Thailand

Protests grow in Bangkok against the monarchy

Anti-monarchy protests have continued in Bangkok as demonstrators demand democracy and less power for King Maha Vajiralongkorn (or Rama X) in the biggest demonstration in the country in years. Thousands marched against the monarchy today in the Thai capital calling for a curb in the King’s powers and the replacement of the Thai prime minister and former junta leader, Prayuth Chan-ocha.
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Thailand

Foreign-based critics of Thailand’s monarchy receive suspicious packages

Foreign-based critics of the Thai regime and monarchy were subject to surveillance and suspicious packages, according to a well-known journalist critical of the monarchy. Andrew MacGregor Marshall revealed on Twitter that he and several other dissident journalists have been “targeted in August by people who surveilled our homes, followed us and sent packages intended to intimidate…
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Japan

Pandemic impacts Princess Mako's wedding plans

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Princess Mako of Japan’s wedding plans. The Princess announced her engagement to Kei Komuro in May 2017 with a wedding set for the following year; however, in 2018, the couple announced that they were postponing their wedding for…
Thailand

Queen Sirikit's birthday celebrated with elaborate orchid display

Thailand’s Queen Mother, Sirikit, will celebrate her 88th birthday on 12 August, and to mark the occasion, an elaborate display of colourful orchids has been put on display. More than 880,000 from nine genera across the country are on display for the “Paradise Of Siam 2020” event, which was created in coordination with the Department of Agriculture, the Ministry of Natural…
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Japan

Japanese pundits call for Imperial Household to use social media to promote activities

Japanese pundits have called on the Imperial Household to use social media, like their European and Middle Eastern counterparts, to promote their activities. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako have struggled with their roles this year as many events and trips were forced to be cancelled or postponed – including a state visit to the United Kingdom. The…
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