filmed by the model showed the tycoon vacationing with an influential Russian deputy prime minister. Kremlin-connected Deripaska and Manafort, Trump's ex-campaign manager, did business together in the mid-2000s. Manafort has since been convicted in the US of financial crimes related to political work he did in Ukraine before the 2016 election as well as witness tampering.

Model claiming Trump secrets to be deported after Thai trial

Thailand's highest court on Tuesday ordered compensation be paid to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/extortion-and-abuse-myanmar-workers-arrive-debt-laden-thailand-169336">14 migrant workers from Myanmar</a> whose accusations against a chicken farm of abuses sparked a landmark legal case for migrant labourers.

The workers in 2016 officially complained to Thailand's National Human Rights Commission about forced overtime, being paid less than the minimum wage, confiscation of passports, and limited freedom of movement.

But employer Thammakaset farm, which had supplied meat to Thai food conglomerate Betagro, denied the charges and launched a defamation lawsuit, saying the workers voluntarily worked nights and chose to sleep next to the chicken warehouse.

Betagro, which sells to companies around the globe, later said it had cut ties with the farm.

After a three-year legal battle, the Supreme Court upheld a lower court verdict from 2016 which found in favour of the workers and ruled they must be paid 1.7 million baht ($53,000) in compensation.

"There is no significant legal argument from the company's side," the court said in its order, dismissing the appeal.

A lawyer for the workers said they welcomed the verdict in a country that has been at the centre of a slew of slavery and human trafficking cases, including in its seafood sector.

"Hopefully, they will receive the compensation quickly and put this behind them," said Koreeyor Manuchae at NSP Legal Office.

Last July, a Bangkok court dismissed charges against the workers in the criminal defamation case which accused them of damaging the reputation of Thammakaset farm.&nbsp;

Labour rights activist Sutharee Wannasiri said Tuesday's verdict vindicated the workers.

"It's a very rare victory for labour rights and migrant workers in Thailand, and it will help bolster the rights of migrant workers in the country," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

"The compensation is not a large amount, but it is symbolic, and shows there is a mechanism for securing remedies and accountability when businesses have violated rights."

Campaigners have urged better protection for migrant labourers and activists from civil and criminal lawsuits for exposing abusive working conditions.

In the face of mounting global scrutiny of supply chains, Thailand has strengthened laws to crack down on labour exploitation, but activists said it was still widespread.

Thailand's highest court on Tuesday ordered compensation be paid to 14 migrant workers from Myanmar whose accusations against a chicken farm of abuses sparked a landmark legal case for migrant labourers.

Thailand's highest court on Tuesday ordered compensation be paid to 14 migrant workers from Myanmar whose accusations against a chicken farm of abuses sparked a landmark legal case for migrant labourers. The workers in 2016 officially complained to Thailand's National Human Rights Commission about forced overtime, being paid less than the minimum wage, confiscation of passports, and limited freedom of movement. But employer Thammakaset farm, which had supplied meat to Thai food conglomerate Betagro, denied the charges and launched a defamation lawsuit, saying the workers voluntarily worked nights and chose to sleep next to the chicken warehouse. Betagro, which sells to companies around the globe, later said it had cut ties with the farm. After a three-year legal battle, the Supreme Court upheld a lower court verdict from 2016 which found in favour of the workers and ruled they must be paid 1.7 million baht ($53,000) in compensation. "There is no significant legal argument from the company's side," the court said in its order, dismissing the appeal. A lawyer for the workers said they welcomed the verdict in a country that has been at the centre of a slew of slavery and human trafficking cases, including in its seafood sector. "Hopefully, they will receive the compensation quickly and put this behind them," said Koreeyor Manuchae at NSP Legal Office. Last July, a Bangkok court dismissed charges against the workers in the criminal defamation case which accused them of damaging the reputation of Thammakaset farm. Labour rights activist Sutharee Wannasiri said Tuesday's verdict vindicated the workers. "It's a very rare victory for labour rights and migrant workers in Thailand, and it will help bolster the rights of migrant workers in the country," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "The compensation is not a large amount, but it is symbolic, and shows there is a mechanism for securing remedies and accountability when businesses have violated rights." Campaigners have urged better protection for migrant labourers and activists from civil and criminal lawsuits for exposing abusive working conditions. In the face of mounting global scrutiny of supply chains, Thailand has strengthened laws to crack down on labour exploitation, but activists said it was still widespread.

Thailand top court orders compensation for Myanmar workers in landmark case

The asylum claim of a young Saudi woman who resisted deportation from Thailand in a gripping, live-tweeted ordeal will take "several days" to assess, the UN's refugee agency in Bangkok said Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-woman-has-left-bangkok-airport-under-care-of-un-agency-thai-official-188859">Rahaf Mohammed al-</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-woman-has-left-bangkok-airport-under-care-of-un-agency-thai-official-188859">Qunun</a> arrived at Bangkok's main airport over the weekend on a flight from Kuwait after running away from her family who she alleges subjected her to physical and psychological abuse.

The 18-year-old said she had planned to seek asylum in Australia, fearing she would be killed if sent back by Thai immigration officials who stopped her at the airport on Sunday.

Saudi Arabia's parlous rights record has been under heavy scrutiny since the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi last year.

