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Patpicha Tanakasempipat
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jul 10, 2023
Thai coalition leader Pita rallies supporters ahead of PM vote
To secure the premiership, Pita still needs the support of more than a quarter of the 250-member Senate — a body appointed by the royalist military establishment following a 2014 coup.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jul 3, 2023
Thai parliament to meet for first time since May vote, looking to elect PM
The gathering is set to kick off the process of government formation by a coalition of pro-democracy parties seeking to end almost a decade of military-backed and pro-royalist rule.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jun 28, 2023
Time running out for surprise Thai election winner Pita Limjaroenrat
Ever since he led his party to a surprise first-place finish in Thailand’s election last month, he’s faced a flurry of legal complaints and controversies challenging his bid to take power.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 19, 2023
Thai coalition talks spook markets amid split over law on royals
Signs of a tough fight ahead emerged after Bhumjaithai, a party that came third in the election, said it won’t back Pita to become prime minister because of his quest to change Article 112.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 16, 2023
‘Bangkok Spring’ sets up showdown over role of Thai monarchy
The push to directly change laws affecting the monarchy breaks a longstanding taboo — even the suggestion of disloyalty to the palace has been grounds for a military coup.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 15, 2023
Thai opposition chief seeks mandate after strong election result
Thailand’s top pro-democracy groups moved to begin talks on forming a government after a stronger-than-forecast showing in Sunday’s elections.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 11, 2023
Thailand's election is being shaped by a new generation challenging the monarchy
The phenomenon represents one of the biggest challenges in years to the military and royal establishment, which have prevented democracy from forming.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Feb 22, 2023
Thai prime minister to dissolve parliament, paving way for next election
The move could be an attempt to buy time for his new party to campaign and recruit members to run for office.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jan 10, 2023
Thai election jockeying heats up as PM eyes way around term limits
Former coup leader Prayut Chan-ocha is maneuvering to stay in power despite a steady decline in his popularity and a constitutional term limit.
Japan Times
WORLD
Oct 7, 2022
Mass killing at Thai preschool prompts calls for drug crackdown
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra urged the government to 'speed up the suppression of drugs, especially methamphetamine tablets.”
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Sep 7, 2022
Thai opposition seeks to strip Senate of powers to pick next prime minister
Lawmakers were set to vote on a raft of proposals to amend the 2017 military-backed constitution.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Aug 29, 2022
How the drama surrounding Thailand’s prime minister may unfold
The move fueled speculation that Thai royals are planning to replace him ahead of an election that must be called by March 2023.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Aug 25, 2022
Thai court suspends Prime Minster Prayuth Chan-Ocha, stoking intrigue as vote nears
The surprise action by Thailand's Constitutional Court puts Prayuth on the sidelines at least temporarily until it rules on whether he breached an eight-year term limit.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Sep 1, 2021
Thailand's older people lag behind in COVID-19 vaccination drive, data shows
Vaccination planning shifted from an age-based priority system to a geographically-based one after an outbreak in Bangkok in April.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jul 4, 2021
K-pop activism a lifeline for Thailand's hard-hit 'tuk-tuk' drivers
The drivers have been among the hardest-hit by the pandemic's devastation of Thailand's all-important tourism industry.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 10, 2021
'My life for his': Thai mothers fight for activist children charged with insulting king
A core group of five mothers, from a business owner to a rice farmer, formed their bond as they met on trips to court and prison to see their children.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Dec 25, 2020
'Like water eroding rocks': Thai protesters prepare for long fight
As they paraded through a Bangkok shopping mall in crop tops to mock Thailand's king, protesters made an incongruous sight among the festive decorations.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Nov 3, 2020
K-pop's social media power spurs Thailand's youth protests
From raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for Thai protesters to inspiring the youths who join demonstrations through dances and social media, K-pop fans have emerged as a potent political force in Thailand's anti-government movement.
Japan Times
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.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / FOCUS
Sep 10, 2020
‘Illegal thoughts’: How some exiled critics of Thai king are fueling a revolt
Protesters say writings and social media posts by the critics, including a Kyoto University professor, have helped to loosen the taboo on questioning the monarchy.

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