Thailand's biggest opposition party called on Monday (October 26) for Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha to resign, as parliament opened a special session called by the former junta leader to discuss months of protests.

Special session in Thai Parliament on rising tensions

A defining moment in Thailand's growing protest movement started with the unannounced arrival of a champagne-coloured Rolls Royce stretch limousine on a Bangkok street.

Rocket-high sales for street vendors in Thailand

Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha today revoked emergency measures banning gatherings of more than four people amid large-scale street protests against the government and the monarchy.

WION Dispatch: Thai PM backs down on protest ban

Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha today revoked emergency measures banning gatherings of more than four people amid large scale street protests against the government and the monarchy.

Thailand PM revokes emergency measures amid protests

Thai protesters on Wednesday gave Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha a three day deadline to step down or face more demonstrations.

Thai protesters give PM three day deadline to step down

Thailand is in protest mode -- and students are leading this fight.

Thailand's pro-democracy protesters are a feisty lot, and nothing is seeming to discourage them -- not water cannons, not riot cops and not even rain.

After five nights of relentless protests, the government seems to be budging. A little bit though.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-Cha wants talks. But he has made one thing very clear -- the monarchy is not up for discussion.

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Last week's crackdown has not dented the spirits of the students whose agitation entered a fifth day on Monday.

As many as 10,000 people gathered near Bangkok's victory monument. They were all clad in colourful ponchos.

They chanted 'Down with dictatorship', and reform the monarchy.

A 25-year-old protester, to this end, said, "I want to be part of the fight to call for a democracy. This is our time. Everybody's out and we shouldn't be afraid of anything. We're all protesting peacefully and orderly, there's no chaos. Any violence that happened was started by the government."

Despite the urgency of the protests, a couple of things stood out.&nbsp;

Almost everyone was wearing a mask. And on two separate occasions, the protesters cleared the road for approaching ambulances.

Also, an alliance of shared experiences is emerging between Thailand and Hong Kong -- massive street protests, an autocratic regime, and a brutal police response.

On Monday, a group of pro-democracy activists gathered at the Thai consulate in Hong Kong. Among them was the umbrella movement leader Joshua Wong.&nbsp;

Their message was simple -- "Hong Kong stands with Thailand".

But unlike last week, the government response in Bangkok was measured.

There was no riot police, no water cannons, and no crackdown.

Meanwhile, the prime minister has recalled the parliament to thrash out a plan. But despite these mass protests, the monarchy remains beyond reproach.

"What the government needs to do is to protect the monarchy -- this is every Thai's duty to do. We're asking you guys to do just very few things," the prime minister said, adding, "you can see the government is trying its best to compromise. We're asking so very few things -- don't do anything wrong, don't damage government property or any people's properties."

The king himself was not in Bangkok -- he was in Thailand's Northeast -- giving away diplomas to university students.

And this is how the irony unfolds -- on one hand, a paternal monarch attends a graduation ceremony, and on the other, he unleashes water cannons on student protesters seeking to undermine their demands.

Thailand is in protest mode -- and students are leading this fight. Thailand's pro-democracy protesters are a feisty lot, and nothing is seeming to discourage them -- not water cannons, not riot cops and not even rain.

Thailand is in protest mode -- and students are leading this fight. Thailand's pro-democracy protesters are a feisty lot, and nothing is seeming to discourage them -- not water cannons, not riot cops and not even rain. After five nights of relentless protests, the government seems to be budging. A little bit though. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-Cha wants talks. But he has made one thing very clear -- the monarchy is not up for discussion. Last week's crackdown has not dented the spirits of the students whose agitation entered a fifth day on Monday. As many as 10,000 people gathered near Bangkok's victory monument. They were all clad in colourful ponchos. They chanted 'Down with dictatorship', and reform the monarchy. A 25-year-old protester, to this end, said, "I want to be part of the fight to call for a democracy. This is our time. Everybody's out and we shouldn't be afraid of anything. We're all protesting peacefully and orderly, there's no chaos. Any violence that happened was started by the government." Despite the urgency of the protests, a couple of things stood out. Almost everyone was wearing a mask. And on two separate occasions, the protesters cleared the road for approaching ambulances. Also, an alliance of shared experiences is emerging between Thailand and Hong Kong -- massive street protests, an autocratic regime, and a brutal police response. On Monday, a group of pro-democracy activists gathered at the Thai consulate in Hong Kong. Among them was the umbrella movement leader Joshua Wong. Their message was simple -- "Hong Kong stands with Thailand". But unlike last week, the government response in Bangkok was measured. There was no riot police, no water cannons, and no crackdown. Meanwhile, the prime minister has recalled the parliament to thrash out a plan. But despite these mass protests, the monarchy remains beyond reproach. "What the government needs to do is to protect the monarchy -- this is every Thai's duty to do. We're asking you guys to do just very few things," the prime minister said, adding, "you can see the government is trying its best to compromise. We're asking so very few things -- don't do anything wrong, don't damage government property or any people's properties." The king himself was not in Bangkok -- he was in Thailand's Northeast -- giving away diplomas to university students. And this is how the irony unfolds -- on one hand, a paternal monarch attends a graduation ceremony, and on the other, he unleashes water cannons on student protesters seeking to undermine their demands.

