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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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Thailand pushes forward 1 trillion-baht Land Bridge project
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit confirmed that Thailand is continuing with the Land Bridge megaproject, designed to connect the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea, attracting interest from China and Middle Eastern nations. Suriya, who also serves as a deputy prime minister, announced yesterday, March 24, that the government remains steadfast in advancing the 1 trillion-baht initiative. To attract investors,…
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Thailand warns vaping could lead to 5 years in prison
Following the Government of Thailand’s recent decisive action on e-cigarettes or vapes, anyone caught with the illegal items could face up to five years in prison and a hefty fine. Residents are also encouraged to report vape users or vendors through an official mobile application. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has now taken a firm stance against vaping, despite having previously supported…
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United Nations urges Thailand to collaborate for sustainable future
A United Nations official called on the Government of Thailand, private sector, and communities to collaborate for the nation’s sustainable future. Kanni Wignaraja, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations Development Programme, highlighted the need for inclusivity in these efforts. During her recent visit to Thailand for the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development 2025, held from…
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Slow progress in Thaksin hospital aid probe due to limited info
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) reported that the investigation into allegations of government officials aiding former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in obtaining medical treatment at the Police General Hospital (PGH), bypassing prison detention, is progressing slowly due to limited access to information. Saroj Phungramphan, the NACC Secretary General, stated yesterday, March 23, that their team is gathering evidence, including witness…
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PPRP’s Prawit to challenge PM Paetongtarn in censure debate
Attention has focused on the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader, Prawit Wongsuwon, amid speculation regarding his recruitment of Pheu Thai Party MP, Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung, for the upcoming censure debate against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. They are anticipated to present serious allegations against the government. PPRP Secretary-General, Paiboon Nititawan, confirmed that Prawit will speak following the opening remarks by…
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Bangkok to complete 1,000km of upgraded footpaths by 2026
Bangkok is stepping up its game, with major changes underway to improve the city’s footpaths and make them safer, more accessible, and better suited to local character. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is on track to deliver 1,000 kilometres of high-quality footpaths by 2026, and they’re already over 70% of the way there. Yesterday, Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, spokesperson for the BMA,…
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Education Ministry backs overseas summer camp for Thai students
The Ministry of Education is supporting the One District One Scholarship (ODOS) initiative, encouraging Mathayom 4 (Grade 10) students across Thailand to apply for the newly launched overseas summer camp programme. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, assistant to Education Minister Police General Permpoon Chidchob, explained that the summer camp aims to offer Thai students international exposure and prepare them for future ODOS higher…
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Phuket urges employers to boost worker protection
Phuket’s top officials are urging business owners to get serious about social security – or risk leaving their workers in the lurch and violating the law. The Phuket Social Security Office is pushing for greater awareness of its services and benefits, reminding employers that proper registration and contributions aren’t just red tape – they’re crucial financial lifelines for workers. The…
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Paetongtarn hits back at opposition’s ‘secret deal’ claims
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has lashed out at the opposition People’s Party after they accused her of making political deals for her family’s gain. Dismissing the allegations as baseless, she’s calling for reason over rumours as the no-confidence debate heats up. In a fiery response to accusations from the opposition, the Thai premier spoke to reporters yesterday, March 20, denying…
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Ministerial bling: Pichai denies link to 26 million baht necklace rumour
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan has stepped forward to address recent rumours surrounding a 26.44 million baht diamond necklace, after reports suggested it was in the possession of a high-ranking government minister with the initial “P”. The necklace, a stunning piece from Lotus Arts De Vivre, is the Zambian Emerald & Diamond Necklace, valued at 26.44 million baht, and was reportedly…
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PPRP deputy denies claims of inflated property sale to SSO
Santi Promphat, deputy leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), has strongly denied allegations that his son, Patana Promphat, sold a building to the Social Security Office (SSO) at an inflated price, insisting the sale was legitimate and fairly valued. Today, March 20, Santi responded to claims made by opposition MPs Rukchanok Srinork and Sahassawat Kumkong of the People’s Party…
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Park life: Thailand eases alcohol rules for officials, not tourists
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) in Thailand has revised regulations to permit alcohol consumption in designated areas within national parks. However, this relaxation applies only to officials and organised groups who obtain permission, while tourists remain prohibited from consuming alcohol. The department, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), has been gathering public…
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PM Paetongtarn defends family time amidst farmers’ protest
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has responded to criticism following her controversial appearance with her children during a farmers’ protest outside Government House. The incident, which took place on Tuesday, March 18, has sparked outrage as farmers from 19 provinces unloaded truckloads of blackchin tilapia near the Government House fence. The farmers were protesting the government’s slow response to eradicating the…
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Alcohol act revamp: Thailand raises the bar on booze ads
The Thai Cabinet agreed to revise the Alcohol Beverage Control Act, allowing businesses to advertise their alcohol products and enabling the public to share pictures and videos of alcoholic beverages without legal punishment. The draft of the revised Alcohol Beverage Control Act was discussed during the Cabinet meeting yesterday, March 19. At the end of the meeting, 365 Parliament members…
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PM Paetongtarn asks Thais to don elephant pants for Songkran
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is encouraging all Thais to wear elephant pants from their respective provinces during the upcoming Songkran water festival to promote Thai culture and local identity. The prime minister made the call before chairing the first meeting of the National Soft Power Strategies Committee at Government House. Wearing a pair of blue elephant pants from Kanchanaburi, which featured…
