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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    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...

  • People’s Party faces probe over executive appointments | Thaiger

    People’s Party faces probe over executive appointments

    Political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana petitioned the Election Commission (EC) to investigate the People’s Party (PP), the successor of the disbanded Move Forward Party (MFP), for allegedly failing to comply with party regulations. If violations are confirmed, the party’s August 9 resolution to appoint new executives could be deemed invalid, according to Ruangkrai, who noted that he has already submitted a…

  • Thaksin denies political deal on return from exile | Thaiger

    Thaksin denies political deal on return from exile

    Thaksin Shinawatra firmly stated yesterday that no political arrangement was crafted with his conservative adversaries to facilitate his return from a 15-year exile last year. The former Thai premier made the statement during an on-stage interview at a forum organised by a local media group. “There is no deal, no one dare do a deal with me.” The 75 year…

  • Scandal erupts over judge’s joke about defunct MFP | Thaiger

    Scandal erupts over judge’s joke about defunct MFP

    A Pheu Thai MP is set to submit an urgent motion in the House of Representatives, calling for an investigation into a Constitutional Court judge’s controversial comments regarding a dissolved political party. The judge, Udom Sittiwirattham, already under scrutiny for his role in dissolving the Move Forward Party (MFP), has now sparked outrage with a flippant remark about the People’s…

  • Harvard comeback: Pita’s return to the political arena | Thaiger

    Harvard comeback: Pita’s return to the political arena

    Pita Limjaroenrat, the exiled political leader with unfinished business in Thai politics, is making an unexpected return to his old stomping grounds. The former leader of the now-disbanded Move Forward Party (MFP), who’s currently sidelined by a 10-year political ban, snagged a prestigious spot as a Democracy Fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School. “This is an exciting opportunity to continue…

  • Thai MP faces axe for defying party and mingling with rivals | Thaiger

    Thai MP faces axe for defying party and mingling with rivals

    The Thai Sang Thai (TST) Party plans to boot out one of its MPs for repeatedly flouting the party’s stance and rubbing shoulders with rival factions. The ethics panel, led by TST bigwigs Khunying Sudarat Keyurapan and Pokin Polakul, has put Yasothon MP Supaporn Salapsri in the hot seat after she voted against the party line multiple times. Supaporn, a…

  • Petition claims Bhumjaithai leaders encroached on forest park land | Thaiger

    Petition claims Bhumjaithai leaders encroached on forest park land

    A petition was submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) against Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul and the party Secretary-General Chaichanok Chidchob over alleged land encroachment in Khao Kradong Forest Park, Buriram. Lawyer Pattharpong Supassorn lodged the complaint yesterday, August 21, calling for an investigation into a building project on a 5,083-rai land plot owned by the State Railway of Thailand…

  • Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement expected by next year | Thaiger

    Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement expected by next year

    A free trade agreement (FTA) between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is anticipated to be finalised by next year, according to officials from Canada and Thailand involved in the discussions. Surin Thanalertkul, the Canadian embassy trade commissioner, along with Martin Sullivan, senior market development officer of the Canada Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (IPAAO), discussed the…

  • Digital wallet scheme to offer cash option for vulnerable groups | Thaiger

    Digital wallet scheme to offer cash option for vulnerable groups

    The digital wallet policy conundrum, promoted by the Pheu Thai Party, has taken a new turn, with vulnerable residents potentially receiving 10,000 baht in cash rather than digital currency. Following the leadership change, rumours about the possible cancellation of the digital wallet scheme raised concern among those eagerly anticipating the funds. Many were worried that the new Prime Minister Paetongtarn…

  • Slapgate scandal: Prawit faces ethics inquiry | Thaiger

    Slapgate scandal: Prawit faces ethics inquiry

    Thailand’s political scene has been rocked by an incident involving Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader, General Prawit Wongsuwon. The former deputy prime minister is now facing calls for an ethics inquiry after being caught on video slapping a reporter during a tense exchange last Friday. The News Broadcasting Council of Thailand (NBCT) and the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association have formally…

  • Thai PM Paetongtarn’s star-studded birthday bash | Thaiger

    Thai PM Paetongtarn’s star-studded birthday bash

    Pheu Thai’s 141 MPs gathered yesterday to honour their leader, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, on the eve of her 38th birthday. The event, which doubled as a heartfelt thank you to her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was held a day before Paetongtarn’s actual birthday at the party’s headquarters in the Shinawatra 3 Building. Paetongtarn, who officially turns 38 today, kicked off…

