Thailand PM sprays sanitisers on journalists to avoid questions on a possible cabinet reshuffle. After fielding a slew of questions at weekly news conference, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha sanitised the press members. WION's Molly Gambhir brings you more of Thai PM's unpredictable behaviours.

Thailand Prime Minister Sprays Disinfectant on journalists

A court in Thailand has denied bail to three pro-democracy activists who have been charged with Lese Majeste Law. The three activists were accused of violating royal defamation laws following a rally in Bangkok last September.

Thailand: 3 pro-democracy protesters denied bail

Thailand's government faces a continuing protest campaign that last year brought thousands of people, mostly young, out on the streets to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha

Thailand: 3 Pro-democracy protesters denied bail

A Thailand court indicted 18 activists for their roles in anti-government rallies last year. The activists were part of a nationwide protest that brought unprecedented challenges to the royal palace and the military-dominated establishment.

Thailand court indictes 18 activists for their roles in anti-government rallies

Pro-Democracy protestors have marched to the Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's residence. Thousands of them have been to his residence, police even used tear gas and water cannons on these protestors.

Thailand: Protesters and Police clash near PM residence

Thailand Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha has survived the no-confidence vote. And of the 487 members of the parliament, Prayuth receives 272 votes of confidence with 206 votings no confidence and 3 remaining silent. demonstraters have continuously urged for resignation for PM Prayuth chan-Ocha.

Thailand Prime Minister has survived the no-confidence vote after the 4-day debate

Fifty-nine couples in Thailand tied the knot on elephants on Sunday (February 14) in a special Valentine's Day wedding ceremony.

Couples in Thailand tie the knot on elephants on Valentine's Day

Fifty-nine couples in Thailand got married while riding elephants on Sunday, in an annual Valentine`s Day mass wedding ceremony at a botanical garden in a province east of Bangkok.

Dancers and a band led the procession of elephants and couples and a local official, also on an elephant, oversaw the signing of the marriage licence.

"For me, I`ve been planning for a long time that if I were to sign a marriage licence one day, it must be an extraordinary event," said groom Patiphat Panthanon, 26, sitting beside his 23-year-old bride.

The elephant-back wedding is an annual event at the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Chonburi province which usually attracts up to a hundred couples. But this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the numbers were down.

Kampon Tansacha, president of the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, said that due to strict screening protocols for visitors, people were feeling safer and have started to come back to visit the botanical park, which showcases recreations of landscaped gardens from around the world.

Thailand`s tourism-reliant country has yet to lift a travel ban imposed last April to curb the outbreak, keeping most foreign investors away.

Fifty-nine couples in Thailand got married while riding elephants on Sunday, in an annual Valentine`s Day mass wedding ceremony at a botanical garden in a province east of Bangkok.

Fifty-nine couples in Thailand got married while riding elephants on Sunday, in an annual Valentine`s Day mass wedding ceremony at a botanical garden in a province east of Bangkok. Dancers and a band led the procession of elephants and couples and a local official, also on an elephant, oversaw the signing of the marriage licence. "For me, I`ve been planning for a long time that if I were to sign a marriage licence one day, it must be an extraordinary event," said groom Patiphat Panthanon, 26, sitting beside his 23-year-old bride. The elephant-back wedding is an annual event at the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Chonburi province which usually attracts up to a hundred couples. But this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the numbers were down. Kampon Tansacha, president of the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, said that due to strict screening protocols for visitors, people were feeling safer and have started to come back to visit the botanical park, which showcases recreations of landscaped gardens from around the world. Thailand`s tourism-reliant country has yet to lift a travel ban imposed last April to curb the outbreak, keeping most foreign investors away.

Thai pro-democracy protesters scaled a massive Bangkok monument Saturday, draping it in a crimson cloth and calling for the kingdom to abolish its draconian royal defamation laws.

Momentum for the youth-led movement calling for an overhaul to Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha's government has slowed in recent months, due to a fresh wave of coronavirus infections in Thailand.

But the recent detention of four prominent leaders has spurred protesters into action, bringing hundreds back to the Democracy Monument intersection in Bangkok's historic quarter -- under the close watch of scores of riot police.

The leaders were charged under the lese majeste law, which carries penalties of up to 15 years per charge if found guilty of insulting the monarchy.

"I want to stress the purpose of today's rally is to call for 112 to be abolished," said Panupong "Mike" Jadnok, referring to the law by its penal code section.

After rearranging flower pots around the monument to say "112", activists draped a massive red cloth over Democracy Monument in an act of defiance.

As night fell, the protesters marched to the Royal Palace but were stopped by barricades and barbed wire surrounding the area and scores of police in full riot gear.&nbsp;

Officers stood in a tense stand-off against the protesters, some of whom were wielding white shields, gas masks and helmets.

After some negotiations, authorities escorted four protest leaders to the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine, next to the Grand Palace, where they performed a Buddhist water blessing ceremony and called: "Down with feudalism, long live the people."

"We've asked the spirit protecting the shrine to side with the people," rally leader Attapon Buapat told waiting demonstrators, declaring a return to the streets in a week if their comrades are not released.

"If our demands are not met, we will raise the temperatures."