Initially, Thai authorities said Qunun would be sent back to Saudi Arabia.

But as her plight pinballed across social media — including tweets about how she had barricaded herself in a hotel room — they abruptly changed course and allowed her to leave the airport late Monday in UNHCR's care.

The agency said it was "very grateful" that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-teen-barricades-herself-in-thai-hotel-to-stop-being-returned-to-family-188799">officials did not send Qunun back against her will</a>.

"It could take several days to process the case and determine next steps," the UNHCR representative in Thailand, Giuseppe de Vicentiis, said in a statement.

Thailand is not a signatory to a UN convention on refugees, and asylum seekers are typically deported or wait years to be resettled in third countries.

The UNHCR insists anyone with an asylum claim should not be sent back to the country they fled under the principle of non-refoulement.

Saudi Arabia's embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

But in an extensive explanation released on Twitter, the embassy denied sending officials to Suvarnabhumi airport to meet Qunun as she arrived from Kuwait, where her family lives.

It also said her passport had not been impounded as alleged while explaining it is in contact with her father, a senior regional government official in the kingdom, "to inform him on her situation".

Another official told a Saudi-owned TV channel that Qunun's father had contacted the mission for "help" in bringing her back.

Ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia has some of the world's toughest restrictions on women, including a guardianship system that allows male family members to make decisions on behalf of female relatives.

Qunun has said she believes she will be imprisoned or killed if sent back and that her family is so strict it once locked her in a room for six months for cutting her hair.

Under the hashtag #SaveRahaf, the young woman's desperate pleas became a social media sensation, where she was able to post live updates and videos from the Bangkok airport in both Arabic and English, racking up more than 80,000 followers.

Late Monday, her Twitter account said that her father had arrived in Bangkok. AFP was not able to independently verify the news.

Thailand is not a signatory to a UN convention on refugees, and asylum seekers are typically deported or wait years to be resettled in third countries.

The asylum claim of a young Saudi woman who resisted deportation from Thailand in a gripping, live-tweeted ordeal will take "several days" to assess, the UN's refugee agency in Bangkok said Tuesday. Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun arrived at Bangkok's main airport over the weekend on a flight from Kuwait after running away from her family who she alleges subjected her to physical and psychological abuse. The 18-year-old said she had planned to seek asylum in Australia, fearing she would be killed if sent back by Thai immigration officials who stopped her at the airport on Sunday. Saudi Arabia's parlous rights record has been under heavy scrutiny since the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi last year. Initially, Thai authorities said Qunun would be sent back to Saudi Arabia. But as her plight pinballed across social media — including tweets about how she had barricaded herself in a hotel room — they abruptly changed course and allowed her to leave the airport late Monday in UNHCR's care. The agency said it was "very grateful" that officials did not send Qunun back against her will. "It could take several days to process the case and determine next steps," the UNHCR representative in Thailand, Giuseppe de Vicentiis, said in a statement. Thailand is not a signatory to a UN convention on refugees, and asylum seekers are typically deported or wait years to be resettled in third countries. The UNHCR insists anyone with an asylum claim should not be sent back to the country they fled under the principle of non-refoulement. Saudi Arabia's embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. But in an extensive explanation released on Twitter, the embassy denied sending officials to Suvarnabhumi airport to meet Qunun as she arrived from Kuwait, where her family lives. It also said her passport had not been impounded as alleged while explaining it is in contact with her father, a senior regional government official in the kingdom, "to inform him on her situation". Another official told a Saudi-owned TV channel that Qunun's father had contacted the mission for "help" in bringing her back. Ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia has some of the world's toughest restrictions on women, including a guardianship system that allows male family members to make decisions on behalf of female relatives. Qunun has said she believes she will be imprisoned or killed if sent back and that her family is so strict it once locked her in a room for six months for cutting her hair. Under the hashtag #SaveRahaf, the young woman's desperate pleas became a social media sensation, where she was able to post live updates and videos from the Bangkok airport in both Arabic and English, racking up more than 80,000 followers. Late Monday, her Twitter account said that her father had arrived in Bangkok. AFP was not able to independently verify the news.

Asylum assessment of Saudi woman in Thailand to take days: UNHCR

A Saudi teenager who has barricaded <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-woman-held-at-bangkok-airport-fears-she-will-be-killed-if-repatriated-188650">herself in Thailand's airport </a>transit area would be sent back home, Thai authorities said today.

Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun, 18, pleaded on Twitter for asylum and asked the Thai government not to deport her back to Kuwait.

"I ask the... government of Thailand... to stop my deportation to Kuwait," she said on Twitter. "I ask the police in Thailand to start my asylum process."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Rahaf just send me this, she just want you to make sure she is on the hotel and she still needs help and protection. <a href="https://t.co/xxs61JIfhP">pic.twitter.com/xxs61JIfhP</a>
— Rahaf Mohammed رهف محمد القنون (@rahaf84427714) <a href="https://twitter.com/rahaf84427714/status/1082144843374055424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Thai officials said Qunun was "waiting to board the flight" which was reportedly set to fly to Australia.

