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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Thai labour minister takes wages for a spin: Cabinet gears up for minimum wage review
Thai Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced that the Cabinet will be looking into a review of the new daily minimum wage rates. This comes after several business organisations urged the government to uphold the decision made by a tripartite wage committee regarding the increase in wages. Phiphat disclosed that he has no authority to review the rates approved by the…
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Thailand’s Democrat Party in crisis following mass leadership change
The Democrat Party in Thailand teeters on the brink of a crisis, following an overwhelming loss of members due to a recent change in leadership, according to the party’s former leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. Chalermchai Sri-on, the ninth elected leader of the Democrats, took over the reins amidst internal turmoil. Abhisit, in his first public comment since the leadership election on December 9,…
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Thai Cabinet reshuffle could impact economy and foreign investment
The Thai Cabinet, currently conducting mobile meetings in Nong Bua Lam Phu – the country’s poorest province, is speculated to face potential reshuffles in leadership or dissolution in the coming year, intensifying the political activities across various Thai provinces. Such changes could pose a risk to the country’s economy, given the current administration is only a few months old. The…
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Thailand’s minimum wage increase sparks controversy and calls for revision
The contentious decision to marginally increase the daily minimum wage in Thailand spurred the Ministry of Labour into seeking discussions with the tripartite committee, which approved the hike. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin critiqued the decision as insignificant, stating that the 2 to 16 baht rise approved last Friday was insufficient. The tripartite committee, also referred to as the wage board,…
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Private hospitals under fire as government cracks down on skyrocketing costs
The Internal Trade Department tightens control on private hospitals, urging them to play ball in the battle against soaring medical expenses. The government demands transparency and cooperation from over 300 private medical institutions. Wattanasak Sur-iam, the director-general of the Internal Trade Department, has thrown down the gauntlet in a bid to bring down the cost of living for citizens. In a…
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Thai PM blames past governments for Thai students’ poor PISA test results
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin places blame on previous governments for the lacklustre performance of Thai students in recent international assessments. PM Srettha, whose government assumed power a mere three months ago, pledged to tackle the issue head-on and place a renewed focus on enhancing the country’s educational standards. The Thai PM’s comments were motivated by the latest results from the…
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Thai PM unleashes secret weapon: Muay Thai to conquer the world
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin unveiled a bold plan to transform Muay Thai into Thailand‘s ultimate soft power. The Thai PM declared Muay Thai as Thailand’s top soft power, highlighting its vast economic potential. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke conveyed the PM’s vision, stating that the administration is keen on integrating Muay Thai into school curricula to foster a new generation of…
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Thai-Myanmar task force takes on border crisis
Thailand and Myanmar have joined forces to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding along the Thai-Myanmar border. The initiative aims to provide much-needed assistance to the thousands affected by the ongoing conflict, with both nations committed to fostering peace in Myanmar. During a bilateral meeting at the 8th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) in Beijing, Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara underscored Thailand’s dedication…
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Health department halts bottled water factory production in Roi Et (video)
The Department of Health has ordered an immediate halt to production at a bottled water factory in Roi Et province. The decision was made following the release of a shocking video showing water being manually filled into bottles. The factory, which is a licensed water production facility, was inspected and found to be non-compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.…
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Thai farmers warned against smuggling uncertified Vietnamese rice strains
Thailand‘s Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Captain Thamanat Prompow, cautioned local farmers against cultivating or smuggling uncertified Vietnamese rice strains. The warning, issued yesterday, December 8, comes in light of potential complaints from Vietnam, which could negatively impact Thailand’s reputation and bilateral relations. Despite the higher yield per area of Vietnamese rice strains providing increased income for farmers, the minister emphasised the…
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Thailand’s 2 billion baht electricity subsidy for 17.7 million households
The Thai Cabinet has allocated 2 billion baht to subsidise electricity costs for 17.7 million vulnerable households. The scheme, set to be a new year’s gift, will apply to those using no more than 300 units of electricity per month, maintaining a cost of 3.99 baht per unit. Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Peeraphan Salirathaviphak, stated today, December 8,…
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Tripartite committee set to discuss new daily minimum wage rates
The tripartite committee, which consists of representatives from the ministry, employers, and employees, is set to deliberate on the new daily minimum wage rates across various provinces. The meeting, confirmed by Pairoj Chotikasathien, the permanent secretary for labour, is scheduled for today, December 8. According to the data finalized by a sub-committee under the main wage committee on November 27,…
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Thai industry calls for retention of current power tariff amid hike fears
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) is urging the Thai government to retain the current power tariff of 3.99 baht per kilowatt-hour. The request comes amid concerns that a proposed hike to 4.68 baht could escalate operational costs for manufacturers, leading to a 5 to 10% increase in product prices. The Energy Regulatory Commission previously suggested…
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Thai provincial governors gain CEO-like powers under new decentralisation policy
Thai provincial governors have been granted the authority akin to a company’s CEO, following a Cabinet agreement. This move forms part of the government’s decentralisation policy. However, the main opposition party, the Move Forward Party (MFP), and various critics question if this action truly aligns with accepted international standards of decentralisation. The Cabinet-approved proposal, submitted by the National Economic and…
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Prime minister’s grand almsgiving spectacle in honour of late king
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and a star-studded entourage gathered for a regal religious ceremony in Bangkok. The grand affair, coinciding with National Father’s Day, paid homage to the revered late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. As dawn broke, the 61 year old Thai PM, accompanied by his wife and an illustrious assembly of Cabinet ministers, Privy Council members, and military commanders, graced Sanam…