While most of the protesters left after Attapon's announcement, more than a dozen remained.&nbsp;

They threw water bottles and small homemade "ping pong" bombs -- around the size of a table tennis ball -- at the police, who braced against the onslaught until all had dispersed by around 9 pm.&nbsp;

The pro-democracy movement, which kicked off last July, is calling for reforms to the unassailable monarchy, and the abolition of the royal defamation law is one of its key demands.

Their grievances with the royals have electrified Thai society, where frank discussion about the family is taboo.

At its peak, the rallies drew tens of thousands, with demonstrators drawing inspiration from Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.

In November, police deployed tear gas and water cannon against protesters, using liquid laced with an irritant, and clashes left more than 40 people injured.

Thai pro-democracy protesters scaled a massive Bangkok monument Saturday, draping it in a crimson cloth and calling for the kingdom to abolish its draconian royal defamation laws.

Thai pro-democracy protesters scaled a massive Bangkok monument Saturday, draping it in a crimson cloth and calling for the kingdom to abolish its draconian royal defamation laws. Momentum for the youth-led movement calling for an overhaul to Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha's government has slowed in recent months, due to a fresh wave of coronavirus infections in Thailand. But the recent detention of four prominent leaders has spurred protesters into action, bringing hundreds back to the Democracy Monument intersection in Bangkok's historic quarter -- under the close watch of scores of riot police. The leaders were charged under the lese majeste law, which carries penalties of up to 15 years per charge if found guilty of insulting the monarchy. "I want to stress the purpose of today's rally is to call for 112 to be abolished," said Panupong "Mike" Jadnok, referring to the law by its penal code section. After rearranging flower pots around the monument to say "112", activists draped a massive red cloth over Democracy Monument in an act of defiance. As night fell, the protesters marched to the Royal Palace but were stopped by barricades and barbed wire surrounding the area and scores of police in full riot gear. Officers stood in a tense stand-off against the protesters, some of whom were wielding white shields, gas masks and helmets. After some negotiations, authorities escorted four protest leaders to the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine, next to the Grand Palace, where they performed a Buddhist water blessing ceremony and called: "Down with feudalism, long live the people." "We've asked the spirit protecting the shrine to side with the people," rally leader Attapon Buapat told waiting demonstrators, declaring a return to the streets in a week if their comrades are not released. "If our demands are not met, we will raise the temperatures." While most of the protesters left after Attapon's announcement, more than a dozen remained. They threw water bottles and small homemade "ping pong" bombs -- around the size of a table tennis ball -- at the police, who braced against the onslaught until all had dispersed by around 9 pm. The pro-democracy movement, which kicked off last July, is calling for reforms to the unassailable monarchy, and the abolition of the royal defamation law is one of its key demands. Their grievances with the royals have electrified Thai society, where frank discussion about the family is taboo. At its peak, the rallies drew tens of thousands, with demonstrators drawing inspiration from Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement. In November, police deployed tear gas and water cannon against protesters, using liquid laced with an irritant, and clashes left more than 40 people injured.

Thai pro-democracy protesters return to streets calling for royal reforms

Parked in rows with many gathering dust and cobwebs, hundreds of "tuk tuk" motorised rickshaws, tour buses and boats lie silent across the Thai capital Bangkok after suffering a twin blow from the pandemic and a lack of foreign tourists.

Graveyard of tuk tuks, buses and boats show dearth of tourists during once peak holiday season

With tails wagging to a chorus of barks and yelps, more than two dozen dogs attached to wheels that support their disabled hind legs scrambled along a rocky path, as part of their daily exercise. The shelter, run by a foundation called The Man That Rescues Dogs, was set up by a Swede who moved to Chonburi in 2002 and was so dismayed by the poor condition of strays that he started caring for them after work. But its future is now in doubt, after the coronavirus pandemic led to a 40% drop in donations and slashed the number of foreign visitors.

Disabled dogs run freely in Thailand with help from wheels

A Thai court has ordered a leading government foe to remove allegations on social media that the state`s coronavirus vaccine policy is opaque and unfairly favours a company owned by the king, the government said on Sunday.

However, opposition politician Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit`s Progressive Movement denied the videos were illegal and urged YouTube and Facebook to preserve freedom of expression.

The clips could still be viewed late on Sunday.

Thailand`s Digital Ministry said the Criminal Court ruled that Thanathorn`s posts on social media and his movement`s website could breach national security.

The videos accuse Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha`s government of lack of transparency in allowing Siam Bioscience, which is owned by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, to supply most doses despite a lack of vaccine experience.

Critics say former junta leader Prayuth rigged a vote in a 2019 election to retain power - a charge he denies - and have broken a national taboo by increasingly criticising the monarchy.

SUBSIDY

Siam Bioscience received a 600 million baht ($20 million) subsidy to develop capacity to manufacture AstraZeneca vaccines domestically and across Southeast Asia.

The court did not comment when contacted by Reuters.

Thanathorn`s movement said it had not received the ruling. "We continue to stress that the content is not false or a threat to national security," tweeted Pannika Wanich, a prominent Progressive Movement member.

"We hope YouTube and Facebook will stand by the rights and freedom of expression."