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Kuwait airlines and Saudi embassy work together!! They took my passport
— Rahaf Mohammed رهف محمد القنون (@rahaf84427714) <a href="https://twitter.com/rahaf84427714/status/1082081214742224896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The incident comes in the backdrop of journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder who was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul by Saudi men against who court cases are underway in the country.

Thai authorities, meanwhile, have denied acting on behalf of the Saudi government. The officials said she did not have the correct documents for a visa on arrival.

Human Rights Watch said she is fleeing&nbsp;Saudi Arabia to avoid abuse by her family and wants to meet the UN refugee agency to claim asylum.

&nbsp;

A Saudi teenager who has barricaded herself in Thailand's airport transit area would be sent back home, Thai authorities said today. Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun, 18, pleaded on Twitter for asylum and asked the Thai government not to deport her back to Kuwait.

A Saudi teenager who has barricaded herself in Thailand's airport transit area would be sent back home, Thai authorities said today. Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun, 18, pleaded on Twitter for asylum and asked the Thai government not to deport her back to Kuwait. "I ask the... government of Thailand... to stop my deportation to Kuwait," she said on Twitter. "I ask the police in Thailand to start my asylum process." Rahaf just send me this, she just want you to make sure she is on the hotel and she still needs help and protection. pic.twitter.com/xxs61JIfhP — Rahaf Mohammed رهف محمد القنون (@rahaf84427714) January 7, 2019 × Thai officials said Qunun was "waiting to board the flight" which was reportedly set to fly to Australia. Kuwait airlines and Saudi embassy work together!! They took my passport — Rahaf Mohammed رهف محمد القنون (@rahaf84427714) January 7, 2019 × The incident comes in the backdrop of journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder who was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul by Saudi men against who court cases are underway in the country. Thai authorities, meanwhile, have denied acting on behalf of the Saudi government. The officials said she did not have the correct documents for a visa on arrival. Human Rights Watch said she is fleeing Saudi Arabia to avoid abuse by her family and wants to meet the UN refugee agency to claim asylum.

Watch: Saudi teenager seeking asylum to be sent home, say Thai officials

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;

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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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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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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

About 7,000 people are staying in evacuation centres in the southern Thai province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, where Storm Pabuk was due to arrive on Friday, provincial authorities said.

Authorities were trying to evacuate 80,000 people in the province, Nakhon Si Thammarat's secretary of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Udomporn Kan, said on Friday.

According to the last announcement of the Thai Meteorology Department, Pabuk is expected to make landfall late Friday afternoon with sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 95 kilometres per hour.

The storm will affect much of Thailand's southern coast with heavy rainfall and the threat of flash floods or landslides.

Ferry services to the tourist islands of Samui, Tao and Phangan have been canceled and local authorities have prepared an evacuation plan in the face of flooding.

Bangkok Airways announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Samui airport, adding that it will update information as the storm approaches.

Low-cost airlines such as Air Asia and Nok Air have also announced the cancellation of services.

The winds could create waves of up to 5 meters in the Gulf of Thailand and flood part of the coastline, according to experts.

Several small fishing villages have ceased their activities due to the storm, which will affect the region until Saturday.

About 7,000 people are staying in evacuation centres in the southern Thai province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, where Storm Pabuk was due to arrive on Friday, provincial authorities said.

About 7,000 people are staying in evacuation centres in the southern Thai province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, where Storm Pabuk was due to arrive on Friday, provincial authorities said. Authorities were trying to evacuate 80,000 people in the province, Nakhon Si Thammarat's secretary of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Udomporn Kan, said on Friday. According to the last announcement of the Thai Meteorology Department, Pabuk is expected to make landfall late Friday afternoon with sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 95 kilometres per hour. The storm will affect much of Thailand's southern coast with heavy rainfall and the threat of flash floods or landslides. Ferry services to the tourist islands of Samui, Tao and Phangan have been canceled and local authorities have prepared an evacuation plan in the face of flooding. Bangkok Airways announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Samui airport, adding that it will update information as the storm approaches. Low-cost airlines such as Air Asia and Nok Air have also announced the cancellation of services. The winds could create waves of up to 5 meters in the Gulf of Thailand and flood part of the coastline, according to experts. Several small fishing villages have ceased their activities due to the storm, which will affect the region until Saturday.

7,000 people evacuated in southern Thailand ahead of storm Pabuk

Tropical storm Pabuk made landfall in P<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/7000-people-evacuated-in-southern-thailand-ahead-of-storm-pabuk-188175">ak Phanang district of Nakhon</a> Si Thammarat province accompanied by torrential downpours and strong winds in 15 provinces in Thailand's southern coast.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-pabuk-7-districts-in-odisha-on-alert-188136">Thai Meteorological Department</a>, however, said the storm was slowing and heading to the province of Surat Thani. The storm knocked down trees and house roofs in its path, although it slowed down as it reached inland.

"It is expected to downgrade to be a tropical depression," Thai Meteorological Department said in a statement, adding,"People should beware of the severe conditions that cause forest runoffs and flash floods."

Authorities said one person was killed after a boat capsized due to strong winds in&nbsp;Pattani province, another crew member was missing.

The Thai government evacuated over 7,000 people from Nakhon Si Thammarat as well from the provinces of Pattani, Songkhla and Yala. The authorities have&nbsp;closed down the Surat Thani airport from Friday afternoon to Saturday.

