Preliminary results of Thailand's general elections are out. As expected, opposition parties have crashed the incumbent military-bunked government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha by a huge margin with opposition parties securing the wind.

Thailand Election Results 2023 | Preliminary results out: Opposition parties register massive win

Thailand Election 2023: Opposition parties secure majority of parliamentary seats

<p><strong>Thailand election result 2023:</strong> Thailand's opposition parties have gained early traction in the preliminary election vote count, with progressive parties leading the conservative military-aligned parties that have been in power for almost a decade. The Sunday election saw 500 lower house seats up for grabs, with 400 being directly elected constituency seats and the rest being allocated via a proportional representation system.</p>

<p>The Move Forward Party (MFP), a progressive party formed in 2020, is on track to win 115 constituency seats, while Pheu Thai, the opposition party linked to the billionaire Shinawatra family, is set to win 112 constituency seats. The United Thai Nation Party of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is expected to win 25 of the constituency seats.</p>

<h2><strong>MFP’s impressive performance backed by youth</strong></h2>

<p>The progressive MFP party's late-stage surge in opinion polls was built on young people, including 3.3 million first-time voters, turning out in large numbers to support its liberal agenda. This includes dismantling monopolies, weakening the military’s political role, and amending a strict law on royal insults that critics argue stifles dissent. The unofficial results show that the progressive party is doing much better than expected, and its success may be attributed to the public's desire for radical reforms to the monarchy and military.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>376 votes needed to become PM</strong></h2>

<p>The election is the first in the country ever since a youth-led uprising in 2020 called for curbs on the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and an end to military-backed rule. However, even with the opposition's gains, there is no guarantee that either party will govern, even as an alliance, due to the military government-scripted 2017 constitution, which favours the military.</p>

<p>Analysts predict weeks of horse trading before alliances are formed and a prime minister is chosen. Parties must have at least 25 seats to nominate a candidate, who needs 376 votes across the two houses to become prime minister. The Senate, which was appointed by the military government, is expected to vote in favour of parties or blocs allied with the military.</p>

<h2><strong>Can we write off Prayuth?</strong></h2>

<p>Although Prayuth's party performed poorly in the polls, his return as prime minister cannot be ruled out, as the same Senate that unanimously helped elect him to the post in 2019 is expected to vote in favour of parties or blocs allied with the military. The Election Commission is not expected to officially confirm the final number of seats won by each party for several weeks.</p>

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Thailand election result 2023: Thailand's opposition parties have gained early traction in the preliminary election vote count, with progressive parties leading the conservative military-aligned parties that have been in power for almost a decade.

Thailand election result 2023: Thailand's opposition parties have gained early traction in the preliminary election vote count, with progressive parties leading the conservative military-aligned parties that have been in power for almost a decade. The Sunday election saw 500 lower house seats up for grabs, with 400 being directly elected constituency seats and the rest being allocated via a proportional representation system. The Move Forward Party (MFP), a progressive party formed in 2020, is on track to win 115 constituency seats, while Pheu Thai, the opposition party linked to the billionaire Shinawatra family, is set to win 112 constituency seats. The United Thai Nation Party of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is expected to win 25 of the constituency seats. MFP’s impressive performance backed by youth The progressive MFP party's late-stage surge in opinion polls was built on young people, including 3.3 million first-time voters, turning out in large numbers to support its liberal agenda. This includes dismantling monopolies, weakening the military’s political role, and amending a strict law on royal insults that critics argue stifles dissent. The unofficial results show that the progressive party is doing much better than expected, and its success may be attributed to the public's desire for radical reforms to the monarchy and military. 376 votes needed to become PM The election is the first in the country ever since a youth-led uprising in 2020 called for curbs on the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and an end to military-backed rule. However, even with the opposition's gains, there is no guarantee that either party will govern, even as an alliance, due to the military government-scripted 2017 constitution, which favours the military. Analysts predict weeks of horse trading before alliances are formed and a prime minister is chosen. Parties must have at least 25 seats to nominate a candidate, who needs 376 votes across the two houses to become prime minister. The Senate, which was appointed by the military government, is expected to vote in favour of parties or blocs allied with the military. Can we write off Prayuth? Although Prayuth's party performed poorly in the polls, his return as prime minister cannot be ruled out, as the same Senate that unanimously helped elect him to the post in 2019 is expected to vote in favour of parties or blocs allied with the military. The Election Commission is not expected to officially confirm the final number of seats won by each party for several weeks. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Thailand election result 2023: Pheu Thai and Move Forward Party stun military loyalists

Amid tight security, voting started for Thailand’s general election on Sunday as Opposition parties are tipped to beat the government of army-backed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha after almost a decade in power.

Thailand Election 2023: Counting of votes underway, can PM Prayut hold on?

Thailand Election 2023: New prime minister to be determined by elected MPs and Junta dominated state

Thailand elections: Voting underway; young voters call for change in military-dominated kingdom

Thailand Election 2023: Opposition parties have vowed to act against military and monarchy

Thailand Election 2023: Opinion polls indicate massive support for two opposition parties

Thailand election 2023: Opposition led by Shinawatra emerging as the frontrunner

Thailand election 2023 : Huge voter turnout expected

<p>Voting for the Thailand elections has begun Sunday (May 14) and will determine the fate of the current government led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, which has faced criticism for its handling of political dissent and human rights issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Election officials anticipated a strong turnout when polls opened at 8 am Bangkok time (9 pm ET Saturday). In Thailand's bicameral system, 500 members of the House of Representatives will be chosen by the country's 52 million eligible voters in this year's election. Each voter casts two ballots: one for a local constituency representative and the other for their choice of party-list MPs, who represent the national party.</p>

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<p>Due to the junta-era constitution's major influence over who can ultimately form a government, opposition parties must win by a sizeable margin.</p>

<h2><strong>Potential key players&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The opposition Pheu Thai party, which has three candidates running for prime minister and is calling for raising the minimum wage, providing welfare cash handouts and keeping the military out of politics, is currently leading surveys.</p>

<p>It is a divisive political dynasty led by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra of the rich Shinawatra family. Paetongtarn, the 36-year-old youngest daughter of Thaksin, is running for prime minister. Srettha Thavisin, a 59-year-old real estate magnate who wants to concentrate on addressing economic disparity, supporting LGBTQ+ rights including same-sex marriage while bolstering the sluggish economy, is also a contender for Pheu Thai.</p>

<p>However, Move Forward, a party that is extremely well-liked among young Thais for its radical reform agenda, is another opposing force at work. Pita Limcharoenrat, 42, a Harvard alumnus with a background in business, is&nbsp; leading the party.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. The country's elections are held every four years, with the last general election taking place in 2019.</p>