Thanathorn was banned from politics for 10 years after a court dissolved his previous Future Forward Party last year over loans deemed illegal. He denied the charges.

Now the government has lodged a case against him over the video, accusing him of insulting royalty, a charge punishable by up to 15 years` prison.

The government says Siam Bioscience manufacturing is on track to deliver a first batch of 61 million doses to the public by June.

There was no immediate comment from Thanathorn or Siam Bioscience on the court ruling. The palace traditionally does not comment on political disputes.

Relatively unscathed by COVID-19, Thailand on Sunday reported 829 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total to 18,782 cases and 77 fatalities since the outbreak started last January.

A Thai court has ordered a leading government foe to remove allegations on social media that the state`s coronavirus vaccine policy is opaque and unfairly favours a company owned by the king, the government said on Sunday.

A Thai court has ordered a leading government foe to remove allegations on social media that the state`s coronavirus vaccine policy is opaque and unfairly favours a company owned by the king, the government said on Sunday. However, opposition politician Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit`s Progressive Movement denied the videos were illegal and urged YouTube and Facebook to preserve freedom of expression. The clips could still be viewed late on Sunday. Thailand`s Digital Ministry said the Criminal Court ruled that Thanathorn`s posts on social media and his movement`s website could breach national security. The videos accuse Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha`s government of lack of transparency in allowing Siam Bioscience, which is owned by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, to supply most doses despite a lack of vaccine experience. Critics say former junta leader Prayuth rigged a vote in a 2019 election to retain power - a charge he denies - and have broken a national taboo by increasingly criticising the monarchy. SUBSIDY Siam Bioscience received a 600 million baht ($20 million) subsidy to develop capacity to manufacture AstraZeneca vaccines domestically and across Southeast Asia. The court did not comment when contacted by Reuters. Thanathorn`s movement said it had not received the ruling. "We continue to stress that the content is not false or a threat to national security," tweeted Pannika Wanich, a prominent Progressive Movement member. "We hope YouTube and Facebook will stand by the rights and freedom of expression." Thanathorn was banned from politics for 10 years after a court dissolved his previous Future Forward Party last year over loans deemed illegal. He denied the charges. Now the government has lodged a case against him over the video, accusing him of insulting royalty, a charge punishable by up to 15 years` prison. The government says Siam Bioscience manufacturing is on track to deliver a first batch of 61 million doses to the public by June. There was no immediate comment from Thanathorn or Siam Bioscience on the court ruling. The palace traditionally does not comment on political disputes. Relatively unscathed by COVID-19, Thailand on Sunday reported 829 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total to 18,782 cases and 77 fatalities since the outbreak started last January.

Thai government foe ordered to erase vaccine supply criticism

A month after Cannabis was removed from Thailand's Narcotics list, one restaurant has rolled out a weed inspired menu which has some curious customers flocking to experience its euphoria-inducing fare.

Thai hospital restaurant rolls out weed-inspired menu

Thailand's popular resort town Pattya has become a ghost town, with minimal footfall in beaches and the once lively Walking Street grinding to a halt on Tuesday (January 12).

Thailand's tourist haven turns ghost town as Pattaya's shops remain shut

Visitors to an aquarium in Thailand on Thursday (December 24) received a Christmas surprise when Santa Claus descended into the water, carrying a sack full of food and surrounded by shoals of fish.

Diving Santa spreads Christmas joy at Bangkok aquarium

Christmas arrived early in central Thailand on Wednesday (December 23), with elephants wearing Santa hats and giant face masks handing out masks to primary school students.

Elephants hand out Christmas cheer and face masks to Thai students

&nbsp;

In one of the most heart-warming incidents, a rescue worker was spotted trying to give CPR to a baby elephant who was hit by a motorbike.

Mana Srivate, a rescue worker from Thailand, has been in the profession of healthcare for the last 26 years and has performed&nbsp;dozens of resuscitation. However, never did he think he would have to perform one on an elephant.

In&nbsp;the eastern province of Chanthaburi, a motorcyclist crashed into a baby elephant who was crossing the road with his herd. Both, the elephant and the motorcyclist, were injured in the collision after which emergency services were called.

While the unit served to the motorcyclist,&nbsp;Srivate helped the baby elephant who was lying in the middle of the road. His act was captured on video which was circulated on Thailand's social media.

In the video,&nbsp;Srivate can be seen&nbsp;giving two-handed compressions to a small elephant lying on its side as colleagues a few metres away treat a dazed and injured motorcycle rider.

"It’s my instinct to save lives, but I was worried the whole time because I can hear the mother and other elephants calling for the baby," Srivate said. "I assumed where an elephant heart would be located based on human theory and a video clip I saw online."

Recalling the moment the baby elephant came back to his senses and showed signs of movement, he said, "When the baby elephant starting to move, I almost cried."

The elephant was taken to a nearby location for treatment and was later returned to the same spot after it made recovery. Immediately after the baby elephant called out its mother, the herd of elephants came back to help the baby of the family.

This was also a special case for Srivate as this baby elephant was the only one who had ever revived after CPR, even though Srivate has given the treatment to dozens of victims.

The motorcyclist, too, was given treatment and he recovered soon from the shock and non-life-threatening injuries.

