Latest news with #Thai
Winnipeg Free Press
28 minutes ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Protesters gather in Bangkok to demand Thai prime minister's resignation over leaked Cambodia call
BANGKOK (AP) — Hundreds of protesters gathered in Thailand's capital on Saturday to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, part of the brewing political turmoil set off by a leaked phone call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. Paetongtarn faces growing dissatisfaction over her handling of a recent border dispute with Cambodia involving an armed confrontation May 28. One Cambodian soldier was killed in a relatively small, contested area. The clash set off a string of investigations that could lead to her removal. Protesters held national flags and signs as they occupied parts of the streets around the Victory Monument in central Bangkok. A huge stage was set up at the foot of the monument as participants sat and listened to speakers who said they gathered to express their love of the country following the intensified border row. Many of the leading figures in the protest were familiar faces who were part of a group popularly known as Yellow Shirts, whose clothing color indicates loyalty to the Thai monarchy. They are longtime foes of Paetongtarn's father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Their rallies at times turned violent and led to military coups in 2006 and 2014, which respectively ousted the elected governments of Thaksin and Paetongtarn's aunt, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Outrage over the recorded phone call mostly revolved around Paetongtarn telling Hun Sen, the current Cambodian Senate president and a longtime friend of her father, not to listen to 'an opponent' in Thailand. It's believed to be a reference to the regional Thai army commander in charge of the area where the clash happened, who publicly criticized Cambodia over the border dispute. Hun Sen on Saturday vowed to protect his country's territory from foreign invaders and condemned what he called an attack by Thai forces last month. At a 74th anniversary celebration of the foundation of his long-ruling Cambodian People's Party, Hun Sen claimed the action by the Thai army was illegal when it engaged Cambodian forces. He said the skirmish inside Cambodian territory was a serious violation of country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, despite Cambodia's good will in attempting to resolve the border issue. 'This poor Cambodia has suffered from foreign invasion, war, and genocide, been surrounded and isolated and insulted in the past but now Cambodia has risen on an equal face with other countries. We need peace, friendship, cooperation, and development the most, and we have no politics and no unfriendly stance with any nation,' Hun Sen said in front of cheerful thousands of party members at the event in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. There is a long history of territorial disputes between the countries. Thailand is still rattled by a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling that awarded Cambodia the disputed territory where the historic Preah Vihear temple stands. There were sporadic though serious clashes there in 2011. The ruling from the U.N. court was reaffirmed in 2013, when Yingluck was prime minister. The scandal has broken Paetongtarn's fragile coalition government, costing her Pheu Thai Party the loss of its biggest partner, Bhumjaithai Party. There already was a rift between Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai Party over reports Bhumjaithai would be shuffled out of the powerful Interior Ministry. Several Bhumjaithai leaders also are under investigation over an alleged rigging of last year's Senate election in which many figures who are reportedly close to the party claimed a majority of seats. The departure of Bhumjaithai left the 10-party coalition with 255 seats, just above the majority of the 500-seat house. Paetongtarn also faces investigations by the Constitutional Court and the national anti-corruption agency. Their decisions could lead to her removal from office. Sarote Phuengrampan, secretary-general of the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, said Wednesday that his agency is investigating Paetongtarn for a serious breach of ethics over the phone call with Hun Sen. He did not give a possible timeline for a decision. Reports said the Constitutional Court can suspend Paetongtarn from duty pending the investigation and could decide as early as next week whether it will take the case. The prime minister said Tuesday she is not worried and is ready to give evidence to support her case. 'It was clear from the phone call that I had nothing to gain from it, and I also didn't cause any damage to the country,' she said. The court last year removed her predecessor from Pheu Thai over a breach of ethics. Thailand's courts, especially the Constitutional Court, are considered a bulwark of the country's royalist establishment, which has used them and nominally independent state agencies such as the Election Commission to cripple or sink political opponents.
