After 15 years, Thaksin returns homeThailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra sits next to his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra as they leave Police General Hospital after being granted parole, in Bangkok on Sunday. (REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha)Convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra left Police General Hospital and returned to his residence on Charan Sanitwong 69 Road in Bang Phlat district after more than 15 years of absence as he was paroled on Sunday. Thaksin, 74, was discharged from Police General Hospital early Sunday morning. In another case, the Supreme Court found Thaksin had illegally launched a two- and three-digit lottery between 2003 and 2006. In the other case Thaksin was convicted of malfeasance and conflict of interest for illegally holding shares through proxies in the state's phone concessionaires.

A search is under way for the captain of a longtail tour boat, Apichart Kobtaisong, who fell into the water off the coast of Krabi on Friday night. (Screen capture)A search has been launched after the captain of a longtail tour boat went overboard off the coast of Krabi on Friday night. He was knocked off his boat after it collided with another vessel in the vicinity of Koh Kai. Apichart’s boat was leading the second vessel owned by Guitar Roong Tawan 08 Company before the incident occurred. Yuthapong Damsrisuk, the national park chief, acknowledged the possibility that the boat captain could have perished and been washed out of the initial search zone.

Polls no panaceaRe: "The perils of too much democracy", (Editorial, Feb 10). Regular elections are not the panacea, as demonstrated by many Asian countries, including Thailand. In Pakistan's elections, the strategic use of social media and AI-generated gatherings gave the imprisoned Imran Khan significant advantages. Similarly, the MFP in Thailand exploited social media to win the elections by a landslide. Too much of anything is bad for any society, whether it be religion, blind faith, freedom, authoritarianism, communism, social media, or democracy.

Only local police officers will be used to maintain peace and order at the site, Pol Gen Surachate said on Saturday. He was commenting on an anticipated demonstration by protesters who have condemned what they see as special treatment given to the convicted former prime minister by justice authorities. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed on Saturday that Thaksin would be released on Sunday but did not specify a time. Mr Pichit’s protest group is reportedly seeking to gather 20,000 signatures to petition parliament to look into Thaksin’s medical treatment and the performance of Police General Hospital administrators. “But I explained earlier that various agencies had investigated the hospital’s medical team and they confirmed the team performed its duties honestly and with transparency.”

THG set to expand Myanmar investmentThonburi Bamrungmuang Hospital in Bangkok, operated by THG. The company sees a business opportunity to expand its hospital services in Myanmar. Thonburi Healthcare Group Plc (THG) plans to expand its hospital business in Myanmar following an increase in patients seeking medical treatment. A feasibility study on the new investment is being conducted and its findings are expected soon, said Tanatip Suppradit, chief executive of THG. THG plans to increase hospital beds and offer new treatment services to patients.

Traders predict domestic gold price bump in MayTraders predict domestic gold prices, which peaked at 34,550 baht per baht-weight during the Chinese New Year, will be an uptrend again in May. Domestic gold prices have eased by 300 baht from the Lunar New Year peak, as global prices edged down to $2,019, said Jitti Tangsitphakdee, president of the Gold Traders Association. The expected cut of the US policy rate by 0.25% in May should clearly drive up domestic gold prices, he said. In the future, Mr Jitti predicts domestic gold prices could reach 40,000 baht per baht-weight, though not during this year. The weak property and equity markets made investors seek other opportunities, with gold benefiting as a result, according to World Gold Council.

A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is seen at a Thai Airways hangar in Bangkok. THAI, emerging from a major restructuring, said its order includes an option to purchase more jets. “The long-term aircraft acquisition plan is crucial for replacing gradually expiring leased and ageing aircraft,” it said. The order also came with options for additional aircraft, the airline said, adding that its fleet size would reach 96 jets after the acquisition. The deal adds to a growing order book for Boeing, which has recently locked in deals for 150 Max jets from Akasa Air of India.

Romance fills the dust-filled air of Bangkok on Valentine's Day, as couples find ways to convey their affection, from traditional roses, heart-shaped pillows and big red dolls to the straightforward allure of banknotes and lottery tickets.