In one of the most heart-warming incidents, a rescue worker was spotted trying to give CPR to a baby elephant who was hit by a motorbike. Mana Srivate, a rescue worker from Thailand, has been in the profession of healthcare for the last 26 years and has performed dozens of resuscitation.

In one of the most heart-warming incidents, a rescue worker was spotted trying to give CPR to a baby elephant who was hit by a motorbike. Mana Srivate, a rescue worker from Thailand, has been in the profession of healthcare for the last 26 years and has performed dozens of resuscitation. However, never did he think he would have to perform one on an elephant. In the eastern province of Chanthaburi, a motorcyclist crashed into a baby elephant who was crossing the road with his herd. Both, the elephant and the motorcyclist, were injured in the collision after which emergency services were called. While the unit served to the motorcyclist, Srivate helped the baby elephant who was lying in the middle of the road. His act was captured on video which was circulated on Thailand's social media. In the video, Srivate can be seen giving two-handed compressions to a small elephant lying on its side as colleagues a few metres away treat a dazed and injured motorcycle rider. "It’s my instinct to save lives, but I was worried the whole time because I can hear the mother and other elephants calling for the baby," Srivate said. "I assumed where an elephant heart would be located based on human theory and a video clip I saw online." Recalling the moment the baby elephant came back to his senses and showed signs of movement, he said, "When the baby elephant starting to move, I almost cried." The elephant was taken to a nearby location for treatment and was later returned to the same spot after it made recovery. Immediately after the baby elephant called out its mother, the herd of elephants came back to help the baby of the family. This was also a special case for Srivate as this baby elephant was the only one who had ever revived after CPR, even though Srivate has given the treatment to dozens of victims. The motorcyclist, too, was given treatment and he recovered soon from the shock and non-life-threatening injuries.

Thailand's rescue worker gives CPR to baby elephant hit by motorbike

On the protest frontlines, they are urging for gender equality in a kingdom where workplaces and politics are still dominated by men.

Thailand: Women take up leadership roles in Pro-democracy movement

Thailand has been witnessing surge in COVID-19 infection recently, the sharp rise in cases has been linked to the growing cluster of infection in Thailand's biggest seafood market situated in the south west of Bangkok. Thailand to test over 10,000 people.

Thailand witnesses surge in COVID-19 cases as many people test positive

Thailand recorded over 500 fresh infections in 24 hours, witnessing biggest one day rise in COVID-19 cases. Surge linked to outbreak in country's biggest seafood market.

Thailand witnesses biggest COVID-19 surge

The United Nations human rights office has called on Thailand to amend its lese majeste law, which had been used against at least 35 democracy activists, including a minor aged 16 years.

UN agency calls on Thailand to amend its 'Lese Majeste' Law

Two critically endangered orangutans smuggled into Thailand three years ago were returned to Indonesia on Thursday (December 17), where they will undergo a rehabilitation programme at a centre in Sumatra before being released into the wild.

Thailand repatriates two Sumatran orangutans to Indonesia

Eating fruit and drinking from plastic bottles, two Sumatran orangutans stared from their cages at Bangkok airport on Thursday before flying home to Indonesia, years after being smuggled into Thailand.

Poachers in Southeast Asia frequently capture the critically endangered orangutans to sell as pets, and police said four-year-olds Ung Aing and Natalee were supposed to be sold to a tourism business.&nbsp;

Wildlife traffickers tried to smuggle the two in via Malaysia in June 2017, but they were intercepted at the border -- along with 39 Hamilton tortoises, 12 Indian turtles and six raccoons -- after police received a tip-off about the vehicle they were in.

The pair have been living in a wildlife rescue centre in Thailand and, once back in Indonesia, will undergo a rehabilitation program before being released back into the wild in Sumatra.

Ung Aing and Natalee had to take coronavirus tests before their departure, conducted by animal experts from Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University.

Officials fed the duo bananas, coconuts and electrolytes through a small opening in their cages; hiding in hessian sacks, the animals were shy at first but eventually accepted their treats.

Thai Department of National Parks and Wildlife deputy director general Prakit Vongsrivattanakul said 69 confiscated orangutans have been sent back to Indonesia since 2006, and many have been able to return to the wild.

Even though the two orangutans are now on their way home, their future is still precarious.&nbsp;

Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered and their population is estimated to be fewer than 15,000.

Sumatran orangutans' habitat has drastically shrunk over the past few decades from logging, palm oil plantations and mining.

Plantation workers and villagers sometimes attack the animals for being pests.

Eating fruit and drinking from plastic bottles, two Sumatran orangutans stared from their cages at Bangkok airport on Thursday before flying home to Indonesia, years after being smuggled into Thailand.