Protests in Thailand enter the fifth day

For a 5th consecutive night, protesters defied a ban on gatherings in Thailand. 10,000 people in colourful ponchos assembled near Bangkok's Victory Monument. Under pressure, Thai PM has hinted at talks. But the monarchy will not be up for discussion. WION's Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: Thailand's Anti-Monarchy protests: Protesters take over Bangkok Streets

For a 5th consecutive night, protesters defied a ban on gatherings in Thailand. 10,000 people in colourful ponchos assembled near Bangkok's Victory Monument.

Thailand Anti-govt protests: Thousands attend rally despite police warning

Authorities in Thailand have imposed curbs on messaging app Telegram to try to stop three months of protests against the government and monarchy.

They also said on Monday they had ordered an investigation of four news outlets under emergency measures introduced last week.

Police chief Suwat Jangyodsuk also told reporters on Monday that he had ordered the digital ministry to restrict Free Youth's group on Telegram, a messaging application that protesters used to coordinate in recent days.

The ministry's spokesman declined to verify another document apparently signed by him, that asked internet service providers and mobile operators to "suspend Telegram" completely.

The announcement prompted anger from media groups and accusations of an attack on press freedom by the government of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the former junta leader the protesters are seeking to drive from office.

According to a police document dated October 16, investigations have been ordered into content from four media outlets as well as the Facebook page of a protest group.

A spokesman for the digital ministry said it had requested court orders to take down content by the four media outlets and the Facebook page of the protest group Free Youth, among more than 300,000 pieces of content it said violated Thai laws over the last week.

The Manushya Foundation, an independent group which campaigns for online freedom, called the measures an attempt to silence free media.

The government ordered a ban on news and online information that could affect national security last Thursday as it also banned political gatherings of more than five people in the face of the growing challenge.

Protests have taken place every day since they were banned on Thursday, and Sunday's demonstrations drew tens of thousands of people in Bangkok and across the country. Police gave a figure of 20,000 protesters in the capital.

Protesters planned to gather again at three locations in Bangkok in late afternoon on Monday.

Authorities in Thailand have imposed curbs on messaging app Telegram to try to stop three months of protests against the government and monarchy. They also said on Monday they had ordered an investigation of four news outlets under emergency measures introduced last week.

Authorities in Thailand have imposed curbs on messaging app Telegram to try to stop three months of protests against the government and monarchy. They also said on Monday they had ordered an investigation of four news outlets under emergency measures introduced last week. Police chief Suwat Jangyodsuk also told reporters on Monday that he had ordered the digital ministry to restrict Free Youth's group on Telegram, a messaging application that protesters used to coordinate in recent days. The ministry's spokesman declined to verify another document apparently signed by him, that asked internet service providers and mobile operators to "suspend Telegram" completely. The announcement prompted anger from media groups and accusations of an attack on press freedom by the government of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the former junta leader the protesters are seeking to drive from office. According to a police document dated October 16, investigations have been ordered into content from four media outlets as well as the Facebook page of a protest group. A spokesman for the digital ministry said it had requested court orders to take down content by the four media outlets and the Facebook page of the protest group Free Youth, among more than 300,000 pieces of content it said violated Thai laws over the last week. The Manushya Foundation, an independent group which campaigns for online freedom, called the measures an attempt to silence free media. The government ordered a ban on news and online information that could affect national security last Thursday as it also banned political gatherings of more than five people in the face of the growing challenge. Protests have taken place every day since they were banned on Thursday, and Sunday's demonstrations drew tens of thousands of people in Bangkok and across the country. Police gave a figure of 20,000 protesters in the capital. Protesters planned to gather again at three locations in Bangkok in late afternoon on Monday.

Thailand authorities restrict Telegram app over protests

Thousands of pro-democracy protesters took over a major Bangkok intersection on Sunday, defying a ban on gatherings and stern warnings from authorities for the fourth consecutive day.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former junta leader the protesters seek to oust, is concerned about the spreading protests and the government wants to talk, his spokesman said.