Straits Times
38 minutes ago
- Straits Times
Thai authorities find 620 sacks of cannabis hidden in durian orchards
At the first location, officers found 85 jute sacks of dried cannabis scattered across the area. PHOTO: THE NATION/ ASIAN NEWS NETWORK BANGKOK - Thai rangers have discovered a significant cache of dried cannabis, amounting to 620 sacks and bundles, hidden within durian and coconut orchards in Bueng Kan province. Authorities believe the drug's owners left it behind in anticipation of tougher new rules that Thailand's Ministry of Public Health implemented on June 26. Lieutenant Kowit Wongsaeng, Commander of the 2108th Ranger Company of the 21st Ranger Task Force, was alerted by an anonymous tip-off about cannabis-like materials in a durian orchard in Ban Tha Si Khai, Bueng Khong Long District. Leading a joint operation with local officials, police, and community leaders, the team conducted an extensive search. At the first location, an orchard north of Ban Tha Si Khai, officers found 85 jute sacks of dried cannabis scattered across the area. Each sack contained dried cannabis inflorescences. A subsequent search led them to a second site, a coconut orchard to the south, where they uncovered a further 510 sacks of dried cannabis, wrapped in plastic, alongside 25 bundles of dried cannabis stems. No individuals were found at either location who could be questioned about the ownership of the haul. The combined seizure of 620 sacks and bundles has been handed over to Lao Luang Police Station for further legal proceedings and to trace the origin of the dried cannabis. District Chief of Bueng Khong Long Tawee Chinnarong said that the cannabis was likely discarded by its owners following the Public Health Ministry's latest announcement. The new rules, effective June 26, specifically control 'cannabis inflorescences,' restricting them to medical use only and requiring both a license for sale and a medical certificate for purchase. He suggested that the individuals in possession of the cannabis likely feared legal repercussions under these new directives. THE NATION/ ASIAN NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Perth Now
2 hours ago
- Perth Now
Travel warning for hotspot after airport bomb
The Australian government has issued a fresh travel warning for Thailand following the discovery of a bomb near Phuket International Airport. Smart Traveller, the government's travel advisory body, said Thai authorities had discovered the explosive device this week. 'There's an ongoing risk of terrorism in Thailand,' the advisory, released on Saturday morning, reads. 'Popular tourist areas may be the target of terrorist attacks anywhere across Thailand, including Bangkok and Phuket. 'Phuket International Airport has increased security measures from June 26 and advised passengers to arrive well ahead of flights. 'This follows discovery of an explosive device near the airport this week. Thailand is a popular travel destination for Australian travellers. iStock Credit: istock 'Thai authorities defused devices in Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga this week and have made related arrests in recent days.' Phuket, renowned for its gorgeous beaches and vibrant night-life, is a major destination for Australian travellers. The government recommends Australian travellers exercise a 'high degree of caution' in Thailand overall due to security and safety risks. A 'reconsider your need to travel' warning is in place for the country's Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces in the far-south. 'Co-ordinated attacks have occurred in the southern provinces,' the advisory reads. Tourists flock to Phuket for its splendid beaches and delicious food. iStock Credit: istock 'The ongoing conflict in the Middle East could lead to an increased threat of attacks against Israeli interests in other regions. Be alert to possible threats. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities.' The government also advises travellers to be alert to political protests and drink and food spiking. 'Don't leave food or drinks unattended,' the advisory states. 'Stay with people you trust at bars, nightclubs and in taxis.' Thailand is also tightening its drug laws, travellers have been warned. The country has recriminalised cannabis three years after decriminalising the drug.
West Australian
2 hours ago
- West Australian
Smart Traveller issues fresh travel warning for Thailand on security fears
The Australian government has issued a fresh travel warning for Thailand following the discovery of a bomb near Phuket International Airport. Smart Traveller, the government's travel advisory body, said Thai authorities had discovered the explosive device this week. 'There's an ongoing risk of terrorism in Thailand,' the advisory, released on Saturday morning, reads. 'Popular tourist areas may be the target of terrorist attacks anywhere across Thailand, including Bangkok and Phuket. 'Phuket International Airport has increased security measures from June 26 and advised passengers to arrive well ahead of flights. 'This follows discovery of an explosive device near the airport this week. 'Thai authorities defused devices in Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga this week and have made related arrests in recent days.' Phuket, renowned for its gorgeous beaches and vibrant night-life, is a major destination for Australian travellers. The government recommends Australian travellers exercise a 'high degree of caution' in Thailand overall due to security and safety risks. A 'reconsider your need to travel' warning is in place for the country's Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces in the far-south. 'Co-ordinated attacks have occurred in the southern provinces,' the advisory reads. 'The ongoing conflict in the Middle East could lead to an increased threat of attacks against Israeli interests in other regions. Be alert to possible threats. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities.' The government also advises travellers to be alert to political protests and drink and food spiking. 'Don't leave food or drinks unattended,' the advisory states. 'Stay with people you trust at bars, nightclubs and in taxis.' Thailand is also tightening its drug laws, travellers have been warned. The country has recriminalised cannabis three years after decriminalising the drug.
The Star
2 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Thailand to hold trade talks with US next week
The finance minister will travel to the United States next week for trade talks, local media reported, as the kingdom seeks to secure a deal with Washington over US President Donald Trump's threatened tariffs. Thai exports face a 36% levy on key exports to America under the US president's raft of 'Liberation Day' measures if no agreement is reached to head them off before next month's deadline. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira told reporters that he has scheduled talks with a US representative and plans to depart next week, according to local media outlet Thai News Agency MCOT. His remarks followed online speculation that the tariffs would be cut to 18% after the talks, which he dismissed in a post on X. 'It's just a projection made by economists,' he told reporters at Government House, as quoted by local media. In May, Pichai said the proposal aimed to reduce the trade imbalance and expand US export access to Thailand's market. America's goods trade deficit with Thailand hit US$45.6bil in 2024, up 11.7% from the year before, according to US Trade Representative data. The Thai government last month cut its 2025 economic growth forecast to 2.3-3.3%, from 3.2-4.2%, citing uncertainty over 'reciprocal tariffs'. Many South-East Asian nations were threatened with the highest 'reciprocal' tariff rates: 49% on Cambodia's exports, 46% on Vietnam's and 44% on Myanmar's. — AFP
