This article hasn't been updated since 2014. If you are interested in the latest news about Thailand you can visit for example Bangkok Post or Thailand – BBC News.
We will be careful not to focus on personal opinions but instead provide factual news directly from Thailand, together with comments. The goal is to be fast, simple and accurate.
April 13, 2014
Have a Great Songkran!
Thailand.se wish you all a very nice and pleasant Songkran! Please, be careful if you are out on the roads in Thailand.
January 28, 2014
Bangkok Shutdown - Day 17
BANGKOK - Day 17 of Bangkok Shutdown.
21:55 - BREAKING - It is now confirmed that it was a police officer who shot the protester at the Army Club today. The policeman states that he was acting in self-defense. The protesters are of a different opinion.
17:32 - BREAKING - The Election Committee and the Caretaker Government has now confirmed that the election will be held on February 2nd. Yingluck did not have time for an interview. She was busy to another meetings.
17:08 - BREAKING - Unconfirmed rumors: Elections will be held on February 2, just as planned.
15:21 - BREAKING - At least one PDRC activist has been shot and injured outside the Army Club. The suspected gunman was then beaten by an angry mob. Both were taken to hospital.
10:50 - BREAKING - Unfortunately the day started violently. A government opponents shot dead this morning near Wat Samian Nari. After being beaten, he was shot in the chest with four shots.
January 27, 2014
Bangkok Shutdown - Day 16
BANGKOK - Day 16...
23:31 - Suthep: "Yesterday, our men went out to perform their duties, but Yingluck sent her helpers to kill him. Suthin was shot at midday, yesterday."
16:11 - Suthep replies: "I give Chalerm 24 hours to leave the CMPO" (Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order).
14:35 - Chalerm (Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order) has given the protesters an ultimatum. They have 72 hours to leave government buildings and agencies.
January 26, 2014
Bangkok Shutdown - Day 15
BANGKOK - It is the fifteenth day of the Shutdown. Today the polls will be open for advance voting. But bars should remain closed today, by applicable law.
21:33 - EXTRA - Suthep, the PDRC leader appeals to the military: "Bring out troops to protect us".
18:55 - EXTRA - 33 polling stations in Bangkok and 56 polling stations in the south of Thailand were forced to stay closed because they were blocked by anti-government activists (usually PDRC). This according to the Election Committee.
15:20 - EXTRA - Also, about ten people have been injured in the attack at Wat Sri Iam. None of these are said to have life-threatening injuries.
14:47 - EXTRA - Suthin Taratin, one of the leaders of NSPRT (militant opponents of the government) has been shot dead close to Wat Sri Iam. Our condolences to the deceased's family and loved ones.
14:42 - Dusit poll: 43% of the Bangkok residents want to postpone the election, while 34% would like to go ahead, as planned.
09:11 - BREAKING - First report about any violence. An angry mob who wanted to vote attacked a PDRC activist.
09:06 - BREAKING - PDRC: "We block no polling stations. If you want to vote, step on our heads".
08:59 - BREAKING - Phuket's polling stations are closed by demonstrators.
08:52 - BREAKING - At least FOURTEEN polling stations in the Bangkok area are closed.
08:08 - BREAKING - At least four polling stations have already been closed in Bangkok. They can not be used because they are blocked by activists.
06:28 - BREAKING - Some polling stations are already blocked by protesters in opposition to the ruling government. One may wonder what happens when those who intend to vote show up?! One can only keep our fingers crossed. The polls will open at 8:00 am.
06:17 - BREAKING - The Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order spokesperson, Chalerm Yoobamrung, said Suthep is to be arrested "in the near future". He urged the PDRC leader should surrender voluntarily so any violence could be avoided. Suthep has many loyal bodyguards at his side.
January 25, 2014
Bangkok Shutdown - Day 14
BANGKOK - Bangkok Shutdown, Day 14...
23:50 - For general information on Bangkok, we recommend our website about the capital: Bangkok.nu.
January 24, 2014
Bangkok Shutdown - Day 13
BANGKOK - Day 13 of the Bangkok Shutdown...
16:52 - BREAKING - The Thai Constitutional Court today determined that an election can be held. It is now up to the Election Commission and Government to agree. They'll have to hurry as early voting begins in two days.
January 23, 2014
Bangkok Shutdown - Day 12
BANGKOK - Day 12 of the Shutdown...
12:38 - BREAKING - The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) says they plan to indict Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra after the upcoming election. This because of the recent failed rice pledging scheme.