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Amnesty angst: Deputy PM dishes on MFP’s controversial bill, lese majeste sparks political fireworks
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai reported that the proposed amnesty bill by the Move Forward Party (MFP), the main opposition, sparked controversy among various political parties due to its provision for lese majeste offences. Phumtham, also the Commerce Minister and a senior member of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, indicated that while many parties agree with the amnesty bill’s objectives,…
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Parliament to consult on charter amendment referendum
Upon the resumption of the Parliament session on December 12, MPs and senators will be consulted on the method of conducting a referendum on a charter amendment, revealed the head of a referendum hearing sub-panel, Nikorn Chamnong. He plans to forward a questionnaire to Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, the House Speaker, and Senate Speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, who will request their…
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Veterinary scientist turned political spokesperson finds success in new role
A 64 year old veterinary scientist turned political spokesperson is thriving in his new role leveraging his years of experience in sales and marketing to effectively communicate the government’s message. Having transitioned from working in pet companies to politics, Chai Wacharonke’s ability to simplify complex issues has proven to be a critical asset. “When they wanted to convey important messages…
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Thailand’s plan to extend Songkran raises eyebrows and 5.1 billion baht in soft power bid
Thailand‘s iconic Songkran Festival might be turning into a month-long water extravaganza in a bid to boost the country’s soft power, or a potential disaster waiting to happen? Thailand’s political arena is buzzing with controversy as the Pheu Thai Party, led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, unveils an audacious plan to extend the beloved Songkran Festival. The goal? To solidify the nation’s soft…
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Overwhelmed businesswoman registers for Thai government’s debt relief scheme
A businesswoman, burdened with an overwhelming debt, registered for an out-of-system debt relief scheme. She owes money to 14 lenders and faces the daily challenge of finding more than 7,000 baht for interest payments at a rate of 20%. This move comes after the government, under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has been focusing on resolving out-of-system debt issues for citizens…
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Shinawatra greenlights 5.1 billion baht for soft power industries and Songkran
The Soft Power National Development Committee, headed by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has approved a budget of 5.1 billion baht to boost 11 industries in Thailand, including the Songkran festival. The plan includes a grand Songkran celebration, dubbed the World Water Festival – The Songkran Phenomenon, to draw international tourists to Thailand. The announcement was made on December 1. The Soft Power…
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Thai government invites citizens to register debts for resolution
The Thai government is inviting citizens to register their debts, both within and outside the formal system, to alleviate the burden of unregulated debt. This move by Prime Minister Settha Thaweesin and the Ministry of Finance is seen as a national issue, aiming to restore dignity, hope, and stability to Thai citizens suffering from the detrimental effects of unregulated debt.…
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Political prognosis: Advisor probes Thaksin Shinawatra’s health and cell
The health status and incarceration conditions of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra have come under the scrutiny of Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, an advisor to the Parliament Committee on Budgeting Study and Budget Administration Follow-up. Somchai is pressing the government to shed light on Thaksin’s situation, 100 days after his transfer to the Police General Hospital following chest pain, hypertension, and low…
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Thai Prime Minister to review proposed energy tariff increase
Srettha Thavisin, the Thai Prime Minister, is set to convene a meeting with the relevant bodies following the revelation that the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) intends to surge the energy tariff from 3.99 baht per unit to 4.68 baht per unit from January to April next year. This proposed increase has stirred renewed demands for a revamp of the nation’s…
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Thailand boosts traditional medicine to attract wellness tourism
Thailand‘s Public Health Ministry is elevating its endeavours to showcase traditional wellness and medicine as a tourist attraction, in a bid to boost the nation’s revenue. As voiced by Deputy Health Minister Santi Promphat yesterday, the country is renowned for its superior traditional medical knowledge and herbal plant utilisation. Santi was addressing the subject of traditional and alternative Thai medicine…
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Thai nursing students demand government expedite delayed student loans
A group of 60 nursing and public health students from Sri Sa Ket and Nakhon Si Thammarat publicly requested the government to expedite the disbursal of their student loans, which has been delayed for several months. Four representatives from the first-year class of Chalermkarnchana University’s Faculty of Nursing at Sri Sa Ket journeyed to Bangkok to deliver a letter outlining…
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Old paths, new strides: BMA’s overhaul project steps up to refurbish Bangkok’s pathways
Bangkok‘s Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has initiated a comprehensive project to refurbish the city’s antiquated pathways. The objective is to create robust and user-friendly pathways that cater to the needs of pedestrians, particularly those with disabilities and wheelchair users, as per the announcement made by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt today, November 30. The renovation project has already taken off, with work…
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Thailand’s electricity rate of 4.68 baht only a suggestion, says Energy Ministry
The suggested electricity rate of 4.68 baht per unit is merely a proposal, confirmed Energy Ministry spokesperson Pongsapol Yodmuangcharoen today. Emphasising that the final price falls under the purview of the Energy Ministry and is overseen by Energy Minister Peeraphan Salirathaviphak, Pongsapol assured that it won’t be fixed at this figure. He further confirmed that consumers will not face an…
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Party-hopper: Ex-PPRP MP’s bold Democrat Party leadership bid
Watanya Bunnag, formerly a list MP belonging to the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), recently expressed her intention to run for the leadership of the Democrat Party (DP), following her switch to the latter in August. The election to decide the party’s leader is set to take place on December 9. Watanya, who currently serves as the chairwoman of the Democrat Party’s…
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Former PM Prayut Chan-o-cha appointed as Thailand Privy Council member
Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun yesterday appointed the former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to the Privy Council of Thailand. The Royal Gazette yesterday, November 29, officially announced that His Majesty deemed it fitting to appoint an additional Privy Councillor at this time. The king has graciously chosen former Prime Minister Prayut for this appointment. The Privy Council is a body…
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