<p>The 2019 general election was the first held since the coup in 2014, which saw the military junta take control of the government. The election was seen as an opportunity for the country to return to civilian rule, but the results were controversial.</p>

<p>The pro-military Palang Pracharat Party won most seats in parliament after gathering enough support from coalition parties to form a government. But the opposition claimed that the election was rigged in favour of the military-backed party. There were also allegations of irregularities and voter intimidation.</p>

<p>Despite the controversy, the new government was formed with Prayut Chan-o-cha, the former military general who led the 2014 coup, as the prime minister. His government has faced criticism for its handling of political dissent and human rights issues, with several opposition leaders facing legal charges.</p>

<p>This time with the United Thai Nation, a new political party, Prayut is vying to reclaim the top post. It has been nine years that he has been in power.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Thailand 2020 protests&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In 2020, Thailand saw a wave of pro-democracy protests that began in July and continued throughout the year. The protests were led by young people and student activists who were calling for political reforms and greater democracy.</p>

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<p>The main demands of the protesters included the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who came to power in a 2014 military coup and was appointed as prime minister after the 2019 election, as well as a new constitution, an end to the harassment of activists and journalists, and reforms to the monarchy.</p>

<p>The protests gained momentum and drew large crowds, particularly in Bangkok and other major cities. They were peaceful at first, but tensions escalated as the government cracked down on the demonstrators, using water cannons, tear gas, and arrests to disperse them.</p>

<p>The protests were also met with counter-protests by pro-monarchy groups, which led to clashes and violence in some cases.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Voting for the Thailand elections has begun Sunday (May 14) and will determine the fate of the current government led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, which has faced criticism for its handling of political dissent and human rights issues.

Voting for the Thailand elections has begun Sunday (May 14) and will determine the fate of the current government led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, which has faced criticism for its handling of political dissent and human rights issues. Election officials anticipated a strong turnout when polls opened at 8 am Bangkok time (9 pm ET Saturday). In Thailand's bicameral system, 500 members of the House of Representatives will be chosen by the country's 52 million eligible voters in this year's election. Each voter casts two ballots: one for a local constituency representative and the other for their choice of party-list MPs, who represent the national party. Also Read | Exclusive: Hambantota port with China can't be used for war, Sri Lanka's minister Nimal Siripala de Silva Due to the junta-era constitution's major influence over who can ultimately form a government, opposition parties must win by a sizeable margin. Potential key players The opposition Pheu Thai party, which has three candidates running for prime minister and is calling for raising the minimum wage, providing welfare cash handouts and keeping the military out of politics, is currently leading surveys. It is a divisive political dynasty led by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra of the rich Shinawatra family. Paetongtarn, the 36-year-old youngest daughter of Thaksin, is running for prime minister. Srettha Thavisin, a 59-year-old real estate magnate who wants to concentrate on addressing economic disparity, supporting LGBTQ+ rights including same-sex marriage while bolstering the sluggish economy, is also a contender for Pheu Thai. However, Move Forward, a party that is extremely well-liked among young Thais for its radical reform agenda, is another opposing force at work. Pita Limcharoenrat, 42, a Harvard alumnus with a background in business, is leading the party. Also Read | India's scorching temperatures to turn the heat for tens of millions Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. The country's elections are held every four years, with the last general election taking place in 2019. The 2019 general election was the first held since the coup in 2014, which saw the military junta take control of the government. The election was seen as an opportunity for the country to return to civilian rule, but the results were controversial. The pro-military Palang Pracharat Party won most seats in parliament after gathering enough support from coalition parties to form a government. But the opposition claimed that the election was rigged in favour of the military-backed party. There were also allegations of irregularities and voter intimidation. Despite the controversy, the new government was formed with Prayut Chan-o-cha, the former military general who led the 2014 coup, as the prime minister. His government has faced criticism for its handling of political dissent and human rights issues, with several opposition leaders facing legal charges. This time with the United Thai Nation, a new political party, Prayut is vying to reclaim the top post. It has been nine years that he has been in power. Thailand 2020 protests In 2020, Thailand saw a wave of pro-democracy protests that began in July and continued throughout the year. The protests were led by young people and student activists who were calling for political reforms and greater democracy. Watch | Mother's Day Special: Sarah Todd shares easy cooking tips for busy parents × The main demands of the protesters included the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who came to power in a 2014 military coup and was appointed as prime minister after the 2019 election, as well as a new constitution, an end to the harassment of activists and journalists, and reforms to the monarchy. The protests gained momentum and drew large crowds, particularly in Bangkok and other major cities. They were peaceful at first, but tensions escalated as the government cracked down on the demonstrators, using water cannons, tear gas, and arrests to disperse them. The protests were also met with counter-protests by pro-monarchy groups, which led to clashes and violence in some cases. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Thailand voting begins. Will conservative military-backed PM maintain power?

<p>Over 300,000 advance voting ballots are at risk of being problematic and not included in the vote count on Sunday, said Thailand Post, the state enterprise providing postal services in the country adding the envelopes containing these ballots are "unreadable" due to poor handwriting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The issue of the unreadable ballots was brought to light at first by a journalist at the Thai PBS station, Phatthraporn Tan-ngam. Tan-ngam shared a video clip of her interview with the deputy managing director of Thailand Post Pongsatorn Wisetsuwan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Acknowledging that the handwriting on some 300,000 envelopes containing cast ballots from advance voting is "unreadable", Pongsatorn during the interview said the issue must be investigated by the country's election body so that it can be ascertained whether the ballots can be included in the vote count or not.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-jaishankar-flags-need-for-adherence-respect-for-constitution-of-the-oceans-unclos-591885">EXCLUSIVE: Jaishankar flags need for adherence, respect for 'constitution of the oceans' UNCLOS</a></p>

<p>"These envelopes may be incomplete ... missing the province, district or election code. Sorting officials aren't sure where to send them. It doesn't necessarily mean they aren't readable," Pongsatorn said.</p>

<h2><strong>What is unreadable on the envelopes?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The envelopes consist of details of provinces, districts and constituencies. Along with it, it also comprises of five-digit election codes used for sorting and delivery of the ballots.</p>

<h2><strong>Who writes the details on the envelopes?</strong></h2>

<p>The details are written by the election officials at the voting stations during the early voting. The unreadability of the details on the envelopes is attributed to human error by committee members, as per Thailand Post.&nbsp;However, it is pertinent to note that this has nothing to do with Thailand Post as this process comes under the ambit of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT).</p>

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<p>After the sorting process is done, the ballots are sent to about 400 districts. But the illegible handwriting made the sorting process challenging. Thailand Post had 1,000 of its staff members working round the clock to accelerate the sorting process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Picharn Chaopattanawong, deputy leader of the Move Forward Party, on Friday condemned the Election Commission for not clarifying on the issue of these problematic&nbsp;votes.&nbsp;He urged the election body to take action to resolve the issue.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"The EC always says the problems can be fixed, but it should ask Thailand Post if they can sort these envelopes. The EC must address this issue now," he said.</p>

<p>Picharn pointed out that EC must take accountability of the issue if the votes are not counted for. A total of 2,235,830 voters were registered to cast advance votes.&nbsp;</p>

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Over 300,000 advance voting ballots are at risk of being problematic and not included in the vote count on Sunday, said Thailand Post, the state enterprise providing postal services in the country adding the envelopes containing these ballots are "unreadable" due to poor handwriting.

