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 How one hospital visit in Thailand could cost more than your whole trip
Thailand is a favourite spot for travellers who want to enjoy more while spending less. From cheap street food to low-cost hotels and fun attractions, it’s easy to stretch your budget here. But there’s one thing many people don’t think...
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FDA allows colour in tea but urges caution with additives
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that adding colour to tea is permissible, advising consumers to check for FDA approval on labels. They recommend against consuming multiple cups daily and suggest choosing teas with a natural appearance. Yesterday, February 10, Doctor Surachoke Tangwiwat, Secretary General of the FDA, addressed concerns about the use of Yellow No. 6 or Sunset…
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PM mulls lifting alcohol restrictions for tourists on Buddhist holidays
Thailand’s strict alcohol sales restrictions could soon be scrapped as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra orders a review of outdated laws limiting alcohol sales on Buddhist holidays and between 2pm and 5pm. The move aims to boost tourism, with concerns that foreign visitors are unaware of these restrictions and find them inconvenient. Following a Cabinet meeting, the 38 year old prime…
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Thailand govt eases spending rules for 10000 baht digital wallet
The Thai government plans to relax conditions for spending under the third phase of the 10,000 baht digital wallet programme, ensuring access for those without smartphones. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed that the funds would be disbursed in the second quarter of this year. The Economic Stimulus Subcommittee has shown readiness and confidence in the blockchain system, with banks…
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Last call for change: Businesses push to end 2-5pm booze ban
Hotels and businesses selling alcohol have urged the government to abolish the restriction on alcohol sales between 2pm and 5pm. They argue that this regulation is outdated and no longer relevant. This request coincides with the progression of a bill amending the alcohol beverages control law, which is poised to advance to its second and third readings in the House…
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Digital wallet scheme’s third phase to start in second quarter
The third phase of the 10,000 baht digital wallet distribution initiative is set to start in the second quarter of the year, according to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. Pichai, who also serves as the Deputy Prime Minister, mentioned that the system for fund distribution is undergoing testing this month and is expected to be fully operational in time for the…
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Abhisit warns Thai casino legalisation risks social harm
Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva directed criticism towards the Thai government’s plan to legalise casinos and online gambling, warning that it could exacerbate existing social issues. During a seminar focused on the drive to legalise gambling in Thailand, Abhisit described gambling as a significant social concern that has inflicted damage not only on individuals but also on their families. He…
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Yingluck Shinawatra’s return to Thailand faces unresolved issues
Efforts to facilitate the return of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to Thailand continue, as her brother, Thaksin, indicates that several considerations must still be addressed before her possible return. Thaksin initially committed to her return during an interview last November, suggesting it could occur around this year’s Songkran festival. The 75 year old former PM expressed optimism regarding the…
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Thaksin ready to tackle censure debate accusations
Former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra expressed his intention to address any inquiries or accusations made against him during the upcoming censure debate, anticipated to take place at the end of this month or early next month. Although he will not be physically present in the chamber to provide an immediate response, Thaksin assured reporters of his readiness to reply…
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Thaksin tasked with cryptocurrency proposal by Malaysian PM
Thaksin Shinawatra has been tasked with proposing and recommending that ASEAN consider adopting a cryptocurrency. He will undertake this role as a personal adviser to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently chairs ASEAN. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin was given this responsibility by the ASEAN chair due to his interest in cryptocurrencies. He emphasised the importance of the regional…
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Thailand unveils third phase of 10000 baht stimulus project
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed plans to proceed with the third phase of the 10,000 baht economic stimulus project yesterday, Feburary 7. The initiative, aimed at injecting approximately 150 billion baht into the economy, is expected to start in the second quarter of the year. Discussions took place during a subcommittee meeting on economic stimulation projects, with further meetings…
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Thai MP with history of sexual assaults accused of raping Taiwanese woman
Police issued an arrest warrant for a Thai Progress Party MP for allegedly raping a Taiwanese woman at a hotel in Chiang Mai province on January 9. The Taiwanese woman filed a complaint against MP Chaiyamphawan “Puaut” Munpianjit at Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station following the incident, which took place at 2am on January 9. The alleged assault occurred at…
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NBTC orders dismantling of antenna towers near Tak border
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has mandated mobile networks to dismantle 24 antenna towers located within 50 metres of the Tak province border by February 24. Antennas within 200 metres must reduce transmission power and height to a maximum of 15 metres. On February 6, the Facebook page of Sorayuth Suthassanachinda, a well-known news presenter, reported these measures.…
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Thai and mighty: President Xi praises Thai PM for scam crack down
In a warm gesture of appreciation, Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for Thailand’s tough stance against scammers preying on Chinese nationals across the region. As the Land of Smiles seeks to revive its tourism industry post-Covid-19, China stands as a vital partner. Yet, new threats have emerged, with reports indicating that Chinese tourists are being…
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Call centre scam victims rescued from Myanmar’s clutches
Sixty-one hapless victims, duped by call centre scammers and whisked away to Myanmar, yesterday made a triumphant return to Thailand. Courtesy of the Myanmar Border Guard Force, the rescued victims were handed over to Thai officials at the 2nd Thai-Myanmar Bridge in the Mae Sot district of Tak province. The rescue mission was graced by none other than Defence Minister…
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Thai constitutional rewrite may require multiple referendums
Chousak Sirinil, deputy leader of the Pheu Thai Party, proposed yesterday that the government, opposition, and Senate whips collectively request a Constitutional Court decision regarding the number of referendums necessary for a constitutional rewrite. This proposal precedes Parliament’s first reading of multiple charter amendment bills, scheduled for February 13 to 14. Yesterday, the government, opposition, and Senate whips convened to…
