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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Thai schools to shift lessons online amid severe air pollution threat
Schools in Thailand may transition to online classes if fine dust pollution reaches critical levels, according to the Thai Education Ministry. Teachers are advised to monitor students’ health as PM2.5 haze pollution affects several provinces, including Bangkok. Siripong Angkasakulkiat from the Education Ministry stated yesterday, January 14, that Minister Permpoon Chidchob urged the creation of appropriate plans to organise classes…
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Thailand slashes barriers for elite visas: LTR programme
Thailand is making bold moves to attract wealthy foreigners and digital nomads by easing visa restrictions to position the country as a global hub for long-term residency. The Cabinet approved sweeping changes to its Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa programme, streamlining the application process and eliminating outdated Smart visa categories, a Government House source revealed. The revised LTR visa rules target…
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Rolling the dice: Thailand to legalise online gambling
In a landmark move, the Thai Cabinet approved amendments to ministerial regulations aimed at legalising online gambling, with changes expected to be completed within a month. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DES) Prasert Chantararuangthong revealed the decision today, following discussions at the Cabinet meeting yesterday, January 13. The amendments, spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital…
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PM Paetongtarn slams 4.4 billion baht asset allegations
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has come out swinging against allegations of falsifying her assets statement, branding the claims as baseless and politically motivated. The accusations stem from a report by the Isra News Agency, suggesting that she misrepresented a staggering 4.4 billion baht debt owed to close family members. “It’s a debt between me and my relatives,” the premier insisted…
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Protesters accuse Thai govt of favouring Thaksin in hospital stay
A group of protesters plans to submit a letter to the government, criticising it for allegedly granting former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra special treatment at Police General Hospital last year. Thaksin, who was meant to be serving a prison sentence for abuse of power, was reportedly allowed to remain in hospital instead, according to former red shirt leader, 58 year…
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Plastic waste import banned in Thailand in fight against pollution
Thailand has officially banned the import of plastic waste as of January 1, marking a major step in its fight against toxic pollution. The decision positions Thailand alongside other Southeast Asian nations like Malaysia and Vietnam, which have already closed their borders to foreign plastic waste following China’s groundbreaking 2018 National Sword initiative. This regulation, issued by the Department of…
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Dream homes for less: Thai govt rolls out affordable housing project
Thais earning under 50,000 baht per month are being offered a golden opportunity to own a home in the city through the government’s “Baan Pheu Khon Thai” (Homes for Thais) initiative, with registration set to open on January 20. The project, announced by Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, aims to provide affordable, fully furnished housing near urban centres, leveraging land owned…
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Phuket’s healthcare crisis: PM pushes for cancer centre
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra spotlighted healthcare as a critical issue for Phuket, amid public outcry and fundraising efforts to improve cancer treatment facilities on the island. At a high-level meeting held at Phuket International Airport this morning, the 38 year old Thai PM addressed the urgent need to upgrade state hospitals like Vachira Phuket Hospital to better handle diseases such…
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Power play: Thailand plugs into cutting electricity costs
The Government of Thailand is actively exploring methods to reduce electricity costs, as suggested by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, according to Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. Responding to Thaksin’s remarks, the de facto leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, Pichai noted that Thaksin had assured voters in Chiang Rai of the government’s intention to decrease energy prices to…
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Thailand to celebrate marriage equality at UN event in Bangkok
The Thai Interior Ministry will hold an event at the United Nations Convention Centre in Bangkok next Monday, January 13, to celebrate the forthcoming implementation of the Marriage Equality Act on January 23. This will mark a significant milestone as Thailand prepares to enact this legislation for the first time. According to Traisulee Taisaranakul, spokesperson for the ministry, the event…
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Thailand revives trade with Pakistan in major economic pact
After a decade of silence, Thailand and Pakistan are back at the negotiating table, reigniting hopes for a booming trade partnership. The two nations have agreed to resume talks under their Joint Trade Committee (JTC) at the ministerial level, with Thailand hosting the next round of discussions later this year. In a recent meeting between Thailand’s Minister of Commerce, Pichai…
