Demonstrators have returned to Thailands streets to call for the removal of the government after a disputed election last year. Over thousands of pro-government protesters rallied in Bangkok. Whereas Thailand royalists rallied in support of government.

Pro-Govt. protesters gather in Bangkok, calls removal of government intensifies

Why Thai students are protesting? They are calling for systemic democratic reforms - the dissolution of parliament, an end to harassment of opponents, amendments to the constitution

Protesters in Thailand seek resignation of PM and fresh polls

Facebook has blocked access within Thailand to a group with million members. The popular group was named ‘Royalist Marketplace’ and the discussions primarily revolve around criticising the Thai monarchy.

Thailand Protest: Facebook blocks access to group criticising monarchy

Hundreds of high school students rallied in front of the education ministry in Bangkok on Wednesday (August 19), tying white ribbons to the gates and demanding more freedom in schools from the government after a string of demonstrations around the country.

'We want things to be fixed' - Thai high school students demand freedom of expression

The protest was the biggest anti-government rally since the military seized power six years ago

400 students protest against Thai govt | School students demand better education

Thai police arrested activist lawyer Anon Nampa on Wednesday over an Aug. 3 protest at which he called for reform of the powerful monarchy, the second time he has been arrested this month, a police officer said.

Anon, 36, has been at the forefront of a movement that has staged protests almost daily for the past month in the Southeast Asian country. He was the first to call openly for changes to King Maha Vajiralongkorn's role, breaking a longstanding taboo.

Anon had been charged with sedition, said the officer, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak to media. He did not give further details. Neither Anon, who already has several other cases pending against him, nor his lawyer were available for comment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/anti-government-protesters-target-king-pm-in-thailand-321298" hreflang="en">Anti-government protesters target King, PM in Thailand</a>

Police said earlier they had warrants for Anon and five other activists. They had all been at an event where a call was made for reforms to the monarchy as well as broader demands for a new constitution and elections and an end to the harassment of government opponents.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former junta leader who rejects activists' accusations that last year's election was manipulated to keep him in power, said he acknowledged student demands but they should not touch the monarchy.

"There are 67 million Thais," Prayuth told reporters. "I believe the majority do not agree with the protesters."

Demonstrators challenging the monarchy say greater democracy is impossible without changes that would limit the king's constitutional role in a country that has had 13 successful coups since absolute monarchy ended in 1932.

The Royal Palace has not responded to the demands.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/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>

Insulting the monarchy can lead to a 15-year jail sentence, but Prayuth has said the king had requested no prosecutions under the lese majeste laws for now. Sedition carries a term of up to seven years.

The protest movement drew 10,000 people to the biggest demonstration in years in Bangkok on Sunday, and this week some high school pupils have joined protests that started on university campuses.

Hundreds of Thai high school students rallied at the education ministry on Wednesday and gave three-finger "Hunger Games" salutes in support of an anti-government protests and to demand more freedom in schools.

Many also wore white ribbons to show their support.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society had filed a cybercrime complaint against exiled academic Pavin Chachavalpongpun for creating a Facebook group deemed critical of the monarchy, a spokesman said.

The group, called Royalist Marketplace, has more than one million members.

The ministry said it acted after Facebook had not acted on its request to shut the group down.

"The ministry's action is the crudest form of information censorship. It goes against the freedom of expression that we are all entitled to," Pavin told Reuters.

In Bangkok, some 200 Thai rightists set up a group to oppose the anti-government protesters. So far, counter protests have drawn only a few dozen people.

Thai police arrested activist lawyer Anon Nampa on Wednesday over an Aug. 3 protest at which he called for reform of the powerful monarchy, the second time he has been arrested this month, a police officer said.

Thai police arrested activist lawyer Anon Nampa on Wednesday over an Aug. 3 protest at which he called for reform of the powerful monarchy, the second time he has been arrested this month, a police officer said. Anon, 36, has been at the forefront of a movement that has staged protests almost daily for the past month in the Southeast Asian country. He was the first to call openly for changes to King Maha Vajiralongkorn's role, breaking a longstanding taboo. Anon had been charged with sedition, said the officer, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak to media. He did not give further details. Neither Anon, who already has several other cases pending against him, nor his lawyer were available for comment. Also read: Anti-government protesters target King, PM in Thailand Police said earlier they had warrants for Anon and five other activists. They had all been at an event where a call was made for reforms to the monarchy as well as broader demands for a new constitution and elections and an end to the harassment of government opponents. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former junta leader who rejects activists' accusations that last year's election was manipulated to keep him in power, said he acknowledged student demands but they should not touch the monarchy. "There are 67 million Thais," Prayuth told reporters. "I believe the majority do not agree with the protesters." Demonstrators challenging the monarchy say greater democracy is impossible without changes that would limit the king's constitutional role in a country that has had 13 successful coups since absolute monarchy ended in 1932. The Royal Palace has not responded to the demands. Also read: Tensions swell in Thailand ahead of fresh pro-democracy protest Insulting the monarchy can lead to a 15-year jail sentence, but Prayuth has said the king had requested no prosecutions under the lese majeste laws for now. Sedition carries a term of up to seven years. The protest movement drew 10,000 people to the biggest demonstration in years in Bangkok on Sunday, and this week some high school pupils have joined protests that started on university campuses. Hundreds of Thai high school students rallied at the education ministry on Wednesday and gave three-finger "Hunger Games" salutes in support of an anti-government protests and to demand more freedom in schools. Many also wore white ribbons to show their support. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society had filed a cybercrime complaint against exiled academic Pavin Chachavalpongpun for creating a Facebook group deemed critical of the monarchy, a spokesman said. The group, called Royalist Marketplace, has more than one million members. The ministry said it acted after Facebook had not acted on its request to shut the group down. "The ministry's action is the crudest form of information censorship. It goes against the freedom of expression that we are all entitled to," Pavin told Reuters. In Bangkok, some 200 Thai rightists set up a group to oppose the anti-government protesters. So far, counter protests have drawn only a few dozen people.