Eating fruit and drinking from plastic bottles, two Sumatran orangutans stared from their cages at Bangkok airport on Thursday before flying home to Indonesia, years after being smuggled into Thailand. Poachers in Southeast Asia frequently capture the critically endangered orangutans to sell as pets, and police said four-year-olds Ung Aing and Natalee were supposed to be sold to a tourism business. Wildlife traffickers tried to smuggle the two in via Malaysia in June 2017, but they were intercepted at the border -- along with 39 Hamilton tortoises, 12 Indian turtles and six raccoons -- after police received a tip-off about the vehicle they were in. The pair have been living in a wildlife rescue centre in Thailand and, once back in Indonesia, will undergo a rehabilitation program before being released back into the wild in Sumatra. Ung Aing and Natalee had to take coronavirus tests before their departure, conducted by animal experts from Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University. Officials fed the duo bananas, coconuts and electrolytes through a small opening in their cages; hiding in hessian sacks, the animals were shy at first but eventually accepted their treats. Thai Department of National Parks and Wildlife deputy director general Prakit Vongsrivattanakul said 69 confiscated orangutans have been sent back to Indonesia since 2006, and many have been able to return to the wild. Even though the two orangutans are now on their way home, their future is still precarious. Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered and their population is estimated to be fewer than 15,000. Sumatran orangutans' habitat has drastically shrunk over the past few decades from logging, palm oil plantations and mining. Plantation workers and villagers sometimes attack the animals for being pests.

Two smuggled Indonesian orangutans fly home from Thailand

Lines of police deployed to ward off any possible move towards Chitralada Palace, the nearby residence of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Thai Anti-monarch protests Mark UN Human Rights day

HUAY PU KENG, Thailand — In front of nearly every bamboo home in the village of Huay Pu Keng are stalls selling trinkets related to the neck rings that women from the Kayan ethnic group traditionally wear.

There are cheater versions of the brass coils, with helpful hinges for easy application. There are special pillows for sleeping with the rings, which compress the clavicle and create the illusion of an unnaturally elongated neck.

There are wooden carvings of the women with their neck decorations and something called “long-neck wine,” although, confusingly, the bottles are squat and round.

The entire economy of Huay Pu Keng and other Kayan villages, from local officials to tourism profiteers, depends on the metal adornments clamped around the necks of its women.

“For older women, we wear the rings for tradition,” said Mu Na, 58, who sells trinkets in another tourist village. “For younger girls, they wear the rings for tourism.”

The Kayan are a small ethnic minority that fled civil war in eastern Myanmar in the 1980s. When they arrived in Thailand, Thai officials, in concert with a Myanmar ethnic militia that operated in the border area, saw an opportunity: Instead of putting the Kayan in special camps that had been built for the hundreds of thousands of other refugees who were also escaping armed conflict in Myanmar at the time, they would be put in newly built villages designed for maximum tourist visibility.

Once they were set up in the villages, the women were given salaries of up to $200 a month by tour companies. Thais — from boat operators to trinket makers — profited.

Critics have called the villages “ethnic theme parks,” with the Kayan on display as human tourist attractions. Yet for the women and their families, the visitors guaranteed a steady income, even if it meant continuing a tradition that might otherwise have disappeared by the 21st century.

The coronavirus has complicated the situation. Thailand has barred most foreigners to prevent the spread of the virus, and so few tourists now visit this remote corner of the country. And the fate of the Kayan yet again raises uncomfortable questions about cultural exploitation, economic agency and the challenging reality of life as a refugee.

Mu Tae sat at her trinket stall, her head floating above 18 metal loops that made the distance between her chin and her shoulders look impossibly long.

“The government told us to preserve our culture, and we did, but no one is here to see it,” she said.

While the women and their families have profited from visitors to the villages, the neck rings are increasingly a legacy from another century. Even before the pandemic, many women had taken them off. Mu Tae said she will begin fastening the metal around her daughter’s neck when she reaches 5 years old, but she isn’t sure if the girl will want to continue the Kayan custom into adulthood

Of the 105 women in Huay Pu Keng, only 12 still wear the neck coils.

It’s not clear why the Kayan, also known as the Padaung, began wearing the coils back in the forests of Myanmar, where they are from. Tourist guides say, with a flourish, that the metal rings were a defense mechanism against tigers who went for the neck. The Kayan seem skeptical of this explanation.

“It’s not pretty without the rings,” said Ma Tae, 63, who wears 23 rings on her neck, as well as leg coils. “It’s what we have always done.”

For years, many Kayan lacked official documentation to leave their villages, and they had no hope of emigrating to another country because they were not in the refugee camps.

Those that could venture out, with proper papers, were often in for a shock.

“When I went to school in town, everyone stared so I was embarrassed by the rings,” said Ma Prang, 22, who removed 20 coils four years ago. “I want to be a doctor and I think it will be hard to do that job with rings on.”

About a dozen years ago, though, the Thai government began allowing Kayan in the villages to transfer to the refugee camps so that they could apply for resettlement in a third country. Since then, scores of Kayan have started new lives in Finland, New Zealand and the United States, among other countries. None of the women continue to wear their rings.

Unlike the Kayan in the refugee camps, some residents of the tourist villages have received full Thai citizenship or cards that allow them free movement in the country. But even after decades in the country, other Kayan have not been issued such paperwork, leaving them at the mercy of Thai officialdom.

“I’m not sure why I don’t have an ID card,” said Ma Nye, 33, who lives in Huay Sua Tao, the Kayan village most visited by tourists. “My daughters were born in Thailand, but they don’t have cards, either.”

Yothin Thubthimthong, the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Mae Hong Son province, where the Kayan villages are, said that life in immigration limbo in one of the tourist villages was preferable to living in a refugee camp.

