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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Sponsored 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Thai government cracks down on illegal loans
Illegal lenders have been given a final ultimatum: Register with the Thai government’s debt settlement programme by May 31 or face severe consequences. Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaised announced this stern warning yesterday, emphasising that this crackdown on illicit lending is a top priority for Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s administration. Despite the Interior Ministry’s success in bringing over 100,000 illegal…
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Worker shortage hits Pattaya as Myanmar junta blocks emigration
Dismayed Pattaya employers are raising the alarm over a sudden surge in job vacancies following the Myanmar junta’s recent move to restrict young people, especially men, from leaving the country. The junta’s spokesman, Zaw Min Tun, justified the enforcement of Myanmar’s long-standing conscription laws, stating it was crucial for now due to the mass exodus of citizens to neighbouring countries,…
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Taxing times: Local governments urged to ‘build’ a better law
Local governments must take a more active role in revising the land and building tax law, which has been in effect for five years, according to the Director-General of the Fiscal Policy Office, Pornchai Thiraveja. Pornchai stated that the Land and Building Tax Act of 2019 grants local administrative organisations the authority to collect taxes to fund local development initiatives.…
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Prime minister’s wife enrolls in prestigious politics course
The corridors of power just got a fresh infusion of intrigue as the wife of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin joined the ranks of students at a top-notch political institution. Dr Pakpilai Thavisin, a prominent figure in the medical world at Bumrungrad International Hospital, secured her spot amongst the prestigious cohort at the College of Politics and Governance, King Prajadhipok’s Institute…
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PM Srettha: Six advantages to make Thailand an investment hotspot
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, addressing potential investors at SUBCON Thailand 2024, asserted that Thailand possesses a plethora of advantages positioning it as an investment hotspot for crucial industries such as electrical vehicle (EV) and electronics manufacturing. Hosting the international trade show for part-sourcing and business-matching, the premier highlighted Thailand’s standout traits, starting with its geopolitical stability, distinguishing it from its…
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Fears mount as Thailand’s 10 year old rice set to hit Nigeria
Growing concerns and fears are emerging in Africa’s most populous country over the possibility of Thailand’s 10-year-old stored rice entering the Nigerian and African markets. This comes after the Thai government announced plans to sell it to the public, BusinessDay Nigeria has reported. Thailand plans to auction 150,000 sacks of rice that have been kept in warehouses for 10 years,…
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Outcry as activist dies in custody: PM Srettha vows transparency
The untimely demise of political activist Netiporn Sanesangkhom sparked outrage and drew sharp attention to the justice system’s handling of detainees. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, expressing profound sorrow, conveyed his condolences to Netiporn’s family. Vowing transparency and justice, the Thai PM promptly ordered the Justice Ministry to investigate the circumstances of her passing. Netiporn’s demise on Tuesday ignited a storm…
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BMA’s waste management strategy saves 141 million baht
BMA is pleased with the No, Pouring In project, a budget reduction of 141 million baht, visiting the Khlong Toei Market area to meet the services that are managing 18 tonnes of vegetable scraps. Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, BMA Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary to the Governor of Bangkok, along with the director of Khlong Toei District visited the area to meet with…
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Thailand to discuss lese majeste suspects’ amnesty
Amidst Thailand’s ongoing political tension, the House of Representatives‘ special committee is poised for a crucial meeting today to deliberate the formation of a new committee. This body is to consider the inclusion of lese majeste suspects in the proposed political amnesty. Nikorn Chamnong, the committee’s secretary-general, confirmed the upcoming discussion. Yuttaporn Issarachai, leading a sub-committee dedicated to the evaluation…
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Tripartite committee rejects uniform 400-baht minimum wage hike
The tripartite wage committee has chosen to uphold the autonomy of provincial wage panels in setting minimum wages, rejecting the Thai government’s uniform 400-baht minimum wage hike. During a tense session on May 14, the 15-member committee, representing the Ministry of Labour, employers, and employees, did not endorse the proposed nationwide increase. This decision followed closely on the heels of…
