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 Why retirees in Thailand are choosing long-term health insurance over quick fixes
Retirees in Thailand are increasingly seeing the importance of health insurance in protecting their well-being during retirement. With insurance requirements for retirement visas and rising healthcare costs, many are moving away from short-term plans and choosing long-term coverage. Long-term health...
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Bangkok probes corruption in exercise equipment procurement
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is intensifying its investigation into allegations of corruption related to the procurement of exercise equipment for public parks in Bangkok. Evidence pointing toward potential irregularities has emerged during an initial probe, prompting a more extensive inquiry. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and BMA Deputy Permanent Secretary Nathapong Disayabutra revealed the expansion plans following a board meeting.…
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Sneaky senators: Hired votes spotted in upcoming election
As the upcoming Senate election round approaches, caretaker senator Somchai Swangkarn anticipates the revelation that certain individuals have been recruited solely to vote for candidates endorsed by specific political parties or interest groups. Somchai, who has consistently pointed out attempts to manipulate the Senate election outcomes, stated that a review of Sunday’s district-level voting results showed many applicants receiving no…
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Domestic violence makes up 70% of recent cases in Thailand
Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa intensified efforts to curb domestic violence, highlighting the issue as a major concern in recent months. Domestic violence constituted almost 70% of all reported violence cases in the past two months. Varawut announced yesterday, June 10, following a meeting with senior ministry officials, that the Human Security Emergency Management Centre is ramping…
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PM Srettha defends appointment of Pichit Chuenban
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin presented his defence to the Constitutional Court regarding the contentious appointment of politician Pichit Chuenban as PM Office minister. The defence, submitted last Friday, was acknowledged by PM Srettha who refrained from divulging the specifics when questioned by the media. “It’s more of a clarification. I have the duty to clarify, and I think I’ve covered…
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Thai cannabis advocates ‘weed’ out opposition in Bangkok
Cannabis advocates are rallying to protect the future of the plant in Thailand. Led by Prasitchai Nunual, the Secretary-General of the Network for Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis, over 300 people are set to gather in front of the UN Office on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, aiming to march to the Government House. Their protest, scheduled for yesterday at 1pm, coincides…
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Move Forward Party eyes 3 new leaders amid possible dissolution
On the brink of potential dissolution by the Constitutional Court, the Move Forward Party (MFP) is preparing contingency plans, including identifying three potential leaders for a new party. This comes as the party defends itself against accusations of attempting to undermine the constitutional monarchy through its efforts to amend the lese majeste law. Party insiders reveal that the MFP’s core…
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Thaksin Shinawatra to face monarchy insult charges in Thailand
Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, announced his readiness to confront charges of insulting the monarchy. The announcement came yesterday, with Thaksin expressing confidence about facing the allegations head-on. The former Thai PM confirmed his intention to meet with prosecutors tomorrow and stated to reporters that he was prepared to fight the case. “It’s nothing. The case is…
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Chiang Mai to become digital startup hub with new visa scheme
Chiang Mai is poised to become a digital startup hub in Southeast Asia, with the government pledging support to achieve this goal, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced during a visit to the northern province yesterday. PM Srettha highlighted Chiang Mai City as an established haven for digital nomads and one of the world’s leading creative cities. “Late last year, Tim…
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Thailand’s Pacific-to-Indian Ocean Land Bridge project
Thailand’s anticipated land bridge project, aiming to connect the Pacific and Indian Oceans, is set to become reality, with bidding anticipated by late next year, the Transport Ministry confirmed. The colossal 1-trillion-baht project will construct deep-sea ports in Chumphon on the Gulf of Thailand and Ranong on the Andaman coast, linked by a state-of-the-art transport route. This ambitious infrastructure aims…
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Pheu Thai rethinks lese majeste inclusion in amnesty bill
Pheu Thai Party has reconsidered its earlier statement regarding the inclusion of Section 112, or the lese majeste law, in the amnesty bill. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that the matter is complex and requires public consensus to prevent future disorder. Phumtham, the deputy leader of Pheu Thai, mentioned that the party has not reached a…
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Election Commission unanimously agrees on senator selection
All seven election commissioners have unanimously agreed to proceed with the district-level selection of senators tomorrow, despite looming legal uncertainties. Election Commission (EC) Secretary General Sawaeng Boonmee announced yesterday afternoon that the commissioners have collectively decided against postponing the selection, which had been suggested by the EC Office. “There is no reason to delay.” The proposed delay was rooted in…
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Decline in family income threatens Thai children’s education
The average monthly income of Thailand’s very poor families has plummeted, placing children’s education in jeopardy. According to the Equitable Education Fund (EEF), these families’ earnings dropped to a mere 1,039 baht per month in 2023, down from 1,077 baht in 2020. This translates to a daily income of just 34 baht—far below the World Bank’s poverty line of 80…
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Power move: Energy Ministry to introduce National Energy Plan
The Energy Ministry announced yesterday that it is gearing up to unveil the National Energy Plan 2024 in September. This comprehensive strategy promises to revolutionise Thailand’s energy landscape with the introduction of nuclear plants and a pledge to cap electricity costs at under 4 baht per unit. The Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) revealed that this master plan will…
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Election bombshell: Call for senator vote delay amid legal storm
Former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn urged the Election Commission (EC) to halt the district-level selection of senators slated for this Sunday. Somchai insists it’s “better to be late than to rush ahead” before the Constitutional Court’s impending ruling. The Constitutional Court has accepted two petitions challenging the constitutionality of three provisions in the election law, and a decision date has…
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Srettha joins meeting at Thaksin’s mansion for Thai goverment talk
