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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    Planning to extend your Thai visa? Why health insurance is more important than ever

    If you plan to stay longer in Thailand, having health insurance is now more important than ever. Thai immigration often asks for proof of medical coverage when you apply to extend your visa. This applies to many types of visas,...

  • Thailand unveils trillion-baht infrastructure boom | Thaiger

    Thailand unveils trillion-baht infrastructure boom

    The Government of Thailand is poised to unveil a series of ambitious infrastructure projects, seeking to attract over 1.5 trillion baht in private investment. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is said to outline these initiatives in her policy statement to Parliament on September 12 to 13, focusing on economic stimulation and critical infrastructure enhancements. One of the flagship projects is the…

  • Covid chaos hits Thai Cabinet: 2 deputy ministers sidelined by virus | Thaiger

    Covid chaos hits Thai Cabinet: 2 deputy ministers sidelined by virus

    Incoming Deputy Interior Ministers Songsak Thongsri and Sabeeda Thaised have been forced into isolation after testing positive for Covid-19 during routine RT-PCR tests at Government House. Both ministers, from the Bhumjaithai Party, will have to delay their official duties as they recover, a government insider revealed. Songsak, who has held his post since 2019, and first-timer Sabeeda, daughter of outgoing…

  • Thailand removes CRC reservation on refugee children’s rights | Thaiger

    Thailand removes CRC reservation on refugee children’s rights

    Thailand has taken a monumental step to protect refugee children by fully embracing a crucial international convention. The country’s final reservation to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) has officially been withdrawn, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding children’s rights. H.E. Cherdchai Chaivaivid, Thailand’s Ambassador to the United Nations in New York, formally deposited the Instrument of Withdrawal…

  • House passes 3.7 trillion baht budget plan after tepid debate | Thaiger

    House passes 3.7 trillion baht budget plan after tepid debate

    After a three-day debate that barely sparked a fire, the House of Representatives finally pushed through the colossal 3.7 trillion baht budget bill for the 2025 fiscal year. In a vote held late last night, the bill was approved by a margin of 309 to 155, with four MPs opting to abstain, leaving no one without a voice. Deputy Prime…

  • RTA denies overpricing claims on mess trays purchase | Thaiger

    RTA denies overpricing claims on mess trays purchase

    The Royal Thai Army (RTA) firmly denied accusations from the People’s Party (PP) regarding the alleged overpricing of mess trays. These claims were presented during the scrutiny phase of the national budget expenditure bill earlier this week. The opposition party accused the army of allocating an excessive portion of its budget to purchase approximately 10,000 mess trays at prices significantly…

  • Thailand set to advance casino project with 80% public approval | Thaiger

    Thailand set to advance casino project with 80% public approval

    Newly-appointed Deputy Finance Minister Julaphan Amornvivat recently discussed the progress of the Entertainment Complex (Casino) project following the completion of public hearings, where over 80% of respondents expressed approval. This project, which has its origins in Parliament, is now set to move towards discussions among coalition parties before being submitted to the Cabinet and Parliament for further consideration. Julaphan highlighted…

  • New travel rules: Thailand’s ETA to shake up visa-free visitors | Thaiger

    New travel rules: Thailand’s ETA to shake up visa-free visitors

    Thailand is tightening its borders with a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, set to launch between December this year and June 2025. This system will be mandatory for all visa-exempt foreigners entering the country by air, land, or sea. Though not technically a visa, the ETA will act as a computerised security check, similar to the ETIAS programme for…

  • Thailand minimum wage hike to 400 baht confirmed for October 1 | Thaiger

    Thailand minimum wage hike to 400 baht confirmed for October 1

    Pheu Thai Party’s labour policy, particularly the plan to increase the daily minimum wage to 400 baht nationwide, remains firm, confirmed caretaker Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Phiphat assured that the wage hike, targeting specific professions and regions, is set to take effect on October 1, with further details to be announced shortly. The national wage committee, led by the permanent…

  • Thai PM urged to probe environment minister’s state land claims | Thaiger

    Thai PM urged to probe environment minister’s state land claims

    The Seub Nakhasathien Foundation urged Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to investigate the qualifications of Chalermchai Sri-on, the newly appointed minister of natural resources and environment, due to allegations surrounding his possession of 120 rai of state land. The foundation emphasised that officials responsible for natural resources must be free from any involvement in the holding of state land. Chalermchai, leader…