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Hippo star Moo Deng steals spotlight as election mascot (video)
The Election Commission (EC) has pulled out all the stops to boost voter enthusiasm for the upcoming provincial administrative organisation (PAO) elections, introducing an unlikely but adorable mascot—Moo Deng, the famous pygmy hippo calf. EC chairperson Ittiporn Boonprakong proudly presented Moo Deng during a lively ceremony at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road. Speaking to a captivated audience, he…
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Thailand’s Children’s Day logo sparks joy and vitality
Thailand’s Ministry of Education has unveiled the heartwarming story behind the Children’s Day logo set to represent the nation from 2023 to 2027. The spotlight falls on Wikawee Rattamanee, a talented Silpakorn University student whose design won a nationwide competition last year. Her creation, centred on the theme of a child’s smile, earned her the top prize of 35,000 baht.…
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PM Paetongtarn to inaugurate International Boat Show in Phuket
Phuket is bracing for a high-profile visit as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra lands on the island tomorrow, January 9 to tackle critical local issues and boost tourism. With an ambitious agenda in tow, the 38 year old PM is set to chair key meetings and launch a glamorous luxury lifestyle event, according to the Phuket Public Relations Department. Touching down…
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No luck for Yingluck: Former PM ineligible for prison programme
Yingluck Shinawatra, former Prime Minister of Thailand, will not qualify for release under the forthcoming alternative prison detention programme if she returns to Thailand, as she does not meet the new eligibility criteria, stated Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. Yingluck was sentenced to five years imprisonment in August 2017. New regulations by the Department of Corrections (DoC) allow only those with…
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PM Paetongtarn defends Thaksin amid racist remark controversy
Stepping out from a Cabinet lunch today, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra launched into a defence of her father, Thaksin, after he was caught in making controversial racist comments during a rally speech. Thaksin’s remarks yesterday, January 6, criticised as discriminatory, sparked a backlash and calls from Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit for Paetongtarn to reprimand him. Initially caught off-guard by the journalists’ pressing…
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Government House open this Saturday for National Children’s Day
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will open the Government House on Saturday, January 11, for children and their families in celebration of National Children’s Day. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub announced that the 38 year old Thai premier will participate in the festivities, which include various activities hosted by the Prime Minister’s Office. One highlight will allow children to sit in the…
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Most Thais expect Paetongtarn to remain PM all year, poll shows
A recent poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) indicates that a majority of Thais foresee Paetongtarn Shinawatra holding the position of prime minister throughout the year. The survey, carried out over three days, involved 1,310 participants, offering insights into public opinion on the current political landscape. The results, released yesterday, January 5, reveal that 51.22% of…
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Thaksin denies Cabinet reshuffle, supports energy cost cuts
Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s former prime minister and the alleged de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party, has put to rest rumours suggesting the potential dismissal of Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga in the next Cabinet reshuffle. Yesterday, January 5, Thaksin clarified that no such reshuffle is currently planned. Pirapan, for his part, denied any discord with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra…
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Thaksin sparks outrage with racist remarks in Chiang Rai
The former Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, delivered a controversial speech containing racist remarks about international models from Africa while supporting his daughter and Pheu Thai Party members in the Provincial Administrative Organisation chief election campaign in the northern province of Chiang Rai. Thaksin has taken a prominent role in the local election campaign in Chiang Rai as his…
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Good fortune: PM Paetongtarn’s assets exceed 13 billion baht
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has disclosed a detailed account of the assets and liabilities of Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, marking her ascension into office. The report reveals that the 38 year old PM holds assets worth over 13 billion baht, alongside liabilities amounting to more than 4 billion baht. The asset declaration includes a wide array of personal…
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Thailand expands 30-baht healthcare scheme nationwide
Thailand has extended its Treatment Anywhere 30-baht universal healthcare scheme to cover the entire nation, with the initiative now active in the remaining 31 provinces. This marks the completion of the scheme’s fourth and final phase since being introduced by the National Health Security Office (NHSO). According to Athaporn Limpanylers, deputy secretary-general of the NHSO, the initiative now encompasses all…
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