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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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PM Srettha encourages Thai students in Stanford to return and work in Thailand
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met with Thai students at Stanford University, encouraging them to return and work in Thailand. The Thai PM believes that the future will see leading companies investing in the nation, and providing employment opportunities. PM Srettha, who also serves as the Finance Minister, held discussions with the administration of Stanford University and interacted with Thai students…
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Thailand PM denies rumours of inviting Chinese police for tourist patrols
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin quashed rumours about inviting Chinese police to patrol the nation’s tourist hotspots. The clarification comes in light of a recent uproar following remarks from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) regarding such an arrangement. PM Srettha, during a visit to San Francisco, revealed that the country’s interest lies solely in collaborating with Chinese police for…
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Tourist truce: PM Srettha makes a ‘Great Wall’ of friendship, inviting Chinese police to patrol in Thailand
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin planned to ask Chinese police to join patrols at several tourist attractions in Thailand to win the trust of tourists from the People’s Republic of China. Unexpectedly, the visa-free policy is failing to attract Chinese tourists to Thailand after the pandemic. Most Chinese tourists are reportedly worried about their safety in Thailand following the death…
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Thai Government Savings Bank promises low interest rates for home loans
The Government Savings Bank (GSB), an institution committed to enabling Thai citizens to own their homes, is prepping a credit line of 45,000 million baht to offer three home loan products with fixed interest rates for the first three years, marking the end of this year. The initiative is expected to inject liquidity into the economy. According to Karm Phonprakong,…
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Thai government to finance digital wallet scheme with 500 billion baht loan
The Thai government has plans to secure a loan of 500 billion baht to finance a digital wallet scheme, revealed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. This digital wallet scheme is targeted towards Thai citizens who are 16 years and older, earning less than 70,000 baht per month with less than 500,000 baht in bank deposits. The 61 year old Thai prime…
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Thai deputy PM defends government’s initial performance amidst economic criticism
Thailand Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai defended the government‘s performance during its initial two months in office, amidst criticism that the economy has seen little to no improvement and the cost of living remains high. The deputy PM stated that the fruits of the government’s labour would not be noticeable until at least 100 days have passed, as many departments,…
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Thai government to distribute 10,000 baht through Pao Tang digital wallet from May next year
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed the distribution of 10,000 baht through the Pao Tang digital wallet, indicating readiness with over 1.8 million familiar shops. The public can start using it from May next year. At 2pm this afternoon, at the Government House, the 61 year old prime minister and Finance Minister, announced the policy of the 10,000 baht top-up program…
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Final call for Social Security Fund members to register for inaugural election
The Labour Ministry has made a final call to Social Security Fund (SSF) members to register for the inaugural election of Social Security Board members, with today marking the end of the registration period. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn explained the extension of the registration period, which was originally set to end on October 31, was granted to provide members with…
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First coalition party dinner signals unity and relaxed political discourse
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin reported a warm atmosphere at the first coalition party dinner held on November 8, with no bargaining for political gains witnessed among the government parties. The dinner, hosted by the leading Pheu Thai Party, was attended by leaders of coalition parties and was deemed successful enough to warrant monthly repeats, as reported by Deputy Prime Minister…
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Thai government to reveal details of contested 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme
The Thai government is set to disclose the specifics of its contentious 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme distribution today. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, in response to critics who argue the initiative could inflict more economic damage than benefit, will conduct a news conference at 2pm today to elucidate all aspects of the policy. The 61 year old Thai prime minister has…
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Thais in Myanmar issued emergency documents for repatriation
Emergency travel documents are being issued to the majority of Thais awaiting repatriation in Myanmar, as most of them are without passports, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) yesterday. The MFA revealed that these individuals had their passports taken away by their employers. The information was disclosed by Ruj Thammamomgkol, director-general of the MFA Consular…
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Phuket’s new high-flier: Sattha thongkham lands as vice governor, family in tow
Sattha Thongkham, accompanied by his wife and daughter, arrived in Phuket yesterday, ready to assume his new role as the Vice Governor of Phuket. The family made their debut in the city by paying tribute to the statue of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) at the historic former Phuket Provincial Hall, situated on Narisorn Road in Phuket town. The venerable structure…
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Man arrested for online threats against Thai prime minister
The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) apprehended a 29 year old man for posting threatening messages against the Thai prime minister online. The accused admitted his guilt, citing his disappointment with Thai politics as the reason for his vented frustrations. He was arrested at 6.30am today following a search warrant authorised the previous day. On November 5, the Anti Online…
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NIDA poll unveils Thailand’s digital wallet desires
The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) conducted a poll regarding the upcoming digital wallet handout scheme, gauging the sentiment of 1,310 respondents aged 18 and older from a wide variety of social backgrounds between October 31 and November 2. The results revealed a widespread belief that the government’s 10,000-baht digital cash handout should be extended to all Thais, regardless…
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Hamas: Negotiations to release Thai hostages get assistance from Qatar, Egypt and Iran
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, has revealed that Qatar, Egypt, and Iran have committed to assisting in negotiations with Hamas for the safe return of Thai hostages. This announcement was made in a press briefing following Parnpree’s diplomatic visit to Qatar and Egypt, undertaken from October 30 to November 2, to discuss potential avenues…
