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 to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Bangkok survey finds 377 homeless on Ratchadamnoen Avenue
Bangkok’s initiative to survey the homeless population along Ratchadamnoen Avenue has uncovered 377 people, prompting police to record their details and facilitate access to welfare rights and vocational training. This operation took place at the Rattanakosin Room in the Bangkok City Hall, located in the Phra Nakhon district. The meeting was chaired by Chakkapan Phewngam, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, alongside…
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Trump victory prompts Thai stock market strategy reevaluation
Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election, coupled with a comprehensive Republican majority in Congress, has prompted a reevaluation of investment strategies in the Thai stock market. Natchat Mekmasin, assistant managing director of securities analysis at Trinity Securities, suggests that the Thai stock market is likely to align with the broader trend observed in emerging markets. However, he points…
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Ancient artefacts to return to Thailand for cultural preservation
Artefacts from the ancient Ban Chiang World Heritage Site, which dates back 3,000 years, are set to return to Thailand next week to commemorate the International Day against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property. The return of these artefacts signifies a significant step toward preserving Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. The US Embassy in Bangkok, in collaboration with the regional office of…
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Thailand migrant workers lose legal status amid new permit hurdles
Employers and migrant workers are expressing significant frustration over new registration and work permit renewal requirements in Thailand, which have led to many migrant workers losing their legal status. These requirements, introduced recently, have been criticised for their complexity and the obstacles they pose to both employers and employees. Nilubol Pongpayom, a representative from the employer group Nai Chang Si…
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Thailand halves poverty in seven years despite ongoing challenges
Thailand has achieved a significant milestone in its battle against poverty, reducing the number of people living in poverty by half in just seven years, according to the 2024 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). Despite this impressive progress, many Thai citizens endure inadequate living conditions, particularly in rural areas, where access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and sanitation…
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Thaksin to fire up Pheu Thai campaign in Udon Thani province
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is back in the political spotlight as he gears up to boost the Pheu Thai Party’s campaign in a major way. Thaksin is expected to make his return to the stage in Udon Thani next week, marking his first public address since ending his self-imposed exile in August last year. The 74 year old’s…
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PM Paetongtarn launches ‘no gift policy’ to curb ISCOC corruption
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has initiated a bold new measure with the introduction of the No Gift Policy for the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), aiming to prevent officers from accepting gifts in exchange for their services. PM Paetongtarn, acting as ISCOC director, has formalised this policy through a declaration of intent signed on October 30. The document sets…
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Thailand appetite for exports, food security at key China summits
Promoting Thailand’s exports and tackling food security issues have taken centre stage at two significant regional meetings in China, as declared by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra yesterday, November 6. The 38 year old Thai PM is participating in the 8th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Economic Cooperation Summit and the 10th Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) summit, both held in…
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Thailand’s public debt remains sustainable at 64% of GDP
The recent Cabinet meeting focused on the nation’s public debt status, revealing it remains well within sustainable limits. Public debt as of August reached 11.7 trillion baht, accounting for 64% of the country’s GDP, comfortably below the 70% benchmark for fiscal sustainability. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub detailed during the meeting that the Finance Ministry adhered strictly to the public debt…
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Thailand coalition agrees on constitutional drafting assembly
The coalition parties in Thailand have reached a consensus on the need to establish a constitutional drafting assembly (CDA) to oversee the proposed amendments to the constitution. The Bhumjaithai Party emphasised that any changes put forth by the CDA must genuinely serve the interests of the people. Chaichanok Chidchob, Secretary-General of the Bhumjaithai Party, highlighted that discussions on charter amendments…
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PM Paetongtarn pledges no interference in Thaksin detention probe
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed concerns regarding her involvement in an investigation into allegations that her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, received preferential treatment during his detention at the Police General Hospital. She reassured the public and officials that she would not interfere with the ongoing probe. The 38 year old Thai premier confirmed the government’s commitment to adhering…
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Enlist now, reap rewards: PM hails modern Ministry of Defence
The Ministry of Defence is shaking up Thailand’s military recruitment strategy, swapping the conscription model for a voluntary one packed with incentives and young Thais are taking note. In a recent visit to Infantry Division 6 in Roi Et province, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai lauded the successful transformation, highlighting that voluntary enlistment has surged significantly.…
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PM Paetongtarn attends key regional conferences in China
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to attend two significant regional conferences in Kunming, China. These gatherings, scheduled today, November 6, and tomorrow, will precede her journey to Peru for the APEC summit on Sunday, as confirmed by Jirayu Houngsub, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office. The initial conference is the 8th Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation Programme Summit (GMS…
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PM ‘fund-amentally’ speeds up investment for 2025 economy
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra directed government entities to hasten the allocation of the investment budget for fiscal year 2025 to invigorate the nation’s economy. During a meeting with senior officials at the Finance Ministry yesterday, November 4, Paetongtarn highlighted that Thailand is grappling with longstanding issues compounded by new challenges. The 38 year old prime minister emphasised the necessity for…
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Indian tourists get visa-free entry with extended stays in Thailand
In a major move sure to excite Indian travellers, Thailand has indefinitely extended visa-free entry for Indian tourists, allowing them to stay for up to 60 days. Previously set to expire on November 11, the visa-free policy will now remain a permanent feature, making Thailand’s stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and rich cultural attractions more accessible than ever, reported India Today,…