“Though they are not Thais, I believe it’s better than living in the camp with tens of thousands of people,” he said.

In Huay Pu Keng, the Kayan live alongside the Kayaw, another ethnic group known for creating large holes in women’s earlobes. Although both the Kayan and the Kayaw mostly come from Kayah, a state in eastern Myanmar that borders Thailand, they speak different languages and have different customs. They would not have lived together in Myanmar.

Even before the coronavirus, tourism was declining in Huay Pu Keng and other Kayan villages along the border with Myanmar. Over the past decade, some Kayan families, both from the border villages and Myanmar, have been allowed to relocate to Thai cities, after tour operators recruited them to live in new communities that are more convenient for tourists to visit.

“In Myanmar, I could not work in the city because of my rings,” said Ma Hao, 34, who was hired from Myanmar seven years ago to wear her 28 coils at one of these tourist attractions near the northern city of Chiang Mai. “Here, I could make money just by living.”

But since the coronavirus travel lockdown, the Thai businessmen who used to employ Kayan women like Ma Hao have stopped paying. Now, she says, she is stuck in Thailand without work, and without enough money to return to Myanmar.

The Long Neck Hill Tribe Village is a collection of bamboo shacks with intermittent electricity constructed by a retired police officer on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. About 50 tourists a day, many of them from China, used to come and pay $15 to see Kayan women and their rings, as well as other ethnic groups, like the Lahu, Akha and Lisu.

These days, the tourist attraction gets only a few visitors. And with no salaries offered, most of the workers have left.

Mu Nan, 22, has lived with her parents at Long Neck Hill Tribe Village for five years. Her mother, Mu Bar, 38, wears 25 rings and is one of the most photographed women in the community. Mu Nan wears none.

Unlike her parents or her brother, who is a trash collector, Mu Nan received her Thai citizenship this year, a process that took three years of filling out forms and battling bureaucracy. She is now studying at Chiang Mai University.

“I never got any education at all,” said Mu Bar, adjusting the cloth under her coils that prevents chafing. “My daughter’s life will be different from mine,” she added. “She can do anything she wants.” 
&nbsp;

HUAY PU KENG, Thailand — In front of nearly every bamboo home in the village of Huay Pu Keng are stalls selling trinkets related to the neck rings that women from the Kayan ethnic group traditionally wear.

