Thai police arrest 2nd teenager for defaming monarchy amid renewed debate over rigorous law
May 17, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Authorities in Thailand have charged a 16-year-old girl with defaming the monarchy for two messages she allegedly posted on Facebook two years ago, adding to an increasingly active debate over whether the law allowing her arrest should be reformed.
Baby delivered, Thai PM candidate set to resume campaigning
May 4, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — A popular candidate for prime minister of Thailand said Wednesday she’s eager to get back on the campaign trail, just two days after giving birth.
Heat wave in Thailand prompts warning to stay indoors
April 22, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Extreme heat has sent temperatures soaring in Thailand as authorities warned people to stay indoors.
The Meteorological Department’s forecast on Saturday said the highest temperature in the next 24 hours could reach 43 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit) in country’s north and could hit 40 C (104 F) in the capital, Bangkok.
Thai police say Chinese church members to be deported soon
April 5, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — More than 60 self-exiled members of a Chinese Christian church who were detained in Thailand after receiving U.N. refugee status will be deported by next week, probably to a third country, officials said Wednesday.
Thailand’s political hopefuls register for May election
April 4, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Hundreds of would-be lawmakers in Thailand on Monday began the official registration process for the upcoming general election, a vote that will pit supporters of an exiled prime minister against the conservative political establishment and its allies in the military.
Members of exiled Chinese church detained in Thailand
April 1, 2023 GMTBANGKOK, Thailand (AP) — More than 60 self-exiled members of a Chinese Christian church who were detained in Thailand paid fines for overstaying their visas but remained in police custody Saturday uncertain about their legal status amid fears they would be deported against their will to their home country, where they face possible persecution.
Thailand uses helicopters to fight mountain wildfires
March 30, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Thai authorities used helicopters Thursday to try to contain a fire that overnight engulfed two mountains on largely undeveloped forest land in a province northeast of the capital Bangkok.
Thai Prime Minister Prayuth kicks off reelection campaign
March 25, 2023 GMTNONTHABURI, Thailand (AP) — Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Saturday officially accepted his party’s nomination as its main candidate to keep the job in the upcoming general election, promising to build a new political climate that does away with decades of conflict.
Thai police kill suspect in shootings after 14-hour standoff
March 23, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Police in provincial Thailand killed a man who had fired at commandos storming his house early Thursday trying to safely end a 14-hour standoff after he shot to death three people and wounded three others, police said.
Thai police to get mental health checks after fatal standoff
March 16, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Police in Thailand will be subject to random checks of their physical and mental health, officials said Thursday, after a 27-hour standoff in which a senior officer holed up and fired a gun into the air until he was subdued by fellow officers.
Thai officials search for radioactive cylinder from plant
March 15, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Authorities in Thailand expanded their search Wednesday for a metal cylinder with radioactive contents that has gone missing from a power plant, warning the public that it poses a danger to health.
Thai policeman injured, detained after 24-hour standoff
March 15, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Thai police on Wednesday detained a senior police officer who fired multiple gunshots from his home in Bangkok, ending a standoff of over 24 hours after his colleagues tried to take him to a mental institution.
Thai man gets 2-year term for calendar said to mock king
March 8, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — A Thai man was sentenced to two years in prison Tuesday for selling calendars featuring satirical cartoons of yellow ducks that a court said mocked the country’s monarch, a legal aid group said.
US Army artillery officer dies during assignment in Thailand
March 1, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — A U.S. Army officer has died while on temporary duty in Thailand to take part in a major multinational military exercise, U.S. and Thai officials said Wednesday. No foul play was suspected, they said.
Thai PM candidate visits lucky locales to boost his chances
February 14, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — The campaign for this year’s general election in Thailand has not yet officially begun, but aspirants for the prime minister’s job are already angling for auspicious photo ops.
If symbolism won elections, one of the main contenders, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, would be a shoo-in.