  • Koh Kaew residents still waiting for paved road and electricity | Thaiger

    Koh Kaew residents still waiting for paved road and electricity

    Residents of Koh Kaew have been stuck in limbo for years, living with an unpaved road and no electricity supply. However, after a tense meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall on Tuesday, there’s a glimmer of hope. The meeting, led by Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, was convened by the Phuket Provincial Ombudsman’s Office following complaints from the residents. A group…

  • Thailand promotes quality products at Times Square | Thaiger

    Thailand promotes quality products at Times Square

    Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce launched a campaign to elevate the image of Thai products at Times Square. The Ignite Thailand Festival: Think Thailand, Next Level took place at 46-47 Broadway Plaza & Duffy Square yesterday, September 4, aiming to showcase the quality and innovation of Thai goods to over 20 million consumers in the United States. Wuttikrai Leeweeraphan, Permanent Secretary…

  • Public health minister rejects 30-baht scheme co-payment review | Thaiger

    Public health minister rejects 30-baht scheme co-payment review

    Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin dismissed a proposal from health experts to revisit the co-payment system of the universal healthcare policy, known as the 30-baht gold card scheme. Somsak stated emphatically that he had no intention of reopening discussions about the co-payment plan. “The ministry is doing its best to take care of people’s health. No changes have been made.”…

  • Bank of Thailand to appoint new chairman amid government push | Thaiger

    Bank of Thailand to appoint new chairman amid government push

    The Bank of Thailand (BoT) board is set to appoint a new chairperson by early October, as announced by the head of the selection committee. This move comes as the government aims to exert more influence over the central bank following a prolonged public dispute over interest rates. Although the BoT chairperson does not have the authority to set interest…

  • Defence minister announces new commanders in military reshuffle | Thaiger

    Defence minister announces new commanders in military reshuffle

    A significant military reshuffle list is nearing completion, pending final adjustments from the new Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and his Deputy General Natthapol Nakpanich. The proposed list, which includes appointments for new leaders of the armed forces and other high-ranking positions, was discussed at a meeting on Tuesday. This meeting saw the participation of six top commanders and officials from…

  • Thailand government includes cash options in 10,000-baht handout | Thaiger

    Thailand government includes cash options in 10,000-baht handout

    The Thailand government’s 10,000-baht handout programme is set for adjustments, with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat acknowledging the need to include cash distributions for some recipients instead of digital money. Numerous petitions against the government’s flagship policy contributed to this decision, Julapun said yesterday. Additionally, feedback from various sectors has prompted changes to improve the programme’s effectiveness. Initially, the policy…

  • Economic challenge: Business tycoon Pichai to the rescue | Thaiger

    Economic challenge: Business tycoon Pichai to the rescue

    Pichai Naripthaphan, a businessman-turned-politician, is stepping into the hot seat as Thailand’s new Commerce Minister at a time when the nation’s economy teeters on the edge of disaster. With sky-high expectations from every corner, Pichai faces the daunting task of steering the country out of economic turbulence. Pichai takes over from Phumtham Wechayachai, who has moved to Defence Minister and…

  • Bhumjaithai outlines six key policies for coalition government | Thaiger

    Bhumjaithai outlines six key policies for coalition government

    Bhumjaithai Party Secretary-General Chaichanok Chidchob, along with the party’s executive committee, held a press conference at 5.30pm on Monday, September 2, to outline their stance on six pivotal policies. As a coalition government member, Bhumjaithai intends to propose these policies to the Pheu Thai Party. Chaichanok disclosed that the party’s focus includes enhancing social order and public safety. The proposed…

  • Anutin’s high hopes for Thai cannabis green light | Thaiger

    Anutin’s high hopes for Thai cannabis green light

    In a bold move, Anutin Charnvirakul, the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, declared he’s absolutely certain the new Government of Thailand will back his party’s pro-cannabis stance. This means the green revolution could steam ahead just as it was gaining traction under former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Back in July, Srettha struck a deal with Anutin to move forward with…

  • Deputy Interior Minister Chada pulls out of Cabinet | Thaiger

    Deputy Interior Minister Chada pulls out of Cabinet

    Caretaker Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaised has withdrawn his name from consideration for a role in Thailand’s next Cabinet, instead proposing his daughter, Sabeeda Thaised, for the position of Deputy Interior Minister. The move comes amidst swirling controversy surrounding Chada’s murky past and fears that his appointment could imperil the government’s stability. The decision followed a damning report from the…