HUAY PU KENG, Thailand — In front of nearly every bamboo home in the village of Huay Pu Keng are stalls selling trinkets related to the neck rings that women from the Kayan ethnic group traditionally wear. There are cheater versions of the brass coils, with helpful hinges for easy application. There are special pillows for sleeping with the rings, which compress the clavicle and create the illusion of an unnaturally elongated neck. There are wooden carvings of the women with their neck decorations and something called “long-neck wine,” although, confusingly, the bottles are squat and round. The entire economy of Huay Pu Keng and other Kayan villages, from local officials to tourism profiteers, depends on the metal adornments clamped around the necks of its women. “For older women, we wear the rings for tradition,” said Mu Na, 58, who sells trinkets in another tourist village. “For younger girls, they wear the rings for tourism.” The Kayan are a small ethnic minority that fled civil war in eastern Myanmar in the 1980s. When they arrived in Thailand, Thai officials, in concert with a Myanmar ethnic militia that operated in the border area, saw an opportunity: Instead of putting the Kayan in special camps that had been built for the hundreds of thousands of other refugees who were also escaping armed conflict in Myanmar at the time, they would be put in newly built villages designed for maximum tourist visibility. Once they were set up in the villages, the women were given salaries of up to $200 a month by tour companies. Thais — from boat operators to trinket makers — profited. Critics have called the villages “ethnic theme parks,” with the Kayan on display as human tourist attractions. Yet for the women and their families, the visitors guaranteed a steady income, even if it meant continuing a tradition that might otherwise have disappeared by the 21st century. The coronavirus has complicated the situation. Thailand has barred most foreigners to prevent the spread of the virus, and so few tourists now visit this remote corner of the country. And the fate of the Kayan yet again raises uncomfortable questions about cultural exploitation, economic agency and the challenging reality of life as a refugee. Mu Tae sat at her trinket stall, her head floating above 18 metal loops that made the distance between her chin and her shoulders look impossibly long. “The government told us to preserve our culture, and we did, but no one is here to see it,” she said. While the women and their families have profited from visitors to the villages, the neck rings are increasingly a legacy from another century. Even before the pandemic, many women had taken them off. Mu Tae said she will begin fastening the metal around her daughter’s neck when she reaches 5 years old, but she isn’t sure if the girl will want to continue the Kayan custom into adulthood Of the 105 women in Huay Pu Keng, only 12 still wear the neck coils. It’s not clear why the Kayan, also known as the Padaung, began wearing the coils back in the forests of Myanmar, where they are from. Tourist guides say, with a flourish, that the metal rings were a defense mechanism against tigers who went for the neck. The Kayan seem skeptical of this explanation. “It’s not pretty without the rings,” said Ma Tae, 63, who wears 23 rings on her neck, as well as leg coils. “It’s what we have always done.” For years, many Kayan lacked official documentation to leave their villages, and they had no hope of emigrating to another country because they were not in the refugee camps. Those that could venture out, with proper papers, were often in for a shock. “When I went to school in town, everyone stared so I was embarrassed by the rings,” said Ma Prang, 22, who removed 20 coils four years ago. “I want to be a doctor and I think it will be hard to do that job with rings on.” About a dozen years ago, though, the Thai government began allowing Kayan in the villages to transfer to the refugee camps so that they could apply for resettlement in a third country. Since then, scores of Kayan have started new lives in Finland, New Zealand and the United States, among other countries. None of the women continue to wear their rings. Unlike the Kayan in the refugee camps, some residents of the tourist villages have received full Thai citizenship or cards that allow them free movement in the country. But even after decades in the country, other Kayan have not been issued such paperwork, leaving them at the mercy of Thai officialdom. “I’m not sure why I don’t have an ID card,” said Ma Nye, 33, who lives in Huay Sua Tao, the Kayan village most visited by tourists. “My daughters were born in Thailand, but they don’t have cards, either.” Yothin Thubthimthong, the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Mae Hong Son province, where the Kayan villages are, said that life in immigration limbo in one of the tourist villages was preferable to living in a refugee camp. “Though they are not Thais, I believe it’s better than living in the camp with tens of thousands of people,” he said. In Huay Pu Keng, the Kayan live alongside the Kayaw, another ethnic group known for creating large holes in women’s earlobes. Although both the Kayan and the Kayaw mostly come from Kayah, a state in eastern Myanmar that borders Thailand, they speak different languages and have different customs. They would not have lived together in Myanmar. Even before the coronavirus, tourism was declining in Huay Pu Keng and other Kayan villages along the border with Myanmar. Over the past decade, some Kayan families, both from the border villages and Myanmar, have been allowed to relocate to Thai cities, after tour operators recruited them to live in new communities that are more convenient for tourists to visit. “In Myanmar, I could not work in the city because of my rings,” said Ma Hao, 34, who was hired from Myanmar seven years ago to wear her 28 coils at one of these tourist attractions near the northern city of Chiang Mai. “Here, I could make money just by living.” But since the coronavirus travel lockdown, the Thai businessmen who used to employ Kayan women like Ma Hao have stopped paying. Now, she says, she is stuck in Thailand without work, and without enough money to return to Myanmar. The Long Neck Hill Tribe Village is a collection of bamboo shacks with intermittent electricity constructed by a retired police officer on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. About 50 tourists a day, many of them from China, used to come and pay $15 to see Kayan women and their rings, as well as other ethnic groups, like the Lahu, Akha and Lisu. These days, the tourist attraction gets only a few visitors. And with no salaries offered, most of the workers have left. Mu Nan, 22, has lived with her parents at Long Neck Hill Tribe Village for five years. Her mother, Mu Bar, 38, wears 25 rings and is one of the most photographed women in the community. Mu Nan wears none. Unlike her parents or her brother, who is a trash collector, Mu Nan received her Thai citizenship this year, a process that took three years of filling out forms and battling bureaucracy. She is now studying at Chiang Mai University. “I never got any education at all,” said Mu Bar, adjusting the cloth under her coils that prevents chafing. “My daughter’s life will be different from mine,” she added. “She can do anything she wants.”

As refugees, their options were limited. Others saw a profit.

Bangkok has been gripped by a rubber duck frenzy since pro-democracy protesters used giant inflatables to shield themselves from water cannon spray last month.

When police mounted a crackdown on a November rally, deploying tear gas and water cannon outside parliament, footage of demonstrators hiding behind giant ducks went viral.

Within days, duck-themed paraphernalia became a staple among street vendors at protests, the birds featuring on everything from hats to hair clips.

Protesters are calling for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha to resign, a rewrite of the army-drafted constitution and for reforms to the monarchy — a taboo-smashing demand in a country where the ultra-wealthy royal family has long been untouchable.

The toy's emergence as a protest symbol happened by accident. Protesters had intended to float on inflatable ducks down Bangkok's Chao Phraya River behind parliament as lawmakers inside debated proposals for constitutional change.

But since their redeployment as protection from tear gas and chemical-laced water fired from cannons, some demonstrators say the ducks have helped the pro-democracy movement win the PR war with authorities.

"To put it simply, they're the guards of the people who use peaceful ways in protesting. We have cute ducks to fight against fully armed police, and it shows that we’re better," said a 30-year-old protester named Sam.

Rattikarn Saehor, 39, sells duck bubble blowers from a stall and said her products help lighten the mood at rallies.

"We want the protest to be less stressful, full of creative ideas that show we truly like to protest with peace, and do not want any violence to happen -- so the ducks have helped make everything look lighter and softer," she told AFP.

She said proceeds from her sales had supported volunteer medical teams at protests.

It is not the first time the bath-time buddies have been used as symbols of defiance and protest.

In 2013, Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman's 16-metre inflatable duck sculpture floated in Hong Kong's harbour but swiftly became mired in controversy.

A Weibo user edited a famous image from the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, replacing tanks with ducks prompting a Chinese government internet search ban on "big yellow duck".