Malaysian leader wants tougher ASEAN pressure on Myanmar
February 10, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Friday issued a strong call for fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to take new measures to pressure the government of military-ruled Myanmar to end what he called “atrocities” against its own people.
Concern rises for lives of 2 Thai activists on hunger strike
February 7, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Concerns about the condition of two hunger strikers seeking political and judicial reforms in Thailand heightened Monday after the hospital where the two women are being kept urgently summoned their parents.
Thai police apologize for Taiwan actor’s alleged extortion
February 1, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's police commissioner apologized Tuesday after seven officers were placed under investigation for allegedly extorting money from a Taiwanese actor who was visiting Bangkok on a holiday.
Asian shares rise, track Wall St gains as earnings ramp up
January 24, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Stocks were higher in Asia on Tuesday after a tech-led rally on Wall Street as investors bet the Federal Reserve will trim its rate hikes to tamp down inflation.
Many markets in the region were closed for Lunar New Year holidays.
Train station’s opening in Bangkok ushers in new travel era
January 20, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Thailand ushered in a new age of train travel on Thursday as Southeast Asia’s biggest railway station officially began operations. The government says the huge, modern development on the edge of central Bangkok will bolster the country’s position as a regional hub and boost its economy.
Vietnamese president resigns, criticized for major scandals
January 17, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc resigned Tuesday, becoming the most senior member of the government to step down after a series of high-profile corruption scandals for which he was held responsible.
Thai prime minister joins new party to seek another term
January 9, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has broken with the military-backed political party that helped him take office after a 2019 general election and joined a new rival party on Monday with which he is likely to seek another term this year.
AP Week in Pictures: Asia
January 6, 2023 GMTDec. 30, 2022-Jan. 6, 2023
This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published by Associated Press photographers in Asia and Pacific.
The gallery was curated by AP photo editor Wally Santana in Bangkok.
Massive fire at Cambodia hotel casino kills at least 19
December 30, 2022 GMTPOIPET, Cambodia (AP) — A massive fire at a Cambodian hotel casino Thursday injured over 60 people and killed at least 19 — a number that officials warned would rise after the search for bodies resumes Friday.
Irish tourist dies in fall from moving train in Thailand
December 28, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — An Irish national taking a tour in western Thailand died Tuesday after falling out of a moving train, police said.
The man was identified as 45-year-old Patrick Ward, whose Irish passport said he was born in New Zealand.
Asian shares mixed as recession worries temper Wall St gains
December 21, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Shares were mixed in Asia on Wednesday after a modestly higher close on Wall Street as concerns over pressures on global growth tempered gains in the absence of major data releases.
Thai navy searching for 31 missing sailors after ship sank
December 19, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Thai navy ships and helicopters searched Monday for more than 30 sailors still missing 24 hours after their warship sank in rough seas in the Gulf of Thailand. Survivors described chaotic scenes as they struggled to survive while the ship went down, and the navy commander confirmed there were not enough life jackets for everyone on board.
Thailand’s king, queen test positive for COVID-19
December 17, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's king and queen have tested positive for COVID-19, and so far have only mild symptoms, the royal palace said Saturday.
Doctors prescribed treatment for King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 70, and Queen Suthida, 44, and requested them to refrain from duties for a while, the Royal Household Bureau said in a statement.
Asia stocks follow Wall St down as Fed warns of higher rates
December 15, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Asian shares skidded Thursday after a retreat on Wall Street as markets registered their dismay over the Federal Reserve’s warning that still higher interest rates are in store following its latest increase.
Tesla launches in Thailand, vying to compete with China EVs
December 7, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Tesla has launched sales in Thailand, offering its popular Model 3 and Model Y at prices aimed at competing with rivals like China’s BYD.
The company staged a glitzy showcase of its plans Wednesday at Bangkok’s Siam Paragon mall.
