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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Thailand restricts 10,000-baht handout use for phones, electronics
Recipients of the government’s 10,000-baht handout will be restricted from using the digital cash to purchase mobile phones, electrical appliances, or electronic devices. This decision was announced by officials yesterday. A government sub-committee, led by Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, placed these items on a negative list to ensure the funds are spent at small shops rather than large department…
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Election Commission seals deal: Senatorial results get green light
The Election Commission (EC) finally endorsed the results of the senatorial election. Despite initial delays and mounting complaints, the EC confirmed the election’s integrity and backed all 200 winners. The EC convened today, July 10, meeting from 9am to 2.30pm, to resolve the matter. Initially slated for an announcement on July 3, the endorsement was repeatedly postponed due to a…
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Early retirement scheme slashes Thai Defence senior ranks
The Cabinet approved an early retirement scheme for senior Defence Ministry officials, effective this October. According to insider sources, the initiative is set to revolutionise the armed forces by offering retirement packages to over 700 top brass. The ambitious three-year campaign aims to retire 732 high-ranking officials, approximately 244 each year, slashing the defence budget by an impressive 4.47 billion…
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Thailand govt defends Buriram graduates amid cheating claims
The Thai government fiercely defended 40 Buriram Rajabhat University graduates against allegations of cheating in their competitive exams for assistant teaching positions. Rumours have been swirling that the graduates were aided by leaked exam papers, a suspicion magnified by the fact that the Minister of Education, Permpoon Chidchob, is from Buriram province. Addressing the controversy, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime…
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Thai MP aims to ‘stimulate’ economy with sex industry legalisation
A Move Forward Party (MFP) MP today announced plans on social media to legalise professions related to the pornography and sex toy industries in Thailand by revising the Criminal Law of Thailand. The revision draft is expected to be proposed during Parliament today, July 10. The MFP MP, Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, shared his plan to legalise professions related to porn and…
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PM Srettha to meet Malaysian PM for peace talks
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced a high-stakes meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in a southern border province on August 3, though the exact location remains undecided. The Thai premier hinted that Yala, Pattani, or Narathiwat could be the chosen venue. “My team is making arrangements.” While the specifics of the agenda are under wraps, the Bangkok-born PM…
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Thailand delays legal advice on digital wallet funding
The Thailand government has not yet sought legal advice from the Council of State regarding the use of funds from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) to partially finance the digital wallet scheme, confirmed Pakorn Nilprapunt, Secretary-General of the Council. Pakorn clarified that the government does not need to consult the council if it plans to use money…
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Thai PM Srettha honoured with President’s Award of Service
The Claremont Graduate University in California, USA, honoured Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin with the President’s Award of Service. This award recognises his significant contributions to the public, the promotion of human development, and the advocacy of human rights. The Thai premier is the first alumnus of Claremont Graduate University to receive this award. The university’s executive team and representatives…
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Thai Olympic dreams: PM’s promise of glory and support
During his address at the Government House, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his support for Thailand’s 2024 Olympic contingent, urging them to give their utmost in Paris. He also vowed to boost funding for national athletes and extend support beyond their sporting careers. The Thai athletes, led by Thai Olympic Secretary-General Wit Devahastin na Ayudhya, gathered yesterday, July 8, for…
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Submerged in controversy: Sutin to meet PM over submarine deal
Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang announced today that he will meet Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin next week to discuss the controversial submarine procurement project. Sutin revealed that if the prime minister approves, the proposal will be swiftly submitted to the Cabinet for final approval. “Once China answers this key question, I will compile all the information for the prime minister to…
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New Malaysian mediator appointed for Thai peace talks
The Malaysian government has appointed a new mediator for the peace process in southern Thailand. This comes amid urgent calls for a reassessment of the peace roadmap following a surge in violence that has shattered public confidence. A devastating car bomb exploded outside a police flat in Yala on June 30, claiming the life of a school teacher and injuring…
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Pheu Thai tries to regain public confidence after unfulfilled promises
Pheu Thai faces significant challenges as it struggles to regain public confidence amid unfulfilled economic promises. Just a year ago, many Thais were optimistic that Pheu Thai’s return to power would alleviate the nation’s economic difficulties by boosting consumer purchasing power, reducing household debt, and reversing slowing economic growth. Pheu Thai’s election campaign emphasised economic policies, promising to achieve an…
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Thailand and France boost defence ties with 200 billion baht deal
Thai and French officials convened a special seminar to enhance the defence industries of both nations, with Thailand aiming to procure defence products valued at 200 billion baht over the next two decades. Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and the French Ambassador to Thailand Jean-Claude Poimboeuf opened the Thailand-France Seminar on the Defence Industry 2024 at the Office of the Permanent…
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Former red-shirt leader plans protest against new govt initiatives
Former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan announced plans for a protest next month against several government initiatives, citing concerns that these measures would primarily benefit the country’s elite. Jatuporn specifically pointed to proposals to increase the cap on foreign ownership in condominiums to 75% and extend land leases for foreigners to 99 years. In a Facebook post made yesterday, July 8,…
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Cash in the cloud: Thailand gears up for digital wallet launch
Thailand’s deputy finance minister recently disclosed that the prime minister will announce details about the digital wallet project, including registration and identity verification steps, on Wednesday, July 24. The project aims to distribute 10,000 baht through digital wallets, pending approval from various authorities. Deputy Finance Minister Paopum Rojanasakul addressed concerns raised by Deputy Leader of the Move Forward Party, Sirikanya…
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Outgoing Senate to fulfil duties until new members endorsed by EC
