Asia Pacific Apr 30, 2021

Thousands of Myanmar villagers poised to flee violence to Thailand

Karen rebels and the Myanmar army have clashed near the Thai border in the weeks, displacing villagers in both nations.

Asia Pacific / Politics | ANALYSIS Apr 27, 2021

On Myanmar crisis, ASEAN pushes boundaries of 'noninterference'

The summit's concluding "consensus statement" stretch the bounds of ASEAN's longstanding principle of noninterference in members' internal affairs.

Asia Pacific Oct 24, 2020

Turning point in Thailand: Queen's brush with protest

Many Thais have questioned why the queen was on that road at that time, and have challenged the severity of the government's reaction.

Asia Pacific / Politics | FOCUS Aug 10, 2020

Testing royal taboos: Inside Thailand's new youth protests

Street protesters have not previously sought changes to the monarchy, which the constitution says must be held "in a position of revered worship."

Asia Pacific Jun 24, 2020

In Thailand, it's statues of democracy leaders that are disappearing

Certain historical statues have been disappearing in Thailand, but they are not effigies of colonialists or slave owners torn down by protesters.

Asia Pacific Nov 1, 2019

Thai king creates boot camp-style 'unity' courses

Thousands of civil servants, police and teachers are being sent to a military camp in Thailand for intensive training in community service and loyalty to the monarchy, according to the royal palace and interviews with trainees and organizers. The program, established last year, highlights the ...

Asia Pacific / Politics | FOCUS Feb 6, 2019

From coup-maker to candidate? Thailand junta chief Prayuth Chan-ocha considers election run

Thai junta chief Prayuth Chan-ocha is known for losing his temper in public, but recently he has displayed a softer side amid speculation he may run for office in the first elections since the army seized power in 2014. The general-turned-prime minister has appeared on ...

Asia Pacific / Politics Jul 2, 2018

Thailand's political tough guy back in the fray to support military as vote nears

The last time most Thais saw politician Suthep Thaugsuban was in 2015 when he entered the Buddhist monkhood and announced his retirement after spearheading protests that culminated in a military coup against a government he detested. The military, after taking power, clamped a tight lid ...