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 Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Bangkok Bank speeds up yuan transfers to boost China trade
Bangkok Bank has launched an expedited yuan transfer service aimed at reducing costs and enhancing trade with China. Pipat Assawamongkol, assistant manager at Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, announced that the bank now offers faster yuan transfers after receiving approval from China’s central bank to use the CIPS (Cross-border Interbank Payment System). The system allows direct transfers to CIPS member…
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Thai agriculture minister boosts lychee farming in Nakhon Phanom
Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat yesterday visited a major lychee farm in Nakhon Phanom province to observe the implementation of policies aimed at enhancing high-value agricultural products and services. Accompanied by Anongnat Jakaew, the agriculture minister’s secretary, and a team of officials, she engaged with local farmers to understand their challenges. The Uthai Rasmilichit Nakhon Phanom 1 lychee variety is a…
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How to hack Thailand’s May holidays for a 10-day break
Get ready to pack your bags—May is shaping up to be a jackpot month for long holidays, and if you play your cards right, you could be lounging for 10 days straight. Hot on the heels of April’s Songkran break, May brings another wave of public holidays that offer golden opportunities for extended rest, road trips or relaxing staycations. Whether…
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Thailand electricity bills to drop as summer rates slashed
Good news for energy-strapped Thai households and businesses—your next electricity bill might finally give your wallet a break. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is expected to unveil a revised electricity tariff rate today, April 30, that will bring down costs for millions across the country. The adjustment, known as the Fuel Tariff (Ft) rate, is likely to drop from 4.15…
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British ambassador issues cannabis warning in Phuket
British tourists lighting up in Thailand have been hit with a harsh reminder—bring cannabis home and you could face serious jail time. During an official visit to Phuket on Monday, April 28, British Ambassador to Thailand Mark Gooding urged Thai officials to continue warning tourists that cannabis remains strictly illegal in the UK. The message was delivered during a meeting…
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Thai Cabinet mulls 10,000 baht handout under pressure
The Thai Cabinet will discuss the third phase of the government’s 10,000 baht handout at its meeting next week, with the rollout planned for May to June. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed that the schedule remains unchanged. “Everything is well prepared, and no changes have been made.” Approved last month as part of a larger economic stimulus package, this…
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Bhumjaithai loses southern seat in shock Klatham upset
A dramatic political upset has rocked southern Thailand, as the rising Kla Tham Party snatched a crucial seat from the ruling Bhumjaithai Party in Sunday’s by-election. Kongkiat Ketsobat of Kla Tham unofficially clinched victory in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Constituency 8 with 38,680 votes, knocking out Bhumjaithai’s hopes of holding onto the seat. The poll was triggered by the disqualification of former MP Mukdawan…
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M81 motorway free for 10 days to boost Kanchanaburi fair
Motorists heading to Kanchanaburi province for the Samburi Kaset Fair next month are in for a treat—free access to the newly completed M81 motorway. From May 3 to 12, the Department of Highways has announced that travel on the 96-kilometre route will be free of charge to facilitate easy access to the agricultural fair, offering a much-needed break for travellers.…
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PM Paetongtarn’s health scare disrupts Nakhon Phanom visit
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s official visit to Nakhon Phanom province took an unexpected turn yesterday as she battled a high fever and fatigue, forcing her to cancel several key activities. The premier, who appeared visibly unwell, was seen struggling to stay focused during a briefing about cross-border drug issues along the Mekong River. Despite her efforts to push through, Paetongtarn’s…
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Defence minister sets 1 week deadline for southern unrest report
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has given security forces a week to submit a report on their efforts to address the ongoing unrest in Thailand’s southernmost provinces. Yesterday, April 28, Phumtham instructed the Royal Thai Army chief to adopt a more proactive strategy for dealing with security issues in the Deep South. The police and military have…
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Rights group demands action for detained Uyghurs in Thailand
The People’s Empowerment Foundation raised significant concerns regarding seven Uyghur people currently incarcerated in Thailand. Chalida Tajaroensuk, the chair of the civil society organisation, reported to the Bangkok Post that those detained have been split into two groups. The first group, consisting of five Uyghurs, was detained after allegedly escaping a Mukdahan detention centre in 2020. They are serving six-year…
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UNESCO bid: Nakhon Phanom temple set for global recognition
In a move that could catapult one of Thailand’s most revered temples into the global spotlight, Minister of Culture Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol visited Wat Phra That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom province to advance the temple’s nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status. During her visit yesterday, April 28, Sudawan paid homage at the sacred site, taking part in a ceremonial wrapping of…
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Three Uyghurs relocated to Canada after decade-long detention in Thailand
Three Uyghurs, formerly held at Suan Phlu Immigration Detention Centre, have been relocated to a third country, finally putting an end to an extended diplomatic situation lasting over ten years. As confirmed by government and diplomatic sources, the Uyghurs have been transferred to Canada, following an agreement between Thai and Canadian officials. These individuals had been detained since 2014. This…
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PP urges govt to drop charges against US academic for tariff talks
The People’s Party (PP), currently in opposition, is advocating for the government to drop charges against American academic Paul Chambers, highlighting its potential impact on tariff negotiations with the United States. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has associated the delay in tariff discussions with US national security concerns. He also referred to legal cases involving Americans, possibly alluding to the…
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PPRP vows not to rejoin Thai government coalition
Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader General Prawit Wongsuwon affirmed that the PPRP will not re-enter the government coalition. He dispelled rumours suggesting that its MPs had defected to the coalition Kla Dharma Party. Yesterday, April 27, the same day PPRP unveiled a new party logo, Prawit denied any intentions among the party’s MPs to defect, noting that all members were present…
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US targets Thai exports for strict origin checks amid trade concerns
