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 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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Thailand to boost US imports amid 36% tariff on exports
The Government of Thailand has committed to boosting imports of energy, aircraft, and agricultural products from the United States. This decision is part of efforts to counteract the impact of the US’s 36% tariff on Thai exports, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira is set to lead a delegation to the US this week to address…
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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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Rice and fall: Thai fragrant rice at risk as US tariffs give Vietnam edge
Thailand’s Hom Mali fragrant rice faces a major threat in the US market as new reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US could see the country lose its competitive edge to Vietnam. The Thai Rice Exporters Association has raised concerns after the US imposed a steep 36% tariff on Thai rice, which will push prices up to US$1,400 per tonne from…
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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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Thai king and queen to make historic state visit to Bhutan
Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida are preparing for their first official overseas state visit to Bhutan from April 25 to 28, marking a historic moment in strengthening ties between the two nations. The royal visit is in response to an invitation from Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and it promises to be a grand cultural exchange. Upon…
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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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DSI uncovers evidence to disqualify 30 senators in voting scandal
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is moving forward with a shocking probe that could lead to the disqualification of 30 senators. The DSI has gathered what it claims to be irrefutable evidence pointing to voter collusion during last year’s senatorial elections, including security camera footage showing suspicious peer voting patterns. If the Election Commission (EC) agrees with the DSI’s…
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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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Thailand introduces retirement lottery to boost elderly savings
Parliament has given unanimous approval in principle for a bill to amend the National Savings Fund (NSF) Act 2011, setting the stage for a retirement lottery initiative. This scheme aims to bolster retirement savings by permitting the NSF to issue lottery tickets, a measure widely supported by MPs as a way to enhance financial security for the elderly. The proposal…
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Thailand to train 20,000 masseurs as medicine assistants
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine announced an initiative to train 20,000 traditional Thai masseurs as certified Thai traditional doctors’ assistants. This will enable them to address seven specific muscle-related conditions. Doctor Somruek Chungsaman, the department’s chief, highlighted yesterday, April 2, the effectiveness of traditional Thai massage in treating various muscle-related conditions. The upskilling programmes will focus on…
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Thailand’s tourism strategy to restore confidence after earthquake
In the wake of the recent earthquake, Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has called a crucial meeting with government officials and private sector leaders to tackle the impact on the country’s tourism industry. The primary focus? Restoring both domestic and international tourist confidence while ensuring the continued safety of visitors. The meeting, chaired by Minister of Tourism and Sports…
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Thailand waives toll fees on major roads for Songkran travel
Thailand is easing the burden on travellers this Songkran, with the government announcing that tolls on two major motorways and two expressways will be waived, allowing motorists to travel for free during the long holiday. The toll exemption is part of a plan to reduce congestion as millions of Thais head home to celebrate the Thai New Year with family.…
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More than 3,000 Thai govt buildings damaged in earthquake
The powerful 8.2-magnitude earthquake near Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 28 has left a trail of destruction across Thailand, with over 3,000 government buildings affected, according to the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning (DPT). As of today, April 2, the DPT reported that 3,375 government buildings had been inspected following the quake, with 34 deemed severely damaged…
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Thai Cabinet approves 721m baht for Islamic teachers’ salary boost
To enhance peace-building efforts in Thailand’s Deep South, the Cabinet has approved a hefty 721 million baht to boost the salaries of Islamic school teachers. The decision aims to support educators in the southernmost provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Satun, along with specific districts in Songkhla. Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukul Prueksanusak announced the funding allocation yesterday, April 1, revealing…
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No boots for blisters: Thai military service exemptions updated
In a move that’s shaking up the conscription rules, Thailand’s Defence Ministry added three more medical conditions to the list of diseases that exempt young men from compulsory military service — and they’re anything but ordinary. A directive signed by Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was published in the Royal Gazette on March 25 and took…
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Phuket mayoral election sees fierce competition
Registration for mayoral and municipal council candidates in Phuket opened yesterday with an energetic and competitive atmosphere as multiple teams vied for leadership positions. The registration period will continue until April 4, with many candidates eager to secure their place on the ballot. Two prominent teams arrived at the Phuket City Municipality before the official opening at 8.30am, yesterday, March…
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Casino bill faces backlash over rushed approval without study
Opponents of the casino-entertainment complex have raised concerns about the government’s approach to advancing the project, suggesting it is being expedited without adequate public examination or a comprehensive feasibility study. Their comments yesterday followed remarks by chief government whip Wisut Chainarun, who indicated that the entertainment complex bill, which received Cabinet approval on March 27, is expected to be reviewed…
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Bangkok governor lifts disaster status after quake chaos eases
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has officially called off the city’s disaster zone status following last Friday’s quake scare, declaring the situation “back to normal” just days after panic swept through the capital. Yesterday, March 31, the 58 year old city chief signed an order cancelling the March 28 declaration by the Bangkok Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Centre, which had…
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Steel samples fail tests after building collapse in Thailand
The investigation into the collapsed State Audit Office building revealed that two steel samples did not meet the required standards, leading to discrepancies in other measurements. Thitiphats Chotidechachainan, head of the working group, yesterday, March 31, announced that the examination of steel samples from the collapsed building identified two non-compliant samples. The first was a 32-millimetre deformed bar from one…
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Phuket eyes jackpot as entertainment complex bill hits Parliament
Thailand’s long-debated entertainment complex bill is finally on the table, with Parliament expected to deliberate the high-stakes proposal by April 9, according to chief government whip Wisut Chainarun. The bill, greenlit by the Cabinet on March 27, is awaiting a confirmed submission date. If not ready for April 3, it will almost certainly be up for debate on April 9.…
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Bhumjaithai MP faces possible expulsion for Kla Dharma ties
The Bhumjaithai Party is reportedly considering the expulsion of Khon Kaen Member of Parliament (MP) Ekkarat Changlao after he was recently seen attending a Kla Dharma Party event held to establish a branch in the northeastern province. Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of Bhumjaithai, revealed that party members have put forward a proposal to review Ekkarat’s actions and potentially remove him from…
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