Earlier, Bangkok Airways had said it had cancelled all flights from the holiday destination of Koh Samui. Ferry services have also been suspended.

India's metrological department had warned on Thursday that Andaman and Nicobar islands could be threatened due to the storm.

The Met department had said the cyclonic storm would emerge in the Andaman Sea around forenoon on January 5th with heavy rain expected in several areas.

The Met office had advised inhabitants of the Islands and tourists to take precautionary measures ahead of the storm Pabuk's arrival. It also advised fishermen not to venture into the Andaman Sea during January 4th-7th.

Odisha and Andaman administration have been put on alert due to the incoming cyclone.

Tropical storm Pabuk made landfall in Pak Phanang district of Nakhon Si Thammarat province accompanied by torrential downpours and strong winds in 15 provinces in Thailand's southern coast.

Tropical storm Pabuk made landfall in Pak Phanang district of Nakhon Si Thammarat province accompanied by torrential downpours and strong winds in 15 provinces in Thailand's southern coast. The Thai Meteorological Department, however, said the storm was slowing and heading to the province of Surat Thani. The storm knocked down trees and house roofs in its path, although it slowed down as it reached inland. "It is expected to downgrade to be a tropical depression," Thai Meteorological Department said in a statement, adding,"People should beware of the severe conditions that cause forest runoffs and flash floods." Authorities said one person was killed after a boat capsized due to strong winds in Pattani province, another crew member was missing. The Thai government evacuated over 7,000 people from Nakhon Si Thammarat as well from the provinces of Pattani, Songkhla and Yala. The authorities have closed down the Surat Thani airport from Friday afternoon to Saturday. Earlier, Bangkok Airways had said it had cancelled all flights from the holiday destination of Koh Samui. Ferry services have also been suspended. India's metrological department had warned on Thursday that Andaman and Nicobar islands could be threatened due to the storm. The Met department had said the cyclonic storm would emerge in the Andaman Sea around forenoon on January 5th with heavy rain expected in several areas. The Met office had advised inhabitants of the Islands and tourists to take precautionary measures ahead of the storm Pabuk's arrival. It also advised fishermen not to venture into the Andaman Sea during January 4th-7th. Odisha and Andaman administration have been put on alert due to the incoming cyclone.

Watch: Tropical storm Pabuk makes landfall in southern Thailand; 1 dead

Thailand has legalised the use of medical marijuana with a vote in the National Legislative Assembly, making it the first country in south-east Asia to do so.

"The amendment (on the Narcotics Bill) was passed after the second and third readings today. And will become effective once it is published on the Royal Gazette," lawmaker Somchai Sawangkarn said on Tuesday.

"This could be considered as a New Year gift to Thais," he further remarked, according to CNN.166 members of the legislative assembly voted in favour of the motion, while 13 members abstained from voting. There were no votes against the motion.

However, recreational marijuana is still illegal in the country which is based in a region where most countries have stringent laws against the use of drugs.

The medical use of marijuana is also legal in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Ireland among others.&nbsp;

Thailand has legalised the use of medical marijuana with a vote in the National Legislative Assembly, making it the first country in south-east Asia to do so. "The amendment (on the Narcotics Bill) was passed after the second and third readings today.

Thailand has legalised the use of medical marijuana with a vote in the National Legislative Assembly, making it the first country in south-east Asia to do so. "The amendment (on the Narcotics Bill) was passed after the second and third readings today. And will become effective once it is published on the Royal Gazette," lawmaker Somchai Sawangkarn said on Tuesday. "This could be considered as a New Year gift to Thais," he further remarked, according to CNN.166 members of the legislative assembly voted in favour of the motion, while 13 members abstained from voting. There were no votes against the motion. However, recreational marijuana is still illegal in the country which is based in a region where most countries have stringent laws against the use of drugs. The medical use of marijuana is also legal in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Ireland among others.

Thailand: Medical use of marijuana legalised

In pictures: Christmas celebrations around the globe

Thailand&nbsp;will hold a much-delayed general election on February&nbsp;24, pending the lifting of a ban on political activity by the junta in Bangkok by January, the Election Commission said on Tuesday.

The junta imposed a strict ban on political activity after it took power in 2014, citing the need to impose order after months of street protests against the democratically elected government of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

"The Election Commission has set February 24, 2019, as election day," Deputy Election Commissioner Secretary-General Nat Laosisawakul told reporters.

"On the lifting of the political ban, this will depend on the government," Nat said.

The election, which many hope will restore democracy in Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy, will likely pit the populist political movement backed by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and supported by many in rural areas against the military and royalist establishment.

The Bangkok-based establishment seized power in successive coups in 2006 and 2014 and now has its own proxy political parties.

The military government has repeatedly pushed back the general election but said last week the ban on political activities would likely be lifted later this month and that political parties would be able to start campaigning in early January.

Thailand will hold a much-delayed general election on February 24, pending the lifting of a ban on political activity by the junta in Bangkok by January, the Election Commission said on Tuesday.

