Questioning Vaccine Transparency? That’s Royal Insult, Gov’t Says
BANGKOK — The government on Wednesday filed a royal defamation charge against opposition politician Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit for his comments about the involvement of a palace-owned company in the bid to secure a coronavirus vaccine.
Foreigners Still Have to Pay More for COVID Tests in Some Hospitals
BANGKOK — At least five hospitals in Bangkok apply a “dual pricing” policy on their coronavirus tests, charging foreigners more than their Thai counterparts, a survey by Khaosod English has found.
‘We Never Know What Tomorrow Brings:’ COVID Strands Thousands of Refugees in Thailand
BANGKOK — From his hideout in northern Bangkok, James could hear roars of jet planes taking off from Don Mueang Airport. They gave him hope. He counted down the days until he could finally board one of them, away to safety and a new home.
For Sharing ‘Anti-Monarchy’ Audio Clips, Woman Gets 43 Years in Jail
BANGKOK — A 64-year-old woman was sentenced to 43 years in prison on Tuesday for sharing audio files deemed to be defaming the monarchy on the internet – a new record set under the draconian law.
Immigration Backtracks on Plan to Require COVID-19 Test for Visa Extensions
BANGKOK — A spokesman for the immigration police on Tuesday walked back on his announcement that a negative COVID-19 test result will be mandatory for every foreigner who wishes to extend their stay in the kingdom.
No Official Caught Virus From Infected Gov. ‘Because They Wore Masks’
SAMUT SAKHON — Alarm was raised when words came out that Samut Sakhon Gov. Veerasak Vijitsaengsri tested positive for the coronavirus in late December – just one day after he toured the province and held meetings with scores of government officials central to the effort to contain the pandemic.
Blogger Convicted of 112 After Secret Trial, 5-Year Captivity
BANGKOK — A court on Monday sentenced a man to nearly five years in prison for allegedly insulting the late King Bhumibol on the internet.
Cops Crack Down on Rally Denouncing Lese Majeste, Make Arrests
BANGKOK — Dozens of police officers descended on a gathering in central Bangkok by pro-democracy activists who were campaigning to abolish the royal defamation law.
Gov’t to Charge Foreign Tourists 300 Baht for ‘Tourism Development’
BANGKOK — A controversial plan to charge foreign tourists 300 baht each time they step foot in the country, supposedly to pay for maintenance of attraction sites, was welcomed by a prominent tourism business guild on Friday.
‘We Can’t Be Picky’: Doctors Urge People to Get Vaccinated for Herd Immunity
BANGKOK — Medical experts on Friday said the public should embrace the upcoming vaccination campaign to build a herd immunity against the coronavirus – and the Chinese-made vaccine secured by Thailand is adequate to do the job, contrary to what the media may have told you.
