Thailand’s fugitive ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrived in Cambodia today following his appointment as economic adviser to the government, fuelling tensions between the neighbouring countries.

A Thai court sentenced an activist to 18 years in prison today for insulting the monarchy in speeches during political rallies.

WITH his slim features, impeccable manners and winning smile, 44-year-old Abhisit Vejjajiva appeared like a boy sent to do a man’s job. The Thai prime minister was passing through Europe last month trying to reassure international investors and I was asked along to hear him speak.

Thailand’s revered monarch urged the new government to make peace its priority, breaking months of silence about the political turmoil that shut down Bangkok’s airports and sparked deadly violence in the streets.

THAILAND’S revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the world’s richest royal, according to a Forbes magazine list, dominated by Middle Eastern monarchs riding high on surging oil prices.

Princess Galyani Vadhana, the elder sister of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died today aged 84.

Thailand’s king has pardoned a Swiss man who was given a 10-year sentence for spray-painting over images of the revered monarch.

Thailand’s new interim prime minister devoted today to meetings with Asian, European, African and US diplomats, hoping to explain the post-coup political situation and repair the country’s damaged reputation.

THAILAND’S embattled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday said he would step down from office, bowing to a mounting opposition campaign seeking his ousting over allegations of corruption and abuse of power.