January 22, 2014
Bangkok Shutdown - Day 11
BANGKOK - The eleventh day of Bangkok Shutdown and the first days of martial law...
11:21 - BREAKING - It has now been confirmed that it is a red shirt leader, Kwanchai Praipanan, who suffered gunshot wounds in the shoulder and leg. According to reports in social media, he was shot with an assault rifle outside his house in Udon Thani. The city is a very stronghold of the Red Shirts, which makes the attack somewhat unexpected and alarming.
11:08 - BREAKING - Unconfirmed reports suggests that a red shirt leader has been shot in Udon Thani (Northeastern Thailand).
January 21, 2014
Bangkok Shutdown - Day 10
BANGKOK - Day 10 of Bangkok Shutdown...
22:32 - BREAKING - Suthep: "I want to see what orders they will issue. We'll break every single one of them.".
21:11 - BREAKING - Suthep: "From tomorrow we will increase our efforts to overthrow the Government".
20.43 - BREAKING - A state of emergency may affect travel insurances. Please check with your insurance provider to verify.
20.37 - BREAKING - During the state of emergency, the Government and the security forces are granted a mandate to stop any ongoing protests. For example, by imposing a curfew, make arrests without a warrant, censor media and to ban public political meetings and gatherings.
20.33 - BREAKING - The state of emergency will apply in Bangkok, Nonthaburi Province and some districts in Pathumthani and Samutprakarn provinces.
BREAKING - A 60 day state of emergency has been imposed in Bangkok, starting tomorrow. The decision was made by Thailand's Cabinet.
January 20, 2014
Bangkok Shutdown - Day 9
BANGKOK - Day nine of BKK Shutdown...
16.57 - A video showing the offender, when he throws the first one of the grenades:
January 19, 2014
Bangkok Shutdown - Day 8
BANGKOK - Day 8...
15:24 - BREAKING - It was two hand grenades thrown this time. Their locking mechanisms were found.
15:14 - BREAKING - The number of injured is 28. They were rushed to four different hospitals.
14:56 - BREAKING - Two bombs have detonated at the Victory Monument protest site. Many people have been injured.
January 18, 2014
Bangkok Shutdown - Day 7
BANGKOK - It's the seventh day of the Bangkok Shutdown.
08:27 - BREAKING - It is the The Royal Thai Armed Forces Day today, so the military will be present in various shows and parades around the country.
07:46 - BREAKING - Unfortunately, we will begin the weekend with bad news. The 46-year-old man who was badly injured in yesterday's grenade attack on Banthad Thong Road, has now died. We extend our condolences to his family and friends.
January 17, 2014
Bangkok Shutdown - Day 6
BANGKOK - It's the sixth day of the Shutdown. How time flies.
21:26 - Several candlelight vigils were held in different locations in Bangkok and other parts of the country. The message is "Peace", "Respect my Vote" and "Open Bangkok" and many of the participants are supporters of Prime Minister Yingluck and her government.
15:51 - BREAKING - The perpetrator is still at large. The building from which the attack was carried out was abandoned. Besides weapons, the police found packages of food, bananas, a markerboard with notes and a cap in the room.
15:45 - BREAKING - People are upset at the site of the explosion. The police have investigated the site and some of the demonstrators are accusing the police to be involved. The police have now left the scene and have been replaced by military servicemen.
15:32 - BREAKING - Blue Sky Channel says that the person who carried out the attack had been living in the room / apartment for a some time and probably planned the attack from there.
14:48 - BREAKING - Suthep was just subjected to a hand grenade attack. He escaped, but at least twenty people are injured.
12:52 - Prime minister Yingluck is now holding a press conference with foreign journalists.
08:56 - Short summary of the night's events:
• A hand grenade was thrown against Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatras' house on Si Ayutthaya Road. The governor was not at home and no one was injured. The hand grenade is said to be of the same type that damaged former Prime Minister Abhisits house. It was thrown from a person who jumped off a motorcycle. The incident was recorded by a surveillance camera.
• A so-called ping-pong bomb wounded two people at the Lad Phrao protest site at 3 am. They were taken to a nearby hospital.
January 16, 2014
Bangkok Shutdown - Day 5
BANGKOK - We are on the fifth day of the Bangkok Shutdown.
18:54 - BREAKING - An Anti corruption agency - NACC has launched an investigation against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. This because of the controversial subsidy program for rice farmers. The program was expected to consolidate Pheu Thais (already strong) support in the north, but now it seems to be just the opposite. A majority of the rice farmers have not received their money yet.