(File photo)Convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be paroled this coming weekend because he is old and seriously ill, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong confirmed on Tuesday. Pol Col Tawee said at Government House that Thaksin was among 930 inmates whose release was approved by a parole committee. Pol Col Tawee said the number of paroled inmates was similar each month, about 930. "I would like to say, this is normal... Parole for serious illness, disability or being aged 70 years or more began in 2003. Thaksin's daughter Paetongtarn, leader of the coalition-core Pheu Thai Party, said on Tuesday her father would return to the family home.

State revenue collection beats quarterly target by B1.62bnFiscal Policy Office director-general Pornchai ThiravejaThe government's revenue collection for the first three months of fiscal 2024 exceeded its target by 0.3%, or 1.62 billion baht, says Fiscal Policy Office director-general Pornchai Thiraveja. Revenue collection was lower than the previous year due to special revenue in the revenue base of the previous year. Excluding special revenue of 36.2 billion baht from the base of the previous year, revenue collection was 3.3% higher than the same period of last year. When combined with a deficit outside the budget framework of 112 billion baht, the budget deficit increased to 708 billion baht. The government seeks to borrow 624 billion baht to deal with the budget deficit, which has been reduced to 84 billion baht.

Govt hopes for visa-free accords with Schengen states, IndiaPrime Minister Srettha Thavisin speaks to reporters at Government House on Monday. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)The government is hoping for visa-free travel agreements with the Schengen-visa states of Europe and with India, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Monday. He said Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara was working on the Schengen states visa-free agreement, but it would take time. Thailand was not a conflicting party of any of the Schengen area states, the prime minister said. I confirm that all parties are doing their best to achieve it," the prime minister said.

Civilians the targetRe: "This must stop" (PostBag, Feb 10) & "Settler colonialism for the sincere", (Opinion, Feb 9). Mr Pita is a candidate for prime minister of Thailand, and Ms Tantawan a political activist, who is still a student and a minor. Now, most observers are positive Mr Pita has failed in his obligations to the court, and the evidence seems overwhelming. Regarding the letter written by S de Jong, after further contact with Thai Airways about "sky-high prices," I found the official price which Thai Airways charges Europe to Bangkok is $70/kg. I also inquired about how these prices were set by Thai Airways compared to other international carriers, I await their reply.

Rally against Thaksin's release, warning of bigger protestsPichit Chaimongkol, leader of the Students and Peoples Network for Thailand Reform, with a letter opposing the release of convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra outside the Justice Ministry on Monday. (Photo: Students and the People’s Network for Thailand Reform Facebook account)A small group of protesters gathered outside the Justice Ministry on Monday opposing the expected release of Thaksin Shinawatra from prison without having spent a day behind bars. "Thaksin is only a prisoner in name," Pichit Chaimongkol, leader of the Students and Peoples Network for Thailand Reform, declared - to cheers from other demonstrators and some spectators. However, Mr Pichit predicted their number would grow over time, as more people stood up to show their opposition to the privileged treatment accorded Thaksin. Thaksin has been staying on the 14th floor of a wing of the Police General Hospital, ostensibly for treatment for serious illness.

Give up already, SretthaRe: "PT rebuffs wallet warning," (BP, Feb 9), "NACC says policy, other risks abound," (BP, Feb 8), & "Soft or hard landing for Thai economy? The Bank of Thailand forecasts that 2023's GDP rise of 2.4% will be bested by 2024's figure of 3.2%. The World Bank headlined, "Thai Economy to recover in 2024, driven by tourism, exports recovery", with GDP growth forecasts of 2.5% (2023) and 3.2% (2024). Even Srettha's Financial Policy Office forecasts an improved economy, rising from 2.7% (2023) to 3.2% (2024). Also, Srettha refuses to present his economic model's critical assumptions for review.

(Photo: Reuters)ISLAMABAD - Pakistan’s army chief told feuding politicians on Saturday to show “maturity and unity” after an election failed to produce a clear winner, leaving the military’s favoured party seeking to cobble together a coalition in order to rule. Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won 71 seats, while the Pakistan People’s Party of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the son of assassinated premier Benazir Bhutto, got 53. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron cited “serious concerns” that raised questions “about the fairness and lack of inclusivity of the elections”. Concerns arose after mobile internet services were shut down across most of the country on polling day, for what authorities called security reasons. Pakistan’s foreign office countered the international criticisms on Saturday, saying they ignore the “undeniable fact” of Pakistan conducting elections successfully.