Politics News
Keep up-to-date with the most important Politics News in Thailand, offering comprehensive coverage of government decisions, policy changes, and electoral developments. We closely follow domestic and international political events, providing reliable news analysis, impartial opinions, and thought-provoking commentaries. Stay informed about the political landscape in Thailand, key players, and the impact of their decisions on citizens’ everyday lives.
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Concerns raised over legality of govt’s digital wallet borrowing plan
The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives’ (BAAC) labour union raised concerns about the government’s plans to borrow 172.3 billion baht (US$4.7 billion) from the bank to fund a digital wallet handout scheme. The union is questioning the legality of this plan and has sought guidance from the State Enterprise Policy Office, the Bank of Thailand, and the Council of…
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Myanmar’s military regime loses grip: Thailand on high alert
The military coup in Myanmar in 2021 has ignited ongoing resistance from armed rebel groups, causing the military regime to lose control over multiple strongholds. The recent aggressive rebel offensive in Myawaddy, a significant border town opposite Tak’s Mae Sot district in Thailand, led to the displacement of thousands of individuals and raised fears of a security and humanitarian crisis.…
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Thailand suspends TM 6 immigration forms to boost tourism
The Government of Thailand has put a halt to the obligatory TM 6 immigration forms for foreigners arriving in the country via land or sea, effective from April 15 to October 15. This resolution, approved by the Cabinet on April 9, is a response to a suggestion by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, according to ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul. This pause…
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Thai party quashes Cabinet reshuffle rumours
A wave of rumours surrounding a potential Cabinet reshuffle in Thailand was quashed yesterday by the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party. The party’s Deputy Leader and list MP, Wittaya Kaewparadai, stated that despite talks circulating for over a month, no indications of an imminent reshuffle have been communicated by the prime minister. Wittaya, referring to UTN leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, pointed…
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Thai government’s digital wallet scheme faces legality verification
The Government of Thailand‘s plan to partially finance its 500-billion-baht digital wallet handout scheme through a 172.3 billion baht loan from the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperative is set to undergo legality verification by the Council of State. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who also stated that the government will seek advice from its legal…
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PM Srettha’s blessings for Songkran festival at Government House
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin graced a religious ceremony at Government House in Bangkok, marking Thailand’s Songkran Festival, the nation’s traditional new year. As dawn broke over the capital, the PM led the observance, honouring customs deeply rooted in Thai culture. The ceremony commenced with the Thai PM paying homage to the Brahma shrine at 8.30am, nestled before the majestic Thai…
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Paetongtarn criticised for holiday plans during Songkran
The holiday plans of Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra have ignited a fiery debate as she opts to fly to Hong Kong during the Songkran festival, leaving tongues wagging and eyebrows raised. Amid preparations for a grand celebration of Songkran, Thailand’s New Year and a UNESCO-recognised cultural treasure, questions loom over Paetongtarn’s decision to venture abroad instead of staying put.…
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Myanmar military retreat from border town following rebel attacks
Myawaddy, a border town that connects to Thailand, today witnessed the withdrawal of approximately 200 Myanmar military personnel. This retreat follows a prolonged attack by anti-junta rebels, as reported by a spokesman for an ethnic armed group and local news outlets. The military-led government of Myanmar is grappling with armed rebel groups across multiple fronts and has experienced a series…
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Thai industries fear trade slump due to Myanmar conflict
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) voiced concerns over the escalating armed conflict in Myanmar, predicting a further slump in border trade and a surge in illegal workers from Myanmar into Thailand. The Thailand-Myanmar border trade, valued annually at 100 billion baht (US$2.7 billion), tends to suffer whenever conflict escalates, according to Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the FTI. “There are…
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Thai-Cambodian MoU under scrutiny for constitutional violation
