Politics News
Thailand politics news, government updates, policy changes, and election coverage—stay informed on key political events, leaders, and decisions shaping the nation. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted source for political news in Thailand.
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Thailand to negotiate US trade policies, avoid pork imports
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Pichet Choonhavan, outlined five strategies to address the issue of the so-called Trump tariffs, emphasising that Thailand will not import pork due to concerns about the impact on domestic producers. Following a meeting on Thailand’s approach to US trade policies, Pichet revealed that while no specific date has been set for negotiations with the…
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Songkran safety warning: Drowning risks surge during festival
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has issued a warning for increased caution during the Songkran holidays due to the annual surge in drowning incidents associated with the water festival. Statistics reveal a significant increase in drowning fatalities in April, particularly during Songkran. Data from the ministry’s permanent secretary’s office indicates that an average of 327 drownings occur each April, with…
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Thaksin hospitalisation ethics probe to conclude by May
An ethics investigation into the doctors involved in the hospitalisation of Thaksin Shinawatra at Police General Hospital is progressing on schedule, according to the Medical Council of Thailand. Professor Doctor Prasit Watanapa, Vice President of the Medical Council, addressed the media yesterday, April 11, clarifying that there has been no delay in the proceedings. He noted that a subcommittee is…
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Pattaya mayor vows transparency in stadium project
During a recent site inspection, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet assured residents that the city is working closely with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to ensure transparency and accountability in government-led projects. At the centre of this renewed focus is the long-delayed Eastern Sports Stadium, which has faced criticism for missed deadlines and management hiccups. Mayor Poramet explained that delays in…
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American in Thailand admits threatening US senator
A 53 year old American living in Thailand is facing up to 10 years in prison after reportedly admitting to threatening to murder a US senator and his staff, all because of too many political emails. Eric Charles Welton, an American expat residing in Thailand, allegedly pleaded guilty on Wednesday, April 9, to making death threats against US Senator Thom…
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Pheu Thai pushes bill to repeal 23 NCPO orders
Pheu Thai Party list member of Parliament Chaturon Chaisang advocates for a bill to revoke 23 orders issued by the disbanded National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). This proposed legislation is set to be introduced in the forthcoming Parliamentary session. As the chairperson of the Parliamentary committee responsible for reviewing outdated NCPO directives, Chaturon provided an update on the…
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Thailand EC launches voter turnout campaign for May 11 elections
Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) kicked off a nationwide campaign to rally voters ahead of the upcoming municipal elections, scheduled for May 11. The elections will determine new mayors and councillors across 2,121 municipalities, except Bangkok. EC chairman Ittiporn Boonprakong announced yesterday, April 10, that the commission expects a voter turnout of 70%, up from February’s 66%. Some provinces have already…
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Thailand ramps up Songkran travel safety efforts
As millions prepare to hit the road for Songkran, the Thai government is pulling out all the stops to stop the carnage, launching a national safety centre, mobilising volunteers and rolling out checkpoints across the country. Thailand has officially launched a national road safety centre to monitor and manage traffic accidents from April 11 to 18, overlapping the Songkran holiday.…
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Macau jobs offer Thais up to 93k baht plus perks
Thai nationals now have the chance to land jobs at one of Macau’s most prestigious employers, with salaries reaching up to 93,453 baht per month. Yesterday, April 9, Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director General of the Department of Employment, announced a major recruitment drive under the Ministry of Labour for positions at MGM Grand Paradise Limited, a luxury resort and casino operator…
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PM Paetongtarn defends entertainment complex bill amid casino claims
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has hit back at critics who claim the Entertainment Complex Bill is a thinly veiled attempt to turn Thailand into a casino destination. She’s made it clear: the bill isn’t about casinos, but about creating economic opportunities and boosting tourism. The 38 year old PM addressed the growing controversy surrounding the Entertainment Complex Bill, dismissing claims…
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American lecturer’s Thai visa revoked over lese majeste charge
The American lecturer facing up to 15 years behind bars if convicted for defaming the Thai royal family, today had his visa revoked. Paul Chambers, an academic based at Naresuan University’s ASEAN Community Studies Institute, was officially arrested yesterday, April 8 at Phitsanulok City Police Station. Accompanied by officials from the US Embassy in Thailand, interpreters, and lawyers from the…
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Bets off: Phuket residents roll the dice against casino plan
A group of Phuket locals has rallied against the controversial casino bill, urging the government to halt its progress. Dressed in white shirts, they gathered at Phuket Provincial Hall to submit a petition that firmly rejects the push for casinos in the popular tourist destination. A group of concerned residents, entrepreneurs, and members of the Phuket State Enterprise Labor Relations Confederation…
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370 million baht approved for disaster warning system upgrade
The Thai Cabinet approved a budget of 370 million baht for the development of natural disaster warning systems, or early warning systems (EWS). The recent earthquake in Myanmar was a first-time experience for many Thai citizens. The incident sparked concerns about the public’s lack of knowledge regarding how to stay safe during a natural disaster and how to protect themselves…
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Thailand and Bhutan sign landmark Free Trade Agreement
Thailand and Bhutan have signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA), strengthening economic ties and paving the way for closer trade cooperation. The historic deal was signed during Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s visit to Bangkok last week, coinciding with the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. Bilateral trade between the two countries has already surpassed 460 million baht, and Tobgay expressed confidence…
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American professor denied bail on Section 112 charges
Paul Chambers, a prominent American academic from Naresuan University, has been denied bail by Phitsanulok Court following his arrest on charges under Section 112, the lese majeste law, sparking widespread outrage over academic freedom and human rights. Dr Chambers, an expert in Southeast Asian military-civilian relations, was apprehended after an arrest warrant was issued by the Phitsanulok Provincial Court. Today,…
