Stories about Thailand
A decade of digital repression and resistance in Southeast Asia
Global Voices Southeast Asia editor Mong Palatino highlights the major trends, challenges, and prospects of upholding freedom of expression in the region
Bangkok’s elderly homeless populations are still affected by the pandemic
“I believe that if we have the proper pension scheme, it will not only help us to avoid the problem of homelessness.”
From silence to symbols: How Thais are employing language in new ways towards freedom of expression
"Thai netizens have turned to unique linguistic alternatives to continue freely expressing themselves online."
Nepal and Thailand mourn nationals killed in Israel
The bodies of 30 Thai farm workers killed by Hamas have started arriving in Bangkok.
Despite change in government, another Thai activist is jailed for royal defamation
"Thailand appears to be on a path toward regression, undoing the progress hoped for by millions."
A queer artist’s quest for sexual liberation in Thailand
Patthakarn Sadubtham "tries to use art as a medium to alleviate the hardships that many gay individuals, some still compelled to remain in the closet, have had to endure."
A new platform monitoring press freedom in Southeast Asia
Seven Southeast Asian media organizations have launched pfmsea.org, a joint platform to monitor press freedom across the region.
Protests condemn military-appointed senators for ignoring the choice of Thai voters
Thai citizens took to the streets in protest over the last week after military-appointed senators refused to vote for Move Forward Party (MFP) candidate as the country’s next prime minister.
Where is Wanchelearm Satsakit? The search for exiled Thai activist abducted in Cambodia
Wanchalearm's case is linked to the disappearance of eight other exiled activists, three of whose dead bodies have been found.
Trans woman MP designate advocates for a more gender-inclusive Thailand
Thailand's LGBTQ+ community made strides in the last election after three self-identified LGBTQ+ people won MP seats, including one trans woman who hopes to make the education system more inclusive.
The future of the Thai music industry after COVID-19
Thai musicians and those working in the music industry are still suffering economic and professional consequences from the COVID-19 pandemic and are largely left without any state or institutional support.
Time for reflection on lock-ins, lockdowns, and shutdowns at the Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly
EngageMedia Executive Director Phet Sayo invites allies to join in the collaborative sense-making process and reflect on the lessons and challenges ahead in navigating the digital rights landscape.
Thailand swings toward democracy after landslide election victory
In Thailand's general election, the former opposition parties defeated the military-backed parties that have ruled the country since the 2014 coup and demonstrated their readiness to form a new government.
Understanding Thailand's upcoming election through political cartoons
Global Voices features several political cartoons that depict the major issues in Thailand's ongoing election campaign.
Election blunders continue during early voting in Thailand
Missing names, wrong ballot labels, and missing candidate profiles are among the problems voters and election watchdogs encountered during the early voting period in Thailand
Civil society groups share human rights agenda ahead of Thailand’s general election
"If these prosecutions are not terminated, it would be difficult to solve this deep-rooted political problem in Thailand."
Thailand election debate: Parties share stand on royal defamation law
Representatives of 10 political parties shared their positions on the controversial law which has been actively enforced to silence criticism supposedly in order to protect the monarchy.
Underscoring the challenges of promoting digital rights in Southeast Asia
"…information disorders have been weaponized for political gain, while oppressive governments have tried to control the internet, particularly through social media, and crackdown on dissidents using digital surveillance as tactic."
Thai political parties sign election code of conduct, pledge to uphold human and digital rights
"Political parties agreed that, regardless of who forms the government, it is crucial to work together to create stability, restore democracy, and promote economic development that leaves no one behind."
Thailand's upcoming general election is fundamentally flawed, say rights groups
HRW and over 50 Thai and international civil society groups highlighted the shrinking spaces for freedoms and democratic processes in Thailand in joint letters to 25 of Thailand’s democratic allies and trading partners.
Ahead of elections, Thai political parties commit to upholding digital rights
"Ahead of the upcoming elections in Thailand, political parties committed to recognising and incorporating the protection of digital rights in their agenda."