2020 in Thailand

The year 2020 is the 239th year of the Rattanakosin Kingdom of Thailand. It is the fifth year in the reign of King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), and is reckoned as year 2563 in the Buddhist Era. The year was most significantly marked the by the global COVID-19 pandemic, which reached Thailand in January, as well as widespread youth-led protest movements against the government and for reform of the monarchy.

← 2019 2018 2017 2020 in Thailand → 2021 2022 2023
Decades:	2000s 2010s 2020s
See also:	Other events of 2020 Timeline of Thai history

Incumbents

• King: Vajiralongkorn
• Prime Minister: Prayut Chan-o-cha
• Supreme Patriarch: Ariyavongsagatanana (Amborn Ambaro)

Events

January

• January 13 - The Ministry of Public Health (Thailand) reported the first confirmed case of 2019-nCoV. It marked the first exported case of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic and the first outside China.

February

• February 8–9 – Nakhon Ratchasima shootings.
• February 21 – The Constitutional Court of Thailand ordered the dissolution of the Future Forward Party, disqualifying its executives, including Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, from running as Members of Parliament.[1]

March

• March 26 - The digital switchover is completed and the transmission of analogue television ceases. The signals are shut on the same day.

October

• October 14 - Antigovernment protesters heckled Suthida as she was driven in the royal limousine in Bangkok.[2]
• October 15
  • Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha ordered riot police to disperse protesters outside of the Government House of Thailand.[2]
  • Protest leaders leaders Arnon Nampa, Parit Chirawat, and Panupong Jadnok were arrested, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.[2]
  • Tens of thousands of Thais participated in anti-monarchy protests in Bangkok.[3][4]
• October 16
  • In an emergency cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha stated that he was not resigning.[5]
• October 19
  • Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha stated that Parliament would be recalled from its recess.[6]
  • The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission was ordered to block Telegram due to its use by protesters.[6]

Deaths

Chai Chidchob

Kraisak Choonhavan

January

• 24 January – Chai Chidchob, politician (b. 1928).[7]

June

• 10 June – Sarunyoo Wongkrachang, actor (b. 1920).[8]
• 11 June – Kraisak Choonhavan, politician (b. 1947).[9]
• 21 June – Apinan Kaewpila, footballer (b. 1985).[10]

References

1. "FFP dissolved, executives banned for 10 years". The Bangkok Post. February 21, 2020.
2. Beech, Hannah; Suhartono, Muktita (October 14, 2020). "As Motorcade Rolls By, Thai Royal Family Glimpses the People's Discontent". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 15, 2020.
3. Mahtani, Shibani; Wangkiat, Paritta (October 15, 2020). "Thousands of anti-monarchy protesters defy Thailand's new emergency decree". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on October 15, 2020.
4. Promchertchoo, Pichayada [@PichayadaCNA] (October 15, 2020). "About 100 anti-govt protesters are gathering outside Central World shopping centre in downtown Ratchaprasong district of Bangkok. There are several police officers here. Water trucks for riot control and many police vans can be seen #15ตุลาไปราชประสงค์ #whatshappeninginthailand" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
5. Patpicha, Tanakasempipat; Panu, Wongcha-um (October 16, 2020). "Thai police use water cannon on defiant protesters". Reuters. “I’m not quitting,” Prayuth told reporters after an emergency cabinet meeting, adding that emergency measures would be in force for up to 30 days.
6. "Embattled Thai PM recalls parliament as thousands protest". Al Jazeera English. October 19, 2020. Archived from the original on October 20, 2020.
7. "Veteran politician Chai Chidchob dies, aged 92". bangkokpost.com. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
8. Actor Saranyu Wongkrachang dies at 59
9. Kraisak Choonhavan dies at 72
10. "อภินันท์ แก้วปีลา" อดีตแข้งไทยลีกเสียชีวิตแล้วหลังประสบอุบัติเหตุรถชน (in Thai)