Giant inflatable rubber ducks featured in protests in Brazil in 2016 during a push to impeach then president Dilma Rousseff and highlight the economic "quackery" of her government amid a downturn.

And they became a symbol of protest in Russia in 2017 when it emerged then prime minister Dmitry Medvedev had multiple luxury estates -- including one that featured a special house for ducks on a pond.

Bangkok has been gripped by a rubber duck frenzy since pro-democracy protesters used giant inflatables to shield themselves from water cannon spray last month. When police mounted a crackdown on a November rally, deploying tear gas and water cannon outside parliament, footage of demonstrators hiding behind giant ducks went viral.

Bangkok has been gripped by a rubber duck frenzy since pro-democracy protesters used giant inflatables to shield themselves from water cannon spray last month. When police mounted a crackdown on a November rally, deploying tear gas and water cannon outside parliament, footage of demonstrators hiding behind giant ducks went viral. Within days, duck-themed paraphernalia became a staple among street vendors at protests, the birds featuring on everything from hats to hair clips. Protesters are calling for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha to resign, a rewrite of the army-drafted constitution and for reforms to the monarchy — a taboo-smashing demand in a country where the ultra-wealthy royal family has long been untouchable. The toy's emergence as a protest symbol happened by accident. Protesters had intended to float on inflatable ducks down Bangkok's Chao Phraya River behind parliament as lawmakers inside debated proposals for constitutional change. But since their redeployment as protection from tear gas and chemical-laced water fired from cannons, some demonstrators say the ducks have helped the pro-democracy movement win the PR war with authorities. "To put it simply, they're the guards of the people who use peaceful ways in protesting. We have cute ducks to fight against fully armed police, and it shows that we’re better," said a 30-year-old protester named Sam. Rattikarn Saehor, 39, sells duck bubble blowers from a stall and said her products help lighten the mood at rallies. "We want the protest to be less stressful, full of creative ideas that show we truly like to protest with peace, and do not want any violence to happen -- so the ducks have helped make everything look lighter and softer," she told AFP. She said proceeds from her sales had supported volunteer medical teams at protests. It is not the first time the bath-time buddies have been used as symbols of defiance and protest. In 2013, Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman's 16-metre inflatable duck sculpture floated in Hong Kong's harbour but swiftly became mired in controversy. A Weibo user edited a famous image from the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, replacing tanks with ducks prompting a Chinese government internet search ban on "big yellow duck". Giant inflatable rubber ducks featured in protests in Brazil in 2016 during a push to impeach then president Dilma Rousseff and highlight the economic "quackery" of her government amid a downturn. And they became a symbol of protest in Russia in 2017 when it emerged then prime minister Dmitry Medvedev had multiple luxury estates -- including one that featured a special house for ducks on a pond.

'Rubber duck revolution' takes off in Thailand

A big relief for Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand, as Thailand's top court has ruled that PM is not guilty of the conflict of interest for staying in army residence years after leaving the military.

WION Dispatch: Top Thai court acquits PM Prayuth in conflict of interest case

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha, under pressure from months of street protests, Wednesday survived a legal challenge over his living arrangements that could have seen him thrown out of office.

The kingdom's constitutional court ruled that Prayut was not guilty of conflict of interest by living in an army residence after leaving the military.

Prayuth has been dealing with a persistent student-led pro-democracy movement that has been holding frequent well-attended rallies demanding that he and his government step down, charging that they came to power illegitimately.

"The defendant's position as prime minister remains unchanged," the head judge said.

The Constitutional Court ruled on a complaint brought by the Pheu Thai party, the largest opposition grouping in Parliament, that Prayuth had broken the law by continuing to live in his military residence after he retired as army commander in September 2014.

The complaint alleged that he broke constitutional articles barring government ministers from receiving special benefits from state agencies or enterprises because that would amount to a conflict of interest.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha, under pressure from months of street protests, Wednesday survived a legal challenge over his living arrangements that could have seen him thrown out of office.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha, under pressure from months of street protests, Wednesday survived a legal challenge over his living arrangements that could have seen him thrown out of office. The kingdom's constitutional court ruled that Prayut was not guilty of conflict of interest by living in an army residence after leaving the military. Prayuth has been dealing with a persistent student-led pro-democracy movement that has been holding frequent well-attended rallies demanding that he and his government step down, charging that they came to power illegitimately. "The defendant's position as prime minister remains unchanged," the head judge said. The Constitutional Court ruled on a complaint brought by the Pheu Thai party, the largest opposition grouping in Parliament, that Prayuth had broken the law by continuing to live in his military residence after he retired as army commander in September 2014. The complaint alleged that he broke constitutional articles barring government ministers from receiving special benefits from state agencies or enterprises because that would amount to a conflict of interest.

Thai PM acquitted of ethics breach, wins crucial legal battle

In nearly 2 years Thailand has charged prominent protest leaders with the controversial Lese Majeste Law which criminalises insulting the monarchy. 7 activists has been charged with the law.

Thai Protest: 7 activists charged with Lese Majeste Law

Thousands of protesters marched to a barracks belonging to Thailand’s royal guards in Bangkok on Sunday, demanding that King Maha Vajiralongkorn give up control of some army regiments.

Thai protesters try to storm army barracks

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