The youth-led movement has suffered several blows this week, with scores arrested after demonstrators surrounded a royal motorcade and flashed a pro-democracy salute to Queen Suthida during a Wednesday protest.

The government reacted by imposing "serious" emergency measures banning gatherings of more than four and allowing for the arrest of protest leaders, many of whom are calling for the removal of Prayuth, a former military chief first brought to power in a 2014 coup.

Prayuth's spokesman said the prime minister feared the protests, which have spread across the country of 70 million, could be used by troublemakers seeking to instigate violence.

Police also deployed water cannon against unarmed demonstrators on Friday in Bangkok's central shopping district in an escalation of tactics that drew outrage across Thai society.

But the crackdown has emboldened the movement's mostly young supporters who have turned up in large numbers to daily guerrilla protests around Bangkok.

The locations are announced an hour before to outwit authorities, who shut down much of the city's Skytrain and underground rail services to discourage people from joining in.

Thousands descended on the major traffic thoroughfare from 4:00 pm (0900 GMT) shouting "Free our friends" while carrying posters of arrested activists.

Among their demands is the abolition of a draconian royal defamation law -- which shields King Maha Vajiralongkorn from criticism -- and a call for the monarch to stay out of the country's turbulent politics.

Once-taboo in Thailand, the issue of royal reform demanded by protesters is one of the biggest challenges facing the kingdom's conservative military-aligned government.

The social media-savvy protesters have also harnessed unorthodox ways of spreading their messages, sending alerts through newly formed groups on Telegram -- a secure messaging app -- and taken tips from Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests.

Police made no immediate steps to intervene as protesters took over Victory Monument and Asok, two of Bangkok's most important transport hubs. Police said there were around 10,000 people at Victory Monument alone. A spokesman said there was no plan to suppress the protest there.

During demonstrations by tens of thousands of people at multiple points across Bangkok on Saturday, protesters painted a flag on the road with "Republic of Thailand" written across it. The writing was painted out overnight.

The government banned demonstrations in Bangkok on Thursday.

Across Thailand, demonstrations were being organised in at least 19 other provinces on Sunday. Solidarity protests were also being held or planned in Taiwan, Denmark, Sweden, France, the United States and Canada.

(with inputs from agencies)

Thousands of pro-democracy protesters took over a major Bangkok intersection on Sunday, defying a ban on gatherings and stern warnings from authorities for the fourth consecutive day.

Thousands of pro-democracy protesters took over a major Bangkok intersection on Sunday, defying a ban on gatherings and stern warnings from authorities for the fourth consecutive day. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former junta leader the protesters seek to oust, is concerned about the spreading protests and the government wants to talk, his spokesman said. The youth-led movement has suffered several blows this week, with scores arrested after demonstrators surrounded a royal motorcade and flashed a pro-democracy salute to Queen Suthida during a Wednesday protest. The government reacted by imposing "serious" emergency measures banning gatherings of more than four and allowing for the arrest of protest leaders, many of whom are calling for the removal of Prayuth, a former military chief first brought to power in a 2014 coup. Prayuth's spokesman said the prime minister feared the protests, which have spread across the country of 70 million, could be used by troublemakers seeking to instigate violence. Police also deployed water cannon against unarmed demonstrators on Friday in Bangkok's central shopping district in an escalation of tactics that drew outrage across Thai society. But the crackdown has emboldened the movement's mostly young supporters who have turned up in large numbers to daily guerrilla protests around Bangkok. The locations are announced an hour before to outwit authorities, who shut down much of the city's Skytrain and underground rail services to discourage people from joining in. Thousands descended on the major traffic thoroughfare from 4:00 pm (0900 GMT) shouting "Free our friends" while carrying posters of arrested activists. Among their demands is the abolition of a draconian royal defamation law -- which shields King Maha Vajiralongkorn from criticism -- and a call for the monarch to stay out of the country's turbulent politics. Once-taboo in Thailand, the issue of royal reform demanded by protesters is one of the biggest challenges facing the kingdom's conservative military-aligned government. The social media-savvy protesters have also harnessed unorthodox ways of spreading their messages, sending alerts through newly formed groups on Telegram -- a secure messaging app -- and taken tips from Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests. Police made no immediate steps to intervene as protesters took over Victory Monument and Asok, two of Bangkok's most important transport hubs. Police said there were around 10,000 people at Victory Monument alone. A spokesman said there was no plan to suppress the protest there. During demonstrations by tens of thousands of people at multiple points across Bangkok on Saturday, protesters painted a flag on the road with "Republic of Thailand" written across it. The writing was painted out overnight. The government banned demonstrations in Bangkok on Thursday. Across Thailand, demonstrations were being organised in at least 19 other provinces on Sunday. Solidarity protests were also being held or planned in Taiwan, Denmark, Sweden, France, the United States and Canada. (with inputs from agencies)

Thai democracy protesters defy ban for fourth day, PM seeks talks

Bangkok is a city under siege. Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters defied a ban on mass gatherings. They want the government to resign, but the Prime Minister remains defiant. Palki Sharma Upadhyay has the story.