Thai police arrest activist over monarchy protest

A Thai court issued arrest warrants Wednesday for six pro-democracy activists involved in recent rallies that have seen frank discussion of the monarchy and calls for an overhaul of the government.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/down-with-the-dictatorship-thailand-witness-biggest-anti-government-protest-in-years-321005">'Down with the dictatorship': Thailand witness biggest anti-government protest in years</a>

The near-daily demonstrations by a youth-led pro-democracy movement have been largely tolerated by authorities so far, but police said Wednesday they now had warrants to arrest half a dozen of the most prominent protesters.

They will be charged with "sedition, computer crimes act, violating the diseases control act and using loudspeakers", Pathum Thani provincial police commander Chayut Marayat told AFP.

While the use of punitive lese majeste legislation has slowed in recent years, legal observers say the military-aligned government has stepped up other legal mechanisms to target dissent -- including using sedition and computer crime laws.&nbsp;

Two of the warrants issued Wednesday are for protesters previously arrested and bailed -- human rights lawyer Anon Numpa and student leader Panupong Jadnok -- but they now face fresh charges related to a rally on August 10 at Thammasat University.

That rally drew some 5,000 supporters who listened as Anon and Panupong talked about reform of the kingdom's monarchy -- a taboo topic in Thailand.

Speakers at weeks of rallies have been openly critical of the government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha -- a former army chief who seized power in a 2014 coup.

At the Thammasat rally, however, they also demanded greater accounting of palace finances and the abolition of the controversial royal defamation laws which carry a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.&nbsp;

King Maha Vajiralongkorn sits at the apex of Thai power, buttressed by a powerful arch-royalist military and the country's billionaire clans.&nbsp;

Since he ascended the throne in 2016, the king has made unprecedented changes to the institution -- including amassing direct control of the palace's fortune, which is estimated to be worth up to $60 billion.&nbsp;

So far, none of the pro-democracy activists have been charged with royal defamation, but their demands have angered pro-royalist supporters and spurred several smaller counter-protests.&nbsp;

A Thai court issued arrest warrants Wednesday for six pro-democracy activists involved in recent rallies that have seen frank discussion of the monarchy and calls for an overhaul of the government.

A Thai court issued arrest warrants Wednesday for six pro-democracy activists involved in recent rallies that have seen frank discussion of the monarchy and calls for an overhaul of the government. Also see: 'Down with the dictatorship': Thailand witness biggest anti-government protest in years The near-daily demonstrations by a youth-led pro-democracy movement have been largely tolerated by authorities so far, but police said Wednesday they now had warrants to arrest half a dozen of the most prominent protesters. They will be charged with "sedition, computer crimes act, violating the diseases control act and using loudspeakers", Pathum Thani provincial police commander Chayut Marayat told AFP. While the use of punitive lese majeste legislation has slowed in recent years, legal observers say the military-aligned government has stepped up other legal mechanisms to target dissent -- including using sedition and computer crime laws. Two of the warrants issued Wednesday are for protesters previously arrested and bailed -- human rights lawyer Anon Numpa and student leader Panupong Jadnok -- but they now face fresh charges related to a rally on August 10 at Thammasat University. That rally drew some 5,000 supporters who listened as Anon and Panupong talked about reform of the kingdom's monarchy -- a taboo topic in Thailand. Speakers at weeks of rallies have been openly critical of the government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha -- a former army chief who seized power in a 2014 coup. At the Thammasat rally, however, they also demanded greater accounting of palace finances and the abolition of the controversial royal defamation laws which carry a sentence of up to 15 years in prison. King Maha Vajiralongkorn sits at the apex of Thai power, buttressed by a powerful arch-royalist military and the country's billionaire clans. Since he ascended the throne in 2016, the king has made unprecedented changes to the institution -- including amassing direct control of the palace's fortune, which is estimated to be worth up to $60 billion. So far, none of the pro-democracy activists have been charged with royal defamation, but their demands have angered pro-royalist supporters and spurred several smaller counter-protests.

Thai court issues warrants after protesters tackle royal taboos

The King of Thailand has commuted the death sentence of two men on death row for killing a pair of British backpackers on a Thai island in 2014 to life imprisonment.

The bodies of 23-year-old Hanna Witheridge and 24-year-old David Miller were discovered in September 2014 on a beach on Koh Tao, a small island in the Gulf of Thailand.

They had sustained severe head injuries. Witheridge had been raped.

