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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Salary surge: Thai civil servants set for pay raise starting May 1
The Thai government announced a significant salary increase for civil servants, effective from tomorrow, May 1, this year. This adjustment aims to ensure that those with a bachelor’s degree will earn no less than 18,000 baht per month, and those with a vocational certificate will receive no less than 11,000 baht per month within two years. This recent decision, made…
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Yala deputy governor accused of adultery with adopted son (video)
The deputy governor of Yala province in southern Thailand allegedly committed adultery with his adopted son who reportedly physically assaulted his adopted mother, the governor’s legal wife. Local Facebook page Esor News reported on April 28 that a deputy governor in southern Thailand had been transferred from his post due to allegations of adultery, as he was still living with…
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RTN ready to evacuate Thais in escalating Myanmar conflict
The escalating civil conflict in Myanmar prompted the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to keep four ships on standby in the Andaman Sea, prepared to evacuate Thai citizens if required. Admiral Adung Pan-Iam, the RTN chief, has commanded the Region 3 commander, who oversees the Andaman coast, to ready two frigates, HTMS Saiburi and HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan, along with two landing…
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Seasoned diplomat poised to replace Thai foreign minister
Seasoned diplomat Maris Sangiampongsa is reportedly the primary candidate to replace Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara as Thailand’s foreign minister following the latter’s sudden resignation. Maris, having served as a diplomatic advisor to Parnpree and ambassador to various nations, including Australia, Nepal, and Canada, is widely anticipated to take up the mantle. Maris’ diplomatic career spans over two decades, during which he worked…
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Pichai Chunhavajira announced as new Thai Finance Minister
The former Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) chairman has been appointed as the new finance minister, a move that has garnered a positive reception from stock market analysts. They believe Pichai Chunhavajira will play an active role in managing the capital market and advancing economic stimulus, now that the 2024 fiscal budget is prepared for allocation. Expressing his view on…
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Cabinet shake-up plants seeds for cannabis reform in Thailand
The Thai Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin could spark high-stakes changes to the cannabis bill after former Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin replaced Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew. Cholnan, who led the charge in the cannabis debate, faced a blaze of controversy over the plant’s legalisation in 2022 by Anutin Charnvirakul, the former Public Health Minister, now doubling as…
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SEC warns digital asset exchanges on special privileges
The Deputy Secretary-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a stern warning to digital asset exchange operators. The caution comes in light of recent findings by the SEC, which reveal that these exchanges often entice the public to invest by offering special privileges, thereby encouraging trades on their platforms. Anek Yooyuen emphasised that the operations of digital asset…
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Thai PM’s frozen durian order: A fruitful venture worth millions
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday publicised the country’s recent acquisition of a 300-million-baht (US$8.1 million) frozen durian order on social media. The announcement came in the aftermath of his trip to Chanthaburi, which further emphasised the global appetite for Thai durians. “Post my visit, an order was placed. Business tycoons have expressed interest in placing an annual order worth 300…
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Pheu Thai people’s charter still unfulfilled seven months in
The Pheu Thai Party’s promise to craft a people’s charter that would engage an elected assembly and a public referendum while honouring Thailand’s constitutional monarchy remains unfulfilled after seven months in power. The 2017 charter, considered by some as a leftover from the 2014 coup, has yet to see any amendments. The initial months of the Pheu Thai government were…
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PM Srettha urges local authorities to monitor Covid-19
PM Srettha issued a directive to local authorities to closely monitor the Covid-19 situation following a surge in cases during the Songkran festival. This came after the prime minister and public health officials voiced concerns about a potential increase in Covid-19 cases. Kenika Ounjit, a spokeswoman for the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, announced yesterday that local authorities have been instructed…
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Thailand and Bangladesh pursue free trade agreement
PM Srettha confirmed that Thailand and Bangladesh are keen on pursuing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The two nations signed a letter of intent last week to speed up the negotiation process, marking a significant milestone in their collaborative efforts. Speaking at a press conference following his meeting with Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the 62 year old Thai PM…
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Thai-Lao friendship bridge to open in November
The fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, connecting Thailand’s Bueng Kan province and Laos’ Pakxan town, has been scheduled to open in November. The announcement was made by Deputy Transport Minister, Manaporn Charoensri. The bridge will span from Bueng Kan, Khai Si and Wisit subdistricts in the Mueang Bueng Kan district, situated across the river from Pakxan. The construction project features a…
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Thailand’s EC investigates potential senator election manipulation
The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand is currently probing into claims of potential manipulation in the upcoming senator election process. The EC has cautioned potential candidates about registering with a questionable website. The EC indicated that the act of encouraging individuals to form groups for the Senate election competition could be a breach of election laws. Consequently, they have initiated…
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Thai anti-corruption commission lets go of Yingluck’s exoneration
Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has unanimously chosen not to contest the Supreme Court’s ruling, which exonerated former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and five others from malfeasance charges linked to a 240-million baht public relations campaign, according to an insider familiar with the situation. The NACC filed allegations against Yingluck, former Prime Minister’s Office minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan, Yingluck’s secretary-general at…
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Phuket governor endorses special administrative status transition
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat openly endorsed the move for Phuket to acquire special administrative status. Governor Sophon conveyed his support during a speech at the 2024 Phuket Chamber of Commerce (PCC) Annual General Meeting, held at the Phuket Merlin Hotel. Sophon’s vision for the province’s future governance entails transitioning to a special administrative status, akin to those currently in place…