Gravitas: Thailand Protests: Thousands take to the streets

When Thailand began reporting cases of the Wuhan virus, its King went into self-isolation at a luxury hotel in Germany with his 20 mistresses. Watch this report to know more about Thailand's playboy King.

Thailand's King Rama X: A king with 4 wives & 20 mistresses

Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters gathered in the Thailand capital Bangkok for the second day, in mass defiance of the government which had issued a decree banning demonstrations.

Political temperature rising in Thailand; Protesters defy ban for a second day

Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters gathered again in Thailand's capital Bangkok on Thursday in mass defiance of the government which had issued a decree banning demonstrations.

Thailand protest: 1000 protesters defy sweeping crackdown

Thousands of Thai protesters set up camp outside Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha's office late on Wednesday, in an escalation of three months of demonstrations aimed at forcing the former junta leader to step down.

Fineprint: Thousands camp outside Thai PM's office as protests escalate

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France announces curfew in major cities as virus cases surge The tough measures in France come as it continues to battle the virus with over 32,000 fatalties reported.

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Morning news brief: France announces curfew, Thailand issues emergency decree & more

The Thai king returned to Bangkok amid raging anti-monarchy protests. Royalists and protesters organised rival rallies - as Thailand debates the future of its monarchy. Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you the story.

Gravitas: Thailand anti-monarchy protests

Thousands of Thai protesters demonstrated in Bangkok on Thursday, defying a ban imposed to end three months of anti-government action that has targeted King Maha Vajiralongkorn as well as Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former junta leader.

Thailand imposes state of emergency, Over 20 activists arrested

Hundreds of protesters assembled in Bangkok's democracy monument on the anniversary of the 1973 uprising. The protesters are demanding new reforms. Watch report.

Thailand protests: 21 activists have been detained, Protesters demand reforms

Thailand suspended international flights in April to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The country has reported 3,575 infections so far, including 59 deaths and 3,384 recoveries.

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A controversial brass plaque proclaiming that Thailand "belongs to the people and not the king" may have been swiftly removed by authorities less than a day after anti-government protesters installed it on the historic Sanam Luang grounds in front of the Bangkok Grand Palace on Sept 20.

Thai monarchy-defying plaque design turned into Instagram filters and merchandise

Tens of thousands of people in Thailand on September 26 flocked to a government-organized job expo with more than a million jobs up for grabs as it works to stem mounting unemployment in an economy hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

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An American has been sued by an island resort in Thailand over a negative Tripadvisor review.

Wesley Barnes could face up to two years in prison if found guilty, authorities said on Saturday.

Coronavirus numbers are relatively low in Thailand, making way for domestic tourism. Koh Chang island, famed for its sandy beaches and turquoise waters, is also witnessing footfall.

A recent visit to the Sea View Resort on the island landed Barnes in trouble after he wrote unflattering online reviews about his holiday.

According to the Tripadvisor review Barnes posted in July, he encountered "unfriendly staff" who "act like they don't want anyone here".

"The Sea View Resort owner filed a complaint that the defendant had posted unfair reviews on his hotel on the Tripadvisor website," Colonel Thanapon Taemsara of Koh Chang police told AFP.

He said Barnes was accused of causing "damage to the reputation of the hotel", and of quarrelling with staff over not paying a corkage fee for alcohol brought to the hotel.

Barnes, who works in Thailand, was arrested by immigration police and returned to Koh Chang where he was briefly detained and then freed on bail. The maximum sentence is two years in prison, along with a 200,000 baht ($6,300) fine.

Thailand's notorious anti-defamation laws have long drawn scrutiny from human rights and press freedom groups, who say powerful players use it as a weapon to stifle free expression.

An American has been sued by an island resort in Thailand over a negative Tripadvisor review. Wesley Barnes could face up to two years in prison if found guilty, authorities said on Saturday.