Daughter of ex-Thai PM Thaksin outlines opposition’s vision
December 6, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — The daughter of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra promised a new era of social equality on Tuesday, saying if her party is elected to power in next year's election it will bring an end to poverty in the Southeast Asian nation.
Asian shares lower as strong data hit hopes for dovish Fed
December 6, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Stocks were mostly lower in Asia on Tuesday after Wall Street pulled back as surprisingly strong economic reports highlighted the difficulty of the Federal Reserve’s fight against inflation.
Asian shares sink on revived worries over recession, China
December 2, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Shares retreated in Asia on Friday after a mixed day on Wall Street as optimism over signs the Federal Reserve may temper its aggressive interest rate hikes was replaced by worries the economy might be headed for a recession.
Asian shares gain after Fed chair signals slower rate hikes
December 1, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Shares advanced in Asia on Thursday after a rally on Wall Street spurred by the Federal Reserve chair's comments on easing the pace of interest rate hikes to tame inflation.
Signs that China may be shifting its approach to containing COVID-19 outbreaks to focus more on vaccinations also helped drive buying of shares across the region.
Thai marijuana boosters rally to keep drug decriminalized
November 22, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Wearing T-shirts emblazoned with marijuana motifs and handling out samples, around 200 backers of Thailand’s liberalized marijuana regulations rallied Tuesday at Government House in Bangkok to protest the possible rollback of the drug's recent decriminalization.
Trial resumes for suspects in 2015 Bangkok shrine bombing
November 22, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — A Thai court on Tuesday resumed the long-delayed trial of two members of China's Muslim Uyghur minority accused of carrying out a 2015 bombing at a Bangkok landmark that killed 20 people.
Hong Kong leader Lee isolating with COVID-19 after APEC trip
November 21, 2022 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong leader John Lee tested positive for the coronavirus after meeting with other regional leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Thailand, the city's government said Monday.
Asian stocks down after Wall St weekly loss on rate fears
November 21, 2022 GMTBEIJING (AP) — Asian stock markets sank Monday after Wall Street ended with a loss for the week amid anxiety about Federal Reserve plans for more interest rate hikes to cool inflation.
VP Harris meets with China’s Xi in bid to ‘keep lines open’
November 19, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris spoke briefly with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Saturday in another step toward keeping lines of communication open between the two biggest economies.
Asia-Pacific leaders condemn war, renew calls for open trade
November 19, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Leaders from around the Asia-Pacific called for an end to Russia’s war on Ukraine and pledged to steer the region’s economies toward sustainable growth as they wrapped up summit meetings Saturday.
China’s Xi seeks fresh diplomatic inroads with Asian leaders
November 19, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Chinese President Xi Jinping has used his first face-to-face meetings with America’s Asia-Pacific allies since 2020 to try to forge diplomatic inroads as Washington pushes back against Beijing’s influence in the region.
War, North Korea missile test loom over Asia-Pacific summit
November 18, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Threats to peace and stability burst onto the agenda at a summit of Pacific Rim leaders in Bangkok on Friday after North Korea fired an intercontinental ballistic missile that landed near Japanese territorial waters.
Asia-Pacific leaders seek unity on war, economic ills, virus
November 18, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Pacific Rim leaders were striving to find common ground on the war in Ukraine and other dire threats to humankind in an annual meeting that began Friday at a heavily guarded venue in Thailand's capital.
Myanmar releases 4 foreigners in broad prisoner amnesty
November 18, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar's military-controlled government released an Australian academic, a Japanese filmmaker, an ex-British diplomat and an American on Thursday as part of a broad prisoner amnesty that also freed many local citizens held for protesting the army takeover.
US VP Harris arrives in Thailand for Asia-Pacific summit
November 18, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris arrived Thursday in Thailand, where she plans to affirm America's commitment to Southeast Asia and drive home the message that the region can count on the United States.