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PM Paetongtarn strengthens ties with Xi in landmark China visit
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra kicked off a landmark visit to China, meeting President Xi Jinping in Beijing today, February 6, in a high-level diplomatic exchange at the Great Hall of the People. The visit comes as Thailand and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, marking what Xi described as a “golden year of friendship.” In a warm exchange, the…
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Thai royal command appoints four military officers as bodyguards
A royal command has been issued, appointing four military officers as royal bodyguards. Yesterday, February 5, the Royal Gazette published the royal command detailing the appointments. These appointments are made under the authority of Section 7 of the Royal Security Act of 2017, in conjunction with Sections 6, 8, and 10 of the Royal Bodyguard Act of 1937, and Section…
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Call centre scams stay lit while Burmese locals suffer Thai power cut
Innocent Burmese nationals, affected by Thailand’s measures to combat call centre scams, visited petrol stations to stock up, causing the price to rise. As part of a solution to tackle the call centre scam issue, the Thai government cut off power in five key areas of Myanmar, which were believed to be the headquarters of the scam gangs. In addition…
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Activists demand Parliament clean house on old prostitution law
A groundswell for change surged through Parliament today, as Naiyana Suphaphueng of the Service Workers’ Friends Foundation, flanked by activists and supporters, submitted a bold draft bill to scrap the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act B.E. 2539. With over 13,000 signatures in tow, the proposal was formally handed over to Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, Speaker of the House…
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NACC to decide on charges for 44 former MPs over lese-majeste
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is expected to decide in the next two months regarding potential charges against 44 former MPs of the defunct Move Forward Party, who supported a proposal to amend the lese-majeste law. Currently, 39 of the accused serve as MPs for the People’s Party, established in August last year after the Constitutional Court dissolved Move Forward…
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Prisoners in Thailand may earn early release by reading books
The Department of Corrections (DoC) is considering the implementation of reading as a criterion for prisoners’ early release, as announced by Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong. The proposal involves a project where inmates could earn one day of parole for each book they read while incarcerated. The initiative is designed to encourage learning and ensure prisoners receive basic education…
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Trump’s mad, mad, mad, mad world—now with extra madness
It’s a mad, mad, mad, mad, world, about to get a whole lot madder under newly elected United States President Donald Trump. The 78 year old alleged leader of the free world, not content with stirring a hornet’s nest by saying he plans to take over Greenland and make Canada a US state, yesterday, February 5, he announced plans to…
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Anutin: Thaksin still has political power despite election results
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul countered assertions that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has lost his political influence. Anutin maintains that Thaksin continues to wield significant political power. “Warriors are warriors. To underestimate Thaksin or say he is losing his magic can bring [the big mouth] an unprecedented disaster.” The statement follows analyses from political commentators questioning Thaksin’s influence after…
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Thai hostages freed by Hamas to return home on Febraury 8
Five Thai nationals held hostage by the Palestinian group Hamas for over a year, are scheduled to return home on Saturday, February 8, as stated by Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. Yesterday, February 4, the minister updated on the repatriation efforts from Israel. The Thai hostages returning are Sathien Suwannakham, Pongsak Thaenna, Watchara Sriaou, Surasak Rumnao, and Bannawat Saethao. While their return…
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Thai space device to join China’s Chang’e 7 lunar mission
A collaboration between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) has been greenlit by the Cabinet, as announced by Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi. This partnership will see the development of a space environment monitoring device by Thai researchers. The device, known as the Moon Aiming Thai-Chinese Hodoscope (Match), is scheduled for…
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NHSO adds six medications to national health insurance scheme
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) board approved the addition of six medications to the national health insurance system yesterday, February 3. This initiative aims to ensure patients have comprehensive access to essential treatments, particularly for tuberculosis, nephritis, and lymphoma. The decision follows approval from various subcommittees and aligns with recommendations from the World Health Organisation on tuberculosis treatment. The…
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Pattaya Mayor rushes to aid injured tourist after road crash
Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet turned into a first responder after a tourist was injured in a motorcycle accident on South Pattaya Road yesterday, February 3. The dramatic moment unfolded as the mayor and local council members were conducting a field visit to oversee new parking regulations. Their routine inspection quickly turned into an emergency response when they came across the…
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Back in the driver’s seat: Rewat plans to steer Phuket forward
Fresh off his re-election victory, Rewat Areerob is revving up to tackle the challenges facing Phuket as the newly-affirmed president of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO). Triumphing with a commanding 86,616 votes, Rewat of the Phuket Yat Dai Party left his nearest rival, Lersak Leenanitikul of the Prachachon Party, trailing in the dust with 44,602 votes. Not content with…
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Thaksin travels to Malaysia for talks with PM
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia met with his informal advisory group yesterday, February 2, led by Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, to discuss various regional matters. The meeting, which took place after Thaksin received court approval to travel internationally, covered significant topics including the ongoing situation in Myanmar and developments in cryptocurrency. Anwar shared details of the gathering…
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PM Paetongtarn highlights policy successes in monthly address
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivered her monthly television address yesterday, February 2, highlighting her administration’s efforts and accomplishments since the beginning of the year. The programme, titled Okat Thai Kap Nayok Paetongtarn (Opportunities for Thailand with Prime Minister Paetongtarn), is scheduled to air on the first Sunday of each month on the NBT HD2 channel, which is controlled by the…
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