  • Pita vows to reform Thailand’s broken political system | Thaiger

    Pita vows to reform Thailand’s broken political system

    Thailand’s political arena has been thrown into disarray once again, as Pita Limjaroenrat, the embattled leader of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP), issues a stark warning: without judicial reform, the country will continue to go around in circles. Pita’s comments follow two seismic court rulings that not only disbanded his progressive party but also ousted a prime minister, leaving…

  • Thailand minimum wage hike to 400 baht awaits govt decision | Thaiger

    Thailand minimum wage hike to 400 baht awaits govt decision

    The Thai Labour Ministry and employer representatives are eagerly awaiting the new government’s decision on whether to increase the daily minimum wage to 400 baht nationwide, a move that could significantly impact the country’s labour market. Permanent Secretary for Labour Pairoj Chotikasathien stated yesterday, August 20, that while the policy was approved by the Srettha Thavisin administration in May, further…

  • PM Paetongtarn thanks foreign leaders for congratulatory messages | Thaiger

    PM Paetongtarn thanks foreign leaders for congratulatory messages

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra extended her gratitude to foreign leaders yesterday for their congratulations on her appointment as Thailand’s 31st premier. She also reiterated Thailand’s dedication to enhancing multilateral cooperation to benefit all countries in the region. PM Paetongtarn used her X account (formerly Twitter) to respond to messages from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim,…

  • PPP secretary-general to renounce loyalty to Prawit | Thaiger

    PPP secretary-general to renounce loyalty to Prawit

    The Palang Pracharath Party’s (PPP) embattled secretary-general is set to drop a political bombshell in a press conference this afternoon. The caretaker agriculture minister is widely expected to renounce his loyalty to the party leader, General Prawit Wongsuwan, in a dramatic turn of events that could shake the party to its core. Thamanat Prompow announced the press conference, scheduled for…

  • PM urged to address economic issues affecting vendors | Thaiger

    PM urged to address economic issues affecting vendors

    Market vendors are hopeful that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will prioritise addressing the nation’s economic challenges, as escalating costs are impacting their businesses. During a visit to Bang Lamphu Market in Khon Kaen’s Muang district yesterday, August 19, reporters gathered insights from vendors on their expectations from the newly appointed prime minister. The 29 year old, Wannida Nakcha, who sells…

  • PM Paetongtarn promises rigorous vetting for new Cabinet | Thaiger

    PM Paetongtarn promises rigorous vetting for new Cabinet

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that thorough background checks will be conducted on candidates for Cabinet posts to ensure compliance with legal requirements and avoid any potential legal issues. This move aims to safeguard the new government from the troubles faced by previous administrations. PM Paetongtarn made these comments yesterday, August 19, at the National Defence College, where she is…

  • Thai baht rally faces threats amid political drama and bank policy | Thaiger

    Thai baht rally faces threats amid political drama and bank policy

    Thailand’s recent baht rally faces a rocky road as the country dives into political chaos just before the central bank’s policy meeting this week. Since July, the baht has been a star performer, climbing up the ranks as tourism bounced back from a near two-year low against the US dollar in May. But this impressive upswing could be at risk…

  • PPP scandal: Prawit defends reporter assault as a joke (video) | Thaiger

    PPP scandal: Prawit defends reporter assault as a joke (video)

    Palang Pracharath Party (PPP) leader Prawit Wongsuwan responded to critics demanding the politician be held accountable for assaulting a female reporter on Friday, August 16, saying he was only joking and teasing the reporter, with whom he was familiar. Multiple videos of the PPP leader, Prawit, striking the female Thai reporter on the head were shared on social media on…

  • Paetongtarn’s pledge: No more Shinawatra slip-ups | Thaiger

    Paetongtarn’s pledge: No more Shinawatra slip-ups

    Thailand’s youngest Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pledged to avoid the political disasters plaguing her father and aunt. Addressing the media for the first time after her royal endorsement yesterday, the 37 year old Thai premier made a bold promise to dodge the fate of Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra. The Bangkok-born Thai politician made known she is keen to avoid her…

  • People’s Party to turn the electoral tide | Thaiger

    People’s Party to turn the electoral tide

    New People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut demanded his party perform much better in the next General Election. The 37 year old was unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight as the new head of the freshly minted People’s Party (PP). This surprise appointment comes hot on the heels of the Constitutional Court’s bombshell decision to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP) and…

  • Thaksin’s pardon: Royal flush for the former PM’s clean slate | Thaiger

    Thaksin’s pardon: Royal flush for the former PM’s clean slate

    Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to be handed a certificate of innocence within the next 120 days. The Department of Corrections (DoC) revealed the stunning news following a massive royal pardon granted to tens of thousands of prisoners yesterday, August 18. The royal decree, unveiled on the Royal Gazette website yesterday, celebrates His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday…