Over 300,000 advance voting ballots are at risk of being problematic and not included in the vote count on Sunday, said Thailand Post, the state enterprise providing postal services in the country adding the envelopes containing these ballots are "unreadable" due to poor handwriting. The issue of the unreadable ballots was brought to light at first by a journalist at the Thai PBS station, Phatthraporn Tan-ngam. Tan-ngam shared a video clip of her interview with the deputy managing director of Thailand Post Pongsatorn Wisetsuwan. Acknowledging that the handwriting on some 300,000 envelopes containing cast ballots from advance voting is "unreadable", Pongsatorn during the interview said the issue must be investigated by the country's election body so that it can be ascertained whether the ballots can be included in the vote count or not. Also Read | EXCLUSIVE: Jaishankar flags need for adherence, respect for 'constitution of the oceans' UNCLOS "These envelopes may be incomplete ... missing the province, district or election code. Sorting officials aren't sure where to send them. It doesn't necessarily mean they aren't readable," Pongsatorn said. What is unreadable on the envelopes? The envelopes consist of details of provinces, districts and constituencies. Along with it, it also comprises of five-digit election codes used for sorting and delivery of the ballots. Who writes the details on the envelopes? The details are written by the election officials at the voting stations during the early voting. The unreadability of the details on the envelopes is attributed to human error by committee members, as per Thailand Post. However, it is pertinent to note that this has nothing to do with Thailand Post as this process comes under the ambit of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT). Also Read | Portuguese parliament legalises euthanasia for people over 18 After the sorting process is done, the ballots are sent to about 400 districts. But the illegible handwriting made the sorting process challenging. Thailand Post had 1,000 of its staff members working round the clock to accelerate the sorting process. Meanwhile, Picharn Chaopattanawong, deputy leader of the Move Forward Party, on Friday condemned the Election Commission for not clarifying on the issue of these problematic votes. He urged the election body to take action to resolve the issue. Watch | Exclusive: Talking Tennis with Stefanos Tsitsipas | Sports News × "The EC always says the problems can be fixed, but it should ask Thailand Post if they can sort these envelopes. The EC must address this issue now," he said. Picharn pointed out that EC must take accountability of the issue if the votes are not counted for. A total of 2,235,830 voters were registered to cast advance votes. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Thai election: Over 300,000 advance ballots at risk of not being counted, 'unreadable' due to handwriting

Thailand, the second largest economy in Southeast Asia, will hold a general election on Sunday, pitting pro-democracy parties that are surging in popularity against those backed by military-linked conservatives.

Thailand election: Leading parties, personalities, key issues

<p>A Thailand criminal court on Wednesday sentenced a couple to 12,640 years’ jail term each for duping people online in a Ponzi scheme under the guise of a savings plan, as per Straits Times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The online crimes were committed by Wantanee Tippaveth and her husband Methi Chinpha in 2019 when&nbsp;the couple conned people online. However, it was just not the duo who ran this big scam to leach money off people.&nbsp;During the hearing of the trial, the couple confessed to their crimes and said that there were seven other people along with them who played a part to run the scam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-jaishankar-flags-need-for-adherence-respect-for-constitution-of-the-oceans-unclos-591885">EXCLUSIVE: Jaishankar flags need for adherence, respect for 'constitution of the oceans' UNCLOS</a></p>

<p>The couple invited people on the social media platform Facebook between March and October 2019. They would urge people online to make investments in a savings scheme. To make it look appealing to people, they would promise that the investments will bring&nbsp;them 93 per cent returns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To make it look real and to convince people of the 'veracity' of the fraud ponzi scheme, Wantanee would often posted online videos wherein she would show off her gold jewellery in a jewellery shop.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She would claim that she owned the shop. However, the jewellery turned out to be fake. In reality, it was not even a shop. It was a counter which the couple set up beside the room which is styled as an office space.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The court held the couple guilty of scamming millions of dollars from more than 2,000 people in the Ponzi scheme, an investment fraud that pays existing investors with funds collected from new investors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the ways how the couple was able to fool people online is how they portrayed themselves online. Their posts were all curated in a manner that would make them appear to be super-rich people with lavish lifestyles. But everything was fake.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>It was not an ordinary scam as about 2,533 people joined the so-called savings scheme making them the victim.&nbsp;The people who joined the Ponzi scheme ended up making huge investments of about 1.3 billion baht (S$51.3 million).</p>

<h2><strong>Total jail for 20 years</strong></h2>

<p>The jail term of 12,640 years was commuted to 5,056 years by Thailand’s Criminal Court. The decision was taken by the court because Wantanee Tippaveth and her husband, Methi Chinpha, confessed to their crimes.</p>

<p>Now, both husband and wife are expected to be in prison for just two decades. It is because of the law in Thailand which puts a bar on the total jail time to 20 years each.</p>

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A Thailand criminal court on Wednesday sentenced a couple to 12,640 years’ jail term each for duping people online in a Ponzi scheme under the guise of a savings plan, as per Straits Times.

A Thailand criminal court on Wednesday sentenced a couple to 12,640 years’ jail term each for duping people online in a Ponzi scheme under the guise of a savings plan, as per Straits Times. The online crimes were committed by Wantanee Tippaveth and her husband Methi Chinpha in 2019 when the couple conned people online. However, it was just not the duo who ran this big scam to leach money off people. During the hearing of the trial, the couple confessed to their crimes and said that there were seven other people along with them who played a part to run the scam. Also Read | EXCLUSIVE: Jaishankar flags need for adherence, respect for 'constitution of the oceans' UNCLOS The couple invited people on the social media platform Facebook between March and October 2019. They would urge people online to make investments in a savings scheme. To make it look appealing to people, they would promise that the investments will bring them 93 per cent returns. To make it look real and to convince people of the 'veracity' of the fraud ponzi scheme, Wantanee would often posted online videos wherein she would show off her gold jewellery in a jewellery shop. She would claim that she owned the shop. However, the jewellery turned out to be fake. In reality, it was not even a shop. It was a counter which the couple set up beside the room which is styled as an office space. Also Read | Portuguese parliament legalises euthanasia for people over 18 The court held the couple guilty of scamming millions of dollars from more than 2,000 people in the Ponzi scheme, an investment fraud that pays existing investors with funds collected from new investors. One of the ways how the couple was able to fool people online is how they portrayed themselves online. Their posts were all curated in a manner that would make them appear to be super-rich people with lavish lifestyles. But everything was fake. Watch | Exclusive: Talking Tennis with Stefanos Tsitsipas | Sports News × It was not an ordinary scam as about 2,533 people joined the so-called savings scheme making them the victim. The people who joined the Ponzi scheme ended up making huge investments of about 1.3 billion baht (S$51.3 million). Total jail for 20 years The jail term of 12,640 years was commuted to 5,056 years by Thailand’s Criminal Court. The decision was taken by the court because Wantanee Tippaveth and her husband, Methi Chinpha, confessed to their crimes. Now, both husband and wife are expected to be in prison for just two decades. It is because of the law in Thailand which puts a bar on the total jail time to 20 years each. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Thailand court sentences couple to over 12,000 years in jail for Ponzi scam

