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 pumps the brakes on private sector traffic perks
The Ministry of Transport firmly dismissed allegations from the opposition that its proposed traffic congestion fees will disproportionately benefit the private sector, asserting that the policy is designed with accountability in mind. Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote addressed concerns raised by Suphanat Meenchainan, a Bangkok MP from the opposition People’s Party, during a House meeting yesterday, October 24. Transport Minister…
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Thailand outlines new measures to support Thai farmers
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripatapan, announced that the House of Representatives’ Agriculture and Cooperatives Committee met with the Ministry of Commerce to discuss policies and measures to assist Thai farmers both domestically and internationally. The focus was on key agricultural products such as rice, cassava, animal feed corn, and fruits, as well as the compilation of agricultural product data. The meeting…
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Political unrest impacts Thailand’s stock market performance
Political turbulence, both on the domestic and international fronts, is tempering the growth prospects of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), despite the Thai index briefly surpassing the 1,500-point mark. Analysts note that the Election Commission’s (EC) recent decision to investigate Thaksin Shinawatra for potentially exerting undue influence over the ruling Pheu Thai Party is a significant factor. The political…
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PM Paetongtarn’s political shrug: Dodging EC probe bombshell
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra shrugged off the Election Commission’s (EC) bombshell probe into allegations that could see her Pheu Thai Party and five political allies dissolved. Accusations are flying that the parties let an outsider pull the strings, and that outsider is none other than former PM, and Paetongtarn’s kin, Thaksin Shinawatra. The drama kicked off when key figures from…
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Double tax deductions to boost northern Thailand tourism
The Ministry of Finance is planning to introduce measures under the Thai Travel Continues campaign to boost tourism in flood-affected areas in northern Thailand. The initiative will offer double tax deductions for two groups: individuals and companies holding seminars in the disaster-stricken regions. Finance Deputy Minister Julapun Amornwiwat announced that the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Ministry of…
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Public CNG bus safety inspections launched by DLT
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has initiated a comprehensive vehicle safety inspection for all public buses running on compressed natural gas (CNG). The inspections aim to bolster safety measures and boost passenger confidence. This mandatory inspection campaign will run until November 30. The DLT reported that 1,331 out of the total 13,426 CNG-powered buses nationwide have been inspected. Findings…
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EC investigates Pheu Thai Party, dissolution probable
The Election Commission (EC) has commenced an investigation into the ruling Pheu Thai Party, which could potentially lead to its dissolution, as reported by multiple local media outlets yesterday, October 18. The EC has formed a committee to examine complaints alleging that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been exerting influence or directing party activities. This information was shared by…
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Deputy speaker shuts down House debate on amnesty bill
Tensions flared in Thailand’s House of Representatives yesterday as Deputy House Speaker Pichet Chuamuangphan unexpectedly slammed the gavel on a heated debate, abruptly closing the session before a vote on a controversial amnesty proposal could be held. The debate centred on a report led by Pheu Thai MP Chusak Sirinil, which explored ways to draft an amnesty bill aimed at…
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Thai worker’s body to be repatriated from Israel after fatal accident
The body of a Thai worker killed in Israel last week will be repatriated next Tuesday, October 22, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Israeli authorities have completed the autopsy on 42 year old Nisan Meeram from Buriram province. A death certificate has been issued, and the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv has informed Nisan’s family of the developments.…
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Joint session on 2017 Thailand constitution set for mid-December
The House of Representatives anticipates holding a joint session with the Senate by mid-December to deliberate on a bill amending the 2017 constitution. According to Nattawut Buaprathum, a People’s Party list MP and opposition whip chief, this decision follows an agreement between the government and opposition whips. The whips agreed that starting deliberation during the nearly concluded parliamentary session would…
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No putt-ing around: RTAF golf course revamp on hold for deeper study
The proposal to transform the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)’s Dhupatemiya golf course in Pathum Thani into a public park requires an in-depth study, as the location plays a critical role in the military’s strategic operations, stated Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham was addressing questions from the People’s Party (PP) MP for Pathum Thani, Chetawan Thuaprakhon, regarding the potential transfer…
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Thailand joins BRICS Plus Summit in Russia, aims to boost ties
Thailand will participate in the 4th BRICS Plus Summit in Russia, with Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa representing the country instead of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as announced yesterday, October 17. Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Nikorn Balankura confirmed that Thailand will join the meeting, scheduled from October 22 to 24 in Kazan, Tatarstan, upon the invitation of Russian President Vladimir…
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Jackpot: New Thai government lottery tickets now on sale, 20 baht
The new N3 three-digit lottery tickets are now on sale, offering a total prize pool of 2 million baht. Each ticket costs 20 baht, and the first draw is scheduled for November 1. The Government Lottery Office (GLO) announced the launch of N3 three-digit lottery tickets, available to the public today, October 17. The tickets, priced at 20 baht each,…
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People’s Party MP denies speeding after Parliament car park collision
A People’s Party MP denied driving at high speed following a collision in the parliament car park building yesterday. The car accident, which occurred on the B2 floor of the car park, was reported by Thai media yesterday, October 16. The collision reportedly took place in a section of the parking lot reserved for MPs, involving a black sedan and a…
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Chadchart inspects footpath renovation in Bangkok Yai district
The capital’s streets are getting a makeover and Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt is leading the charge. The 58 year old city chief, accompanied by Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon, hit the streets on Tuesday, October 15 to inspect the ongoing footpath renovation project on Itsaraphap Road near the MRT Itsaraphap Station in Bangkok Yai district. This ambitious upgrade, launched in June,…