Two Burmese men, Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo were arrested almost two weeks after the bodies were found. In 2015, they were both found guilty and sentenced to death. Now, they will instead face life imprisonment, said Nakhon Chompuchat, the two men's defence lawyer.

On Friday, the Thai king passed a mass royal pardon for those on death row who have exhausted all appeal options and have never before received a royal pardon.

The royal pardon was created in the spirit of the king's birthday, to offer convicted prisoners the opportunity to "reverse their behavior and become good citizens," says the text of the law.

The murders on the popular dive island of Koh Tao drew intense media attention from across the world.

The defence argued that the investigation was flawed due to "alleged mishandling of forensic evidence, abuse of suspects and intimidation of witnesses."

The two men, from Myanmar's Rakhine state, were working in the hospitality industry on the island at the time of the killings. After their arrest, they confessed but later recanted, saying their admissions of guilt were made under duress.

The King of Thailand has commuted the death sentence of two men on death row for killing a pair of British backpackers on a Thai island in 2014 to life imprisonment.

The King of Thailand has commuted the death sentence of two men on death row for killing a pair of British backpackers on a Thai island in 2014 to life imprisonment. The bodies of 23-year-old Hanna Witheridge and 24-year-old David Miller were discovered in September 2014 on a beach on Koh Tao, a small island in the Gulf of Thailand. They had sustained severe head injuries. Witheridge had been raped. Two Burmese men, Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo were arrested almost two weeks after the bodies were found. In 2015, they were both found guilty and sentenced to death. Now, they will instead face life imprisonment, said Nakhon Chompuchat, the two men's defence lawyer. On Friday, the Thai king passed a mass royal pardon for those on death row who have exhausted all appeal options and have never before received a royal pardon. The royal pardon was created in the spirit of the king's birthday, to offer convicted prisoners the opportunity to "reverse their behavior and become good citizens," says the text of the law. The murders on the popular dive island of Koh Tao drew intense media attention from across the world. The defence argued that the investigation was flawed due to "alleged mishandling of forensic evidence, abuse of suspects and intimidation of witnesses." The two men, from Myanmar's Rakhine state, were working in the hospitality industry on the island at the time of the killings. After their arrest, they confessed but later recanted, saying their admissions of guilt were made under duress.

Thai king commutes sentences of two men on death row for killing British backpackers

Several dozen people in Taipei participated in a protest on Sunday (August 16) in support of pro-democracy demonstrations taking place in Thailand.

Thai expats in Taiwan gather in support of pro-democracy protests back home

Student leaders in Thailand have delivered an unprecedented challenge to the country's Monarchy and thousands joined an anti-government demonstration in the country. Watch report.

Anti-monarchy protests in Thailand: Calls for curbs on King's powers

Thousands of students in Thailand continued their protest against the government on Monday, with questions now being raised on monarchy's role too. &nbsp;

Nearly 3,000 to 4,000 demonstrators chanted "Long live democracy" at Thammasat University on outskirts of Bangkok, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who came into power through a military coup in 2014.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mispronounces-thailand-puns-and-memes-follow-318804">Trump mispronounces Thailand. Puns and memes follow</a>

The student-led protests are seen for weeks in the country, in which demonstrators are demanding a re-write to a 2017 constitution and the parliament dissolution.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thailand-launches-another-probe-in-red-bull-heirs-hit-and-run-318109">Thailand launches another probe in Red Bull heir's 'hit-and-run'</a>

However, now, students have started entering the dangerous territory, calling an end to the kingdom's draconian royal defamation law, an arbitrary rule that carries a sentence of up to 15 years per charge.

Experts say that the law is so vague that it makes any criticism to the royal family virtually impossible.&nbsp;

During Monday's protests, activists Anon Numpa and activist Panupong, who were arrested over the weekend and charged with sedition, gave speeches, in which Anon once again demanded a frank discussion on monarchy's role in Thailand.&nbsp;

Once again, there were anti-government songs and protesters gave a three-finger salute, a gesture for freedom seen in "The Hunger Games" trilogy, after Anon's speech. &nbsp;

Organisers said the next rally wil be held on Wednesday, which is a public holiday marking the birthday of Queen Mother.&nbsp;

Thai activist Pavin Chachavalpongpun, who is currently in exile in Japan, also gave a speech through video-conferencing at the end, where he encouraged students to speak openly.

Chachavalpongpun was granted asylum in Japan following his vocal criticism against the military rule in Thailand.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP and Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Thousands of students in Thailand continued their protest against the government on Monday, with questions now being raised on monarchy's role too. Nearly 3,000 to 4,000 demonstrators chanted "Long live democracy" at Thammasat University on outskirts of Bangkok, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who came into power through a military coup in 2014.