An American has been sued by an island resort in Thailand over a negative Tripadvisor review. Wesley Barnes could face up to two years in prison if found guilty, authorities said on Saturday. Coronavirus numbers are relatively low in Thailand, making way for domestic tourism. Koh Chang island, famed for its sandy beaches and turquoise waters, is also witnessing footfall. A recent visit to the Sea View Resort on the island landed Barnes in trouble after he wrote unflattering online reviews about his holiday. According to the Tripadvisor review Barnes posted in July, he encountered "unfriendly staff" who "act like they don't want anyone here". "The Sea View Resort owner filed a complaint that the defendant had posted unfair reviews on his hotel on the Tripadvisor website," Colonel Thanapon Taemsara of Koh Chang police told AFP. He said Barnes was accused of causing "damage to the reputation of the hotel", and of quarrelling with staff over not paying a corkage fee for alcohol brought to the hotel. Barnes, who works in Thailand, was arrested by immigration police and returned to Koh Chang where he was briefly detained and then freed on bail. The maximum sentence is two years in prison, along with a 200,000 baht ($6,300) fine. Thailand's notorious anti-defamation laws have long drawn scrutiny from human rights and press freedom groups, who say powerful players use it as a weapon to stifle free expression.

American sued in Thailand over negative review on internet

Thailand has initiated legal actions against Facebook & twitter for ignoring requests to take down content. Thailand's ministry of digital economy & society has filed legal complaints with cybercrime police after the two social media companies missed deadlines to comply fully with court-issued orders.

Thailand takes legal actions against Facebook & Twitter over content

Pro-democracy protesters took to the streets of Bangkok Saturday as a rally expected to draw tens of thousands of people kicked off calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy.

Thailand has seen near-daily gatherings of youth-led groups since mid-July demanding the resignation of Prayut, the former army chief behind the 2014 coup, and a complete overhaul of his administration.

Some are also demanding reforms to the kingdom's ultra-wealthy and powerful monarchy -- a once-taboo topic in Thailand due to its tough royal defamation laws.

The burgeoning movement, partly inspired by Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests, remains largely leaderless.

But the weekend's demonstration is organised by students of Bangkok's Thammasat University -- a group that has been among the most vocal about the royal family's role in Thailand.

A crowd of several hundred gathered before noon at the locked gates of the university, demanding to be let in. Protesters chanted "Down with dictatorship, long live democracy!" and "Prayut get out!"

"If you don't open, we will break in," protesters yelled, before forcing the gates open -- despite student leaders calling for calm -- allowing hundreds to flow into the campus.

The demonstration was later expected to move on to the historic Sanam Luang field in front of the royal palace, where protesters plan to spend the night.

"We are fighting for more democracy," prominent student activist Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul said on the eve of the protest.

"The plan is not to destroy the monarchy but to modernise it, to adapt it to our society."

On Sunday, demonstrators are expected to march to the nearby Government House -- a move authorities have warned against.

The show of force is expected to be the largest since the 2014 coup -- student activists are hoping for a turnout of more than 50,000 supporters.

Police said some 10,000 officers would be deployed around the area.

- Force to be reckoned with? -

A cycle of violent protests and coups has long plagued Thailand, with the arch-royalist military stepping in to stage more than a dozen putsches since the end of royal absolutism in 1932.

The latest wave of student-led demonstrations has largely been peaceful.

But unprecedented calls from some protesters for frank discussions about the monarchy have sent shockwaves through the kingdom.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn sits at the apex of Thai power, buttressed by the kingdom's military and billionaire clans, and commands a fortune estimated to be worth up to $60 billion.

The student demands include greater accounting of the palace's finances, the abolition of royal defamation laws and a call for the king to remain outside of politics.

They also want a rewrite of the 2017 military-scripted constitution, which they say tilted last year's election in Prayut's favour, and for the government to stop "harassing" political opponents.

So far, authorities have arrested more than two dozen activists, charging them with sedition before releasing them on bail.

The weekend demonstrations will prove a test for the pro-democracy movement, analysts say, which has gained momentum online thanks to the students' savvy use of social media.

"A critical mass would send a clear message that the protesters are a force to be reckoned with," said Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Chulalongkorn University.

Prayut has warned Thailand could be "engulfed in flames" if the movement goes too far.

But he vowed authorities would use "soft measures" on the protesters "because they are children".

The top-trending hashtag on Thai Twitter late Friday was "Sept 19, we take back the power of the people".

Around the world, Thais are expected to gather in solidarity, with weekend protests planned in a dozen countries, including Germany, Australia and the United States.

