Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

Thailand lawmakers vote to legalize same-sex marriage, potentially making it the third country in Asia to permit same-sex marriage.

Marriage Equality in Thailand

Thailand passed a bill recognizing marriage equality for the LGBTQ+ community, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia to allow same-sex marriage.

Thailand Senate Approves Marriage Equality Bill

Thailand's Senate approved a marriage equality bill, making it the first in Southeast Asia to enact such a law. The bill grants full legal, financial, and medical rights for marriage partners of any gender, replacing gender-specific terms with gender-neutral ones in the country's Civil and Commercial Code.

Fire at Thailand Market Kills Hundreds of Animals

A fire swept through a famous market in Thailand, killing hundreds of caged animals. No human casualties reported. Cause of fire under investigation.

Illegal Network in Thailand

Thai police seized ketamine hidden inside life-size Transformer robots in Thailand as part of breaking up a network helping foreigners stay in the country illegally. 98 foreigners, including 68 Russians, were accused of operating businesses without permits.

Indictment of Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Thailand

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of Thailand is facing indictment for allegedly insulting the monarchy, among other charges, in a setback to his political influence. Thaksin denies wrongdoing and has pledged loyalty to the crown. He is the highest-profile case among over 270 prosecutions under Thailand's lese-majeste law, one of the strictest in the world.

Wild Monkey Control in Lopburi, Thailand

Authorities in Lopburi, Thailand, are taking action to reduce the population of marauding wild monkeys by baiting cages with ripe tropical fruit. The monkeys have caused conflicts with humans and have become increasingly aggressive, leading to damage to property and injuries. The captured monkeys will be relocated to maintain the town's image as a monkey town.

Thailand's Cannabis Policy and Drug Seizure

Thailand plans to relist cannabis as a narcotic and issue permits only for medical and research use after Prime Minister's policy reversal. Police seized ketamine hidden inside life-size Transformer robots being sent to Taiwan.

Ketamine Seized in Thailand and Ethics Probe Against Prime Minister

Police in Thailand seized ketamine hidden inside life-size Transformer robots, while the country's Constitutional Court accepted a petition to probe the prime minister over an ethics violation. If found guilty, the prime minister could be ousted from his position.

Police Seize Ketamine Hidden in Transformer Robots in Thailand; Pro-Cannabis Advocates Oppose Government's Plan

Police seized ketamine hidden inside life-size Transformer robots in Thailand, while pro-cannabis advocates gathered to oppose the government's plan to relist cannabis as a narcotic.

Drug Trafficking Bust in Thailand

Thailand authorities seized over 700 pounds of ketamine hidden inside life-size Transformer robots that were intended to be sent to Taiwan by a woman involved in drug trafficking. The drugs were part of a larger drug smuggling operation involving transnational crime networks.

Thailand's Cannabis Legalization Reversal

The prime minister of Thailand wants to outlaw cannabis again due to concerns about children's access and increased crime, despite being the first country in Asia to legalize it two years ago. The market for cannabis was unregulated, leading to backlash and calls for restrictions on its use for medical purposes only.

Marijuana Legislation in Senate and Thailand's Cannabis Ban

Senate Democrats reintroduce marijuana legislation ahead of November elections. Prime Minister of Thailand seeks to outlaw cannabis again due to lack of regulation leading to increased crimes and availability to children. Legalization in 2022 prompted public backlash and concerns over misuse and crime. Cannabis advocates oppose rollback as it has fueled Thailand's tourism and farming sectors.

Thai Foreign Minister Resignation

Thailand's Foreign Minister abruptly resigns in dissatisfaction over being removed as one of the country's deputy prime ministers during a Cabinet reshuffle. Prime Minister respects the decision and is looking for a replacement.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand

King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, the richest monarch in the world, has a net worth between $30 billion and $45 billion. He succeeded his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and has seven children from his former wives. His youngest daughter, Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, is a fashion designer and the only child still part of the royal family. The king's current wife is Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, whom he married in 2019.

Trial of Spanish Actor's Son for Murder in Thailand

Thailand's court begins trial of Spanish actor's son accused of killing and dismembering a Colombian surgeon on popular tourist island. Son pleads not guilty to premeditated murder but guilty to hiding the victim's body. Trial opens with witness statements.

Ferry Boat Fire on the Way to Thailand's Death Island

A ferry boat caught fire on its way to Thailand's Death Island, with terrified tourists jumping overboard. All 108 passengers and crew survived. An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.

Thailand's Same-Sex Marriage Legalization

Thailand's parliament passed a marriage equality bill, moving the country closer to legalizing same-sex marriage. The bill recognizes marriage between two people regardless of gender and grants full rights of a married couple under the country's civil and commercial code.

Thailand Marriage Equality Bill Approval

Thailand's lower house of Parliament approved a marriage equality bill making the country the first in Southeast Asia to legalize equal rights for marriage partners of any gender. The bill now goes to the Senate and then to the king for royal endorsement.

Legal Victory of Yingluck Shinawatra in Thailand

Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was acquitted of mishandling funds for a government project in 2013, continuing a legal victory streak for her family. Her brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was released on parole after being detained for corruption-related offenses. The ruling raised speculation about Yingluck's return to Thailand. The acquittal is seen as a sign of the rising influence of the Shinawatra family in Thai politics.

Ban on Recreational Marijuana in Thailand

Thailand's health minister announced that recreational marijuana will be banned by the end of 2024, citing negative impacts on Thai children and the potential for misuse leading to other drugs. The bill will not affect medical use. The industry has grown significantly in the past two years, but the government aims to regulate and discourage recreational use.

Global Democracy Setbacks in 2023

Democracy faced setbacks worldwide in 2023 with violence and manipulation marring elections. Freedom House downgraded Ecuador from free to partly free and upgraded Thailand from not free to partly free. Political rights and civil liberties declined in 52 countries, with only 21 countries showing improvements.