Thousands of students in Thailand continued their protest against the government on Monday, with questions now being raised on monarchy's role too. Nearly 3,000 to 4,000 demonstrators chanted "Long live democracy" at Thammasat University on outskirts of Bangkok, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who came into power through a military coup in 2014. Also read | Trump mispronounces Thailand. Puns and memes follow The student-led protests are seen for weeks in the country, in which demonstrators are demanding a re-write to a 2017 constitution and the parliament dissolution. Also read | Thailand launches another probe in Red Bull heir's 'hit-and-run' However, now, students have started entering the dangerous territory, calling an end to the kingdom's draconian royal defamation law, an arbitrary rule that carries a sentence of up to 15 years per charge. Experts say that the law is so vague that it makes any criticism to the royal family virtually impossible. During Monday's protests, activists Anon Numpa and activist Panupong, who were arrested over the weekend and charged with sedition, gave speeches, in which Anon once again demanded a frank discussion on monarchy's role in Thailand. Once again, there were anti-government songs and protesters gave a three-finger salute, a gesture for freedom seen in "The Hunger Games" trilogy, after Anon's speech. Organisers said the next rally wil be held on Wednesday, which is a public holiday marking the birthday of Queen Mother. Thai activist Pavin Chachavalpongpun, who is currently in exile in Japan, also gave a speech through video-conferencing at the end, where he encouraged students to speak openly. Chachavalpongpun was granted asylum in Japan following his vocal criticism against the military rule in Thailand. (With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Thailand: Thousands of pro-democracy protesters continue to mount pressure on government

More than 1,000 anti-government demonstrators rallied in Bangkok’s commercial district on Saturday after two protest leaders were arrested and held overnight.

Thai govt faces public anger | Public dissent against Chan-o-Cha govt | WION

US President Donald Trump is at it again -- making a gaffe and being responsible for puns and memes running wild.

Adding to the gaffe list is Trump's version of Thailand.&nbsp;

During a campaign event in Ohio on Thursday, the president mispronounced Thailand as "Thigh-land."&nbsp;

"Shifting production to Thigh-land," Trump said during the speech, before correcting himself. "Thailand and Vietnam, two places that... I like their leaders very much."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Here it is in all its glory:<a href="https://t.co/PgTRnHpAA8">pic.twitter.com/PgTRnHpAA8</a>
— The Recount (@therecount) <a href="https://twitter.com/therecount/status/1291460271404396545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Ahaa!

Let's face it! Twitterati had to catch this. And had to make anatomical puns and memes.

We cannot type some of them&nbsp;out here... Because you know... Family audience! But hey, you can go through them ;)

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
thighland and hondurass are nice but I’m more into titaly
— kilgore trout, new tone haver (@KT_So_It_Goes) <a href="https://twitter.com/KT_So_It_Goes/status/1291472937556619267?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thighland is just off the coast of Crotchatia.
— (((Josh Malina))) (@JoshMalina) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshMalina/status/1291467490996838400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A little afternoon trivia: The chief executive of Thighland is the Lord of the Thighs, not the prime minister. <a href="https://t.co/OW9iyfOqDx">https://t.co/OW9iyfOqDx</a>
— Dave Weigel (@daveweigel) <a href="https://twitter.com/daveweigel/status/1291464815614058497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thighland's motto: 
 
"Thick thighs save lives"
— Angela Belcamino (@AngelaBelcamino) <a href="https://twitter.com/AngelaBelcamino/status/1291472961455771668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Aah! What a day!

US President Donald Trump is at it again -- making a gaffe and being responsible for puns and memes running wild. Adding to the gaffe list is Trump's version of Thailand.

US President Donald Trump is at it again -- making a gaffe and being responsible for puns and memes running wild. Adding to the gaffe list is Trump's version of Thailand. During a campaign event in Ohio on Thursday, the president mispronounced Thailand as "Thigh-land." "Shifting production to Thigh-land," Trump said during the speech, before correcting himself. "Thailand and Vietnam, two places that... I like their leaders very much." Here it is in all its glory:pic.twitter.com/PgTRnHpAA8 — The Recount (@therecount) August 6, 2020 × Ahaa! Let's face it! Twitterati had to catch this. And had to make anatomical puns and memes. We cannot type some of them out here... Because you know... Family audience! But hey, you can go through them ;) thighland and hondurass are nice but I’m more into titaly — kilgore trout, new tone haver (@KT_So_It_Goes) August 6, 2020 × Thighland is just off the coast of Crotchatia. — (((Josh Malina))) (@JoshMalina) August 6, 2020 × A little afternoon trivia: The chief executive of Thighland is the Lord of the Thighs, not the prime minister. https://t.co/OW9iyfOqDx — Dave Weigel (@daveweigel) August 6, 2020 × Thighland's motto: "Thick thighs save lives" — Angela Belcamino (@AngelaBelcamino) August 6, 2020 × Aah! What a day!

Trump mispronounces Thailand. Puns and memes follow

Thailand's youth dressed up as Harry Potter to openly criticise monarchy in Thailand. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more about Thailand's protest for more democratic rights.

Gravitas: Harry Potter-Themed protests in Thailand

Anti-government protests continue in Thailand and young demonstrators are now criticizing the Monarchy and calling for curbs on the king's powers. Watch report.

Protests as pandemic hits Thailand economy: Protestors wear Harry Potter costumes

Many of the 200 protesters gathered on Monday night were dressed like the fictional wizard Harry Potter.