Thailand will hold a much-delayed general election on February 24, pending the lifting of a ban on political activity by the junta in Bangkok by January, the Election Commission said on Tuesday. The junta imposed a strict ban on political activity after it took power in 2014, citing the need to impose order after months of street protests against the democratically elected government of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra. "The Election Commission has set February 24, 2019, as election day," Deputy Election Commissioner Secretary-General Nat Laosisawakul told reporters. "On the lifting of the political ban, this will depend on the government," Nat said. The election, which many hope will restore democracy in Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy, will likely pit the populist political movement backed by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and supported by many in rural areas against the military and royalist establishment. The Bangkok-based establishment seized power in successive coups in 2006 and 2014 and now has its own proxy political parties. The military government has repeatedly pushed back the general election but said last week the ban on political activities would likely be lifted later this month and that political parties would be able to start campaigning in early January.

Thailand to hold general election on February 24: Election Commission

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn led a mass bicycle riding event on Sunday (December 9) in a 39-kilometre tour around Bangkok, in order to encourage Thais to do more physical exercise.

The king, 66, was joined by his daughters, Princess Bajrakitiyabha and Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, as they cycled pass various landmarks in the Thai capital.

The Bike Un Ai Rak 2018, which can be translated as 'Bike in Warmth of Love', is the third cycling event King Vajiralongkorn has initiated, the last two were held on the Birthdays of his parents, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, in 2015.

Over 630,000 people registered for the event, according to the official website for the event.

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn led a mass bicycle riding event on Sunday (December 9) in a 39-kilometre tour around Bangkok, in order to encourage Thais to do more physical exercise.

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn led a mass bicycle riding event on Sunday (December 9) in a 39-kilometre tour around Bangkok, in order to encourage Thais to do more physical exercise. The king, 66, was joined by his daughters, Princess Bajrakitiyabha and Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, as they cycled pass various landmarks in the Thai capital. The Bike Un Ai Rak 2018, which can be translated as 'Bike in Warmth of Love', is the third cycling event King Vajiralongkorn has initiated, the last two were held on the Birthdays of his parents, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, in 2015. Over 630,000 people registered for the event, according to the official website for the event.

Thai king leads mass cycling event around Bangkok, cycles over 35 kilometres

In what can be considered a big boost to the Indo-Pacific concept, Thailand, the chair for ASEAN 2019, has said that the grouping is working on a common approach to the Indo-Pacific concept. Speaking on “ASEAN in 2019: Thailand’s Chairmanship” at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign minister Don Pramudwinai said, "ASEAN is working on a common approach on an Indo-Pacific concept that complements existing frameworks such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association or IORA."

The Indo-Pacific concept has been gaining ground with the United States and India increasingly collaborating on it with a focus on ASEAN centrality. The Thai FM also said, "New proposals regarding the regional architecture also need to complement existing frameworks of cooperation and the ASEAN-centred regional architecture."

Thailand takes over from Singapore which had been the chair for 2018.

Delhi and Washington consider themselves as the bookends of Indo Pacific and US recently changed the name of its largest naval commands--the Pacific command-- to Indo Pacific Command. Earlier this year speaking at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described India's view of Indo Pacific and said for New Delhi, "Inclusiveness, openness and ASEAN centrality and unity lie at the heart of the new Indo-Pacific. "

The comments by Thailand comes even as Indonesia was also focusing on Indo Pacific on the concept with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi during her annual press statements on January 9,&nbsp;2018 saying Jakarta "will continue to contribute in advancing a strong positive cooperation in the Indo-Pacific". Last year during Indonesian PM Joko Widodo's India visit, New Delhi and Jakarta adopted “Shared Vision on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific between India and Indonesia”.

China refuses to recognise the concept and usage of the term Indo Pacific since it believes it India centric term. The US has been announcing a number of infrastructures projects for the region to counter Beijing's one belt one road initiative. The recent APEC meet in Papua new guinea saw an open clash between US Vice President Mike Pence and Chinese President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;

Both Bejing and Washington are trying to woo ASEAN and comments by Bangkok and Jakarta will be welcomed by both the US and India.

In what can be considered a big boost to the Indo-Pacific concept, Thailand, the chair for ASEAN 2019, has said that the grouping is working on a common approach to the Indo-Pacific concept.

In what can be considered a big boost to the Indo-Pacific concept, Thailand, the chair for ASEAN 2019, has said that the grouping is working on a common approach to the Indo-Pacific concept. Speaking on “ASEAN in 2019: Thailand’s Chairmanship” at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign minister Don Pramudwinai said, "ASEAN is working on a common approach on an Indo-Pacific concept that complements existing frameworks such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association or IORA." The Indo-Pacific concept has been gaining ground with the United States and India increasingly collaborating on it with a focus on ASEAN centrality. The Thai FM also said, "New proposals regarding the regional architecture also need to complement existing frameworks of cooperation and the ASEAN-centred regional architecture." Thailand takes over from Singapore which had been the chair for 2018. Delhi and Washington consider themselves as the bookends of Indo Pacific and US recently changed the name of its largest naval commands--the Pacific command-- to Indo Pacific Command. Earlier this year speaking at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described India's view of Indo Pacific and said for New Delhi, "Inclusiveness, openness and ASEAN centrality and unity lie at the heart of the new Indo-Pacific. " The comments by Thailand comes even as Indonesia was also focusing on Indo Pacific on the concept with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi during her annual press statements on January 9, 2018 saying Jakarta "will continue to contribute in advancing a strong positive cooperation in the Indo-Pacific". Last year during Indonesian PM Joko Widodo's India visit, New Delhi and Jakarta adopted “Shared Vision on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific between India and Indonesia”. China refuses to recognise the concept and usage of the term Indo Pacific since it believes it India centric term. The US has been announcing a number of infrastructures projects for the region to counter Beijing's one belt one road initiative. The recent APEC meet in Papua new guinea saw an open clash between US Vice President Mike Pence and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both Bejing and Washington are trying to woo ASEAN and comments by Bangkok and Jakarta will be welcomed by both the US and India.