As Thailand heads to poll on May 14, almost all parties have released their official song and music video for their campaigns. Today being the last day of campaigning, the battle between the army-backed establishment parties and the revived opposition movements gets a musical makeover.

Thai political parties release their official songs and music videos for May 14 elections

Trudging along Bangkok's hot and dusty streets, green candidates struggle to canvass support ahead of Thailand's election, with record-breaking pollution failing to spur anything more than political hot air. Rohit Wellington Rajan brings you the report.

Thailand: Green candidates struggle for support in election amid pollution crisis

<p>Questions are being raised about Thailand Election Commission’s competency appointed under military rule after a monitoring group alleged widespread discrepancy in early voting.</p>

<p>Thailand will go to polls on May 14 as all eyes are on the ruling military-backed government that has been in power for nine years after it ousted an elected government in 2014.</p>

<p>The monitoring group—The People’s Network to Monitor Elections, an alliance of non-governmental organisations—claimed that it received about 300 complaints during Sunday’s early voting, including missing names, votes cast by the wrong people, mistakes with mailed ballots and incomplete lists of candidates at polling stations.</p>

<p>The poll body said it received 592 complaints, with Bangkok recording about 100. It said that investigations are underway and promised not to repeat the same mistakes on election day.</p>

<p>Yingcheep Atchanont, executive director of NGO iLaw, which is part of the monitoring group, said mistakes were not significant but showed a lack of understanding or training by some election personnel on the ground.</p>

<p>“They don’t understand the system so they only do what they understand,” Yingcheep told Reuters news agency, adding many complaints were over the same issues.</p>

<p>“I think in these cases they’re making honest mistakes.”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, an online petition demanding the ouster of the poll body soared a million, with social media replete with hashtags like “what is the point of having the EC” and another calling for the imprisonment of all the seven election commissioners. Many even questioned the commission's ability to deliver a fair and accurate result.</p>

<p>The commissioners were chosen in 2018 by institutions appointed by the junta after a 2014 coup by former army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha, who has been in power ever since.</p>

<p>This is not the first time that the poll body has come under intense scrutiny. In the last election in 2019, there were widespread allegations of manipulation and negligence, after it delayed the official result by more than a month and it changed&nbsp;its formula&nbsp;for awarding party-list seats.</p>

<p>The commission at the time denied wrongdoing and said it needed time to allow recounts, disqualifications and by-elections.</p>

<p>Thailand is witnessing a two-way fight between the &nbsp;Palang Pracharat party, which is a coalition between the army and royalist establishment, against an opposition movement that has won every election in the past two decades and was removed from office three times.</p>

<p>Opinion polls last week showed two opposition parties with&nbsp;significant leads, according to Reuters news agency.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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Questions are being raised about Thailand Election Commission’s competency appointed under military rule after a monitoring group alleged widespread discrepancy in early voting.

Questions are being raised about Thailand Election Commission’s competency appointed under military rule after a monitoring group alleged widespread discrepancy in early voting. Thailand will go to polls on May 14 as all eyes are on the ruling military-backed government that has been in power for nine years after it ousted an elected government in 2014. The monitoring group—The People’s Network to Monitor Elections, an alliance of non-governmental organisations—claimed that it received about 300 complaints during Sunday’s early voting, including missing names, votes cast by the wrong people, mistakes with mailed ballots and incomplete lists of candidates at polling stations. The poll body said it received 592 complaints, with Bangkok recording about 100. It said that investigations are underway and promised not to repeat the same mistakes on election day. Yingcheep Atchanont, executive director of NGO iLaw, which is part of the monitoring group, said mistakes were not significant but showed a lack of understanding or training by some election personnel on the ground. “They don’t understand the system so they only do what they understand,” Yingcheep told Reuters news agency, adding many complaints were over the same issues. “I think in these cases they’re making honest mistakes.” Meanwhile, an online petition demanding the ouster of the poll body soared a million, with social media replete with hashtags like “what is the point of having the EC” and another calling for the imprisonment of all the seven election commissioners. Many even questioned the commission's ability to deliver a fair and accurate result. The commissioners were chosen in 2018 by institutions appointed by the junta after a 2014 coup by former army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha, who has been in power ever since. This is not the first time that the poll body has come under intense scrutiny. In the last election in 2019, there were widespread allegations of manipulation and negligence, after it delayed the official result by more than a month and it changed its formula for awarding party-list seats. The commission at the time denied wrongdoing and said it needed time to allow recounts, disqualifications and by-elections. Thailand is witnessing a two-way fight between the Palang Pracharat party, which is a coalition between the army and royalist establishment, against an opposition movement that has won every election in the past two decades and was removed from office three times. Opinion polls last week showed two opposition parties with significant leads, according to Reuters news agency. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Thai polling body under fire over reported discrepancies in early voting

Around 2 million Thai citizens lined up to cast pre-election ballots in Thailand one week before the main voting. The battle between the army-backed establishment parties and the revived opposition movements is what the elections are shaping out to be.