Thailand: Demonstrators gather in Harry Potter themed protest

Thailand’s capital saw thousands of anti-government protestors take to the streets on July 18 to demand a new constitution

Thailand: Thousands of protesters take to streets to protest against govt

Endangered Hawksbill baby turtles began their journey towards the sea after hatching on the isolated beaches of the Thai island of Koh Samui, left empty of tourists following the coronavirus pandemic. According to the British broadcaster Sky News, the Hawksbill nest with 85 eggs inside is one of the record six nests on Thong Nan beach. According to the manager of Silavadee Resort on the island, due to the coronavirus outbreak, the number of nests on the empty beach have tripled this year, compared to previous years. But why are they listed as 'critically endangered'? Know some facts.

Hawksbill turtles' number of nests tripled this year on Thai island; why are they 'critically endangered'?

Thailand's cabinet on Wednesday approved a draft bill that aims to legalise same-sex couples and give them more rights.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The bill avoids the term "marriage"&nbsp;but allows same-sex partners to register legally and give them rights, that include jointly owning property, adopting children, and pass on inheritances.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailands-main-airport-offers-rapid-coronavirus-test-for-international-arrivals-310508">Thailand's main airport offers rapid coronavirus test for international arrivals</a>

It needs parliament's approval to become law, but social activists say the bigger challenge was the clearance by the Thai cabinet, which is largely made up of retired military generals and orthodox political leaders.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/schools-reopen-across-thailand-with-temperature-checks-masks-309883">Schools reopen across Thailand with temperature checks, masks</a>

If the parliament nods the civil partnership bill, Thailand will join Taiwan as the only regions in Asia that provide legal equality to same-sex partners.&nbsp;

Taiwan approved same-sex marriage bill last year.&nbsp;

The civil partnership bill calls civil partners as couples, who are born with same-sex. To register, couples must be at least 17 years old and one out of the pair must be a Thai citizen. The pair, who is under 17 years of age, will be required permission from their legal guardian or parents. It also covers rules for separation.&nbsp;

However, the proposed amendments in the bill don't grant same-sex couples similar rights and privileges that a heterosexual married couple enjoys.&nbsp;

Critics also say that the bill doesn't equate civil partnerships to marriage and doesn't provide tax exemptions, medical and social security benefits.&nbsp;

Thailand is seen as a country that has conservative roots but is relatively very open to LGBTQ people as compared to its Southeast Asian neighbours.&nbsp;

Thailand's cabinet on Wednesday approved a draft bill that aims to legalise same-sex couples and give them more rights. The bill avoids the term "marriage" but allows same-sex partners to register legally and give them rights, that include jointly owning property, adopting children, and pass on inheritances.

Thailand's cabinet on Wednesday approved a draft bill that aims to legalise same-sex couples and give them more rights. The bill avoids the term "marriage" but allows same-sex partners to register legally and give them rights, that include jointly owning property, adopting children, and pass on inheritances. Also read | Thailand's main airport offers rapid coronavirus test for international arrivals It needs parliament's approval to become law, but social activists say the bigger challenge was the clearance by the Thai cabinet, which is largely made up of retired military generals and orthodox political leaders. Also read | Schools reopen across Thailand with temperature checks, masks If the parliament nods the civil partnership bill, Thailand will join Taiwan as the only regions in Asia that provide legal equality to same-sex partners. Taiwan approved same-sex marriage bill last year. The civil partnership bill calls civil partners as couples, who are born with same-sex. To register, couples must be at least 17 years old and one out of the pair must be a Thai citizen. The pair, who is under 17 years of age, will be required permission from their legal guardian or parents. It also covers rules for separation. However, the proposed amendments in the bill don't grant same-sex couples similar rights and privileges that a heterosexual married couple enjoys. Critics also say that the bill doesn't equate civil partnerships to marriage and doesn't provide tax exemptions, medical and social security benefits. Thailand is seen as a country that has conservative roots but is relatively very open to LGBTQ people as compared to its Southeast Asian neighbours.

Thailand set to become first Southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex unions

Thailand has denied claims by animal rights campaigners that the country's coconut-picking monkeys - long a popular tourist attraction - are being abused.

Thailand rejects claims of animal abuse in coconut industry

Donning masks and observing social-distancing practices, movie and theatre fans on Saturday bid a final farewell to Thailand's La Scala theatre in Bangkok, which is set to close its doors in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
The 50-year-old theatre, built in the late modernism architectural style with an Art-Deco interior, has been struggling for the last decade to stay profitable amid competition from new media and increases in its land lease costs. 
 
The pandemic and restrictions on movement to curb its spread dealt the final blow to the theatre in the heart of the capital. The Thai economy as a whole is forecast to shrink this year more than any other in Southeast Asia. 
 
"I`m so sad I have no words. It is heartbreaking," said Nanta Tansasha, whose family runs the theatre, which was built by her father. "When we look toward the future, I don't know if it (business) will pick up... so I decided to stop the business now," she said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jennifer-grey-clarke-gregg-split-after-19-years-of-marriage-310706" hreflang="en">Jennifer Grey, Clarke Gregg split after 19 years of marriage</a> 
 
The theatre had a glamorous opening on New Year's Eve in 1970, and the first movie it showed was "The Undefeated" starring John Wayne and Rock Hudson. 
 