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Thai government delays wage hike: Minimum muddle continues
The Thai government has postponed the anticipated increase in minimum daily wage to 400 baht. The rise was initially set to take effect on Labour Day but the government will now await the outcome of a tripartite committee meeting on May 14. Karom Polpornklang, the deputy government spokesperson, confirmed yesterday that the wage increase would not start on May 1.…
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Myanmar junta’s secret deal with China
Myanmar’s junta is stirring up a storm yet again, as their home minister jets off to China for clandestine security discussions with Beijing’s top brass. Myanmar’s Lieutenant-General Yar Pyae slipped under the radar, embarking on a covert voyage to China for what’s touted as a working visit with China’s Minister for Public Security, Wang Xiaohong. The rendezvous, scheduled from April…
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Former deputy PM’s 87 million baht car collection revealed
Former Deputy Prime Minister and chairman of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), General Prawit Wongsuwon, has been exposed for his staggering wealth, including a fleet of luxury cars worth 87 million baht, as reported by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The NACC, responsible for scrutinising the assets of political office-holders and government officials, made public Gen. Prawit’s lavish holdings,…
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Thai MPs set to jump ship as PM Srettha prepares major reshuffle
Two Members of Parliament from the ruling Pheu Thai Party are on the brink of securing seats in the Cabinet, according to insider sources. Paopoom Rojanasakul, a party-list MP, and Jiraporn Sindhuprai, representing Roi Et, were reportedly spotted at Government House on Tuesday, fuelling speculation of their imminent ascent. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, despite dismissing rumours of a Cabinet reshuffle…
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Transport minister sets off for China for high-speed rail talks
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit will jet off to China next month for a meeting to discuss Thailand’s ambitious high-speed railway project and ignite the engines on the Land Bridge megaproject, worth a staggering 1 trillion baht. Suriya declared yesterday his forthcoming leadership at the 31st Thailand-China joint ministerial committee meeting scheduled for May 7 to 9. Topics on the agender…
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Government promises relief from Rama II Road traffic nightmare
Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke assured the public that the torment of perpetual gridlock on Rama II Road would soon become a distant memory, with all construction projects scheduled for completion next year. Chai’s declaration came hot on the heels of a heated exchange on social media with Bangkok’s Move Forward MP, Rukchanok Srinork, who had raised concerns about the dire…
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Charter change up for a vote: Referendum needed, House speaker
A referendum is required to get voters’ approval before the charter amendment proposals can be considered, according to Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, the House Speaker. He was responding to questions about a possible special House session for the first reading of the 2025 fiscal year’s budget bill. He added that it remains undetermined if other significant legislation will be discussed…
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Bank of Thailand warns government against digital wallet plan
Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, dismissed concerns about a confidential Bank of Thailand (BoT) document warning the government against the proposed digital wallet handout initiative. Phumtham, a prominent figure in the Cabinet, stated he was unaware of the document’s contents and questioned its credibility, insisting that if it were a real warning, it would have been officially…
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Thailand proposes ASEAN Troika to mediate Myanmar crisis
Thailand has proposed a collaboration between three or more ASEAN member nations to engage with Myanmar’s military junta, to mitigate the crisis and restore peace in the conflict-stricken country. The nation maintained its commitment to extend humanitarian assistance and foster peace amid the turmoil. Nikorndej Balankura, spokesman for the Foreign Affairs Ministry, announced yesterday that Thailand, through Laos, the current…
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Health Ministry greenlights medical opium and magic mushrooms
The Public Health Ministry authorised the utilisation of opium and magic mushrooms for medical treatment and research purposes. This groundbreaking decision, disclosed in a directive published in the Royal Gazette yesterday, signifies a significant shift in drug policy. Signed by Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, the directive came into effect today. It categorises opium and psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as…
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PM Srettha reveals ‘Phuket Model’ to boost tourism and safety
Srettha Thavisin unveiled the Phuket Model which aims to revolutionise tourism management and social security in the tourist hotspot. Addressing a gathering of consular mission heads and law enforcement officials from 12 countries, PM Srettha highlighted the urgent need to prevent Phuket from descending into a haven for safety tourism. “Phuket was the first province I visited after taking office…
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Phuket gets new Australian Consul-General
Following an announcement made by Penny Wong, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kirsten Fletcher was named the new Australian Consul-General for Phuket and its nearby provinces. Fletcher’s appointment was confirmed yesterday. Fletcher, known for her active involvement in sustainability and tourism, was recently seen at an event in Phuket last month, where locals shared ideas on reducing plastic waste. Angela…
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Thaksin hospital release: Justice Minister denies misconduct
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong remained resolute, shrugging off the latest petition urging the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to delve into the ministry’s alleged misconduct surrounding Thaksin Shinawatra’s hospital release and parole. Police Colonel Tawee reiterated the ministry’s adherence to regulations governing prisoner treatment outside confinement and parole eligibility. However, he acknowledged citizens’ rights to petition the NACC if they perceive…
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Big Joke withdraws PM Srettha acting illegally complaint
The former Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, accused Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of malfeasance and interfering in the RTP before withdrawing the complaint a day later. Big Joke and the RTP Commander Torsak “Big Tor” Sukvimol were transferred to work at the Office of The Prime Minister in March over some alleged…
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Bangladesh prime minister visits Thailand
Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to make waves in Thailand as she embarks on a high-profile six-day mission, kicking off with her arrival today at the invitation of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Government House confirmed Hasina’s stay until next Monday, April 29, promising a flurry of diplomatic activity. A series of significant signings, including official agreements and memoranda…
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