Pro-democracy protesters took to the streets of Bangkok Saturday as a rally expected to draw tens of thousands of people kicked off calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy.

Pro-democracy protesters took to the streets of Bangkok Saturday as a rally expected to draw tens of thousands of people kicked off calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy. Thailand has seen near-daily gatherings of youth-led groups since mid-July demanding the resignation of Prayut, the former army chief behind the 2014 coup, and a complete overhaul of his administration. Some are also demanding reforms to the kingdom's ultra-wealthy and powerful monarchy -- a once-taboo topic in Thailand due to its tough royal defamation laws. The burgeoning movement, partly inspired by Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests, remains largely leaderless. But the weekend's demonstration is organised by students of Bangkok's Thammasat University -- a group that has been among the most vocal about the royal family's role in Thailand. A crowd of several hundred gathered before noon at the locked gates of the university, demanding to be let in. Protesters chanted "Down with dictatorship, long live democracy!" and "Prayut get out!" "If you don't open, we will break in," protesters yelled, before forcing the gates open -- despite student leaders calling for calm -- allowing hundreds to flow into the campus. The demonstration was later expected to move on to the historic Sanam Luang field in front of the royal palace, where protesters plan to spend the night. "We are fighting for more democracy," prominent student activist Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul said on the eve of the protest. "The plan is not to destroy the monarchy but to modernise it, to adapt it to our society." On Sunday, demonstrators are expected to march to the nearby Government House -- a move authorities have warned against. The show of force is expected to be the largest since the 2014 coup -- student activists are hoping for a turnout of more than 50,000 supporters. Police said some 10,000 officers would be deployed around the area. - Force to be reckoned with? - A cycle of violent protests and coups has long plagued Thailand, with the arch-royalist military stepping in to stage more than a dozen putsches since the end of royal absolutism in 1932. The latest wave of student-led demonstrations has largely been peaceful. But unprecedented calls from some protesters for frank discussions about the monarchy have sent shockwaves through the kingdom. King Maha Vajiralongkorn sits at the apex of Thai power, buttressed by the kingdom's military and billionaire clans, and commands a fortune estimated to be worth up to $60 billion. The student demands include greater accounting of the palace's finances, the abolition of royal defamation laws and a call for the king to remain outside of politics. They also want a rewrite of the 2017 military-scripted constitution, which they say tilted last year's election in Prayut's favour, and for the government to stop "harassing" political opponents. So far, authorities have arrested more than two dozen activists, charging them with sedition before releasing them on bail. The weekend demonstrations will prove a test for the pro-democracy movement, analysts say, which has gained momentum online thanks to the students' savvy use of social media. "A critical mass would send a clear message that the protesters are a force to be reckoned with," said Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Chulalongkorn University. Prayut has warned Thailand could be "engulfed in flames" if the movement goes too far. But he vowed authorities would use "soft measures" on the protesters "because they are children". The top-trending hashtag on Thai Twitter late Friday was "Sept 19, we take back the power of the people". Around the world, Thais are expected to gather in solidarity, with weekend protests planned in a dozen countries, including Germany, Australia and the United States.

Thai protesters kick off weekend of rallies

In a nightmare for litterbugs, Thailand's national park has started mailing&nbsp;trash back to visitors who drop it and offenders will be registered with the police as well.

The initaitive has been taken by the Khao Yai National Park&nbsp;near Bangkok after numerous tourists left behind vast amount of rubbish.

Last weekend,&nbsp;Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa had the trash promptly packed and mailed to the respective litterer.

He also shared a Facebook post saying “we collected your garbage in a cardboard box and sent it to your home. This should be a lesson to you, to never again throw away waste anywhere.”

<img alt="Thai" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="24db04b6-9175-4d4e-8c60-1fcc32edb281" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture%20457_0.PNG" />

Narin Pinsakul, chief of the park said&nbsp;“It can be dangerous for animals like deer if they eat the rubbish, trying to digest plastic waste that people leave behind.”

Khao Yai is the oldest national park in Thailand and stretches across more than 2,000 sq km (770 sq miles) and is very popular with hikers.

In a nightmare for litterbugs, Thailand's national park has started mailing trash back to visitors who drop it and offenders will be registered with the police as well.

