Thailand could become as hot as the Sahara by 2070, research shows

BANGKOK – Thailand could face extreme heat conditions comparable to those seen today in the Sahara by 2070, according to a growing body of climate research that suggests global warming is steadily pushing parts of the world beyond the temperature range in which human societies have historically flourished. The warning was highlighted by director of […]

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Thailand sees Lunar New Year travel boom as Chinese tourists back in droves

By Aidan Jones Resorts are near capacity in Pattaya, Bangkok restaurants are doing a roaring trade and the strict time slots to visit the Louis Vuitton pop-up “hotel” in the Thai capital are fully booked. As this year’s Lunar New Year holiday draws to a close, Thailand’s tourist businesses are totting up the receipts from […]

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Thailand and Cambodia fight for the world’s ear over deadly border feud

By Aidan Jones Thailand and Cambodia are battling for narrative control over their border dispute, with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet alleging truce violations during a Washington trip – and Bangkok accusing its neighbour of spreading “distorted” information to the international community. The two nations intermittently clashed over demarcation points along their 817km (508-mile) border […]

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Thailand seeks leading role in restoring Myanmar to Asean fold

Thailand hopes to bring Myanmar back into Asean nearly five years after a military coup, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has said after meeting his Myanmar counterpart. “Thailand wants to be a bridge connecting Myanmar back to Asean,” Sihasak told reporters. He also urged civil war-ravaged Myanmar to make moves to adhere to a long-standing […]

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Vote recount calls grow in Thailand amid claims of election irregularities

By Aidan Jones Allegations of irregularities in Thailand’s election – including vote-buying, uncounted ballots and tallies greater than the names on electoral lists – have gathered momentum, increasing the pressure on polling authorities to hold recounts. Protests across the country have been aimed squarely at the Election Commission (EC). While any potential recounts are unlikely […]

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Thailand votes in three-way race as risk of instability looms

Polls opened in Thailand on Sunday in a general election defined by a three-way battle between the country’s conservative, progressive and populist camps, with no single party expected to secure a clear majority, prolonging the spectre of political instability. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul set the stage for the snap election in mid-December, amid a raging […]

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As Thailand prepares to vote, can election deliver the change it needs?

By Aidan Jones Thailand’s rival parties held final rallies late on Friday in a last-ditch push to win over undecided voters among a public craving change but still deeply split over the remedy for years of ulcerous political and economic decline. The People’s Party and Pheu Thai packed out their respective stadium venues in Bangkok […]

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Cambodians lose homes as Thailand makes gains following clashes

Agence France-Presse A sign hanging from a rusty shipping container installed by Thai forces on what they say is the border with Cambodia proclaims: “Cambodian citizens are strictly prohibited from entering this area.” On opposite sides of the makeshift barricade, fronted by coils of barbed wire, Cambodians lamented their lost homes and livelihoods as Thailand’s […]

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Inside an abandoned Cambodian scam centre seized by Thai troops

Associated Press In the town of O’Smach, along Cambodia’s northern border with Thailand, stands a compound of abandoned buildings that were battered by shelling during recent weeks of armed clashes. The site, now occupied by Thai troops, had served as one of Cambodia’s notorious scam centres, according to Thai officials. A six-storey building, shown to […]

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Which are the main parties in Thailand’s election and what are their policies?

Thailand is holding a general election on Feb 8 with three parties expected to dominate the contest to decide which will lead the Southeast Asian country’s next government. Following are details and key policy pledges of the main parties running in the election. BHUMJAITHAI PARTY Led by incumbent Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Bhumjaithai formed the […]

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