He is accused of staying in state-owned housing after retiring from the military in September 2014. “Thailand’s justice system has completely lost its integrity. Thailand’s highest court is set to rule Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020 on whether Prayuth has breached ethics clauses in the country’s constitution and should be ousted from his position. Dec. 14 (UPI) -- The popular social media platform Reddit said Sunday it has acquired the German short-video app Dubsmash for an undisclosed amount of money in an effort to keep up with rivals like Facebook and Twitter. A general election last year brought to power a proxy party established by the military, which with its allies selected Prayuth to serve again as prime minister. Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda were given the same privilege, former army chief Gen. Apirat Kongsompong declared before his retirement this past September. Sudan officially comes off U.S. blacklist of terrorism sponsors. The Thai Constitution prohibits a government minister from "receiving any special money or benefit from a government agency, state agency or state enterprise apart from that given by the government agency, state agency or state enterprise to other persons in the ordinary course of business," according to The Thaiger. Dec. 13 (UPI) -- British best-selling author David Cornwell, better known as John le Carre, whose Cold War-era spy novels transformed the espionage genre, died over the weekend, his literary agent said. According to the Thai court ruling Wednesday, Prayut had the right to stay at the residence in the First Infantry Regiment base in Bangkok. He was 89 years old. The rally attracted several thousand people, and like many other recent ones had a carnival atmosphere at times. The ongoing protests charge that the 2017 constitution established under military rule gave the proxy Palang Pracharath Party an unfair advantage in the election. Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha leaves after a press conference at Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020. "The prime minister must resign," said opposition leader Sompong Amornwiwat, echoing demands of tens of thousands of protestors who had set a … Thailand’s Constitutional Court is set to decide on Wednesday whether Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha should be disqualified for breaking ethical … Southern Thailand has experienced its most extensive and severe flooding in decades. Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Thailand's prime minister has been acquitted of violating the Constitution amid accusations of abuse of power and calls for his resignation. Prem Tinsulanonda, one of Thailand’s most influential political figures over four decades who served as army commander, prime minister and adviser to the royal palace, has died at age 98. The Constitutional Court ruled on a complaint brought by the Pheu Thai party, the… Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha tried to allay fears of a second wave of coronavirus infections, saying the Thais who sneaked back across the … Thailand's peaceful protesters have urged Prayut to resign since the summer and continue to call for revisions to Thailand's Constitution. Defector Thae Yong-ho: Seoul's parliament 'capitulating' to North Korea. He […] Thailand’s Prime Minister on Thursday declared that “all laws and all articles” will be enforced against anti-government protesters who break the law. The Constitutional Court ruled on a complaint brought by the Pheu Thai party, the largest opposition grouping in Parliament, that Prayuth had broken the law by continuing to live in his military residence after he retired as army commander in September 2014. Prayut led the coup that forced Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra out of power. Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha leaves after a press conference at Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020. The army argued on his behalf that his military housing is actually a VIP guest house, though critics suggest that if he did not pay at least for water and electricity, he may be breaking the law. On Wednesday evening, protesters in Bangkok condemned the court decision while chanting, "Get out" and "Evil prime minister," according to the Straits Times. The court’s verdict today shows they look down on the people. Dec. 14 (UPI) -- A Singapore-flagged oil tanker discharging in Saudi Arabia was struck by an "external source" early Monday, causing a fire and damage to the ship's hull. Pool photo by Ron Sachs/UPI |, Japan halts travel campaign amid record surge in COVID-19 cases. In this photo released by Government Spokesman Office, a well-wisher hugs Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha in Samut Songkhram province, Thailand, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020. Thai prime minister, General Prayuth Chan-o-cha, talks to the press after voting on March 24, 2019 in Bangkok. The nine-judge panel agreed with an army explanation that retired senior officers such as Prayuth are allowed to stay in army housing in recognition of their service. Activists called for royal reform Wednesday. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, at the Forbes Thailand Forum 2020: Thailand’s Megatrends. SEOUL, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- After a weekend that saw record numbers of daily COVID-19 infections, South Korea upped its efforts to control the infection with measures that include closing schools and opening 150 additional testing sites. The prime minister, who did not appear in court Wednesday, previously said his home was being renovated and his security detail had recommended he stay on army property. All Rights Reserved. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was not illegally occupying a military-owned residence, Thailand's Constitutional Court ruled Wednesday. Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha leaves after a press conference at Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020. Representatives of the Human Rights Lawyers Association filed the lawsuit with the Civil Court on Friday. breach, Meet President-elect Joe Biden's top adviser picks. Thailand’s highest court on Wednesday acquitted Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of breaching ethics clauses in the country’s constitution, allowing him to stay in his job. Thailand's Constitutional Court ruled Wednesday that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was not illegally occupying a military-owned residence after the 2014 coup, Singapore's Straits Times and The Thaiger reported. The three ousted politicians were associated with a former prime minister, populist billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by a 2006 military coup after being accused of abuse of power, corruption and disrespect to the monarchy. Tanker struck by 'external source' in Saudi Arabia, causing fire. He was educate… If a minister is found guilty of violating ethical standards, the official is to be disqualified and forced to step down. As army commander, Prayuth led a coup in May 2014 that ousted an elected government led by the Pheu Thai party. Quick-hitting snow to precede potential blockbuster across mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Bipartisan lawmakers to introduce $908B relief bill Monday, First shipment of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine sent out to states, U.S. agencies ordered to look for hacks after Commerce Dept. Prayut, 66, would have had to step down if convicted. Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Japan is suspending a government-subsidized travel program amid a record surge in COVID-19 infections in the country, as total cases near 180,000 and Tokyo's new cases surpass 500. The lawsuit is over the declaration of a state of emergency decree declared in Bangkok last month. Even before the court convened Wednesday, the protesters had called a rally to respond to the verdict. The court said that senior officers such as Prayuth were entitled to live in military housing as special guests in honor of their military careers. Italy climbs into fifth place for most coronavirus deaths. South Korea closes schools, opens new testing sites amid COVID-19 outbreak. Thailand's prime minister has vowed to use all available laws to quash protests calling for his ouster, after parliament rejected key demands of the demonstrators by rejecting a motion to revamp the country's constitution and overhaul the monarchy. Excellencies, Millennials, Generation Alpha, Neo-digital natives, Ladies and Gentlemen, Introduction: Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha leaves after a press conference at Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020. In this photo released by Government Spokesman Office, a well-wisher hugs Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha in Samut Songkhram province, Thailand, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020. Afghan gov't, Taliban reach breakthrough deal on peace talks, Lawmakers in South Korea pass bill to ban anti-Pyongyang leaflets, Chinese dissident who defaced Xi poster says she's on 'verge of collapse'. Thailand's Constitutional Court ruled Wednesday that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was not illegally occupying a military-owned residence … Thailand’s Constitutional Court acquits Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha of ethics violation, allowing him to keep post By Associated Press Dec. 2, 2020 at 3:26 a.m. EST Prayuth’s defense has been that the official residence of the prime minister is undergoing renovation, and also that he faces security concerns. Human rights groups are concerned that Thailand's freedom of the press is being irreconcilably curtailed under the military junta led by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha. Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha leaves after a press conference at Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020. John le Carre, author of Cold War spy novels, dies aged 89. BANGKOK — Thailand’s highest court on Wednesday acquitted Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha of breaching ethics clauses in the country’s constitution, allowing him to stay in his job at a time he’s fending off calls for his resignation from student-led pro-democracy protesters. How the Conservative Legal Movement Stopped Trump, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Are TIME's 2020 Person of the Year, You can unsubscribe at any time. He has been the leader of the Democrat Party since February 2005, first serving as opposition leader in the House of Representatives of Thailand, which on 15 December 2008, elected him the 27th Prime Minister of Thailand. MEGATRENDS AND THAILAND . Thailand’s highest court acquitted prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha of breaching ethics clauses in the country’s constitution, allowing him to stay in his job. Thailand's prime minister has vowed to use all available laws to quash protests calling for his ouster, after parliament rejected key demands of the demonstrators by rejecting a motion to revamp the country's constitution and overhaul the monarchy. The court, like the military, is considered a pillar of the country’s royalist establishment, and the ultimate bulwark against threats to it. He then headed the junta that ruled for five years and was also prime minister in the military-guided government. The ruling comes as Prayuth has been dealing with a persistent student-led pro-democracy movement that has been holding frequent well-attended rallies demanding that he and his government step down, charging that they came to power illegitimately. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, GRANT PECK and CHALIDA EKVITTHAYAVECHNUKUL / AP, Thailand's Prime Minister Has Been Acquitted of an Ethics Breach and Will Retain His Post. Thailand's military junta chief, Prayut Chan-o-cha, was elected as the country's first civilian prime minister since he took power in a coup in 2014 … “There is a risk of escalation to more violence. Prayuth Chan-ocha, a … The court also said the current chief, Gen. Narongpan Jittkeawtae, had explained that the army’s regulations allow it to pay for utilities and other necessary costs in such instances. Thaksin Shinawatra was the first prime minister of Thailand to complete a full term in office, and his rule is generally agreed to have been one of the most distinctive in the country's modern history. The complaint alleged that he broke constitutional articles barring government ministers from receiving special benefits from state agencies or enterprises because that would amount to a conflict of interest. "General Prayut Chan-o-cha can legitimately stay in the army guests facility ... as a former army leader and as a person who serves the country," the court said. It […] Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha gave his warning in a statement issued from his office, in the face of street rallies by anti-government protesters demanding his removal, as well as reform of the monarchy. Copyright © 2020 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Britain, EU extend post-Brexit trade talks past Sunday deadline, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Britain and the European Union have agreed to extend post-Brexit trade talks beyond a deadline set for Sunday after leaders conducted a call on "major unresolved topics. The judges ruled unanimously in Prayuth’s favor. 3 December 2020, Centara Grand Hotel & Convention Centre, Bangkok . But there was also an angry tone when Parit tore up and burned a book written by one of the judges, Nakharin Mektrairat, who in the past decade has become a prominent defender of conservative Thai ideology. Abhisit Vejjajiva, born (3 August 1964) is the incumbent Prime Minister of Thailand. Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha visited the flood-hit southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat on Monday. News Thailand: Protesters keep up pressure on prime minister to quit. Vejjajiva, was formally endorsed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej as Prime Minister on 17 December 2008.Abhisit was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England to a family of Thai physicians. ", AstraZeneca to buy Boston pharmaceutical firm Alexion for $39B. Thailand's Prime Minister has revoked emergency measures imposed on Bangkok following more than a week of daily anti-government protests in the nation's capital and other cities. Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha had been accused of conflict of interest because he continued to live in a military residence after retiring as army chief. The king controls two army units and personally owns assets worth $40 billion, according to the Straits Times. This will fuel people’s anger and be the condition that drives our rallies to a higher level,” a protest leader, Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak, told The Associated Press. The Prime Minister of Thailand (literally "chief minister of state") is the head … A royalist holds a photo of Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida near the site of a rally to call for the ouster of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s government and reforms in the monarchy in Bangkok, Thailand, November 14, 2020. The court’s rulings have generally been favorable to Thaksin’s opponents and hostile to his supporters, leading to criticism that it it is guided as much by politics as by law. Reuters “The situation is not improving,” Prayuth said in a statement. BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s highest court on Wednesday acquitted Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha of breaching ethics clauses in the country’s constitution, allowing him … Dec. 14 (UPI) -- A high-profile North Korean defector serving in the South's parliament condemned a controversial bill banning anti-Pyongyang leaflets, which passed at Seoul's National Assembly Monday. Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Italy has been dealing with a second wave of coronavirus deaths and cases that have been far worse than when the nation was the world epicenter in the spring. "Many issues will arise if the monarchy is not politically neutral," said Arnon Nampa, a protest leader. By signing up you are agreeing to our, Thai Police Charge 12 Protester Under Lese Majeste Law, Dr. Anthony Fauci and the Frontline Health Workers Are TIME's 2020 Guardians of the Year, Save on the cover price and get Free Issues, Sign up to receive the top stories you need to know now on politics, health and more, © 2020 TIME USA, LLC. Dec. 14 (UPI) -- The United States on Monday officially removed Sudan from its list of nations designated as state backers of terrorism, fulfilling a top goal for the African nation's transitional government. He initiated many eye-catching policies that distinguished him from his predecessors. When Prayuth and several of his Cabinet ministers faced a censure debate in Parliament in February, opposition leader Sompong Amornwiwat raised the issue of whether Prayuth had acted illegally by continuing to live at his army residence at a base in Bangkok. BANGKOK — Thailand’s highest court on Wednesday acquitted Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha of breaching ethics clauses in the country’s constitution, allowing him to stay in his job at a time he’s fending off calls for his resignation from student-led pro-democracy protesters. In the past 12 years, court rulings have ousted three Thai prime ministers. Protesters and human rights lawyers are suing Thailand’s Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and others for 3.5 million baht in damages. Dec. 12 (UPI) -- British drugmaker AstraZeneca agreed Saturday to buy the Boston pharmaceutical firm Alexion for $39 billion in cash and stock. Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha. BANGKOK — Thailand’s highest court on Wednesday acquitted Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha of breaching ethics clauses in the country’s constitution, allowing him to stay in his job at a time he's fending off calls for his resignation from student-led pro-democracy protesters. Climbs into fifth place for most coronavirus deaths military rule gave the proxy Palang Pracharath party an unfair advantage the. Like many other recent ones had a carnival atmosphere at times disqualified and forced to down... 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