In a nightmare for litterbugs, Thailand's national park has started mailing trash back to visitors who drop it and offenders will be registered with the police as well. The initaitive has been taken by the Khao Yai National Park near Bangkok after numerous tourists left behind vast amount of rubbish. Last weekend, Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa had the trash promptly packed and mailed to the respective litterer. He also shared a Facebook post saying “we collected your garbage in a cardboard box and sent it to your home. This should be a lesson to you, to never again throw away waste anywhere.” Narin Pinsakul, chief of the park said “It can be dangerous for animals like deer if they eat the rubbish, trying to digest plastic waste that people leave behind.” Khao Yai is the oldest national park in Thailand and stretches across more than 2,000 sq km (770 sq miles) and is very popular with hikers.

'You forgot these': Thai national park mails trash back to tourists

As Thailand’s youth continue to protest against the country’s establishment, the government faces double trouble, with an economy in freefall.

Meet the 23-year-old leading Thailand's youth protesters

Thailand's economy is expected to contract between 7% and 9% this year from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, while frequent anti-government protests are a concern.

Southeast Asia's second-largest economy expected to shrink

Thailand celebrated the 55th birthday of its oldest hippopotamus - Mae Mali&nbsp;with fervour on September 8.

Mae Mali means “Mother Jasmine” in Thai, and was moved to a compound at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in eastern Thailand in 2018, two years ago from a Bangkok zoo.

<h6><img alt="Thailand's oldest hippopotamus &quot;Mae Mali&quot; is seen during her 55th birthday at Khao Kheow zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand September 8, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="87857a48-044c-44ee-a33e-631061b739a5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_130.jpg" />Thailand's oldest hippopotamus "Mae Mali" is seen during her 55th&nbsp;birthday&nbsp;at Khao Kheow zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand September 8, 2020 | Reuters</h6>

The hippo has outlived the typical hippo’s life expectancy, which is at 40-50 years on an average.&nbsp;

Mali’s birthday was celebrated with an assortment of fruits and vegetables arranged in the shape of a cake. Spectators including children sang songs around the hippo.

<h6><img alt="Thailand's oldest hippopotamus &quot;Mae Mali&quot; eats fruit during her 55th birthday party at Khao Kheow zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand September 8, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5a43eb6d-9352-43d6-a59c-820d5f5b9837" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_150.jpg" />Thailand's oldest hippopotamus "Mae Mali" eats fruit during her 55th&nbsp;birthday&nbsp;party at Khao Kheow zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand September 8, 2020 | Reuters</h6>

"Mae Mali is now a grandma. We have been taking great care of her regarding her health, food, and environment," zoo director Attaporn Srihayrun told Reuters.

Mali has given birth to calves, and her descendants now amount to 21 hippos that are now scattered across zoos in the Southeast Asian country.

<h6><img alt="Thailand's oldest hippopotamus &quot;Mae Mali&quot; is seen during her 55th birthday at Khao Kheow zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand September 8, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cbc2f7e4-6b16-41f5-b777-1a3d7d4deb40" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_104.jpg" />Thailand's oldest hippopotamus "Mae Mali" is seen during her 55th&nbsp;birthday&nbsp;at Khao Kheow zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand September 8, 2020 | Reuters</h6>

 
"Mae Mali cannot reproduce anymore because she's quite elderly. But we will still take great care of her so that she can become one of the longest living hippopotamus in the world," Attaporn said.

Hippopotamuses live in rivers and lakes in the sub-Saharan African area. Due to habitat loss, they’re now considered vulnerable.

According to the World Wildlife Fund, there are around 115,000 to 130,000 hippopotamuses left in the wild.

Thailand celebrated the 55th birthday of its oldest hippopotamus - Mae Mali with fervour on September 8. Mae Mali means “Mother Jasmine” in Thai, and was moved to a compound at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in eastern Thailand in 2018, two years ago from a Bangkok zoo.

Thailand celebrated the 55th birthday of its oldest hippopotamus - Mae Mali with fervour on September 8. Mae Mali means “Mother Jasmine” in Thai, and was moved to a compound at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in eastern Thailand in 2018, two years ago from a Bangkok zoo. Thailand's oldest hippopotamus "Mae Mali" is seen during her 55th birthday at Khao Kheow zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand September 8, 2020 | Reuters The hippo has outlived the typical hippo’s life expectancy, which is at 40-50 years on an average. Mali’s birthday was celebrated with an assortment of fruits and vegetables arranged in the shape of a cake. Spectators including children sang songs around the hippo. Thailand's oldest hippopotamus "Mae Mali" eats fruit during her 55th birthday party at Khao Kheow zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand September 8, 2020 | Reuters "Mae Mali is now a grandma. We have been taking great care of her regarding her health, food, and environment," zoo director Attaporn Srihayrun told Reuters. Mali has given birth to calves, and her descendants now amount to 21 hippos that are now scattered across zoos in the Southeast Asian country. Thailand's oldest hippopotamus "Mae Mali" is seen during her 55th birthday at Khao Kheow zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand September 8, 2020 | Reuters "Mae Mali cannot reproduce anymore because she's quite elderly. But we will still take great care of her so that she can become one of the longest living hippopotamus in the world," Attaporn said. Hippopotamuses live in rivers and lakes in the sub-Saharan African area. Due to habitat loss, they’re now considered vulnerable. According to the World Wildlife Fund, there are around 115,000 to 130,000 hippopotamuses left in the wild.

