Thai Red Shirts Commemorate Coup Anniversary

Stage at pro-red shirt concert in Chiang Mai

On September 19 2006, a bloodless military coup ousted Thaksin Shinawatra from his role as Thailand’s prime minister. Yesterday and today, red shirts and pro-Thaksin supporters have held gatherings to mark the five-year anniversary of that coup. An estimated 6,000 red shirts attended ceremonies at … [Read more...]

Thaksin’s Ex-Wife Cleared on Tax Evasion Charges

The ex-wife of Thaksin Shinawatra, Potjaman na Pombejra, has been cleared on tax evasion charges in a case relating to the sale of companies held by her then husband, Thaksin. The Bangkok Appeals Court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support a previous court ruling from 2008. … [Read more...]

Thailand’s First Female Prime Minister: Yingluck Shinawatra

Yingluck Shinawatra

The Thai parliament has elected Yingluck Shinawatra as prime minister. After leading the Pheu Thai party to a resounding election success, Yingluck was formally voted in today as Thailand's new prime minister. She becomes the first woman in Thai history to become political leader of the country. The … [Read more...]

Red Shirts Celebrate Election Victory

Yingluck Shinawatra and Pheu Thai win Thailand election

The pro-red shirt Pheu Thai party has won Thailand’s general election. Led by Yingluck Shinawatra, the Pheu Thai party have won at least 265 seats in the 500 seat parliament with their nearest opponents, the Democrat party, trailing behind on 159 seats. Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat … [Read more...]

Exit Polls Predicting Red Shirt Victory in Thai Election

Yingluck and Thaksin Shinawatra

If the exit polls are accurate, then Yingluck Shinawatra is poised to become Thailand’s first female prime minister. Yingluck, the 44-year-old younger sister of Thaksin Shinawatra, is the leader of the pro-red shirt Pheu Thai party. To win an overall majority, a party needs to win at least 251 … [Read more...]

Thailand’s Election and the Impact on Tourists

Yingluck Shinawatra pictured with her older brother, Thaksin Shinawatra

On July 3, Thailand goes to the polls. Normally, an election in Thailand would not be of any real interest to tourists, but the Thai political problems witnessed in recent years means that visitors to the country are also anticipating what may or may not happen in Thailand in the forthcoming weeks … [Read more...]

Thai Government Announce General Election for July

On July 3, Thailand will go to the polls to decide on the next government. Prime Minister Abhisit confirmed the timing of the election in an announcement today and also said it would mark a new beginning for Thailand. The current coalition government came to power on the back of a court ruling in … [Read more...]