Stories about Thailand
How is Southeast Asia reacting to the invasion of Ukraine?
While the ASEAN block referenced the “conflict in the West” and called for de-escalation, many Southeast Asian leaders are choosing to stay silent and sidestep any direct references to Russia.
Thai protesters demand the abolition of royal defamation law
"We believe it would be better to live in a society where people are not imprisoned for simply expressing their political opinions, for demanding a better society..."
Protestors call for the resignation of Thailand's Prime Minister Gen Prayut
Since last year, protestors have been calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Gen Prayut who came to power through a coup in 2014.
Thailand protests against pandemic mismanagement met with police violence
Protesters have three demands: The resignation of the prime minister, the reallocation of the budget for the monarchy and military to COVID-19 assistance, and replacement of Sinovac with mRNA vaccines.
A young activist’s fight for gender equality and democracy in Thailand
"I think everyone should be a feminist, because if it’s a true democracy, the people should be supreme, and every person should be equal, no matter their gender or class."
Some Thai students reject uniforms and standing for national flag during online classes
Some students refused to stand while others used a camera filter to make it appear like they were wearing a school uniform.
Women leaders discuss campaign for digital rights in Thailand
'...the government must learn to use technology as a tool to create more positive connections with the people on the ground, not using technology to oppress people.'
Thailand’s draft NGO law threatens to undermine the work of civil society groups
"This could block a vast amount of activities beneficial to society, while the punishment is disproportionate."
WATCH/LISTEN: Breaking the taboo on abortion
Missed the live stream of the April 7 Global Voices Insights webinar on abortion rights in five countries? Here's a replay.
LIVE on April 7: The other health crisis—breaking the taboo on abortion
Unsafe abortions result in 30,000 deaths each year. Join us to hear women from Uganda, Thailand, Brazil, Pakistan and Poland talk about the reproductive rights situation in their countries.
WATCH: ‘The Milk Tea Alliance'—Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong's unified fight for democracy’
Missed the live-stream of the Global Voices Insights webinar on the "Milk Tea Alliance"? Here's a replay.
Thai woman receives 43-year sentence for sharing audio clips ‘defaming’ the monarchy
"Although her sentence was reduced to 43 years, it’s still too harsh & unnecessary cruel. Should a defamation case land someone several decades in jail?"
Join us LIVE on January 29 for ‘The Milk Tea Alliance: Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong's unified fight for democracy’
Join us for a lively discussion about the impact of the transnational youth protest movement which united countries in Asia in the fight for democracy.
A digital artist depicts the lives of Thais and the struggle for democracy
"It’s time for us to rise up for a better future not just for ourselves, but also for the generations to come.”
Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert freed from Iranian jail in prisoner swap
"It’s far past time for democratic allies — indeed all responsible governments — to work together to end state sponsored hostage taking once and for all, beginning with #Iran"
Rubber ducks in Thai protests inspire solidarity and memes
"The image of Thai authorities, armed to the teeth with riot gear and shields, facing off against…rubber ducks…highlights the sheer asymmetry of the battle between protester and state."
Voices in a Bangkok rally a day after police used water cannon and tear gas against protesters
"I feel that I have to come out to demand my rights. My friends, my younger siblings, or my children in the future should have a better life than this."
Thai LGBTQ+ activists and pro-democracy protesters march together for equality
In Bangkok, LGBTQ activists join ranks with democracy protestors join to demand gender and marriage equality as well as political reforms of the monarchy.
Silencing the media won't stop the student-led protests in Thailand
"...while protesters rely mainly on media and other forms of communication to mobilize, these organizations have nothing to do with the students’ communication, coordination, and management of the protests."
From Belarus to Thailand, Hong Kong’s spirit of resistance is nurturing grassroots protests elsewhere
While Hong Kong protests have influenced organisational and protest tactics in anti-authoritarian movements abroad, the current wave of grassroots uprisings, in turn, prompts Hongkongers to develop a transnational solidarity.
Failing to portray protesters as violent, Thai government lifts severe state of emergency
The government failed to portray the protesters as aggressive and violent, causing a political backfire and pressuring authorities to step back.