In its heyday, it rolled out the red carpet for celebrities including the likes of Jean Claud Van Damme for the Bangkok Film Festival in 2003. The final showings this weekend include Italian movies and Thai documentaries, with 3,000 tickets sold to fans who want to pay one last visit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/will-smiths-wife-jada-pinkett-tweets-on-affair-rumours-some-healing-needs-to-happen-310654" hreflang="en">Will Smith's wife Jada Pinkett tweets on affair rumours: Some healing needs to happen</a>

La Scala, the last theatre building of its kind in Bangkok, where most cinemas and theatres are housed in larger malls, is already dwarfed by the tall buildings around it. Nanta expects a high-rise to replace her theatre.

Donning masks and observing social-distancing practices, movie and theatre fans on Saturday bid a final farewell to Thailand's La Scala theatre in Bangkok, which is set to close its doors in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Donning masks and observing social-distancing practices, movie and theatre fans on Saturday bid a final farewell to Thailand's La Scala theatre in Bangkok, which is set to close its doors in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The 50-year-old theatre, built in the late modernism architectural style with an Art-Deco interior, has been struggling for the last decade to stay profitable amid competition from new media and increases in its land lease costs. The pandemic and restrictions on movement to curb its spread dealt the final blow to the theatre in the heart of the capital. The Thai economy as a whole is forecast to shrink this year more than any other in Southeast Asia. "I`m so sad I have no words. It is heartbreaking," said Nanta Tansasha, whose family runs the theatre, which was built by her father. "When we look toward the future, I don't know if it (business) will pick up... so I decided to stop the business now," she said. Also read: Jennifer Grey, Clarke Gregg split after 19 years of marriage The theatre had a glamorous opening on New Year's Eve in 1970, and the first movie it showed was "The Undefeated" starring John Wayne and Rock Hudson. In its heyday, it rolled out the red carpet for celebrities including the likes of Jean Claud Van Damme for the Bangkok Film Festival in 2003. The final showings this weekend include Italian movies and Thai documentaries, with 3,000 tickets sold to fans who want to pay one last visit. Also read: Will Smith's wife Jada Pinkett tweets on affair rumours: Some healing needs to happen La Scala, the last theatre building of its kind in Bangkok, where most cinemas and theatres are housed in larger malls, is already dwarfed by the tall buildings around it. Nanta expects a high-rise to replace her theatre.

Fans gather for final showings at Thailand's much-loved La Scala theatre

Single-use plastic waste in Thailand ballooned during the coronavirus lockdown as demand for home food deliveries soared, activists say, setting back efforts to reduce the country's dependency on the environmental scourge.&nbsp;

The contagion has had mixed outcomes for Thailand's environment, with dugongs, turtles, and otters returning to beaches normally packed with tourists.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plastic-pollution-is-booming-from-coronavirus-and-will-get-worse-after-the-pandemic-304641">Plastic pollution is booming from coronavirus and will get worse after the pandemic</a>

But in urban areas plastic food containers, cutlery, and bags have piled up, clogging canals, rivers and landfills as people stuck at home because of the epidemic order take-away.&nbsp;

Urban waste almost doubled between January and March from a year ago mainly due to increased food deliveries, says Wijarn Simachaya, president of the Thailand Environment Institute.

In Bangkok alone, rubbish leapt by 62 per cent in April.&nbsp;

"The situation is really worrying," he says.

In Bangkok's network of canals, trash collectors pluck plastic bottles, bags and containers from the fetid waters.

"Plastic pollution may kill more people than (the coronavirus) in Thailand," says 12-year-old environmentalist Ralyn "Lilly" Satidtanasarn, the kingdom's answer to Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg.

Plastic detox&nbsp;

Thailand along with Indonesia, the Philippines, China and Vietnam produce half the plastic waste in the world's oceans, according to campaign group the Ocean Conservancy.

Over the last year, all of those countries have pledged, or introduced, new rules to ban single-use plastic bags and other throwaway items.

Thailand outlawed plastic bags in supermarkets and department stores in January. &nbsp;

Before then Thais on average used eight bags a day, 12 times more than a resident of the European Union.

While the kingdom has weathered the virus well, with just over 3,100 cases and fewer than 60 deaths, fears of contracting it have seen single-use plastic return with a vengeance.

The new normal comes with more plastic -- cutlery in sterilised bags and condiments in zip-lock sachets.

"A large part (of the extra plastic) will end up in the rivers and oceans," warns Tara Buakamsri of Greenpeace Thailand.

He says the crisis had "cruelly highlighted" the need for better waste management in a country where only about 19 per cent of the two million tonnes of plastic waste produced last year was recycled.

The government aims for 100 per cent recyclable plastic to be in common use by 2027.

The other big four Asian plastic polluters are yet to give comprehensive figures on plastic use during the virus.

But some cities in Japan have reported an increase in plastic waste, even though its citizens are better at recycling.

Concerned by Thailand's enduring addiction to plastic, civil society is hoping to inspire a public detox.

In northern Thailand, an academic is leading a team paving roads with plastic bags mixed with sand.

The composite slabs are lighter to transport and can last up to 400 years before decomposing, says Wechsawan Lakas of Chiang Mai Rajabhat University.

His inspiration to find an alternative came after a trip to the beach with his two young sons, who discovered waters bloated with plastic waste.