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Betting on a bust! Former charter crew slam casino complex bill
An open letter from 30 ex-charter drafters has sent shockwaves through Bangkok’s corridors of power, as they warn that backing the casino-entertainment complex bill could breach ethical guidelines and jeopardise Thailand’s national strategy. The bill, which is set for a parliamentary vote on Wednesday’s first reading, has drawn fierce criticism from the group, including prominent experts who helped draft the…
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Steel firm faces axe over Bangkok quake collapse
A steel manufacturer under fire for producing substandard materials linked to the collapse of a Bangkok government building is now facing the axe—Industry Minister Akanat Promphan demands that their investment privileges be revoked. In a fiery Facebook post yesterday, April 4, Akanat announced he had signed a letter seeking the removal of benefits granted to Xin Ke Yuan Steel, accusing…
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Phuket trials emergency alert system after earthquake failures
In the wake of the March 28 earthquake that rocked Thailand, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has swiftly rolled out a trial run of a new Cell Broadcast alert system in Phuket, aiming to overhaul the country’s emergency alert infrastructure. During the trial, the system showed promising results on Android devices, providing real-time alerts without delays. However,…
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Dorm inspected in Phuket after quake sparks safety fears
In the wake of last week’s devastating earthquake in Myanmar, scrutiny has intensified on a Chinese contractor linked to multiple construction projects across Thailand, including a long-delayed female student dormitory at Phuket Rajabhat University. On April 3, officials from the Phuket branch of the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning (DPT Phuket) carried out an urgent inspection…
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Bangkok governor apologises after woman’s cries go unanswered
In a heartbreaking development that has gripped the nation, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt issued a public apology after rescuers were unable to locate a woman whose desperate cries for help were heard beneath the rubble of a collapsed structure in Chatuchak district on April 2. Rescue operations yesterday, April 3, were concentrated in Zone B, where a woman’s voice and…
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Indian PM meets Thaksin to strengthen India-Thailand ties
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a significant meeting with former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday, April 3, sparking discussions aimed at strengthening India-Thailand relations in key areas such as defence, trade, and culture. Modi, who was in Thailand for a two-day visit to attend the sixth BIMSTEC summit, described the meeting as a “delight” and praised Thaksin’s vast…
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Entertainment Complex Bill to be debated in Parliament by April 9
The much-discussed Entertainment Complex Bill is set to be reviewed in Parliament soon, with a likely discussion date of April 9, according to Chief Government Whip Wisut Chainarun. The bill, which was approved by the Cabinet on March 27, is designed to boost Thailand’s economy by diversifying tourism beyond its traditional seasonal peaks. Wisut, a Pheu Thai list-MP, provided an…
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Phayao’s 70-million-baht SAO building abandoned
A 70-million-baht government project in Phayao has been left incomplete and abandoned, sparking questions over its delayed construction. The building, intended to house the State Audit Office (SAO), remains unfinished, with no clear explanation for its stalled progress. Located near the provincial immigration office, the once-promising site now sits as an eyesore, with only the third-floor framework partially finished, surrounded…
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Thailand offers rent waivers for earthquake-hit tenants
The Treasury Department has stepped up to support those impacted by the earthquake that struck Thailand on March 28. In an announcement made by Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul, tenants renting state land in earthquake-affected areas are now eligible for rent waivers, providing much-needed relief to those whose properties were damaged in the disaster. This initiative targets tenants of state-owned…
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Bhumjaithai denies tension with Pheu Thai amid PM’s Buriram visit
The Bhumjaithai Party has denied any tensions with coalition leader Pheu Thai, asserting that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s visit to Buriram province, a stronghold of the Bhumjaithai Party, was not politically motivated. Chaichanok Chidchob, the party’s secretary-general, emphasised the coalition’s unity. Newin Chidchob, the party’s co-founder, welcomed the prime minister and guided her around Chang International Circuit without any political…
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Cash for quakes: Homeowners in Thailand eligible for repair aid
Good news for homeowners rattled by last week’s powerful quake—financial relief is on the way. Thai residents whose properties were damaged by the 8.2-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar on March 28 can now apply for government compensation of up to 49,500 baht to cover repair costs. Bangkok MP Suphanat Minchaiynunt announced the support package in a Facebook post today, confirming that…
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Pattaya gamble: Entertainment complex bets big on tourism boom
Pattaya is on the brink of a major transformation as plans to introduce a sprawling entertainment complex gain traction, promising a bold boost to tourism and the local economy but not without stirring debate among residents. Yesterday, April 2, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet revealed that the proposed law for the entertainment complex has already passed Cabinet review and is now…
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Trump’s 36% tax on Thailand: Impact on exports & survival tips
The America First policy under President Donald Trump has sent shockwaves through the global economy once again. This follows the announcement of a baseline tariff of 10% on imports from all countries, along with a reciprocal tariff aimed at countries with which the US has a large trade deficit. With this, Thailand has been hit with a 36% tax from Trump’s new…
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MP demands explanation for missing Phuket tsunami towers
A People’s Party (PP) MP for Phuket has appealed to the House Committee on Natural and Public Disasters Prevention and Mitigation concerning the missing tsunami warning towers in the Thalang district. PP MP Thitikan Thitipruethikul noted that locals have expressed their concern about the removal of tower WH09 from Mai Khao Beach and WH10 from Le Phang Beach. Upon his…
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Thailand sends medical aid to Myanmar after earthquake
In the wake of last week’s devastating earthquake, the Public Health Ministry has launched a series of inspections on hospital buildings across Thailand while preparing to send urgent medical aid to Myanmar, which was hit particularly hard. During an executive meeting yesterday, April 2, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin praised the ministry’s swift response, especially in caring for patients affected…
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