The United States has identified 50 to 60 Thai products for stringent origin verification to prevent circumvention of trade regulations through false origin claims for exports to the US, as stated by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. He noted that the US is focusing on the issuance of certificates of origin (C/O) to prevent misuse of trade privileges granted to Thailand,…
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Democrat Party leader calls for change amidst crisis before anniversary
Chalermchai Sri-on, leader of the Democrat Party, underscored the importance of embracing change amidst a significant crisis as the party approaches its 80th anniversary. During the annual general meeting at the Miracle Grand Hotel yesterday, April 26, Chalermchai, who also holds the position of Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, highlighted that the party is in a serious predicament, with…
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Pattaya’s new drainage system ready for rainy season
Pattaya City is gearing up for the rainy season with a major new upgrade to its drainage system, designed to combat flooding in central areas. On Thursday, April 24, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet inspected and tested the newly completed Phase 1 of the Eastern Railway Parallel Road Drainage System, ensuring it’s ready for heavy rainfall. The drainage project, part of…
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Thai-Australian police unite to combat transnational crime networks
Thai and Australian police have initiated a collaborative operation to dismantle transnational criminal networks. This joint effort targets crimes like narcotics, child exploitation, and cryptocurrency-based money laundering, aiming to tackle complex issues that cross international borders. Earlier this month, Police Lieutenant General Jirabhop Bhuridej, Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police’s Central Investigation Bureau, led a delegation to Australia for discussions…
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PM Paetongtarn leaves hospital after fever recovery
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was discharged from hospital after recovering from a high fever, according to government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub yesterday, April 25. The 38 year old PM was admitted to hospital on Thursday evening, April 24, following her return from a two-day official visit to Cambodia. After a medical examination yesterday, doctors found her condition had improved and…
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Audit office blames thin elevator shafts for Bangkok collapse
The State Audit Office (SAO) released a statement addressing the decision to reduce the wall thickness of the elevator shafts in its new 30-storey building, which allegedly contributed to its collapse during an earthquake. The statement clarified that the adjustment in wall thickness was made to comply with appropriate building standards for interior architecture. The construction contract was awarded to…
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Thailand pushes for inclusive job market for silver age workers
Jobsdb by SEEK, Thailand’s leading job platform, is advancing the country’s labour market by supporting the Silver Age workforce, those aged 55 and above, in preparing for a future shaped by AI technology and digital tools. As of yesterday, April 23, the Silver Age group comprises over 13 million people, roughly 20% of Thailand’s workforce, with projections of the country…
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Search is on for Thailand’s next global goodwill heroes
Think you, or someone you know, has what it takes to put Thailand on the global map? The search is on for the next generation of Thailand’s goodwill ambassadors, as nominations open for the fourth annual Thailand Public Diplomacy Awards. Launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Thailand Foundation, the prestigious awards recognise individuals, groups, and organisations whose efforts have…
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8,000 runners set for biggest Phuket marathon yet
Lace up those trainers and pack your sunblock — the Laguna Phuket Marathon 2025 is set to be the biggest yet, drawing more than 8,000 runners from 50 countries for an unforgettable weekend of sweat, speed, and stunning scenery. Phuket Governor Sopon Suwannarat and Laguna Phuket’s Managing Director Paul Wilson officially launched the event at a press conference in Bangkok yesterday, April…
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Phumtham denies visa scandal derailed US trade talks
Rumours are swirling about US visa sanctions throwing a spanner in Thailand’s trade negotiations but Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai says it’s all smoke and no fire. In a press briefing yesterday, April 23, Phumtham hit back at claims that visa bans, imposed over Thailand’s controversial deportation of Uyghur refugees to China in February, had sidelined key Thai negotiators from upcoming…
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14 million baht vanishes from Thai Parliament savings co-op
A scandal is brewing at Parliament’s doorstep after a whopping 14 million baht mysteriously vanished from the Parliamentary Official Saving and Credit Cooperative. But despite the jaw-dropping fraud, House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha insists there’s no need to panic. According to Wan, the massive embezzlement won’t affect the cooperative’s members or its day-to-day operations. “It was fortunate that we…
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Thai coral recovery: over 60% of bleached reefs saved
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) has successfully rescued over 60% of the coral affected by bleaching since last year. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director General of the DMCR, reported that since April last year, approximately 60-80% of coral in Thailand’s waters experienced bleaching. Of these, 60% have been successfully revived, while the remainder perished. The bleaching was attributed to…
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Miss Universe strips Thai beauty pageant of title after controversy
Thailand’s beauty pageant scene has been rocked by a shocking decision from the Miss Universe Organisation, which has officially stripped Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri of her third runner-up title following her participation in the Miss World Thailand event. The controversy began when Opal appeared at a business announcement for the Miss World 2025 competition, violating her contract by participating in another…
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Thailand’s 3.78 trillion baht budget faces US tariff concerns
The Thai Parliament will hold a special session next month to debate the government’s proposed 3.78-trillion-baht budget for the 2026 fiscal year, as concerns over a potential trade war with the United States loom large. With Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government seeking to minimise the economic impact of looming US tariffs, the upcoming session promises to be a pivotal moment…
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Thai PM urged by Human Rights Watch on Cambodia repression
As Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepares for her visit to Phnom Penh today, April 23, and tomorrow, April 24, Human Rights Watch is calling on her to raise pressing human rights concerns with Cambodian leaders. The visit, which marks the 75th anniversary of Thai-Cambodian diplomatic relations, will see the 38 year old PM meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun…
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