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to host a critical meeting at his lavish Chan Song La Mansion in Bangkok’s Bang Phlat district today. The gathering, featuring political heavyweights and key family members, promises to tackle pressing issues that could reshape the Thai political landscape. The high-stakes meeting will see the attendance of the Shinawatra clan and Potjaman Na…
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MFP’s bold stance amid PM Srettha scandal
Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Chaithawat Tulathon quashed rumours that his party may align with the Pheu Thai party to form a new government if Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is ousted by the Constitutional Court for gross ethical misconduct. The scandal centres around the 62 year old Thai prime minister’s appointment of convicted Phichit Chuenban as PM Office minister. “The…
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Thailand addresses labour shortage and illegal workers
Thailand’s National Committee on Migrant Workers Management approved three strategic guidelines to address the country’s labour shortage and tackle the issue of illegal workers. A proposal for these new guidelines is expected to be forwarded to the cabinet for approval soon. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced after a committee meeting this Wednesday, commenting that the ongoing political conflict in Myanmar…
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Thailand to lower meth possession threshold to one tablet
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health is pushing for regulatory changes that will classify anyone caught with more than one methamphetamine tablet as an offender, a shift from the current threshold of five tablets. This proposal aims to close a controversial loophole that has allowed individuals found with up to four tablets to be treated as addicts requiring rehabilitation instead of…
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EC to clarify court ruling impact before Sunday Senate elections
The Election Commission (EC) is set to clarify the implications of a Constitutional Court ruling, which agreed to examine a petition challenging four contentious provisions in the Senate election law. This comes just before district-level voting is scheduled nationwide for Sunday. The court declined to issue an injunction, indicating no severe consequences were anticipated if the Senate election proceeded. The…
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Royal birthday bash amidst political firestorm
Defence Minister Sutin Klungsaeng has directed the military to orchestrate grand celebrations for His Majesty the King’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary next month, even as tensions escalate over a controversial political amnesty bill. Preparations for the King’s 72nd birthday on July 28 are underway while Parliament debates whether to include Article 112 in the amnesty bill, which imposes up to…
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Thailand proposes retirement savings lottery to combat poverty
Thailand faces a growing issue of an ageing population entering retirement without sufficient savings. This problem is exacerbated by the country’s rapid transition into an aged society, and cannot be resolved merely through increased budget allocations for elderly allowances. Deputy Finance Minister Paophum Rojanasakul announced that the Ministry of Finance is considering a new policy called the Retirement Savings Lottery.…
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Italy’s Republic Day celebrated in Bangkok marks 156 years of ties
Italy’s Republic Day celebration saw a gathering of ministers, authorities, VIPs, ambassadors, celebrities, and other dignitaries at the Four Seasons in Bangkok yesterday, in an event showcasing the longstanding ties between Italy and Thailand. Highlighting the significance of the occasion, Paolo Dionisi, the Ambassador of Italy, reflected on the historic referendum of June 2, 1946, when Italians chose to form…
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PM Srettha sees a revenue-boosting recipe for Q4
Thailand’s government is exploring strategies to enhance state revenue, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressing optimism about economic improvement in the fourth quarter. The Bangkok-born PM convened a meeting yesterday with Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, and representatives from key revenue collection agencies, including the Excise Department, the Customs Department, and the Revenue Department, to discuss…
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Thailand predicts 2.7% growth amid slow export recovery, high debt
Thailand’s economy is experiencing a gradual recovery, with projected growth of between 2.2% and 2.7% this year, according to a recent announcement by a prominent joint business consortium. The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), which includes key stakeholders from these sectors, has maintained its previous growth forecast. Exports, a crucial component of Thailand’s economic engine, are…
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VAT on all imports over 1 baht gets Cabinet approval
A proposal by the Ministry of Finance to impose value-added tax (VAT) on all imported goods valued at over 1 baht has received approval in principle from the Cabinet. This measure aims to curb the influx of inexpensive imported goods, particularly from China, that are saturating the domestic market. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke announced that the new threshold will be…
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Thailand aims to be global hub for skilled foreign workers
Thailand is aiming to enhance its global competitiveness by becoming a hub for skilled foreign workers, as part of a long-term strategy to drive and sustain economic growth. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is spearheading this initiative by introducing a range of new visa types designed to attract international talent, according to government spokesman Chai Wacharonke. This announcement was made yesterday,…
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Thailand to tax residents’ foreign income irrespective of remittance
The Revenue Department of Thailand will amend a law to tax individuals with foreign income, even if that income is not brought into Thailand. Director-General of the Revenue Department, Kulaya Tantitemit stated that the current tax law mandates individuals residing in Thailand for over 180 days per year to pay taxes on foreign income if it is brought into the…
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MFP submits defence to court in dissolution case
The Move Forward Party (MFP) submitted its written defence to the Constitutional Court regarding the dissolution case initiated by the Election Commission (EC), according to a source. The EC called for the dissolution of the MFP following a Constitutional Court ruling on January 31, which stated that the party’s efforts to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as…
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Thai govt unveils tax measures to spark tourism surge
The Thai Cabinet today approved a series of tax measures aimed at boosting domestic tourism during the low season, announced the deputy finance minister. These measures will be in effect from May to November and include tax deductions for companies organising conventions and seminars, according to Paopoom Rojanasakul. Further initiatives target increased domestic travel to secondary cities by allowing income…
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Pita says he is prepared to replace Srettha as PM
Former prime minister candidate Pita Limjaroenrat has stated he is ready to lead the country if the law permits and current PM Srettha Thavisin is ousted by a court verdict. Pita, a prominent figure in the Move Forward Party (MFP), expressed his readiness to take the reins amid growing political uncertainty. At the Bangkok Pride Parade held at the National…
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