Thailand Elections 2023: Thais queue outside temples, schools to cast early votes

<p>Many Thai citizens lined up early Sunday (May 7) to vote in the parliamentary election that will be held on May 14. Over two million citizens across Thailand registered for early voting out of 52 million eligible voters who are aged 18 and above, the news agency Reuters reported citing the national election commission. The May 14 election is becoming a clash between army-backed establishment parties and resurgent opposition movements. This election is for the 500-seat House of Representatives.</p>

<p>Speaking to Reuters, Gosol Pungtaku, a Bangkok resident who registered for one-day-only early voting in the capital said, “As I am eligible to vote, I wish to see change and an improvement in management. There has been a rise in drug-related and criminal incidents, so I hope that the newly elected government will take steps to prevent them.”</p>

<p>Another voter, Siriporn Namphet, said she voted for change. “I would like to witness a new perspective and a change in Thailand. It's like having seen what the previous government has done and now hoping for a new administration to take over and govern more effectively,” Namphet added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Twenty-two-year-old Thanakron Puttipattanamongko, a first-time voter, told Reuters, "I am filled with excitement and curiosity about what the future of Thailand holds. As a first-time voter, I am eager to exercise my right to vote.”</p>

<p>An additional 100,000 Thais living overseas will also vote early, with some having already done so, according to a report by the news agency AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sunday's poll will close at 5 pm (1000 GMT) with alcohol sales across Thailand banned until 6 pm. A day back, police told local media that around &nbsp;3,000 security officers deployed across Bangkok, &nbsp;and warned residents to expect heavier traffic congestion around poll sites.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The May 14 election could upset the status quo after more than eight years of a conservative pro-military government led by former army chief Prayut Chan-o-cha.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who came into power in a 2014 coup before cementing control in a controversial 2019 election, has been languishing in opinion polls with voters favouring the opposition party Pheu Thai and the Forward Party.</p>

<p>But with an electoral system heavily stacked in favour of the army-backed parties, challengers must achieve a landslide victory to have any hope of forming the next government in Thailand.</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>

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Many Thai citizens lined up early Sunday (May 7) to vote in the parliamentary election that will be held on May 14. Over two million citizens across Thailand registered for early voting out of 52 million eligible voters who are aged 18 and above, the news agency Reuters reported citing the national election commission.

Many Thai citizens lined up early Sunday (May 7) to vote in the parliamentary election that will be held on May 14. Over two million citizens across Thailand registered for early voting out of 52 million eligible voters who are aged 18 and above, the news agency Reuters reported citing the national election commission. The May 14 election is becoming a clash between army-backed establishment parties and resurgent opposition movements. This election is for the 500-seat House of Representatives. Speaking to Reuters, Gosol Pungtaku, a Bangkok resident who registered for one-day-only early voting in the capital said, “As I am eligible to vote, I wish to see change and an improvement in management. There has been a rise in drug-related and criminal incidents, so I hope that the newly elected government will take steps to prevent them.” Another voter, Siriporn Namphet, said she voted for change. “I would like to witness a new perspective and a change in Thailand. It's like having seen what the previous government has done and now hoping for a new administration to take over and govern more effectively,” Namphet added. Twenty-two-year-old Thanakron Puttipattanamongko, a first-time voter, told Reuters, "I am filled with excitement and curiosity about what the future of Thailand holds. As a first-time voter, I am eager to exercise my right to vote.” An additional 100,000 Thais living overseas will also vote early, with some having already done so, according to a report by the news agency AFP. Sunday's poll will close at 5 pm (1000 GMT) with alcohol sales across Thailand banned until 6 pm. A day back, police told local media that around 3,000 security officers deployed across Bangkok, and warned residents to expect heavier traffic congestion around poll sites. The May 14 election could upset the status quo after more than eight years of a conservative pro-military government led by former army chief Prayut Chan-o-cha. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who came into power in a 2014 coup before cementing control in a controversial 2019 election, has been languishing in opinion polls with voters favouring the opposition party Pheu Thai and the Forward Party. But with an electoral system heavily stacked in favour of the army-backed parties, challengers must achieve a landslide victory to have any hope of forming the next government in Thailand. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Thailand: Voters cast ballots a week before parliamentary election

<p>Thailand prime ministerial candidate Paetongtarn Shinawatra&nbsp;declared on Wednesday that she was keen to resume her campaigning barely two days after giving birth.</p>

<p>At a press conference held at the Bangkok hospital where she gave birth, Shinawatra said that with just under two weeks to&nbsp;the election, she would still be able to garner support for her Pheu Thai party, as reported by the Associated Press.</p>

<p>“I believe good things come along with children,” she said, sitting beside her husband, Pidok Sooksawas. “I believe that children are my secret power to work, and to lead an everyday life,” she said.</p>

<p>The baby&nbsp;was carried into the room in an&nbsp;incubator and briefly shown to the media before being moved back in.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Paetongtarn is the youngest daughter of the controversial former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was overthrown in a military takeover in 2006. Thaksin is well-liked but controversial. She is also Yingluck Shinawatra's niece, whose administration suffered the same fate eight years later.</p>

<p>After the baby was born on Monday, Thaksin, who has been in self-exile since the 2006 coup, tweeted that he would like permission to return home to see his grandchildren. He ended the tweet with the phrase, "See you soon." He lives abroad to avoid serving a prison sentence for abuse of power, a conviction he has criticised as being politically motivated.</p>

<p>Paetongtarn downplayed the significance of the message, claiming it was merely the "natural expression" of a grandfather who was "very happy and excited."</p>

<p>As a well-liked but divisive figure in Thai politics, there have been worries that Thaksin's return might cause unrest.</p>

<p>“Of course, the things he said would have a political effect,” she said. “However, as a family, I think there’s nothing wrong to hope for that, especially when there’s a good thing happening to the family,” she said.</p>

<p>Paetongtarn ran for office throughout her pregnancy. She has repeatedly come out on top in polls as Thailand's preferred candidate for prime minister and the next administration, along with the Pheu Thai Party. She used her moment on Wednesday to emphasise her unwavering confidence in a resounding victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I’d like to ask the Thai people to remain firm because this vote is not like any other,” she said. “Thailand cannot just hope for the best anymore. Thailand needs change, and only the Pheu Thai Party is the best answer for the Thai people now,” she said.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Thailand prime ministerial candidate Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared on Wednesday that she was keen to resume her campaigning barely two days after giving birth.

Thailand prime ministerial candidate Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared on Wednesday that she was keen to resume her campaigning barely two days after giving birth. At a press conference held at the Bangkok hospital where she gave birth, Shinawatra said that with just under two weeks to the election, she would still be able to garner support for her Pheu Thai party, as reported by the Associated Press. “I believe good things come along with children,” she said, sitting beside her husband, Pidok Sooksawas. “I believe that children are my secret power to work, and to lead an everyday life,” she said. The baby was carried into the room in an incubator and briefly shown to the media before being moved back in. Paetongtarn is the youngest daughter of the controversial former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was overthrown in a military takeover in 2006. Thaksin is well-liked but controversial. She is also Yingluck Shinawatra's niece, whose administration suffered the same fate eight years later. After the baby was born on Monday, Thaksin, who has been in self-exile since the 2006 coup, tweeted that he would like permission to return home to see his grandchildren. He ended the tweet with the phrase, "See you soon." He lives abroad to avoid serving a prison sentence for abuse of power, a conviction he has criticised as being politically motivated. Paetongtarn downplayed the significance of the message, claiming it was merely the "natural expression" of a grandfather who was "very happy and excited." As a well-liked but divisive figure in Thai politics, there have been worries that Thaksin's return might cause unrest. “Of course, the things he said would have a political effect,” she said. “However, as a family, I think there’s nothing wrong to hope for that, especially when there’s a good thing happening to the family,” she said. Paetongtarn ran for office throughout her pregnancy. She has repeatedly come out on top in polls as Thailand's preferred candidate for prime minister and the next administration, along with the Pheu Thai Party. She used her moment on Wednesday to emphasise her unwavering confidence in a resounding victory. “I’d like to ask the Thai people to remain firm because this vote is not like any other,” she said. “Thailand cannot just hope for the best anymore. Thailand needs change, and only the Pheu Thai Party is the best answer for the Thai people now,” she said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Baby delivered, back to work: Thai PM candidate Paetongtarn Shinawatra to resume campaign