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Tantawan moved to hospital after activist’s death sparks stress
Political activist Tantawan Tuatulanon was transferred to Thammasat University Hospital due to severe stress after learning of the death of fellow inmate Netiporn Sansomsak, known as Bung. The transfer was recommended by medical professionals, and the prison authorities stated that there was no emergency condition prompting the move. Tantawan, who was being held at the Bangkok Remand Prison, was reportedly…
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Move Forward Party races against the clock for its final defence
The Constitutional Court has thrown a lifeline to the embattled Move Forward Party (MFP), granting a 15-day extension in their high-stakes battle against dissolution. Citing the noble cause of justice, this last-minute reprieve pushes the deadline to June 2, marking the final opportunity for the main opposition to salvage its political future. The legal saga dates back to April 3…
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Phuket gears up for unique senator selection process
Phuket prepares for senatorial selection with Governor Sophon Suwannarat at the helm. Phuket’s approach to selecting its next senator takes an unorthodox turn, as the process described in official notices by the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) Phuket oddly employs the term elected for what is essentially an appointment. The process, outlined in the Royal Gazette on May 13, allows…
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PM Srettha’s diplomatic marathon: France, Italy, and Japan await
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set for a whirlwind diplomatic tour, spanning France, Italy, and Japan, to bolster international ties and attract investment to Thailand. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s diplomatic agenda is packed to the brim as he gears up for his second official voyage to France on May 15 to 16, followed by visits to Italy and Japan from…
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Ombudsman: No jurisdiction over digital wallet scheme complaints
Keirov Kritteeranon, the secretary-general of the Office of the Ombudsman, revealed that they lack the power to escalate complaints about the contentious digital wallet scheme to the Constitutional Court or any other legal forum. At the heart of the furore are the government’s ambitious plans to distribute 10,000-baht payments to a staggering 50 million adult citizens through digital wallets, alongside…
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From civil servant to prime minister: Meet Singapore’s new leader
In a carefully choreographed succession plan, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is poised to take the helm as the nation’s fourth prime minister. At 51, the US-trained economist inherits the mantle from Lee Hsien Loong, who relinquished his position after a remarkable two-decade tenure. Wong’s journey from a civil servant to a political luminary gained momentum through his pivotal…
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Thai tyrant’s son blames shadowy figure for student massacre
Colonel Narong Kittikachorn, once notorious as one of Thailand’s three tyrants of the 1970s, passed away yesterday morning at the age of 90 in Bangkok’s Phramongkutklao Hospital. Hospital officials confirmed he had been receiving treatment in the intensive care unit. Born on October 21, 1933, Narong was the son of the infamous Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn and the son-in-law of…
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Justice minister vows action after hunger strike activist’s death
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong announced plans yesterday to visit political activist Tantawan Tuatulanon, who has been on a hunger strike since late January. This decision follows the tragic death of fellow activist Netiporn Sanesangkhom who succumbed to cardiac arrest at Thammasat University Hospital yesterday. Minister Tawee expressed his condolences over Netiporn’s death, emphasising the government’s commitment to transparency. “A thorough…
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Thai noodle giant unfazed by minimum wage increase to 400 baht
The imminent nationwide increase in the minimum wage to 400 baht holds little concern for major noodle producer Thai President Foods PCL, the maker of the popular instant noodle brand Mama, which believes the company’s ability to adapt will mitigate any significant impact, highlighting instead the potential challenges this wage hike could pose to smaller enterprises and small and medium-sized…
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Thailand champions LGBTQ rights with World Pride 2030 bid
As Thailand gears up to potentially host the prestigious World Pride event in 2030, Siam Piwat Group is championing a progressive stance on LGBTQ rights. The property and retail giant has launched the “Celebration: Right to Love” campaign in anticipation of the same-sex marriage bill’s enactment by the end of the year. This legislative milestone would position Thailand as the…