ASEAN working on common approach to Indo-Pacific concept: 2019 chair Thailand

Malaysia's new leader Mahathir Mohamad meets his Thai counterpart late Wednesday in his first visit to his northern neighbour as hopes rise that he can help prospects for peace in Thailand's violence-scarred south.&nbsp;

Thailand's mainly Muslim southern region bordering Malaysia has been in the grips of a low-level but bloody insurgency for more than a decade, as ethnic Malay militants battle the Buddhist-majority state for greater autonomy.

The insurgency has seen almost 7,000 people -- mostly civilians -- killed since 2004, although the death toll in 2017 was the lowest in 13 years amid a tighter security operation.

Malaysia has long acted as a facilitator for brokering peace talks between the Thai government and Mara Patani, an umbrella group that claims to be a political wing representing the shadowy network of rebel fighters clashing with state forces.

But the talks have stalled in the past year, and both countries recently appointed new representatives to lead the delicate negotiation process.&nbsp;

Mahathir's visit is "expected to add momentum to the southern Thailand peace dialogue process", Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday 
On Wednesday 93-year-old Mahathir will meet with junta head Prayut Chan-O-Cha before a joint press conference.

Panitan Wattanayagorn, a security advisor to Thailand's deputy prime minister, told AFP that Malaysia's role was essential in ensuring "peace and stability" in the restive southern states.&nbsp;

"This gives us hope to move the peace process forward," he said. "We need Malaysia as a facilitator."&nbsp;

But analysts of the Deep South conflict remain sceptical of moves to jumpstart fractious talks months before expected elections in February.

"Mara Patani said they are not going to come to the table until there is a democratically elected government in Thailand," Don Pathan, a Thailand-based independent analyst, told AFP.&nbsp;

"Most importantly, the BRN, the group that controls virtually all the combatants on the ground, are not part of the dialogue."

The BRN, or Barisan Revolusi Nasional, is believed to oversee most fighters but has long refused to talk barring international mediation -- which the Thai government has consistently rejected.

Thailand's three southernmost provinces were colonised over a century ago.

But the majority Malay Muslim population have long chafed under Bangkok's rule. 
Rights groups have accused both the insurgents and security forces of widespread human rights abuses in the region.

How far talks go depends not on Malaysia, but on the Thai military which has "dragged its feet" on the process, said Paul Chambers of Naresuan University, an expert on the conflict.

"The fact that the talks have fallen off could mean that the junta has seen them more as a public relations stunt than as a sincere endeavour."&nbsp;

Mahathir's visit to Thailand will be the first for the statesman since he swept to a surprise victory in the country's national poll in May.

He will also meet with members of the Malaysian diaspora on Thursday, followed by a public lecture at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University on the two countries' relationship.&nbsp;

Malaysia's new leader Mahathir Mohamad meets his Thai counterpart late Wednesday in his first visit to his northern neighbour as hopes rise that he can help prospects for peace in Thailand's violence-scarred south.

Malaysia's new leader Mahathir Mohamad meets his Thai counterpart late Wednesday in his first visit to his northern neighbour as hopes rise that he can help prospects for peace in Thailand's violence-scarred south. Thailand's mainly Muslim southern region bordering Malaysia has been in the grips of a low-level but bloody insurgency for more than a decade, as ethnic Malay militants battle the Buddhist-majority state for greater autonomy. The insurgency has seen almost 7,000 people -- mostly civilians -- killed since 2004, although the death toll in 2017 was the lowest in 13 years amid a tighter security operation. Malaysia has long acted as a facilitator for brokering peace talks between the Thai government and Mara Patani, an umbrella group that claims to be a political wing representing the shadowy network of rebel fighters clashing with state forces. But the talks have stalled in the past year, and both countries recently appointed new representatives to lead the delicate negotiation process. Mahathir's visit is "expected to add momentum to the southern Thailand peace dialogue process", Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday On Wednesday 93-year-old Mahathir will meet with junta head Prayut Chan-O-Cha before a joint press conference. Panitan Wattanayagorn, a security advisor to Thailand's deputy prime minister, told AFP that Malaysia's role was essential in ensuring "peace and stability" in the restive southern states. "This gives us hope to move the peace process forward," he said. "We need Malaysia as a facilitator." But analysts of the Deep South conflict remain sceptical of moves to jumpstart fractious talks months before expected elections in February. "Mara Patani said they are not going to come to the table until there is a democratically elected government in Thailand," Don Pathan, a Thailand-based independent analyst, told AFP. "Most importantly, the BRN, the group that controls virtually all the combatants on the ground, are not part of the dialogue." The BRN, or Barisan Revolusi Nasional, is believed to oversee most fighters but has long refused to talk barring international mediation -- which the Thai government has consistently rejected. Thailand's three southernmost provinces were colonised over a century ago. But the majority Malay Muslim population have long chafed under Bangkok's rule. Rights groups have accused both the insurgents and security forces of widespread human rights abuses in the region. How far talks go depends not on Malaysia, but on the Thai military which has "dragged its feet" on the process, said Paul Chambers of Naresuan University, an expert on the conflict. "The fact that the talks have fallen off could mean that the junta has seen them more as a public relations stunt than as a sincere endeavour." Mahathir's visit to Thailand will be the first for the statesman since he swept to a surprise victory in the country's national poll in May. He will also meet with members of the Malaysian diaspora on Thursday, followed by a public lecture at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University on the two countries' relationship.