17:58 - BREAKING - Police chief General Adul Saengsingkaew have appointed a police task force with a mission to arrest the PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban. According to Adul; Suthep has 40 private guards protecting him.
12:51 - A few rally speakers are accused of sexist comments on PM Yingluck. A doctor (!) From Songkhla told this: "The Prime Minister still has time to become a nude model. Resign now before your period stops. Otherwise it will be too late to start a new career".
10:58 - BREAKING - Head of the Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) now warns Suthep for his threats to detain Yingluck and other key people in the government. The national Chief of Police was asked to immediately arrest Suthep and prosecute him for treason.
00:01 - The police have confiscated three firearms at the demonstration site of Nang Lerng. Two of these are said to be equipped with silencers. The owners of the firearms have been arrested.
January 15, 2014
Bangkok Shutdown - Day 4
BANGKOK - The fourth day of the Bangkok Shutdown has begun. I have slept very little the last few days but feel surprisingly ok.
02:11 - BREAKING - The bus that was set on fire is believed to have transported protesters from southern Thailand to Bangkok. Fortunately there were no people in the bus, according to firefighters.
01:56 - BREAKING - A tour bus was set on fire at Nang Lerng.
01:13 - BREAKING - More gunfire is heard. People fear rooftop snipers.
01:10 - BREAKING - Abhisits father's bedroom was partially destroyed by the blast. Fortunately, no humans were injured.
00:52 - BREAKING - A small bomb was thrown at former Prime Minister Abhisits residence. Some damages to the building is reported.
00:44 - BREAKING - There were two seperate shootings at Phathumwan and Hua Chang Bridge (near Asia Hotel). Two or three people are injured. They have been rushed to nearby hospitals.
January 14, 2014
Bangkok Shutdown - Day 3
BANGKOK - It's still nice weather in the capital and we are now into the third day of the Bangkok Shutdown. I will keep writing.
21:22 - The ruling Pheu Thai wants to CSD to take legal action against the Bangkok governor, MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra. The reason is that they think the governor has offered support to the demonstrators in the form of equipment and sandbags.
20:39 - Tomorrow morning, the protestors will march from Asoke on Sukhumvit Road and the final destination at Petchburi Road. Suthep is expected to join in.
20:11 - No flights have been delayed due to the events in Bangkok. But Thai Airways suggests that passengers should arrive at the airport four hours before departure.
19:54 - The government has announced that they will hold a meeting to discuss whether the election can be delayed, or not.
18:13 - There are noticeably fewer people demonstrating today compared with yesterday, but that is partly because it's no longer weekend and people need to go to work. Many of them will join the rallies in the evening.
17:31 - Crowds of protesters gathered at several government buildings and ministries. They also held a rally at Shinawatra Tower II, but it turned out that the offices were almost empty because the workers there had already been instructed to work from home, due to safety reasons.
14:09 - Prime Minister Yingluck said today that she intends to remain in office as Prime Minister: "I do not stay in power in order to preserve my political status, but to safeguard democracy, which belongs to all Thais".
13:03 - PDRC reiterates that they DO NOT plan to occupy airports, train stations, air traffic control or The Stock Exchange of Thailand.
12:40 - Suthep: "If we have not managed to close all government buildings within two or three days, we will capture Yingluck and other ministers".
12:26 - Demonstrators have closed the Office of National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB). The employees have been asked to leave the building no later than 1 pm.
11:12 - Rumors are suggesting that some demonstrators are threatening to storm the police headquarters. The hundreds of protesters outside are requiring that all three gates should be opened.
09:44 - A few thousand demonstrators have gathered in front of the Customs Department on Sunthornkosa Road in the district of Klong Toey. They are blocking the entrance.
08:19 - Some telephone numbers that may be helpful to keep if you are in Bangkok:
• Tourist Police: 1155
• Tourist Assistance: 02-401-1111 (Temporary)
• Tourism Authorities: 1672
• Skytrain - BTS: 02-617-6000
• Subway - MRT: 02-624-5200
• Suvarnabhumi Airport: 1722
• Thai Airways: 02-356-1111
• Bangkok Airways: 1771
• Air Asia: 02-515-9999
• Nok Air: 1318
07:22 - It is quiet in Bangkok this early morning. Much less traffic than normal.
