Chinese foreign minister hails ‘important step’ after meeting Asean counterparts in Bangkok but warns other countries against ‘sowing distrust’.

Washington downgraded ties with Bangkok after junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha’s 2014 coup. But with the US looking for allies in the region against an increasingly assertive China, has everything been forgiven?

Chinese tourists account for more than a quarter of all Thailand’s foreign visitors, but their numbers were down by 5 per cent annually in the first six months. Meanwhile, the baht appreciated 12 per cent against China’s yuan.

Such a deal could save the kingdom US$1 billion a year on import tariffs to the European bloc, experts say. But Chinese bicycle manufacturers relabelling their products ‘Made in Thailand’ and an EU-led crackdown on the Thai fishing industry look to be stumbling blocks.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s cabinet was on Tuesday sworn in, stacked with loyalists from the junta era follows nearly four months of political wrangling since the election on March 24.

A deadly ferry disaster last summer saw visitor numbers from China, which had been increasing every year, begin to level off. So Thai tourism officials are now turning their attention to the world’s second most populous country.

The pictures were taken in the past week as the billionaire politician was travelling on a Thai Airways flight with his family. One photo shared on social media shows him and a female flight attendant with the caption ‘can I iron your shirt?’

Long-time backers of the coup leader turned premier have been rewarded with top jobs, but critics say the appointments have been made for the sake of stabilising the ruling coalition, not for the good of the nation.

Prawit Wongsuwon, who is also the defence minister, has become a lightning rod for public suspicion of military leadership after he failed to declare 25 luxury watches as assets.

With a film and a miniseries about the dramatic cave rescue in the works, the Thai government and parents of the Wild Boars soccer players are working to shield the boys from the limelight.

The back door deals within the coalition that helped the premier transition from military chief to civilian leader have erupted into internal squabbling that analysts say will also negatively affect the kingdom’s economy.

More people from Thailand are flocking to South Korea – and the lure of higher wages is driving Thais to share tips with friends back home on how to work in the East Asian country without a permit.

Mariam, a baby dugong beached on a southern island, has become an internet sensation since her carers began posting videos and photos of her on Facebook

Thailand’s junta chief turned elected leader Prayuth Chan-ocha has a new-found legitimacy as he chairs this weekend’s Asean Summit. But with the bloc wracked by divisions over China, he’s facing a baptism of fire

Parts of Bangkok are connected by an extensive network of waterways which were once used as a means of transport

As Beijing floods the Mekong with much-needed cash, the US finds itself pushing back against the tide to retain influence. But some nations in the region think the competition can work to their advantage.

Muay Thai is a huge part of society in the kingdom – and while there has been a backlash against the involvement of children as young as 12, for many it is a path out of hardship for them and their family.

The former general’s second stint as prime minister is expected to herald stronger ties with China, but other countries are also expected to re-engage with Thailand.

Vote ensures Prayuth’s transition from leader of the 2014 coup and the ruling junta to a prime minister endorsed by an elected parliament.

‘Democratic front’ alliance reaches consensus that Thanathorn is their man to represent them in high-stakes parliamentary vote set for Wednesday.

Look out for the people’s well-being, the king told the legislature in its first session after the disputed March 24 polls, for which the pro-junta Palang Pracharat Party and its rivals the Democratic Front are both claiming victory.

The US tech behemoth’s plan to block Huawei devices from Android updates has retailers fearing they will be unable to shift their stock. But some users have put their fears on hold, saying they will wait out the US-China trade war.

The leader of the Future Forward Party is accused of breaking electoral laws by holding shares in a media company when he registered to run in the nation’s March 24 election.

The youthful Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit put his name forward for the top job this week, but with mounting legal woes, a lack of consensus among anti-junta parties, and the scales tipped in the military’s favour, his move is seen as ‘symbolic’.

Other power brokers could be in the running to lead the country, including royal privy councillor and long-time technocrat Ampon Kittiampon.

The exiled former leader of Thailand has been linked to the English Premier League team in a deal worth US$194 million. But the club has reportedly said it is not in takeover talks with the billionaire.

Before running for the progressive Future Forward party, Tanwarin Sukkhapisit was a celebrated director of low-budget but poignant films about the LGBT experience in Thailand’s hierarchical and patriarchal society.

From Hong Kong to Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur, Muslims in the region have begun the holy month of fasting from dawn till dusk, with communal bonds and traditions binding their communities amid changing societies.

The mogul sparked speculation over his political ambitions after his resignation from the chairmanship of one of the conglomerate’s key businesses.

The ruling junta, however, remains well-placed to form a strong enough coalition through its proxy party to keep Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha in the top job