The Thai-Cambodian Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on joint development in the Gulf of Thailand, signed in 2001, is now under scrutiny for potential violation of the Thai constitution. Paiboon Nititawan, Palang Pracharath Party’s (PPRP) deputy leader, has requested the Office of the Ombudsman to petition the Constitutional Court to examine the MoU’s legality. Paiboon’s petition argues that the MoU was…
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Thaksin Shinawatra’s ‘secret’ health scandal
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra‘s health condition has sparked controversy, with conflicting reports emerging about his fitness. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong claims Thaksin’s health is dire, but questions arise after photos surfaced of him lifting weights. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s health has become the centre of a heated debate after Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong asserted his deteriorating condition. Tawee’s…
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Move Forward Party’s fate hangs in balance
The Constitutional Court is set to discuss extending the deadline for the Move Forward Party (MFP) to submit its defence in a crucial dissolution case. Sources revealed that President Nakharin Mektrairat announced that the court will convene next Tuesday, April 16, to mull over the pivotal decision of granting a 15-day extension. Nakharin hinted at the likelihood of the court…
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Senate approves AI regulation in election campaigns
A report advocating for the regulation of election campaigns conducted using artificial intelligence (AI) was approved by the Senate yesterday. The Senate Committee on Politics compiled the report, which was presented during a meeting chaired by Senate Speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai. The report primarily focused on the use of social media in politics and election canvassing. The Senate’s term will come…
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Thailand ready to host 100,000 Myanmar refugees amid conflict
Thailand’s readiness to accommodate an influx of 100,000 refugees from Myanmar, due to escalating conflicts, was recently confirmed by Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara. The announcement came in the wake of rebel forces capturing Myawaddy, a border town adjacent to Tak’s Mae Sot district. The minister’s statement followed a meeting held yesterday to discuss the evolving situation in Myanmar. The…
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New Zealand PM to make official visit to Thailand
Christopher Luxon, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, is set for an official visit to Thailand between April 16 and 18, hosted by Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Luxon’s delegation includes Simon Watts, Minister for Climate Change, Paulo Garcia, Member of Parliament, and a host of officials from various New Zealand government departments, along with influential business leaders. PM Luxon…
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Bangkok Council joins in exchanging opinions on planning and creating the Bangkok City Plan
Wirat Meenchainunt, Chairman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) attended the meeting with a delegation from the Office of Urban Planning and Development to jointly determine guidelines for improving the regulations and recommending other appropriate city planning measures in planning and creating the Bangkok City Plan at the Bangkok Council meeting room, Bangkok City Hall 2 (Din Daeng). The president…
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Former Rayong MFP MP faces legal action from EC
Legal action is imminent for the former Move Forward Party (MFP) MP for Rayong, NakhonÂchai Khunnarong. The Election Commission (EC) has moved against him, citing his ineligibility to contest for a House seat. Further, they have demanded that he foots the bill for a consequent by-election. The EC, in their announcement, pronounced that their inquiry into the dispute over NakhonÂchai’s…
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Political inferno: Move Forward Party risks dissolution
In a fiery political clash spanning over 36 hours, the fate of Thailand’s Move Forward Party (MFP) hangs by a thread, as the government mulls over dissolution. Amidst gripping revelations and bold declarations, former leader Pita Limjaroenrat takes a stand, challenging the very essence of democracy. Former MFP chief Pita Limjaroenrat delivered a resounding message, affirming his unwavering stance against…
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Thai government launches 300,000 baht loans for self-employed
In a significant move to support the workforce, the Thai government has unveiled a loan programme aimed at self-employed individuals, providing funds up to 300,000 baht for those in need of financial assistance. This initiative, which offers zero-interest loans for a two-year period, is available until April 30, as announced by Deputy Government spokesperson Karam Phonprakong. The policy, orchestrated under…
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Thai government’s 500 billion baht digital wallet under scrutiny
The funding sources for the government’s flagship 500 billion baht handout scheme, better known as the digital wallet, will undergo careful consideration, ensuring that public debt remains manageable, a senior government official stated today. This scheme is a crucial campaign pledge of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, intending to distribute 10,000 baht to 50 million Thai citizens to stimulate local…