06:58 - Aside from a minor tear gas incident it seems to have been a peaceful night. Some of the demonstrators went to their homes in the capital, while others slept in tents or directly on the ground in sleeping bags.
January 13, 2014
Bangkok Shutdown - Day 2
BANGKOK - It was supposed to be the first day of Bangkok's Shutdown, but it became the second.
23:57 - It is not only in Bangkok that people have organized demonstrations. In a number of northern cities, including Chiang Mai, large crowds have lit candles and shown their support FOR the upcoming election and FOR the current government. The majority of the population north of Bangkok are supporting Pheu Thai (the current government), while a majority of the people living south of Bangkok supports the Democrats (the opposition).
21:46 - A smaller but a more militant group, Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (NSPRT), has threatened to stop the air traffic controllers from doing their job in Bangkok. Now the group is warned that imprisonment up to fifteen years can be imposed if they realize the threats.
21:23 - An explosion at a footbridge at Lad Prao proved the be firecrackers. Fingers crossed that the late evening and night will be calm!
20:41 - Some of the stores will have shorter opening hours tomorrow. CentralWorld, for example, will be open from 11:30 am to 6 pm.
20:35 - Tomorrow, at 7:30 am, the PDRC supporters in Lumpini will march to Klong Toey and try to close down the Customs Department.
19:42 - Suthep also said that he (and the PDRC) would only negotiate if the "Shinawatra regime" first was wiped out politically.
19:29 - Suthep claims that there were about 180,000 protestors in the capital today. He just said that they will not give up until their demands are met.
14:11 - Now I will have to sleep an hour or two. I'll be back with more reports later today.
14:10 - Even if it's packed with peoples at the protest sites, other areas of the capital are almost desolate.
13:54 - In several cities in north-eastern Thailand (Korat, Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani etc.) big crowds have demonstrated in favor of the government.
12:01 - The Rama VIII Bridge has been barricaded. No cars are allowed to pass by.
11:28 - A few fights occurred outside Siam Mall. Apart from that, the day has been rather calm. No policemen are seen on the streets of the capital.
10:44 - Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha has arranged a meeting with the top-five army officers in Thailand. They will discuss the current turmoil in Bangkok.
10:20 - Media reports claim that approximately 100,000 people have joined the march with Suthep! I can not confirm this.
09:28 - Suthep and his supporters have now left the Democracy Monument and have started their march.
09:24 - A lot of people have gathered outside CentralWorld at Ratchaprasong. The Chatuchak Park has transformed into a campsite.
08:05 - 38% of Bangkok's citizens would like to see the protesters give up and go home. This according to a survey conducted by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University.
07:55 - The shopping malls (including MBK and CentralWorld) are open today. The same applies to museums and famous attractions (including Grand Palace).
07:24 - As expected, many are going with BTS (Skytrain) today. Some of the trains were almost full to capacity, while others were almost empty.
05:59 - At 2:30 am a person opened fire from a passing car near the Democratic Party headquarters. No one is reported to have been injured.
05:12 - According to police, the shots injured a twenty year old passer and not a demonstration guard, as rumors claimed.
01:29 - Gunfire reported from the barricades at Chaeng Wattana. One person had a gunshot wound to the head. Rumors claim that the shot was accidental and went off during a scuffle.
01:06 - Many Thais from north and south will today join the demonstrations in the capital. Generally, the people from the south supports the protest movement, while a majority from the north supports the current government and PM Yingluck Shinawatra. Many fear direct confrontations between these groups.
00:56 - Armed military are now in place outside government buildings, airports, telecom operators and TV stations.
00:22 - At midnight, the situation is calm at the various demonstration and meeting places. Also some curious tourists can be spotted.
January 12, 2014
Bangkok Shutdown - Day 1
BANGKOK - At 5 pm, local time, the Bangkok Shutdown started.
• Roadblocks have been set up at Lad Prao, Chaeng Wattana and Phathumwan. Only buses are allowed to pass.
• The intersection of Ratchaprasong, next to the department stores; Central World, Zen and Gaysorn, was blocked by a few hundred protesters at 8 pm.
• The leader of the PDRC, Suthep Thaugsuban, made a speech late in the evening. He said that he will refuse to negotiate and compromise with the ruling government.
• Tomorrow at 09.00 Suthep will lead a demonstration march that will pass Rajthevi, Pathumwan and Rachaprasong heading to Asoke.
• The police have not done anything to prevent the barriers. They have said that they will not confront the demonstrators at the moment.