Deep south conflict tops agenda as Malaysian PM visits Thailand

A "mafia" of recruitment agents is trapping Myanmar migrants to Thailand in debt bondage despite a 2017 law meant to fight exploitation in the kingdom's notoriously shadowy job market, activists and workers say.

Migrant labour -- much of it from Myanmar -- has propped up Thailand's economy for years, with foreigners working everywhere from factories to fishing boats, part of a global chain to produce standard supermarket items such as frozen shrimps, ready meals and pet food.

After allegations of slave labour and trafficking prompted the European Union to threaten a ban on Thai products in 2015, the kingdom's ruling junta has scrambled to clean up industries reliant on a migrant workforce.

The new law that came into force in July last year was meant to crack down on a shady recruitment process, which left desperate migrants vulnerable to corrupt brokers and exploitative companies.&nbsp;

But more than a year later, foreign workers and labour experts say a lack of enforcement and government oversight means migrants are no safer, often shelling out hundreds of dollars in inflated fees to agents and ending up in debt even before they even secure a job.

Although the legislation says Myanmar migrants should pay no more than 150,000 kyat ($100) in fees to agents, many end up paying up to $800, a colossal sum for low-paid workers from one of the most impoverished countries in the world.

"The agents took advantage of us," said 40-year-old Ma Oo, who had to pay $400 for a job in an electronics factory near Bangkok and was visibly scared to speak out.

'Real mafia'

Thai firms usually hire local agents to scout workers from neighbouring Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, although the latter is by far the largest source for labour, with more than two million migrants working in Thailand.

But in many cases, Thai agents then auction off the jobs to the highest bidder among their Myanmar peers clamouring for business in a highly-competitive market, activists say.

The Myanmar brokers -- or their sub-agents -- scour rural villages for workers and transfer all the extra costs to them, leaving migrants trapped in "debt bondage" as they struggle to pay the exorbitant fees, says migrant labour specialist Andy Hall.

Thai and Myanmar agents collaborate as "a real mafia that makes a lot of money on the backs of migrant workers", explains Aung Kyaw, president of the Migrant Workers Rights Network in Thailand, which acts as a de facto union.

The situation is even worse, he says, for the several hundred thousand Myanmar migrants working unregistered, who are even more vulnerable.

In one ongoing case, a family -- including two children -- was trafficked into the kingdom and forced into slavery on a fishing boat, beaten, unpaid and their documents confiscated.

Finger Pointing

Thai authorities insist that they maintain strict oversight of the country's agents and threaten them with stiff penalties if they do not respect the law.

If there are problems, "they may be on the side of the Burmese recruiters", Anurak Tossarat from the Ministry of Labour told AFP.

But agents in Myanmar blame their Thai peers for stoking the illegal trade and demanding kickbacks in exchange for jobs.&nbsp;

"(We) have to fight to get job offers from Thai agencies. The more money you give them, the more offers your agency gets," an agent in Yangon told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"They are bullying us."

Campaigners urge tighter scrutiny by officials in both countries and up the supply chain to the multinational buyers of Thai produce to bring an end to the exploitative practices.

Britain's biggest retailer Tesco, food giant Nestle and chocolate maker Mars -- which all source products in Thailand -- told AFP they were working with local partners to improve practices, vowing to probe any allegations of wrongdoing.

Despite the extortionate fees and the threat of debt, each month around 15,000 people from Myanmar cross into Thailand to take up jobs.

In a Yangon teashop, Kyaw Naing, 24, said he had already handed over a thick wad of cash to an agent who had promised him work.

"I had to borrow money from my family with interest but I will pay it back if my job is good," he says, adding that the agent assured him Thailand's new law means he will now be "more secure". 
&nbsp;

A "mafia" of recruitment agents is trapping Myanmar migrants to Thailand in debt bondage despite a 2017 law meant to fight exploitation in the kingdom's notoriously shadowy job market, activists and workers say.