But the small gains are outsized by the scale of the Thai plastics industry, he says, insisting greater political will is needed to alter both consumer habits and the sources of raw materials. &nbsp;

"Because of the power of the petrochemical industry it will be difficult for the government to implement aggressive policies," he warns.&nbsp;

"Changing mentalities will take years." 
&nbsp;

Single-use plastic waste in Thailand ballooned during the coronavirus lockdown as demand for home food deliveries soared, activists say, setting back efforts to reduce the country's dependency on the environmental scourge.

Single-use plastic waste in Thailand ballooned during the coronavirus lockdown as demand for home food deliveries soared, activists say, setting back efforts to reduce the country's dependency on the environmental scourge. The contagion has had mixed outcomes for Thailand's environment, with dugongs, turtles, and otters returning to beaches normally packed with tourists. Also read | Plastic pollution is booming from coronavirus and will get worse after the pandemic But in urban areas plastic food containers, cutlery, and bags have piled up, clogging canals, rivers and landfills as people stuck at home because of the epidemic order take-away. Urban waste almost doubled between January and March from a year ago mainly due to increased food deliveries, says Wijarn Simachaya, president of the Thailand Environment Institute. In Bangkok alone, rubbish leapt by 62 per cent in April. "The situation is really worrying," he says. In Bangkok's network of canals, trash collectors pluck plastic bottles, bags and containers from the fetid waters. "Plastic pollution may kill more people than (the coronavirus) in Thailand," says 12-year-old environmentalist Ralyn "Lilly" Satidtanasarn, the kingdom's answer to Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg. Plastic detox Thailand along with Indonesia, the Philippines, China and Vietnam produce half the plastic waste in the world's oceans, according to campaign group the Ocean Conservancy. Over the last year, all of those countries have pledged, or introduced, new rules to ban single-use plastic bags and other throwaway items. Thailand outlawed plastic bags in supermarkets and department stores in January. Before then Thais on average used eight bags a day, 12 times more than a resident of the European Union. While the kingdom has weathered the virus well, with just over 3,100 cases and fewer than 60 deaths, fears of contracting it have seen single-use plastic return with a vengeance. The new normal comes with more plastic -- cutlery in sterilised bags and condiments in zip-lock sachets. "A large part (of the extra plastic) will end up in the rivers and oceans," warns Tara Buakamsri of Greenpeace Thailand. He says the crisis had "cruelly highlighted" the need for better waste management in a country where only about 19 per cent of the two million tonnes of plastic waste produced last year was recycled. The government aims for 100 per cent recyclable plastic to be in common use by 2027. The other big four Asian plastic polluters are yet to give comprehensive figures on plastic use during the virus. But some cities in Japan have reported an increase in plastic waste, even though its citizens are better at recycling. Concerned by Thailand's enduring addiction to plastic, civil society is hoping to inspire a public detox. In northern Thailand, an academic is leading a team paving roads with plastic bags mixed with sand. The composite slabs are lighter to transport and can last up to 400 years before decomposing, says Wechsawan Lakas of Chiang Mai Rajabhat University. His inspiration to find an alternative came after a trip to the beach with his two young sons, who discovered waters bloated with plastic waste. But the small gains are outsized by the scale of the Thai plastics industry, he says, insisting greater political will is needed to alter both consumer habits and the sources of raw materials. "Because of the power of the petrochemical industry it will be difficult for the government to implement aggressive policies," he warns. "Changing mentalities will take years."

Food deliveries during virus lockdown fuel Thailand plastic usage

Thailand held its first online six-hour music festival due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, allowing fans to watch from afar and interact with artists via the Zoom application on Sunday (June 7).

Artists perform to thousands of fans during virtual Thai music festival

A Thai beauty clinic in Bangkok has created a "mini" face mask that it says reduces a doctor's contact with customers' noses and mouths, while still allowing them to get procedures.

Mini masks invented for Thai beauty clinics

It had been closed to the public since March 8 when the Italian government imposed a lockdown to contain the COVID-19 outbreak

Italy's Colosseum reopens to public with strict social-distancing measures

Thais flocked to get a massage and see movies on Monday (June 1) as the country eased its lockdown on more businesses in response to its low number of locally transmitted cases of the coronavirus.

Thais head for a massage and a movie as virus lockdown eases

Momentum is building behind Thailand's push to create its own coronavirus vaccine, with more manpower and resources dedicated to the effort amid hopes it could boost medical tourism.

Thai trials of an experimental vaccine using monkeys started last month, one of at least 100 potential vaccines being developed globally. The government is hopeful it will have a cost-effective vaccine ready for next year.

Bionet-Asia, a local firm working with the government and a top Bangkok university, has put all other activities on hold and dedicated 250 personnel and all of its labs, technology and production facilities to developing a COVID-19 vaccine.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-start-administering-game-changer-drug-to-treat-coronavirus-patients-302366" hreflang="en">Russia to start administering 'game changer' drug to treat coronavirus patients</a>

"In the case of COVID, there is a global effort to speed up experiment, trials, to share information, share diagnostics and that's why we are in a position too, to move very fast," chief executive officer, Pham Hong Thai, told Reuters.

He said tests on animals had so far shown encouraging results and the next step would be seeking government approval for clinical trials involving humans.