Cambodian leader leaves G-20 early after COVID-19 diagnosis
November 15, 2022 GMTNUSA DUA, Indonesia (AP) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Tuesday he has COVID-19 and is leaving the Group of 20 meetings in Bali, just days after hosting President Joe Biden and other world leaders for a summit in his country's capital.
Watches, daggers and cricket ice cream: Asian summit treats
November 11, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — A custom wristwatch from Cambodian leader Hun Sen at the ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh, a foot-long dagger at the G-20 meetings in Bali, and cricket ice cream and Thai noodles with worm sauce at the APEC talks in Bangkok.
Ukraine boosts Southeast Asia ties with peace accord
November 10, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Ukraine signed a peace accord Thursday with Southeast Asian nations, a largely symbolic act that comes as Kyiv seeks to shore up international support in isolating Russia.
Myanmar tops Asian summit’s agenda as global issues loom
November 9, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Southeast Asian leaders convene in the Cambodian capital Thursday, faced with the challenge of trying to curtail escalating violence in Myanmar while the country’s military-led government shows no signs of complying with the group’s peace plan.
Pacific Rim finance leaders mull ways to curb inflation
October 20, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Finance ministers of major Pacific Rim economies pledged Thursday to combat inflation and target spending to support sustainable growth at a meeting in Bangkok ahead of a summit next month.
More rain feeds floods in northeastern and central Thailand
October 9, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Heavy seasonal rains again pounded much of Thailand on Sunday, causing continued widespread flooding, particularly in the northeast and central regions.
In the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani, almost 20,000 people have been moved into 85 temporary shelters as floodwaters overwhelmed more than 1,000 villages, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported.
Lopez-Chacarra wins LIV Golf-Bangkok by three strokes
October 9, 2022 GMTBANGKOK, Thailand (AP) — Former top amateur Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra shot a final-round 69 and won the LIV Golf Invitational-Bangkok by three strokes over Patrick Reed on Sunday.
Lopez-Chacarra had a three-round, 19-under total of 197 after the storm-delayed finish on the newly opened Stonehill Golf Club course north of Bangkok.
Chacarra leads by 5 strokes after 2 rounds of LIV event
October 8, 2022 GMTBANGKOK, Thailand (AP) — One of the best former amateur golfers in the world is leading after two rounds of the LIV Golf tournament in Thailand.
Ex-Oklahoma State player Eugenio Chacarra turned professional to play on the LIV series.
Indian workers rescued from job scams in Southeast Asia
October 8, 2022 GMTNEW DELHI (AP) — India's government on Friday said it has rescued about 130 Indian workers from Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia after they were lured by agents for fake job opportunities in the information technology sector in Thailand.
3 tied for lead after 1st round of LIV Golf in Thailand
October 7, 2022 GMTBANGKOK, Thailand (AP) — Richard Bland, Branden Grace and Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra upstaged their more-illustrious opponents on Friday to shoot 7-under 65s and share the lead after the first round of the LIV Golf Invitational-Bangkok.
World ranking rejects last-minute LIV Golf bid for points
October 7, 2022 GMTThe Official World Golf Ranking won't be awarding points to LIV Golf events this year, denying the MENA Tour's request to immediately add the Saudi-funded series to its schedule.
The OWGR said in a statement Thursday the MENA Tour did not give it sufficient notice and there would not be time to finish the review ahead of the LIV Golf Invitational in Bangkok that starts Friday or the event in Saudi Arabia next week.
Thai capital on alert for flooding as heavy rains expected
October 5, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Authorities in Thailand warned Wednesday of possible serious flooding in the capital and other parts of the central region from heavy seasonal rainfall expected through the rest of the week.
PGA Tour to Las Vegas, LIV Golf heads overseas to Bangkok
October 4, 2022 GMTPGA TOUR
Heavy rain swells rivers, causing floods in much of Thailand
October 3, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Heavy rain in northern, northeastern and central Thailand worsened severe flooding in many parts of the country on Monday, as authorities ordered the release of water into already overflowing rivers from dams that were filled to capacity.