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Thai PM asserts Koh Kut’s sovereignty amid Cambodia MoU concerns
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra unequivocally reaffirmed Koh Kut’s status as a Thai sovereign territory, despite increasing anxiety over the island’s reference in a 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia. This MoU concerns resource management in overlapping claim areas between the two nations. The 38 year old Thai prime minister maintained that while there is no question about Koh Kut’s…
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PM Paetongtarn leads Suan Dusit’s political-index survey
A recent survey conducted by Suan Dusit University reveals that the Thai government’s performance ratings have improved in October compared to September, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emerging as the most popular coalition politician. The Suan Dusit Poll, which surveyed 2,136 people across Thailand from October 25 to 30, asked participants to evaluate both government and opposition performance across 25…
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Finance Ministry to sell 50% stake shares for 30 to 40 billion baht
The State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO) is set to divest shares held by the Finance Ministry, where stakes are below 50%, over the next four to five years. The sale will utilise a mark-to-market pricing method to ensure fair market value is considered. Tibordee Wattanakul, SEPO Director-General, highlighted the challenges faced in previous attempts to offload these shares. A lack…
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Pheu Thai seeks easier referendum rules amid legislative clash
The Pheu Thai Party is making moves to amend the constitutional referendum requirements, aiming to ease the passage of such referendums by reducing the size of the majority needed. Prayut Siripanich, a member of the ruling party and deputy chairman of the joint House-Senate committee on the referendum bill, announced that discussions will take place tomorrow, November 5, to address…
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MPs probe Thaksin’s alleged special treatment during detention
A House committee announced plans to convene tomorrow, November 5, to investigate allegations of preferential treatment afforded to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his incarceration at the Police General Hospital. The inquiry is a part of a broader discussion on reforming the justice system, with Thaksin’s case drawing significant attention. Leading the charge is the committee on state security,…
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Poll position: US election could rattle global markets, says ASPS
Asia Plus Securities (ASPS) is urging investors to pay close attention to the forthcoming US election, predicting it is set to send shockwaves through global markets. With expectations of heightened volatility, ASPS has delivered a stern warning: it’s time to back stocks boasting low volatility and stellar third-quarter performances for 2024. Insider tips from ASPS suggest the starched-collar bigwigs at…
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Labour pains: Committee demands rethink on export strategy
The House Committee on Foreign Affairs slammed the Ministry of Labour, demanding an urgent rethink of its labour export strategy. The committee is calling for a shift away from conflict-ridden hotspots like Israel, in light of last week’s heartbreaking events where a Hezbollah rocket attack claimed the lives of four Thai workers and left another injured. Chonticha Jangrew, a prominent…
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Bangkok mandates microchipping for pets under new law
Bangkok is set to enforce a new regulation requiring all dogs and cats to be microchipped, alongside measures to control stray animal populations and manage dangerous dogs. The Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) has recently approved a draft ordinance regarding pet ownership and stray animals. Naphaphon Chirakul, a member of the BMC for the Bang Khun Non district, and head of…
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Hundreds of Phuket families await relief as flood damage mounts
Phuket’s flood-stricken families are still waiting for disaster relief funds, as officials gathered at Phuket Provincial Hall on Thursday, October 31 to address pending disbursements. The meeting, chaired by Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and attended by Sopon Thongsai, head of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket), reviewed the island’s slow-moving relief fund process. The gathering united…
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Thai schools to allow regular attire for scout events
Thailand’s Education Ministry is set to introduce a new regulation allowing children to wear regular school attire instead of traditional scout uniforms during scout events. This change aims to offer more flexibility and reduce the burden on both teachers and students, according to Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob. Permpoon revealed that the National Scout Executive Committee is in the process of…
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Thailand to upskill 5 million workers by 2025 for economic growth
The Department of Skill Development (DSD) in Thailand is gearing up for a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the skills of over 5 million workers by 2025, prioritising digital technology to bolster industrial growth. This ambitious retraining programme is a strategic response to evolving business needs, as highlighted by Decha Pruekphathanarak, the deputy permanent secretary for the Ministry of Labour.…
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Thailand launches anti-drug campaign in 10 pilot provinces
Thailand is taking decisive action against drug-related issues by designating 10 provinces as pilot areas to test new strategies. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasised the broader societal impacts of drug problems during her visit to Roi Et, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to tackle this challenge. Drug problems are seen as a significant barrier to national progress…
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GDP on the up: Thailand’s economy gears up for 2.7% ‘Thai’ to growth
Thailand’s Finance Ministry is projecting GDP growth of 2.7% for the current year, with expectations to reach 3% in 2025. The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) announced that while fiscal measures have been maximally employed to bolster the economy, further support from monetary policy is essential for achieving higher growth rates. During the ministry’s economic briefing, Pornchai Thiraveja, FPO Director-General, reaffirmed…
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Thailand opens new border crossing with Cambodia to boost trade
The Thai government announced the opening of a new permanent border crossing between Thailand and Cambodia, alongside extending the operating hours of an existing checkpoint. These measures aim to bolster trade and tourism relations between the two nations. The Royal Gazette published two announcements from the Ministry of Interior, which were signed by Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra, and Anutin Charnvirakul,…
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Thai citizenship granted to 483,000 immigrants to boost economy
The Thai Cabinet approved Thai citizenship to 483,000 immigrants in a move aimed at boosting the economy. The decision met with disagreement from many Thai residents. The spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, Jirayu Huangsub, announced on Tuesday, October 29, that the Thai Cabinet and the Office of National Security Council agreed in their meeting to grant citizenship to 483,000 immigrants.…
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