• People have begun to gather in Lumpini Park. Several of them have tents with them. Even at Chatuchak Market people are camping.
• Skytrain (BTS) will operate as usual tomorrow, between 06-24. However, the trains will be very crowded I guess. The subway, river boats and the Airport Link will also operate as usual.
• Although the demonstrations may appear as "a festival" I recommend no one (except journalists) to go to the demonstration sites to take pictures, etc. There are rumors indicating that snipers may be hiding in surrounding buildings.
January 10, 2014
Going on in Bangkok? - Part 3
BANGKOK - It's Friday and here is a selection of the recent news about the Bangkok "shutdown":
• Suthep and PDRC now reports that "only" seven intersections will be blocked in the capital. Previously they stated that they have intended to block many more. The current intersections are: Chaeng Wattana, Ha Yaek Lat Prao, Victory Monument, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Ratchaprasong and Asoke.
• PDRC also announces that they DO NOT have plans to occupy Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airpots. Nor will they hinder boat traffic on the Chao Phraya or the skytrain and subway traffic.
• Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha again clarified that the army did not take a position in this political conflict. He also said that they are not sitting down planning a military coup.
• Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra says the decline in tourism in the country is worrying her, because of the prevailing situation in Bangkok. The tourism is expected to decline by at least 15 % in January.
• There is also an opposition in Bangkok against the "shutdown" of the city. Yesterday some of these organized rallies where participants lit candles in protest against the shutdown and possible violence. Among others, three of the city's universities organized rallies.
January 9, 2014
Going on in Bangkok? - Part 2
BANGKOK - Well, it's Thursday again and four days until the advertised "shutdown" of the most central areas of the capital.
• It is still calm in the capital. Today, Suthep and a few hundred supporters marched today from the Democracy Monument via the Memorial Bridge to Thonburi, on the other side of the Chao Phraya River. This was intended as a warm-up for "shutdown" of Bangkok, the 13th.
• So-called "Friends Tourist Centres" will be established at Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang Airports, and at certain skytrain and subway stations such as Hua Lamphong, Phaya Thai and Ekkamai. Tourists will be able to gather at these if the situation gets tense.
• There have been many rumors of whether a military coup may occur or not. General Prayuth Chan-ocha said he could not give a certain answer, but "Anything can happen" and "If there's a reason for something to happen, it will not happen". Other senior military officers have expressed similar thoughts.
• Officials from the tourism sector says that far fewer Chinese will visit Thailand in January, than expected. For example, it is estimated that about 40% fewer Chinese will go to Phuket.
• We will update you daily about the situation. If something extraordinary happens, I will devote myself to this full-time, until the situation has calmed down.
January 8, 2014
Going on in Bangkok? - Part 1
BANGKOK - As you probably know, there have been some unrest in Bangkok in November and December. On January 13th, it People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) plan to "shut down" the capital. Their goal is to get rid of the ruling government.
• 14,880 policemen and soldiers will be ordered out from January 13, to ensure order.
• 146 schools will be closed from 13th because of the planned occupation of the capital.
• The opposition, the Democratic Party, argues that the widespread corruption is costing the country 300 billion baht per year.
• Thai Airways temporarily closes its headquarters on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road on the 13th. If you want to rebook, please visit their website - Thaiairways.com, or call: +66 (0) 2-356-1111.
• Because of the shutdown, temporary offices for immigration matters are established at:
1. Major Hollywood Suksawat, 1st floor, Suksawat Road, Ratburana.
2. Imperial World Ladprao, 5th floor, Ladprao Road, Wang Tong Lang.
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A Few Words about me
My name is Jens and I was born in the early seventies in Södertälje, Sweden. I traveled for the first time to Thailand in 1989-1990 and already then started to have strong (positive) feelings for the country and it's people. During subsequent trips, it was mainly beach-life and Muay Thai training on the agenda but as time has gone by a strong interest regarding Thailand's history, community and culture has emerged within me. In early 2004, I moved here permanently.
My wife Rawadee is indirectly involved in the writing and contributes with knowledge, facts and inspiration. We try to alternate daily news from the country with our own reflections. The news and blog are illustrated with some photos, both my own and others. I hope you'll find the reading somewhat useful and I am of course open to your comments, suggestions and criticisms.
We are full-time geeks. Jens is working with web development, search engine optimization, graphic design and photography. Rawadee had a computer shop before, but is now also working with web development.
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