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Thailand and Laos spark cross-border renewable energy scheme
Thai officials are set to engage in discussions with the Laotian government to enhance the utilisation of renewable energy across borders, aiming to expedite the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. The plan involves encouraging Thai businesses to purchase renewable power from Laos through a cross-border energy attribute certificate scheme, according to an official from the Energy Ministry who requested anonymity.…
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Thailand invites China to build satellite launch base
Thailand extended an invitation to China to build a satellite launch base to provide 6G technology, marking a significant step in enhancing economic cooperation as both nations gear up to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations next year. In addition to technological collaboration, China plans to send a new pair of giant pandas to Thailand as goodwill ambassadors for the…
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Bank of Thailand slashes interest rates after four-year freeze
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has stunned financial markets by slashing its key interest rate for the first time in four years, buckling under mounting pressure from the government to revive the sluggish economy. The unexpected move saw the one-day repurchase rate trimmed by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 2.25% from its 10-year high of 2.50%. This decision…
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Climate activists rally in Bangkok: No more ‘carbon’ copies of injustice
More than 200 climate activists descended on the United Nations Headquarters in Bangkok yesterday passionately demanding an end to climate change laws and carbon credit systems that favour corporate giants. The rally, titled “System Change Not Climate Crisis,” aimed to pressure the Thai government ahead of the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), taking place in Azerbaijan from November…
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Fugitive general resigns amid Tak Bai scandal
Retired General Pisan Wattanawongkiri, once the chief of Thailand’s 4th Army Region, has abruptly quit the ruling Pheu Thai Party and resigned from his MP position amidst a cloud of controversy. Wanted for his role in the brutal 2004 Tak Bai crackdown in Narathiwat, Pisan faces mounting pressure to return and face charges before the statute of limitations expires. The…
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Where’s Prawit? General skips out on Parliament again
General Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, has sparked fresh controversy with his fleeting visit to Parliament today, October 16. Arriving at 7.40am, the 78 year old MP made a swift stop at the House of Representatives. Flanked by his security team, he signed in at the second-floor entrance to confirm his presence before the 9am session—then promptly…
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PM Paetongtarn to host first informal dinner with coalition leaders
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will host an informal dinner with coalition party leaders next Monday, October 21, marking the first such gathering since she assumed office. This initiative aims to revive the practice of relaxed meetings similar to those held during the tenure of former prime minister Srettha Thavisin. The Thai premier highlighted the significance of these dinners, noting…
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EEC high-speed rail contract revisions to Cabinet in two weeks
Proposed revisions to the contract for the high-speed rail project connecting three major airports are expected to be submitted to the Cabinet within two weeks, according to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. Pichai, who also chairs the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee, announced that the committee had approved changes to five critical points in the contract. The committee is currently…
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Petition calls for PM Paetongtarn’s removal: Adviser appointment
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is embroiled in controversy once again, with a new petition demanding her removal from office over her appointment of Nattawut Saikua as an adviser. Nattawut, a former director of the Pheu Thai family, has a contentious past, leading to the latest challenge against the 38 year old PM’s judgement. Activist Nopparut Worachitwutthikul, formerly a leader of…
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Amnesty or agony: Lese majeste debate set to spark fireworks in Parliament
In a political powder keg ready to ignite, the long-awaited report on offering amnesty for those charged under the contentious lese majeste law is finally set to hit the parliamentary floor this Thursday, after being kicked down the road twice. It’s all eyes on the House panel bringing the heat, with Sasinan Thammanithinan, the outspoken People’s Party MP and committee…
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Thailand to explore new tax system for ageing population
Thailand must urgently adjust its tax structure and increase tax participation to address future expenses related to its ageing population, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. The Finance Ministry is exploring a negative income tax (NIT) system to assist individuals with incomes below a government-set threshold. Julapun clarified that the goal is to ensure residents can sustain their livelihoods,…
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PM Paetongtarn under fire for media freedom feud
Prolific petitioner Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has once again targeted Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra with a fresh complaint, charging her with an alleged assault on media freedom—a move he claims could topple her from power. Today, October 15, Ruangkrai announced that he’s officially lodged a request with the Election Commission (EC), urging a probe into PM Paetongtarn’s supposedly controversial chat with a…
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Pheu Thai confident on referendum despite double-majority dispute
The Pheu Thai Party remains optimistic that the referendum on constitutional amendments will proceed early next year, despite disagreements regarding the double-majority requirement in the referendum bill. Sorawong Thienthong, Pheu Thai Party Secretary-General, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to holding the referendum in early 2025. The initial step involves ensuring that the amended bill successfully passes through Parliament in the coming…
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Thailand boosts economy with overseas workers
Thailand has seen a significant boost in its economy, with over 55,000 workers sent abroad during the 2024 fiscal year, resulting in more than 270 billion baht added to their families’ incomes. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn visited 364 Thai workers yesterday, October 11, who were undergoing pre-departure training before heading to Taiwan, Israel, and Japan. Among these workers, 321 are…
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Trudeau applauds Thailand’s marraige equality law
In a high-stakes diplomatic encounter at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shook hands over a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ rights. Meeting yesterday, October 10 at the National Convention Centre, Trudeau didn’t hold back in praising Thailand’s trailblazing move on marriage equality, noting it as a “first” for ASEAN.…
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