Marijuana businesses are booming in Thailand. From cannabis tea to ice cream, you can find marijuana-laced products in restaurants and convenience stores. But the weed industry remains largely unregulated. Ahead of the elections, rival political parties are threatening to re-criminalise marijuana if they take power. Where is this free-wheeling industry headed? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Thailand's marijuana industry booms

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, one of the leading candidates for prime minister in Thailand, gave birth to a baby boy just two weeks before the country is scheduled to hold elections. She thanked her supporters for their support and posted a photo of the newborn on social media.

Thai elections between tycoon backed party and pro-military party

<p>Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is one of the leading prime ministerial candidates in Thailand for the upcoming general elections, gave birth to a baby boy just two weeks before the polling day, her party confirmed on Monday (May 1).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 36-year-old Paetongtarn, whose nickname is Ung Ing, announced the news about her second child on her official Facebook and Instagram. She shared a photo of the newborn, which appeared to be taken immediately after the birth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The post on social media read: "Hi, my name is Prutthasin Sooksawas, nickname Thasin. Thanks for all the support. In a few days, wait for my mum to recover first, then I will meet the press."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The election is set to take place on May 14 and the campaigning is in the final stretch with Paetongtarn hoping to return to further fuel the populist movement her father and aunt led before they were ousted in army coups.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Philippines President Marcos: Meeting essential for national interests of Philippines&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The reformist groups, including Pheu Thai and Move Forward, are ahead of the establishment parties, news agencies reported citing opinion polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She is the daughter of billionaire former leader Thaksin Shinawatra. He is one of Pheu Thai's prime ministerial candidates and has been polling strongly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even late in her pregnancy, she was leading the party's campaign for the election in provinces throughout Thailand as one out of three people nominated by the main opposition party Pheu Thai to become prime minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There were rumours that she might take some time off, but Rinthipond Varinvatchararoj, Pheu Thai acting spokeswoman, said that she is confident that she would be present at Pheu Thai's final rally in Bangkok on May 12. Rinthipond told the news agency AFP that Paetongtarn "gave birth this morning".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Paetongtarn's father also shared the news. Taking to his official Twitter, he said that he would return to the kingdom to care for his seventh grandchild.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="th">เช้าวันนี้ ผมดีใจมากที่ได้หลานคนที่ 7 เป็นชาย ชื่อ ธาษิณ จากน้องอิ๊งค์ แพทองธาร หลานทั้ง 7 คน คลอดในขณะที่ผมต้องอยู่ต่างประเทศ ผมคงต้องขออนุญาตกลับไปเลี้ยงหลาน เพราะผมอายุจะ 74 ปี กรกฎานี้แล้ว พบกันเร็ว ๆ นี้ ครับ ขออนุญาตนะครับ</p>
— Thaksin Shinawatra (@ThaksinLive) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThaksinLive/status/1652843902586728448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Thaksin lives in Dubai to avoid corruption charges he says are politically motivated. He was ousted in a 2006 coup. "All of my seven grandchildren were born while I lived abroad. I will go back to raise my grandchildren," he wrote, without specifying when he might return.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both Thaksin and Paetongtarn's aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, live in self-imposed exile to avoid prison convictions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Paetongtarn is the front-runner, Prayuth trailed in fourth place in a mid-April poll for the prime ministerial candidate with 13.72 per cent. Prayuth became a civilian prime minister after the 2019 elections.&nbsp;</p>

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Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is one of the leading prime ministerial candidates in Thailand for the upcoming general elections, gave birth to a baby boy just two weeks before the polling day, her party confirmed on Monday (May 1).

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is one of the leading prime ministerial candidates in Thailand for the upcoming general elections, gave birth to a baby boy just two weeks before the polling day, her party confirmed on Monday (May 1). The 36-year-old Paetongtarn, whose nickname is Ung Ing, announced the news about her second child on her official Facebook and Instagram. She shared a photo of the newborn, which appeared to be taken immediately after the birth. The post on social media read: "Hi, my name is Prutthasin Sooksawas, nickname Thasin. Thanks for all the support. In a few days, wait for my mum to recover first, then I will meet the press." The election is set to take place on May 14 and the campaigning is in the final stretch with Paetongtarn hoping to return to further fuel the populist movement her father and aunt led before they were ousted in army coups. WATCH | Philippines President Marcos: Meeting essential for national interests of Philippines × The reformist groups, including Pheu Thai and Move Forward, are ahead of the establishment parties, news agencies reported citing opinion polls. She is the daughter of billionaire former leader Thaksin Shinawatra. He is one of Pheu Thai's prime ministerial candidates and has been polling strongly. Even late in her pregnancy, she was leading the party's campaign for the election in provinces throughout Thailand as one out of three people nominated by the main opposition party Pheu Thai to become prime minister. There were rumours that she might take some time off, but Rinthipond Varinvatchararoj, Pheu Thai acting spokeswoman, said that she is confident that she would be present at Pheu Thai's final rally in Bangkok on May 12. Rinthipond told the news agency AFP that Paetongtarn "gave birth this morning". Paetongtarn's father also shared the news. Taking to his official Twitter, he said that he would return to the kingdom to care for his seventh grandchild. เช้าวันนี้ ผมดีใจมากที่ได้หลานคนที่ 7 เป็นชาย ชื่อ ธาษิณ จากน้องอิ๊งค์ แพทองธาร หลานทั้ง 7 คน คลอดในขณะที่ผมต้องอยู่ต่างประเทศ ผมคงต้องขออนุญาตกลับไปเลี้ยงหลาน เพราะผมอายุจะ 74 ปี กรกฎานี้แล้ว พบกันเร็ว ๆ นี้ ครับ ขออนุญาตนะครับ — Thaksin Shinawatra (@ThaksinLive) May 1, 2023 × Thaksin lives in Dubai to avoid corruption charges he says are politically motivated. He was ousted in a 2006 coup. "All of my seven grandchildren were born while I lived abroad. I will go back to raise my grandchildren," he wrote, without specifying when he might return. Both Thaksin and Paetongtarn's aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, live in self-imposed exile to avoid prison convictions. Paetongtarn is the front-runner, Prayuth trailed in fourth place in a mid-April poll for the prime ministerial candidate with 13.72 per cent. Prayuth became a civilian prime minister after the 2019 elections. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra: Thai PM candidate gives birth two weeks before election