A "mafia" of recruitment agents is trapping Myanmar migrants to Thailand in debt bondage despite a 2017 law meant to fight exploitation in the kingdom's notoriously shadowy job market, activists and workers say. Migrant labour -- much of it from Myanmar -- has propped up Thailand's economy for years, with foreigners working everywhere from factories to fishing boats, part of a global chain to produce standard supermarket items such as frozen shrimps, ready meals and pet food. After allegations of slave labour and trafficking prompted the European Union to threaten a ban on Thai products in 2015, the kingdom's ruling junta has scrambled to clean up industries reliant on a migrant workforce. The new law that came into force in July last year was meant to crack down on a shady recruitment process, which left desperate migrants vulnerable to corrupt brokers and exploitative companies. But more than a year later, foreign workers and labour experts say a lack of enforcement and government oversight means migrants are no safer, often shelling out hundreds of dollars in inflated fees to agents and ending up in debt even before they even secure a job. Although the legislation says Myanmar migrants should pay no more than 150,000 kyat ($100) in fees to agents, many end up paying up to $800, a colossal sum for low-paid workers from one of the most impoverished countries in the world. "The agents took advantage of us," said 40-year-old Ma Oo, who had to pay $400 for a job in an electronics factory near Bangkok and was visibly scared to speak out. 'Real mafia' Thai firms usually hire local agents to scout workers from neighbouring Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, although the latter is by far the largest source for labour, with more than two million migrants working in Thailand. But in many cases, Thai agents then auction off the jobs to the highest bidder among their Myanmar peers clamouring for business in a highly-competitive market, activists say. The Myanmar brokers -- or their sub-agents -- scour rural villages for workers and transfer all the extra costs to them, leaving migrants trapped in "debt bondage" as they struggle to pay the exorbitant fees, says migrant labour specialist Andy Hall. Thai and Myanmar agents collaborate as "a real mafia that makes a lot of money on the backs of migrant workers", explains Aung Kyaw, president of the Migrant Workers Rights Network in Thailand, which acts as a de facto union. The situation is even worse, he says, for the several hundred thousand Myanmar migrants working unregistered, who are even more vulnerable. In one ongoing case, a family -- including two children -- was trafficked into the kingdom and forced into slavery on a fishing boat, beaten, unpaid and their documents confiscated. Finger Pointing Thai authorities insist that they maintain strict oversight of the country's agents and threaten them with stiff penalties if they do not respect the law. If there are problems, "they may be on the side of the Burmese recruiters", Anurak Tossarat from the Ministry of Labour told AFP. But agents in Myanmar blame their Thai peers for stoking the illegal trade and demanding kickbacks in exchange for jobs. "(We) have to fight to get job offers from Thai agencies. The more money you give them, the more offers your agency gets," an agent in Yangon told AFP on condition of anonymity. "They are bullying us." Campaigners urge tighter scrutiny by officials in both countries and up the supply chain to the multinational buyers of Thai produce to bring an end to the exploitative practices. Britain's biggest retailer Tesco, food giant Nestle and chocolate maker Mars -- which all source products in Thailand -- told AFP they were working with local partners to improve practices, vowing to probe any allegations of wrongdoing. Despite the extortionate fees and the threat of debt, each month around 15,000 people from Myanmar cross into Thailand to take up jobs. In a Yangon teashop, Kyaw Naing, 24, said he had already handed over a thick wad of cash to an agent who had promised him work. "I had to borrow money from my family with interest but I will pay it back if my job is good," he says, adding that the agent assured him Thailand's new law means he will now be "more secure".

Extortion and abuse: Myanmar workers arrive debt-laden in Thailand

A Thai beach made famous by the 2000 Leonardo DiCaprio movie "The Beach" will stay closed indefinitely to give its ecosystem time to recover, authorities said on Tuesday.

Maya Bay, on Phi Phi Leh island in the Andaman Sea, was closed for four months on June 1 in a bid to salvage the area's coral reefs, which have been damaged by warmer temperatures and a flood of tourists.

Up to 6,000 visitors had gone to the beach every day, travelling by speedboat from the nearby resort islands of Phi Phi and Phuket and Krabi on the mainland.

"Four months' closure was not enough," Songtham Sukswang, the director of the Office of National Parks, told Reuters.

"We need at least a year or even up to two years or maybe more for the environment to recover - this include the coral reefs, mangrove, and the beach," Songtham said.

Tourism makes up about 12 percent of Thailand's economy, but there has been growing concern about the country's ability to manage its rapidly growing number of visitors.

A Thai beach made famous by the 2000 Leonardo DiCaprio movie "The Beach" will stay closed indefinitely to give its ecosystem time to recover, authorities said on Tuesday.

A Thai beach made famous by the 2000 Leonardo DiCaprio movie "The Beach" will stay closed indefinitely to give its ecosystem time to recover, authorities said on Tuesday. Maya Bay, on Phi Phi Leh island in the Andaman Sea, was closed for four months on June 1 in a bid to salvage the area's coral reefs, which have been damaged by warmer temperatures and a flood of tourists. Up to 6,000 visitors had gone to the beach every day, travelling by speedboat from the nearby resort islands of Phi Phi and Phuket and Krabi on the mainland. "Four months' closure was not enough," Songtham Sukswang, the director of the Office of National Parks, told Reuters. "We need at least a year or even up to two years or maybe more for the environment to recover - this include the coral reefs, mangrove, and the beach," Songtham said. Tourism makes up about 12 percent of Thailand's economy, but there has been growing concern about the country's ability to manage its rapidly growing number of visitors.

Thailand: Beach featured in Leonardo DiCaprio film closes indefinitely 

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