  • Thai PM Paetongtarn to submit new Cabinet list next week | Thaiger

    Thai PM Paetongtarn to submit new Cabinet list next week

    The Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, plans to submit the names of her new Cabinet members for royal endorsement by next week. Unfortunately, future Deputy Minister Chada Thaiseth withdrew his name from the list this morning. Prime Minister Paetongtarn arrived at Shinawatra Tower 3, her temporary office, at 9.40am today, September 3, and revealed to the media that the…

  • Retirement Lottery age limit extended to 70 in Thailand | Thaiger

    Retirement Lottery age limit extended to 70 in Thailand

    The National Savings Fund (NSF) is set to revise the conditions for the Retirement Lottery, extending the purchasing age to between 61 and 70 years. The new rule stipulates that the money must remain in the account for 10 years before it can be withdrawn as cash. In the event of the buyer’s death before the 10 years, the funds…

  • Accidental self-praise of Democrat Party MP amuses Thai netizens | Thaiger

    Accidental self-praise of Democrat Party MP amuses Thai netizens

    Democrat Party MP Date-it Khaothong has become a laughing stock among Thai netizens after he posted a comment praising himself on Facebook. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, has been selected as the new Prime Minister of Thailand. However, she has not yet officially begun her duties, as she awaits royal endorsement. Her new Cabinet has also yet…

  • Labour minister to investigate measures to save social security fund | Thaiger

    Labour minister to investigate measures to save social security fund

    Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn vowed to investigate measures to avert a potential collapse of the Social Security Fund (SSF) within the next decade due to funding shortfalls. The SSF, currently holding 2.6 trillion baht, is projected to grow to at least 4 trillion baht by 2034, according to the Thailand Development Research Institute and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Despite…

  • Abhisit predicts Paetongtarn’s govt term to last, despite challenges | Thaiger

    Abhisit predicts Paetongtarn’s govt term to last, despite challenges

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government is expected to complete the rest of its three-year term, as no coalition parties seem prepared for an early General Election, according to former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who also noted that these parties are still striving to demonstrate to their voters that they merit re-election. However, he pointed out that the coalition’s weak point…

  • Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirms new Cabinet | Thaiger

    Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirms new Cabinet

    Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra confidently returned to the kitchen today, ensuring the flame from the gas cylinder was on while announcing that her new Cabinet’s composition has been finalised. The prime minister seized the opportunity during a visit to flood-stricken Sukhothai to cook pad kaprao with premium beef, alongside renowned chef Chumpol Jaengprai in Mueang district. This time, she left…

  • NACC awaits CCTV in Thaksin hospital treatment probe | Thaiger

    NACC awaits CCTV in Thaksin hospital treatment probe

    The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has yet to receive CCTV footage from the Police General Hospital as it investigates potential preferential treatment given to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his hospital stay. Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, NACC secretary-general, stated yesterday that the commission has gathered substantial information and will soon determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with questioning. The…

  • Thai House of Representatives to make 7.8 billion baht budget cut | Thaiger

    Thai House of Representatives to make 7.8 billion baht budget cut

    The House of Representatives is set to proceed with the second and third readings of the budget bill for the 2025 fiscal year next week. This development comes amidst reports that the proposed spending plan has been reduced by nearly 8 billion baht. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha announced that the budget debate will take place from September 3…

  • Hungary and Thailand to sign MoU for stronger economic ties | Thaiger

    Hungary and Thailand to sign MoU for stronger economic ties

    Hungary and Thailand are set to strengthen their economic ties with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Hungarian-Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Budapest Chamber of Commerce next month. The Hungarian embassy facilitated a luncheon in Bangkok, where the Hungarian ambassador and local Thai media discussed Hungary’s role as president of the Council of the European…

  • Myanmar journalist jailed for life, another gets 20 years | Thaiger

    Myanmar journalist jailed for life, another gets 20 years

    A military court in Myanmar sentenced one journalist to life imprisonment and another to 20 years behind bars, further tightening the junta’s iron grip on the nation’s media. The verdict was delivered under a draconian counterterrorism law. The journalists, 40 year old Myo Myint Oo and 49 year old Aung San Oo, who work for the independent online news service…

  • Bangkok faces 11.75 billion baht Green Line debt crisis | Thaiger

    Bangkok faces 11.75 billion baht Green Line debt crisis

    The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and its business arm, Krungthep Thanakom (KT), are urgently reviewing a National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) ruling before they settle a colossal 11.75 billion baht debt owed to the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTSC). This follows a Supreme Administrative Court order on July 26, which gave BMA and KT just 180 days to pay up. The…