<p>Thailand has recorded some of its highest temperatures with authorities warning people across the country to stay indoors or at least seek shelter when they can, if they have to go out. According to a report by news agency Reuters on Friday (April 28), many towns and cities in Thailand have reported temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius.</p>

<p>And on Saturday, temperatures reached a record high of 54 degrees Celsius in Bang Na district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>April is traditionally the hottest month of the year for the country but there doesn't seem to be any prospect of the temperatures immediately coming down at least in the coming weeks.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-earth-day-temperature-rising-in-europe-15700-deaths-due-to-heatwave-in-2022-says-un-585320">World Earth Day: Temperature rising in Europe, 15,700 deaths due to heatwave in 2022, says UN</a></strong></p>

<p>The report said that in the southern Thai island of Phuket, the heat was forecast to "feel like" a staggering 54 degrees Celsius in the coming days.</p>

<p>At least two people have died due to the record-breaking heat, including a policeman who collapsed while directing traffic.</p>

<p>Apart from the rising temperatures, electricity consumption in Thailand is also at a record level with people running air conditioners and fans 24 hours a day leading to massive electricity bills which many people are worried they won't be able to pay.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Parts of Asia are reporting extreme heat this month, with record-breaking temperatures seen in some countries. In Bangladesh and parts of India, extreme heat is leading to a surge in power demand, causing power cuts and shortages for millions of people.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, two European countries- Spain and Portugal- &nbsp;have broken temperature records for April as they wilt in an unusually early heatwave that has raised the risk of wildfires.</p>

<p>In Spain, the national weather office AEMET said that the mercury hit 38.8 degrees Celsius in the airport in Spain's southern city of Cordoba on Thursday, beating the previous record of 38.6C in the eastern city of Elche.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday, the Spanish government announced it would launch its forest fire monitoring campaign, a month and a half earlier than usual. As per an official statement, the campaign would involve adding reinforcements to local firefighting teams and the "continuous monitoring of forest fires" across Spain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rising temperatures have also prompted warnings about the worsened drought conditions that have already led some farmers not to sow seeds this year.</p>

<p>In Portugal, the weather agency IPMA said that temperatures in the central town of Mora reached 36.9 degrees Celsius on Thursday, breaking the record of 36 degrees Celsius set in April 1945 in the northeastern town of Pinhao.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>

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Thailand has recorded some of its highest temperatures with authorities warning people across the country to stay indoors or at least seek shelter when they can, if they have to go out.

Thailand has recorded some of its highest temperatures with authorities warning people across the country to stay indoors or at least seek shelter when they can, if they have to go out. According to a report by news agency Reuters on Friday (April 28), many towns and cities in Thailand have reported temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius. And on Saturday, temperatures reached a record high of 54 degrees Celsius in Bang Na district. April is traditionally the hottest month of the year for the country but there doesn't seem to be any prospect of the temperatures immediately coming down at least in the coming weeks. ALSO READ | World Earth Day: Temperature rising in Europe, 15,700 deaths due to heatwave in 2022, says UN The report said that in the southern Thai island of Phuket, the heat was forecast to "feel like" a staggering 54 degrees Celsius in the coming days. At least two people have died due to the record-breaking heat, including a policeman who collapsed while directing traffic. Apart from the rising temperatures, electricity consumption in Thailand is also at a record level with people running air conditioners and fans 24 hours a day leading to massive electricity bills which many people are worried they won't be able to pay. Parts of Asia are reporting extreme heat this month, with record-breaking temperatures seen in some countries. In Bangladesh and parts of India, extreme heat is leading to a surge in power demand, causing power cuts and shortages for millions of people. Meanwhile, two European countries- Spain and Portugal- have broken temperature records for April as they wilt in an unusually early heatwave that has raised the risk of wildfires. In Spain, the national weather office AEMET said that the mercury hit 38.8 degrees Celsius in the airport in Spain's southern city of Cordoba on Thursday, beating the previous record of 38.6C in the eastern city of Elche. On Friday, the Spanish government announced it would launch its forest fire monitoring campaign, a month and a half earlier than usual. As per an official statement, the campaign would involve adding reinforcements to local firefighting teams and the "continuous monitoring of forest fires" across Spain. The rising temperatures have also prompted warnings about the worsened drought conditions that have already led some farmers not to sow seeds this year. In Portugal, the weather agency IPMA said that temperatures in the central town of Mora reached 36.9 degrees Celsius on Thursday, breaking the record of 36 degrees Celsius set in April 1945 in the northeastern town of Pinhao. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Thailand sees record-breaking heat, two dead

Thailand has had its highest seasonal temperature reading on record, an astonishing 54C in Phuket. Watch the video to know more.

Thailand: Record temperatures hit the country with highest seasonal temp on record

Thailand is facing unprecedented levels of heat. This comes amid the country battling a drastic increase in respiratory problems triggered by a spike in air pollution. Since the beginning of 2023, 2.4 million people needed treatment for medical problems due to air pollution, as per health officials. This includes nearly 200,000 in the last week alone.

2.4 million people admitted over respiratory problems in 2023

Ahead of elections in Thailand, pro-democracy Opposition is gearing up its campaign against the pro-military ruling party. One of the country's Opposition parties has described the upcoming elections as a 'generational choice.'

Thailand: Pro-democracy parties prop up campaign; Peu Thai party leading opinion polls

Thailand is going through an environmental crisis, it has been gripped by double-trouble of rising pollution and and extreme heat. While, the rising pollution has led to increasing hospitalisation. Rising temperatures are most likely to bring a drought in the Southeast Asian nation. Residents are also dealing with respiratory problems.