Senate Speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai affirmed that the outgoing Senate will continue its duties until the Election Commission (EC) officially endorses the 200 new senators. This statement comes amid questions from political analysts and senators-elect regarding the outgoing Senate’s role in reviewing the budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. Concerns have been raised about why the outgoing senators, whose terms…
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Thailand faces ‘invisible time bomb’ population crisis
Thailand’s population crisis, described as an “invisible time bomb,” requires urgent government intervention, according to Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS). Varawut stated the following during a forum on national strategies hosted by the National Press Council of Thailand on Thursday, July 4. “Environmental issues are visible, but this [population crisis] is an invisible time…
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NSC to review permanent border checkpoint with Cambodia
The National Security Council (NSC) will thoroughly examine the trade benefits and security concerns surrounding a proposed new permanent border checkpoint with Cambodia, according to a senior official. Police in Trat province are advocating for Ban Tha Sen in Mueang district to be established as a permanent checkpoint following Cabinet approval, pending NSC support. Ban Tha Sen borders Phothisat province…
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Prachuap Khiri Khan holds water ceremony for king’s birthday
The governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan led a sacred water collection ceremony at Wat Khao Tham Ma Rong, Bang Saphan, in honour of King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s upcoming 72nd birthday celebration. Somkid Chantamorn, the Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, presided over a sacred water collection ceremony yesterday, July 4, at Wat Khao Tham Ma Rong in Pong Prasat subdistrict, Bang Saphan…
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DP World to transform Thailand into regional transport hub
DP World, the global supply chain and logistics powerhouse based in Dubai is set to propose a plan to the Thai government aimed at transforming Thailand into a regional transport hub, according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. The announcement came yesterday following a meeting between Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, group chairman and CEO of DP…
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Foreign Affairs Minister Maris to visit China for pivotal talks
Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is set to visit China next week at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The visit, scheduled from Monday, July 8 to Wednesday, July 10, will see Maris and Wang co-chair the second Thailand-China Foreign Affairs Ministerial Meeting, aiming to strengthen cooperation and support between the two nations. Nikorndej Balankura, a spokesperson for…
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Top cop controversy: PM Srettha denies misconduct
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin vehemently denied allegations of misconduct in the appointment of Police General Torsak Sukvimol as national police chief. The Thai premier stood firm against accusations that he had breached the Royal Thai Police (RTP) Act when appointing Torsak Sukvimol last year. The complaint was brought against him by Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn aka Big Joke, Torsak’s former…
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Singapore’s food for thought: Official keen on Thai collaboration
In a significant step towards ensuring food security, a high-ranking Singapore official expressed a keen interest in collaboration with Thailand. This landmark meeting promises to reshape the agricultural landscape for both nations. Permanent Secretary of Singapore’s Ministry of Sustainability and Environment Stanley Loh held talks with Prayoon Insakul, Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Agriculture Ministry, on Tuesday, July 2. The meeting…
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True Corporation’s emergency alert system unveiled
Thailand’s True Corporation (True) conducted a successful live test of its new emergency alert system, the Cell Broadcast Service (CBS), marking a major step forward in national security. True CEO Manat Manavutiveth declared that the system, developed in collaboration with key government agencies, signifies True’s commitment to building robust infrastructure for emergency communication. This innovative system has been crafted with…
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NACC calls for probe into BMA’s electric truck project
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) urged the Secretariat of the Cabinet to scrutinise the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) 3.99-billion-baht project aimed at leasing electric garbage trucks, amid concerns of potential corruption. NACC chairman Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit submitted a formal letter to the secretariat yesterday, July 3, providing detailed recommendations on how to prevent corruption in these large-scale projects. The commission had…
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Pheu Thai urged to uphold transparency, military reforms by MFP
Pheu Thai Party is being urged to uphold its commitments to enhance transparency and efficiency in Parliament, introduce a new political amnesty bill, and accelerate military reforms, according to Move Forward Party (MFP) chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat. These commitments were outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that Pheu Thai and MFP signed before agreeing on the allocation of the…
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Government scandal: PM Srettha orders probe into ‘pay-for-passes’
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin launched an urgent investigation into claims that entry passes to Government House are being sold for cash. Speaking to reporters, the Thai PM expressed his dismay at the allegations. “I have never heard of such activity, but I find it utterly unacceptable. I have ordered those concerned to look into the reports and hope that they…
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Election scandal shocker: Senate results halted amid fraud claims
The Election Commission (EC) delayed endorsing the 200 senatorial election winners due to a flurry of electoral fraud complaints, as announced by the chief commissioner. The eagerly awaited results, originally set to be revealed today, July 3, have now been postponed indefinitely, leaving the nation in suspense. EC Chairman Ittiporn Boonprakong stated that the process is not yet complete, offering…
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PM Srettha orders ‘X-ray’ ops to sniff out drug abusers
To combat the narcotics epidemic, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin launched an aggressive nationwide crackdown on drug abuse and trafficking. Dubbed the “X-ray” operations, this initiative aims to root out drug abusers and dismantle trafficking networks across the country. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke declared that drug abusers will be sent to rehab centres, while traffickers will be arrested and face justice.…
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Political turmoil and economic strife rock Thailand’s elite
The fate of Thailand’s business-friendly Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a former real estate mogul, hangs by a thread less than a year after taking office. Political turmoil has shaken investor confidence in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, resulting in a 15% drop in the benchmark stock index since last year. Compounded by a weaker baht, the combined wealth of the nation’s…
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