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Government’s debt hike prompts caution from agencies
Ratings agencies issued cautionary statements following the surprise decision this week by the government to increase its debt in a bid to stimulate the economy. The move, which may compromise the government’s fiscal consolidation efforts, is likely to stimulate short-term growth. The medium-term budget plan was revised by the Cabinet on Tuesday, causing a rise in the deficit next fiscal…
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Thai government accused of ignoring call centre gangs problem
The Thai government came under fire from the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), who accused them of reneging on their commitment to eradicate call centre gangs. These criminal outfits, operating from across the Thai-Myanmar border, are becoming an escalating menace to Thailand and beyond. List-MP of the MFP, Rangsiman Rome, suggested that the government’s seeming indifference to the widespread issue…
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MFP alleges govt embezzlement in RTN frigate procurement
Thailand’s leading opposition group the Move Forward Party (MFP) has levelled charges at the government for alleged embezzlement about the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) planned acquisition of a new frigate. The controversy, now infamously dubbed as the “change money” scandal, was brought into the limelight by Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, an MP from the MFP, on the final day of a general…
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Governor warns of fuel station scams this Songkran
To safeguard consumers against potential exploitation during the upcoming Songkran festivities, Prachuap Khiri Khan’s provincial authorities have unleashed a new campaign. Led by Deputy Governor Komkrit Charoenpatanasombat, the crackdown aims to ensure fair pricing at fuel stations across the province. Accompanied by a team of officials including Siriwan Kanasorn, Nopadol Suwongpradit, and Chanthip Niamprad, inspections were conducted yesterday, to prevent…
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MFP vows bold defence against dissolution threat
Move Forward Party (MFP) chief Chaithawat Tulathon declared the party’s unwavering resolve to counter the looming spectre of dissolution, revealing plans to submit a comprehensive rebuttal to the Constitutional Court following the upcoming Songkran festivities. The 45 year old Chaithawat affirmed that the MFP would not simply lodge its defence with the court but would also make it accessible to…
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Thailand tourism revolution: Five key strategies
In a monumental event dubbed Ignite Tourism Thailand, the government revealed a groundbreaking roadmap aimed at catapulting Thailand to the zenith of global tourism. With Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin and Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol at the helm, the unveiling at Government House marked a pivotal moment in Thailand’s ambition to become a multifaceted tourism hub…
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Thai government considers recriminalising cannabis
Thai Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew conveyed his apprehension about the general public’s disagreement with the Pheu Thai Party’s plan to criminalise cannabis once again. This apprehension arose following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s recent interview with France 24, a French state-owned news channel, where he revealed the government’s intent to control cannabis use, which has been decriminalised since 2022. In…
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Funding source for digital wallet scheme left out in Cabinet meeting
The government’s weekly Cabinet meeting yesterday left out discussions on a fresh funding source to back the digital wallet scheme, a possibility which might include drawing funds from the budget of the next fiscal year. This disclosure was made by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The Thai PM’s comments addressed rumours that a new financing option for the Pheu Thai Party’s…
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Thai government increases 2025 budget deficit for economic boost
The Government of Thailand has sanctioned a rise in the 2025 budget deficit by an extra 153 billion baht, to instigate an economic boost. As a result, the budget will increase to 3.752 trillion baht, a significant hike from the previously planned 3.6 trillion, according to Chalermphol Pensoot, the Budget Bureau director at the Ministry of Finance. The budget deficit…
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Internal strife and political interference hinder Thai police reform
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) are in the throes of internal conflict and political interference, making police reform a distant goal, say observers. A recent high-profile disagreement between National Police Chief, Police General Torsak Sukvimol, and his deputy, Police General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, has fuelled this perception. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who presides over the Police Commission, allocated the…
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