Thailand: Air pollution leading to increased hospitalisations & no relief from blistering sun either

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidFl8QTzHAtqSD" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Lin Hui, a 21-year-old giant panda who became a country favourite in Thailand died on Wednesday at the Chiang Mai Zoo in Chiang Mai province - six months before she was due to return home in China. Lin was sent to Thailand on a long-term loan from China as part of the 'panda' diplomacy programme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cause of Lin's death is not immediately clear but according to Thai media, she became ill on Tuesday morning as her nose was seen bleeding when she laid down after a meal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wutthichai Muangmun, the zoo director stated that she was rushed to a joint Thai-Chinese veterinarian team but her condition deteriorated and she died early Wednesday morning. Muangmun informed that the zoo had a $435,000 insurance policy in the name of Lin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“China is saddened by the death of the giant panda Lin Hui,” Wang Wenbin, a foreign ministry spokesperson, said in Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that China “immediately organised experts to guide the Thai side to carry out rescue work through video link" after hearing about Lin's health but unfortunately, it could not be enough. Beijing has stated that a team of experts will be constituted to carry out a joint investigation into the cause of Lin's death.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/millions-of-chinese-watch-farewell-party-for-panda-soon-to-come-home-582011" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Millions of Chinese watch farewell party for panda soon to come home</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Last giant panda in Thailand</strong></h2>

<p>Notably,<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Lin Hui was the last of the three pandas in Thailand. She was brought to the south-east Asian country in 2003 on a 10-year loan but managed to stay beyond it for being a crowd favourite.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lin Hui and her mate Chuang Chuang made headlines across the globe when they were shown "panda pornography" in an attempt to improve their physical intimacy.</p>

<p>After the efforts yielded no result, the zoo officials used artificial insemination to impregnate Lin who gave birth to Lin Ping in 2009. A 24-hour "Panda Channel" that aired between 2009 and 2012 in Thailand managed to turn Lin into a household name.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/giant-panda-tuan-tuan-gifted-by-china-to-taiwan-dies-535709"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Giant Panda Tuan Tuan, gifted by China to Taiwan, dies</strong></a></p>

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<p>After her death, Srettha Thavisin, a prime ministerial candidate for the country's opposition Pheu Thai Party tweeted a message, remembering how the panda had brought joy to Thais over the years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Thank you Lin Hui or "Kham Euai", the Lanna name of this female giant panda. Goodwill Ambassador between Thailand and the People's Republic of China who has spent nearly 20 years creating happiness for Thai people to smile and enjoy the cuteness," tweeted Thavisin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But another angle reminds us of the hearts of animals that have been raised in zoos all their lives. whether this is the best thing for them or not."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="th">ขอบคุณ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%AE%E0%B8%B8%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%A2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#หลินฮุ่ย</a> หรือ "คำเอื้อย" ชื่อล้านนาของแพนด้ายักษ์เพศเมียตัวนี้ ทูตสันถวไมตรีระหว่างไทยและสาธารณรัฐประชาชนจีน ที่ได้ใช้เวลาเกือบ 20 ปีสร้างความสุข ให้คนไทยได้ยิ้ม และสนุกเพลิดเพลินไปกับความน่ารักน่าชัง… <a href="https://t.co/0Piph5YoTQ">pic.twitter.com/0Piph5YoTQ</a></p>
— Srettha Thavisin (@Thavisin) <a href="https://twitter.com/Thavisin/status/1648541726645305344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The average life expectancy of a giant panda is about 15 years. However, in captivity, some have managed to live for as long as 38 years. Though keeping pandas away from their natural habitat may not go down well with some, it is part of decades-old conservation efforts that have led to an increase in their population.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The species was facing extinction at a time with fewer than 1,000 remaining but since the start of conservation efforts, the numbers have increased to 1,800 in the wild and captivity.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Lin Hui, a 21-year-old giant panda who became a country favourite in Thailand died on Wednesday at the Chiang Mai Zoo in Chiang Mai province - six months before she was due to return home in China.

Lin Hui, a 21-year-old giant panda who became a country favourite in Thailand died on Wednesday at the Chiang Mai Zoo in Chiang Mai province - six months before she was due to return home in China. Lin was sent to Thailand on a long-term loan from China as part of the 'panda' diplomacy programme. The cause of Lin's death is not immediately clear but according to Thai media, she became ill on Tuesday morning as her nose was seen bleeding when she laid down after a meal. Wutthichai Muangmun, the zoo director stated that she was rushed to a joint Thai-Chinese veterinarian team but her condition deteriorated and she died early Wednesday morning. Muangmun informed that the zoo had a $435,000 insurance policy in the name of Lin. “China is saddened by the death of the giant panda Lin Hui,” Wang Wenbin, a foreign ministry spokesperson, said in Beijing. He added that China “immediately organised experts to guide the Thai side to carry out rescue work through video link" after hearing about Lin's health but unfortunately, it could not be enough. Beijing has stated that a team of experts will be constituted to carry out a joint investigation into the cause of Lin's death. ALSO READ | Millions of Chinese watch farewell party for panda soon to come home Last giant panda in Thailand Notably, Lin Hui was the last of the three pandas in Thailand. She was brought to the south-east Asian country in 2003 on a 10-year loan but managed to stay beyond it for being a crowd favourite. Lin Hui and her mate Chuang Chuang made headlines across the globe when they were shown "panda pornography" in an attempt to improve their physical intimacy. After the efforts yielded no result, the zoo officials used artificial insemination to impregnate Lin who gave birth to Lin Ping in 2009. A 24-hour "Panda Channel" that aired between 2009 and 2012 in Thailand managed to turn Lin into a household name. WATCH | Giant Panda Tuan Tuan, gifted by China to Taiwan, dies × After her death, Srettha Thavisin, a prime ministerial candidate for the country's opposition Pheu Thai Party tweeted a message, remembering how the panda had brought joy to Thais over the years. "Thank you Lin Hui or "Kham Euai", the Lanna name of this female giant panda. Goodwill Ambassador between Thailand and the People's Republic of China who has spent nearly 20 years creating happiness for Thai people to smile and enjoy the cuteness," tweeted Thavisin. "But another angle reminds us of the hearts of animals that have been raised in zoos all their lives. whether this is the best thing for them or not." ขอบคุณ #หลินฮุ่ย หรือ "คำเอื้อย" ชื่อล้านนาของแพนด้ายักษ์เพศเมียตัวนี้ ทูตสันถวไมตรีระหว่างไทยและสาธารณรัฐประชาชนจีน ที่ได้ใช้เวลาเกือบ 20 ปีสร้างความสุข ให้คนไทยได้ยิ้ม และสนุกเพลิดเพลินไปกับความน่ารักน่าชัง… pic.twitter.com/0Piph5YoTQ — Srettha Thavisin (@Thavisin) April 19, 2023 × The average life expectancy of a giant panda is about 15 years. However, in captivity, some have managed to live for as long as 38 years. Though keeping pandas away from their natural habitat may not go down well with some, it is part of decades-old conservation efforts that have led to an increase in their population. The species was facing extinction at a time with fewer than 1,000 remaining but since the start of conservation efforts, the numbers have increased to 1,800 in the wild and captivity. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Female giant panda on loan from China dies suddenly in Thai zoo, Beijing to investigate cause of death

Songkran water festival, a traditional Thai New Year, is celebrated annually from 13 April to 15 April. It is also observed in other Southeast Asian countries such as Laos and Cambodia.

In Pics | Thailand celebrates Songkran Water Festival

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