Topic: Thitinan Pongsudhirak

Thailand's first female leader takes helm of divided nation [VIDEO]

Yingluck Shinawatra, sister of ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, faces the opposition of palace and military factions who see her brother as a usurper of royal privileges.

Thailand election traces red shirt, yellow shirt fault line

Sunday's by-election in Thailand offer a window on the continuing divide, and hints at the enduring strength of the red shirt opposition.

Thailand cites plots against king for clampdown on red-shirt dissent

Thailand’s government accuses the red-shirt opposition of trying to topple revered King Bhumibol. Critics argue it’s using the monarchy – and strict laws against defaming it – as an excuse to crack down.

Clashes, fires roil Bangkok despite red-shirt protest leaders' surrender

Protesters burned buildings around Bangkok Wednesday even after troops overran the red-shirt camp and their leaders surrendered. Clashes left five people dead.

Thai red shirts refuse to back down despite PM's reconciliation plan

Thai red shirt protesters met with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Tuesday, who offered to hold parliamentary elections in November. Protest leaders say they will not end their Bangkok occupation unless elections are held by September.

Australia, Japan float rival plans for EU-style Asian bloc

But questions over a US role in any economic grouping and rivalry between China and Japan may thwart a rapid rollout of either plan.

Sen. Jim Webb breaks the ice in Burma

The reclusive regime in Burma (Myanmar) is touting its newfound openness, but skeptics wonder whether Webb's rare visit will bring any democratic reform.

Thailand searches for a political exit plan

In Thailand, populist protesters turn the tables on the government

Thousands of supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra seek to topple the government that itself came to power after mass demonstrations.

Airport clash grounds Thailand

The tug of war is stranding tourists and raising fears of escalating violence. The military denies rumors of an imminent coup, while the king remains silent.

Few gains in Thai protesters' 'final war'

The antigovernment group swarmed the airport where the prime minister was supposed to arrive Wednesday.

Post-Thaksin, a calmer Thailand?

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, facing corruption charges, fled to England this week. His absence may hurt the pro-Thaksin ruling party but also ease political strife.

Thailand faces revived protests

Weeklong antigovernment rallies have raised concerns of a second coup in two years.

Constitution takes center stage in Thai power struggle

At issue are clauses that could shut down the popular former prime minister's party.

Disaster may loosen junta's grip in Burma (Myanmar)

A May 10 poll could underscore how unpopular the regime is, as it slowly opens to foreign aid.

Divided, Thailand eyes ruling party's first steps

The majority coalition is expected to name a controversial prime minister.