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Trillion-baht gamble: Deputy minister defends Land Bridge project
In a heated defence yesterday, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri championed the government’s ambitious 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge project, which she claims has sparked considerable interest from foreign investors. Her statement came in response to sharp criticisms from former Democrat leader Samart Ratchapolsitte, who cast doubt on the project’s cost-effectiveness and feasibility. Despite his scepticism, Manaporn insists the initiative is attracting…
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Thai govt plans to ‘rice’ to the occasion with decade-old grain auction
The Thai government expressed a strong intent to auction off the last remaining stocks of decade-old rice. This move is in line to replenish the state coffers, as made clear by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, in a recent Facebook post. The aged rice in question is part of the controversial rice-pledging scheme initiated during the administration…
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Thai widow criticises government’s lack of aid after Hamas attack
A Thai widow, lamenting the loss of her husband in the Hamas attack in Israel on October 7, voiced concerns over the lack of financial aid from the Thai government. The Thai woman, 30 year old Narisara Malee, is mourning the loss of her 34 year old husband, Tianchai Yotthongdee, who was among the Thai agricultural workers who lost their…
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Thai labour minister embroiled in minimum wage dispute
The labour minister found himself in the midst of a heated debate today as employee and employer representatives presented their contrasting views on a proposed minimum wage increase. The conflicting opinions were expressed ahead of a crucial tripartite committee meeting scheduled for tomorrow, May 14. The Thai Labour Solidarity Confederation and the State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation were the first…
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PM pledges commitment to forest conservation on 4-province tour
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday visited Ratchaburi where he pledged his commitment to forest conservation in Thailand during his four-province tour. The 62 year old Thai prime minister urged relevant agencies to meticulously review public requests for the utilisation of forested areas. PM Srettha emphasised the significance of land rights in improving the living conditions of the populace. However, he…
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Nearly 2,000 acquire Senate election application forms on first day
The Election Commission (EC) reported yesterday that nearly 2,000 individuals acquired application forms for the Senate election on the first day of distribution, which was on May 10. The documents and forms can be collected daily from district offices and provincial registration centres nationwide, between the hours of 8.30am and 4.30pm. Completed forms and necessary documents can be submitted at…
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Over 30,000 Thai workers want to work in Israel despite unrest
The Department of Employment (DoE) announced that over 30,000 Thai workers have shown an interest in seeking employment in Israel, despite the recent upheavals in the region. This follows the news that Thailand has been granted a quota of 5,000 positions in Israel’s agricultural sector for the latter half of this year. Director-General of the DoE, Somchai Morakotsriwan, highlighted that Israel…
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Deadly heatwave strikes Thailand: 61 lives lost
The Ministry of Public Health announced a staggering toll: the heatwave has claimed the lives of 61 individuals in Thailand this year, a sharp rise from the 37 casualties recorded last year. Dr Apichart Vachiraphan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control (DDC) disclosed that Most of the heatwave fatalities, a harrowing 33, have devastated families in Thailand’s northeastern…
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Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier project disaster
Initiated with grand aspirations back in November 2017, the Bali Hai Pier project was supposed to breathe new life into Pattaya’s tourism scene. With a whopping budget of 95 million baht approved by the city council, hopes were sky-high. Plans boasted extensive renovations and lush landscaping, including the show-stopping Dancing Fountain Plaza destined to dazzle tourists. Fast forward to today,…
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Thailand’s deputy finance minister resigns
Kritsada Jinavijarana, former deputy finance minister, officially stepped down from his position, as confirmed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in an exclusive revelation to reporters. PM Srettha made the declaration moments before embarking on an official trip upcountry, slated to span multiple provinces. Kritsada’s abrupt resignation came hot on the heels of a reported dissatisfaction stemming from a perceived reduction…
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