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Thai-speed ahead: PM revs up talks for F1 grand prix in Thailand
Could Thailand be the next country to host a glamorous Formula One (F1) Grand Prix? Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has opened the door to this exciting possibility, holding high-level talks with Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of the Formula One Group, about bringing the iconic motorsport event to the kingdom. Yesterday, March 18, Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsab confirmed that the…
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Thailand uncertain on US visa ban after Uyghur deportation
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed uncertainty regarding her inclusion on a list of Thai officials recently barred from obtaining US visas following the deportation of 40 Uyghur detainees to China. Addressing the media yesterday, March 18, she said, “There’s no confirmation yet. I still don’t know.” The 38 year old PM explained that the Foreign Affairs Ministry would further clarify…
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School rejects ‘slum’ label for Phuket Myanmar community (video)
The director of a Catholic-operated school in Phuket has contested the description of a Myanmar community in the province as a “slum” by a foreign YouTuber. A video on the YouTube channel Ride with Gabi, which claims to document a “Myanmar slum in Phuket,” has ignited debate, showing a significant Myanmar migrant community in the southern province. The footage depicts…
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Thailand urges Singapore to boost rice and egg imports
Thai Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan has urged Singapore to increase its imports of Thai rice and free-range eggs following the seventh Singapore-Thailand Enhanced Economic Relationship (STEER) meeting. Held on March 14 in Singapore, the meeting was co-chaired by Doctor Tan See Leng, Singapore’s Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry. The discussions aimed at boosting trade and…
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Broken jaw blunder: Botched surgery leaves Thai man unable to eat
A botched operation on a Thai man’s broken jaw has left him unable to eat. The Thai man reached out to the Social Security Office (SSO) after suffering from a broken jaw but the operation went horribly wrong. The 42 year old Thai man, Sommai, reached out to the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after failing to receive proper medical treatment…
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Thailand considers raising pension age to 65, SSO clarifies
The Social Security Office (SSO) has clarified that the proposed increase in the retirement age for pension eligibility from 55 to 65 is a suggestion from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and is not yet implemented in Thailand. SSO Secretary General Marasri Jairangsee indicated that this idea, initially presented by the ILO, has been under consideration by the SSO since…
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PM Paetongtarn prepares for Bhutan visit to boost trade
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra engaged in discussions with Bhutan’s Ambassador to Thailand yesterday, March 14, focusing on preparations for the forthcoming state visit of the King and Queen to Bhutan. This marks Their Majesties’ initial state visit following an invitation from His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan. Paetongtarn held talks with Kinzang Dorji, the Bhutanese Ambassador to…
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Thailand begins landmark dengue vaccine trial for children
Thailand is taking a major step in the fight against dengue fever, launching a large-scale clinical trial of a new vaccine for children in Nakhon Phanom province. The trial, set to begin on April 4, will involve 35,000 children aged between seven and 10, regardless of prior dengue infection. Approved by the National Communicable Disease Committee, the study aims to…
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Thailand confident FTA with EU will be finalised by year-end
Despite mounting pressure from the European Parliament over Thailand’s deportation of Uyghurs to China, the Commerce Ministry remains confident that free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union (EU) will stay on track, with a final deal expected by December 25. The controversy stems from a European Parliament resolution condemning Thailand’s deportation of 40 Uyghurs on February 27, warning…
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Victory Monument area in Bangkok declared a historical site
Bangkok’s iconic Victory Monument, a historic landmark honouring Thailand’s fallen heroes, has officially been registered as an ancient site by the Fine Arts Department. The announcement, published in the Royal Gazette yesterday, March 12, confirms the site’s protected status, securing its preservation for future generations. The declaration, made under Section 7 of the Ancient Monuments, Antiques, Objects of Art and National Museums Act 1961, establishes…
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Phumtham denies handpicking pro-govt media for China trip
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has strongly denied allegations that only pro-government media were selected to accompany him on an upcoming trip to China. The visit, set for March 18, aims to check on the 40 Uyghurs deported from Thailand last month, a move that sparked international condemnation. Phumtham’s response comes after People’s Party MP Rangsiman Rome accused…
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400 baht minimum wage adjustment in Thailand still unconfirmed
Progress on the proposed nationwide 400 baht minimum wage adjustment remains uncertain, as confirmed by Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, the permanent secretary of the Labour Ministry. Boonsong stated that the matter is not on the current meeting agenda but assured efforts to meet the May 1 deadline set by the labour minister. The current wage board’s term will end today, March 13.…
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Thai health initiative nears target with 18 million educated on carbs
The Ministry of Public Health announced that its initiative encouraging Thai citizens to monitor their carbohydrate intake has achieved notable success. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin revealed that over 18 million people have been educated on carbohydrate counting, nearing the project’s target of 20 million by March 20. With assistance from village health volunteers across the country, 445,791 individuals monitored…
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Opposition urged to revise censure motion excluding Thaksin
The opposition has until March 19 to revise its position and exclude any references to external parties to ensure the censure debate proceeds as planned on March 24, according to House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha. The speaker’s remarks pertain to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is perceived as the influential figure behind the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Wan…
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Jomtien Beach revamp nears completion, flooding fix underway
Pattaya’s Jomtien Beach transformation is well underway, with more than 80% of the project completed as the city works to tackle persistent flooding and modernise its landscape. Set for completion by the end of this year, the massive upgrade promises better drainage, improved footpaths, more parking, and enhanced lighting—a game-changer for residents and tourists alike. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet recently inspected…
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