With just over 3,082 cases and 57 deaths, Thailand has had some success in containing the coronavirus and eased many of its restrictions in response to low infection numbers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-question-authenticity-of-study-on-hydroxychloroquine-drugs-302287" hreflang="en">Scientists question authenticity of study on hydroxychloroquine drugs</a>

It has been seven days without a case of local transmission, with all infections this past week found among quarantined nationals returning from overseas.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said it was important to channel all efforts towards the development of a vaccine and put Thailand on the medical map.

"Thailand has a good healthcare system, good medical practices. It will garner a lot of interest from tourists and investors and boost us as a medical hub," he said.

Momentum is building behind Thailand's push to create its own coronavirus vaccine, with more manpower and resources dedicated to the effort amid hopes it could boost medical tourism.

Momentum is building behind Thailand's push to create its own coronavirus vaccine, with more manpower and resources dedicated to the effort amid hopes it could boost medical tourism. Thai trials of an experimental vaccine using monkeys started last month, one of at least 100 potential vaccines being developed globally. The government is hopeful it will have a cost-effective vaccine ready for next year. Bionet-Asia, a local firm working with the government and a top Bangkok university, has put all other activities on hold and dedicated 250 personnel and all of its labs, technology and production facilities to developing a COVID-19 vaccine. Also read: Russia to start administering 'game changer' drug to treat coronavirus patients "In the case of COVID, there is a global effort to speed up experiment, trials, to share information, share diagnostics and that's why we are in a position too, to move very fast," chief executive officer, Pham Hong Thai, told Reuters. He said tests on animals had so far shown encouraging results and the next step would be seeking government approval for clinical trials involving humans. With just over 3,082 cases and 57 deaths, Thailand has had some success in containing the coronavirus and eased many of its restrictions in response to low infection numbers. Also read: Scientists question authenticity of study on hydroxychloroquine drugs It has been seven days without a case of local transmission, with all infections this past week found among quarantined nationals returning from overseas. Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said it was important to channel all efforts towards the development of a vaccine and put Thailand on the medical map. "Thailand has a good healthcare system, good medical practices. It will garner a lot of interest from tourists and investors and boost us as a medical hub," he said.

Thailand races to create COVID vaccine, eyes possible medical tourism boost

A 37-year old Thai street artist is splashing walls across Bangkok with murals depicting the nobel fight against coronavirus.

"Keeping the virus at bay!" : Thai street artist sprays city with battles against coronavirus murals

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

No more touching: Thai mall installs foot pedals in elevators

Thailand police have arrested 15 Rohingya Muslims on the charge of illegal entry. The police have said that they could be victims of human trafficking.&nbsp;

Out of 15, twelve were arrested on Tuesday and three more on Wednesday morning. They were arrested in Thailand's Mae Sot which is close to the bridge that separates both (Myanmar and Thailand) as per police's statement.&nbsp;

All of the arrested belonged to Buthidaung, which has the largest concentrations of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar's northwestern Rakhine State.

Phubed Sang-aram, superintendent of the Mae Sot district police said: "They have been preliminarily charged with illegal entry, pending further interrogation to determine whether they are victims of human trafficking."

According to Phubed, three Thais have also been taken into custody for providing a home to the illegal migrants.&nbsp;

Mae Sot's district chief Chaiyapheuk Chiantranluk said that the Rohingya group made a plan to go to Malaysia via Thailand.&nbsp;

Global outrage was sparked in 2017 after over 730,000 Rohingya fled Rakhine state during weeks of brutal violence. &nbsp;According to reports, hundreds of villages were burned and women were gang-raped.

During the violence, the United Nations had said that the gang rapes and mass killings were carried out with "genocidal intent".&nbsp;

Thailand police have arrested 15 Rohingya Muslims on the charge of illegal entry. The police have said that they could be victims of human trafficking. Out of 15, twelve were arrested on Tuesday and three more on Wednesday morning.

Thailand police have arrested 15 Rohingya Muslims on the charge of illegal entry. The police have said that they could be victims of human trafficking. Out of 15, twelve were arrested on Tuesday and three more on Wednesday morning. They were arrested in Thailand's Mae Sot which is close to the bridge that separates both (Myanmar and Thailand) as per police's statement. All of the arrested belonged to Buthidaung, which has the largest concentrations of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar's northwestern Rakhine State. Phubed Sang-aram, superintendent of the Mae Sot district police said: "They have been preliminarily charged with illegal entry, pending further interrogation to determine whether they are victims of human trafficking." According to Phubed, three Thais have also been taken into custody for providing a home to the illegal migrants. Mae Sot's district chief Chaiyapheuk Chiantranluk said that the Rohingya group made a plan to go to Malaysia via Thailand. Global outrage was sparked in 2017 after over 730,000 Rohingya fled Rakhine state during weeks of brutal violence. According to reports, hundreds of villages were burned and women were gang-raped. During the violence, the United Nations had said that the gang rapes and mass killings were carried out with "genocidal intent".

Thailand police arrests 15 Rohingya migrants over illegal entry

COVID-19 transforms shopping experience in Thailand as malls reopen after lockdown. Watch this video to get more details.

Your Story: COVID-19 transforms shopping experience in Thailand as malls reopen after lockdown

thailand

Thailand, News on Thailand, stories on Thailand, articles on Thailand, Thailand stories at Wion, Thailand news, Thailand latest news