In pics: Thailand celebrates 55th birthday of Mae Mali, its oldest hippopotamus

Thailand will jail two prominent Thai political activists for bail terms breach. Anon Nampa, 35, a human rights lawyer, and student leader Panupong Jadnok, both featured prominently in student-led rallies around the country since July 18.

Thailand to jail two prominent Thai political activists for bail terms breach

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has restored the official titles and military rank to his royal consort, according to a palace announcement on Wednesday, nearly a year after she was accused of being disloyal and disappeared from public view.

The announcement comes as&nbsp;Thailand&nbsp;is roiled by anti-government protests during which demands have also been made for curbs to newly expanded powers of the king, breaking a strong taboo in a nation where conservative tradition upholds the monarch as semi-divine and above criticism.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/anti-government-protesters-target-king-pm-in-thailand-321298" hreflang="en">Anti-government protesters target King, PM in Thailand</a>

Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, 35, last October had been stripped of the title Royal Noble Consort in a palace statement that called her "ungrateful" in conducting a rivalry with Queen Suthida, the monarch's wife.

However, a statement published in the government's Royal Gazette on Wednesday said Sineenat "is untainted" and therefore entitled to the royal noble consort title and all her previous posts within the palace.

"Therefore, the stripping of royal titles, official position in serving the crown in military capacity and military ranks and the recall of all declarations has never taken place," the statement said. The order is effective Aug. 28.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/tensions-swell-in-thailand-ahead-of-fresh-pro-democracy-protest-320926" hreflang="en">Tensions swell in Thailand ahead of fresh pro-democracy protest</a>

Sineenat disappeared after her public disgrace and her whereabouts could not be confirmed. This week, Bild newspaper reported she had arrived in Germany, where the Thai king spends much of the year.

King Vajiralongkorn was officially crowned as constitutional monarch in May last year after first taking the throne following the 2016 death of his father, who reigned for 70 years.

Days before his coronation, the king married the deputy head of his personal bodyguard, Suthida Tidjai, 42, giving her the title of Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana.

A little over two months later, he conferred the title Royal Noble Consort to Sineenat, a former nurse and his bodyguard. It was the first such appointment in almost a century, long before the end of absolute monarchy in 1932.

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has restored the official titles and military rank to his royal consort, according to a palace announcement on Wednesday, nearly a year after she was accused of being disloyal and disappeared from public view.

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has restored the official titles and military rank to his royal consort, according to a palace announcement on Wednesday, nearly a year after she was accused of being disloyal and disappeared from public view. The announcement comes as Thailand is roiled by anti-government protests during which demands have also been made for curbs to newly expanded powers of the king, breaking a strong taboo in a nation where conservative tradition upholds the monarch as semi-divine and above criticism. Also read: Anti-government protesters target King, PM in Thailand Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi, 35, last October had been stripped of the title Royal Noble Consort in a palace statement that called her "ungrateful" in conducting a rivalry with Queen Suthida, the monarch's wife. However, a statement published in the government's Royal Gazette on Wednesday said Sineenat "is untainted" and therefore entitled to the royal noble consort title and all her previous posts within the palace. "Therefore, the stripping of royal titles, official position in serving the crown in military capacity and military ranks and the recall of all declarations has never taken place," the statement said. The order is effective Aug. 28. Also read: Tensions swell in Thailand ahead of fresh pro-democracy protest Sineenat disappeared after her public disgrace and her whereabouts could not be confirmed. This week, Bild newspaper reported she had arrived in Germany, where the Thai king spends much of the year. King Vajiralongkorn was officially crowned as constitutional monarch in May last year after first taking the throne following the 2016 death of his father, who reigned for 70 years. Days before his coronation, the king married the deputy head of his personal bodyguard, Suthida Tidjai, 42, giving her the title of Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana. A little over two months later, he conferred the title Royal Noble Consort to Sineenat, a former nurse and his bodyguard. It was the first such appointment in almost a century, long before the end of absolute monarchy in 1932.

Thai king restores titles to once-disgraced royal consort

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