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MFP to challenge government amidst internal controversies
The Move Forward Party (MFP), the main opposition party in Thailand, is preparing to challenge the government in a general debate. Critics suggest this is a tactic to divert public attention from the party’s controversies. For the first time, the MFP is exercising its constitutional power to initiate a debate against the government, scheduled for early next year. Although the…
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Xinjiang violence: China soughts international media to counter claims
China has opened its doors to a number of international media organisations to showcase its claimed victory in quelling terrorism-related violence in its troubled region, Xinjiang. A senior journalist from Bangkok Post, Mongkol Bangprapa, who also presides over the Thai Journalists Association, was among the 22 guests invited. The delegates were predominantly from 17 countries involved in China’s Belt and…
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Bolivia severs diplomatic ties with Israel amid Gaza conflict (video)
Bolivia announced the severance of diplomatic ties with Israel, becoming the first nation globally to make such a decision following the recent flare-up of conflict in Gaza amid the brutal Israeli assault on Palestine. This declaration was made yesterday by Bolivia’s Presidential Minister, Maria Nela Prada. “Bolivia has decided to terminate diplomatic relations with the State of Israel in order…
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New Thai law: Less meth tablets, more help – addicts eligible for treatment, not jail
Thailand‘s Public Health Ministry is set to roll out a new regulation, enabling individuals found with less than ten methamphetamine tablets to be seen as drug addicts, making them eligible for treatment over imprisonment, according to Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew. This significant shift in policy was revealed yesterday during a ministry meeting centred on drug suppression efforts for the fiscal year 2024.…
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Thailand Ministry of Labour: Refund for Thai workers who paid for return from Israel
Thai workers who fled unrest in Israel and bought their return tickets can now apply for a refund, according to the Ministry of Labour‘s Secretary, Pairoj Chotikasathien. This is in response to the recent conflict in Israel that has impacted Thai workers in the country. Thai workers who have returned from Israel since October 7, can now request reimbursement for…
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Government’s digital wallet scheme delayed amid sustainability concerns
A seven-month delay is set to affect the government’s digital wallet scheme, with the expected launch now projected around September of next year, according to an adviser to the prime minister. Pichai Chunhavajira, while addressing a Senate-organised forum on the scheme, voiced that the policy is a vital economic stimulant but doubted its implementation in February as initially planned. The…
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Thai PM’s frequent flyer miles soar: Srettha’s approval ratings stay grounded
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has received favourable approval ratings despite concerns over his frequent overseas trips, according to a survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). Conducted over the telephone between October 24-25, the NIDA Poll surveyed a diverse group of 1,310 individuals aged 18 and above. The findings revealed that the Thai prime minister’s international travel…
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Thai PM backs deputy amid criticism over 10,000-baht digital wallet plan
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stood firm against criticisms levelled at his deputy, Julapun Amornvivat, concerning his capacity to chair the governmental sub-committee responsible for the roll-out of the 10,000-baht digital wallet handout initiative. Responding to requests for a more equipped individual to hold the chairmanship, PM Srettha stated unequivocally in a message on platform X (formerly Twitter), that he “won’t…
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Hamas Thai hostages: Negotiations in progress for immediate release
Negotiations with Iran are in progress, with the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, indicating readiness to immediately release all Thai hostages. This crucial update was provided yesterday by Saiyid Sulaiman Husaini, a prominent figure amongst Shia Muslims in Thailand. The negotiating team, assembled by House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, initiated discussions with Hamas at 10am local time yesterday in Tehran.…
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Legalising casinos to boost economy: Thailand House of Representatives forms committee
A 60-member committee to probe into the potential launch of entertainment hubs, inclusive of casinos, has been established by Thailand’s House of Representatives. This move seeks to rectify the issue of underground casinos and invigorate the nation‘s financial state, as suggested in a proposal put forth by members of parliament from diverse parties. The endorsers of the proposal encompassed Thoedchart…
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New York gala sees Thai actor turned body guard steal limelight from MFP head Pita
The spotlight was stolen during former Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s visit to Thai nationals in New York by his indispensable bodyguard, popular Thai actor Tul Pakorn Thanasrivanitchai. Pita, the head consultant of the MFP, was in the city for the TIME 100 Next 2023 Gala, celebrating his inclusion in the list of 100 future influential change-makers. The…
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MFP charter rewrite motion rejected by Thailand House of Representatives
A charter rewrite motion, sponsored by the main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), has been rejected by Thailand’s House of Representatives. The decision was influenced by concerns that the proposed changes could lead to a biased charter amendment, as explained by Nikorn Chamnong, who leads a sub-panel tasked with gathering public opinion on a constitutional amendment referendum. The MFP intended…
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NACC probes Thai government’s 10,000-baht digital handout amid corruption fears
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) initiated an in-depth study into the Thai government’s policy for a 10,000-baht digital currency handout. This step comes as the agency intensifies its examination of the key policies of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. According to a source within the NACC, the decision was made following a suggestion from the agency’s corruption monitoring and appraisal…
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Thai Prime Minister defends controversial 10,000-baht digital handout scheme
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin defended the government’s decision to proceed with the controversial 10,000-baht digital currency handout scheme on Monday, despite mounting criticism. Primarily, critics have been concerned about the scheme’s lack of transparency, particularly regarding its funding source. The 61 year old PM, who also holds the position of finance minister, dismissed these concerns. “I insist the policy…
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Charter amendment: Thailand’s Move Forward Party seeks controversial rewrite
The Move Forward Party (MFP), Thailand’s principal opposition, is determined to push for a renewed charter amendment through a motion in Parliament on Wednesday. The motion, which is the first item on the debate agenda and is supported by the MFP and its spokesperson, Parit Wacharasindhu, has sparked concern among lawmakers due to the potential broad changes it could bring…
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