  • Pheu Thai to announce new Cabinet in three weeks | Thaiger

    Pheu Thai to announce new Cabinet in three weeks

    The ruling Pheu Thai Party has announced that the new Cabinet will be introduced within three weeks. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed this yesterday, following parliament’s vote for the new premier. Newly installed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will have the legal right and duty to make political decisions and hold discussions. Phumtham emphasised that the allocation of ministerial positions will…

  • Prawit under fire for alleged reporter intimidation (video) | Thaiger

    Prawit under fire for alleged reporter intimidation (video)

    Palang Pracharath party leader General Prawit Wongsuwan finds himself in hot water after allegedly intimidating a Thai PBS reporter. The incident, which has sparked outrage, is now being condemned by both Thai PBS and the Thai Journalists’ Association (TJA). General Prawit, who harboured ambitions of becoming Thailand’s prime minister, was visibly agitated when the reporter questioned him about the live…

  • Future of 10,000-baht digital wallet in doubt after PM dismissal | Thaiger

    Future of 10,000-baht digital wallet in doubt after PM dismissal

    Srettha Thavisin’s dismissal as prime minister cast significant doubt over the future of the much-publicised digital wallet scheme, with the ruling Pheu Thai Party and the Cabinet providing conflicting messages about the flagship policy’s direction. Concerns are also mounting among the public regarding the potential misuse of personal information collected for the 10,000-baht handout. A constitutional court order on Wednesday…

  • Paetongtarn makes history to become youngest PM of Thailand | Thaiger

    Paetongtarn makes history to become youngest PM of Thailand

    In a stunning political shake-up, Paetongtarn “Aung Aing” Shinawatra is the new Prime Minister of Thailand, following in the illustrious footsteps of her father, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. Making waves as both the youngest and second female prime minister in Thai history, Paetongtarn is already grabbing headlines and stirring excitement across the nation. The House of Representatives held a special…

  • Chaikasem cleared of involvement in Pichit bribery case decision | Thaiger

    Chaikasem cleared of involvement in Pichit bribery case decision

    Chaikasem Nitisiri, a former Attorney-General and prime ministerial candidate of the Pheu Thai Party, has been cleared of involvement in a 2008 decision not to indict Pichit Chuenban on a court bribery charge, according to the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG). The OAG officials addressed the matter yesterday, August 15, in response to questions about Pichit’s cases. Pichit’s recent Cabinet…

  • Tax breaks fall flat: Hoteliers sceptical of Thailand govt incentives | Thaiger

    Tax breaks fall flat: Hoteliers sceptical of Thailand govt incentives

    The hospitality industry in Thailand is abuzz as the government unveils a new policy aimed at boosting tourism in secondary provinces through tax benefits for hoteliers. But the response from hotel entrepreneurs has been lukewarm at best. According to the latest hospitality operators’ confidence index, a survey conducted by the Thai Hotels Association (THA) and the Bank of Thailand, 50%…

  • Coalition politics: UTNP sets conditions for Pheu Thai support | Thaiger

    Coalition politics: UTNP sets conditions for Pheu Thai support

    The United Thai Nation Party (UTNP) announced its support for the Pheu Thai Party’s next prime minister candidate, with one major caveat: no touching the lese majeste law. This stance from UTNP, led by Pirapan Salirathavibhaga—Thailand’s caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister—could have significant implications for the political landscape. During a press conference today, Pirapan expressed the UTNP’s allegiance…

  • Japan invited to supercharge Thailand’s Red Line railway network | Thaiger

    Japan invited to supercharge Thailand’s Red Line railway network

    In a strategic move to bolster Thailand’s railway infrastructure, the Ministry of Transport extended an invitation to Japanese companies to invest in the extension networks of the Red Line electric train system. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit welcomed the newly appointed Japanese ambassador, Otaka Masato, during a media briefing yesterday, August 14, highlighting the potential for enhanced transport cooperation between the…

  • FTI rattled by PM Srettha’s ousting: Investors on edge | Thaiger

    FTI rattled by PM Srettha’s ousting: Investors on edge

    The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) voiced alarm following the Thai Constitutional Court‘s shock decision to remove Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office yesterday. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, Chairman of the FTI, warned that the ruling could put a brake on both local and foreign investment as investors rethink their strategies amid the political turmoil. Thailand is already wrestling with major economic hurdles,…