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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Crying wolf: Thai senators take legal action against insults and threats
Several Thai senators announced they are processing legal action against all those who insulted and threatened them after they blocked Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s path to becoming prime minister. A bizarre move considering those senators are subverting the course of democracy and the will of the people of Thailand. Pita failed to secure enough votes to become…
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Bank of Ayudhya predicts pivotal role of politics in Thailand’s economy
In light of the current political climate, a division of the renowned Bank of Ayudhya suggests that the upcoming political decisions could significantly steer Thailand’s economy this year. This report highlights the pivotal role of swift administrative formation in stabilising the economy and buoying investor confidence. However, the prospect of an emerging minority government raises considerable concerns over its potential…
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EC defends actions amid criticism over MFP Pita Limjaroenrat’s eligibility debacle
Engulfed in the turmoil stirred by criticism over the eligibility of Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat, the Election Commission (EC) staunchly defends its actions. Critics, including Pita, have insinuated that he was not given the rightful opportunity to counter the allegations before the case saw its day in court. The EC, in a strong-worded statement, clarified that the…
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Pheu Thai may replace MFP in Thai political shakeup
A shift in the political dynamic of Thailand might be on the horizon, according to predictions by a distinguished political science academic. He believes the Pheu Thai Party could rise as the new coalition’s head if Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), fails to secure victory in the Parliamentary selection for Thailand’s Prime Minister. Burapha University’s…
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Stepping forward: MFP aims to rewrite Senate’s role in selecting Thai Prime Minister
The Move Forward Party (MFP) today proposed a revision to Section 272 of the Constitution in order to reduce the power of the Thai Senate and the role of its senators in selecting the Prime Minister of Thailand. Under Section 272 of the Constitution, senators appointed by the last military-led government have the privilege to sway the PM vote. Section…
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Words as ammunition: Bhumjaithai Party MP demands ‘shooting’ law for people insulting Thai monarchy
Controversial Bhumjaithai Party Deputy Leader Chada Thaiseth yesterday demanded a new law be introduced to shoot people who insult the Thai monarchy. The 62 year old MP believes Thai people should be allowed to turn vigilante and shoot people who criticise the monarchy without consequence. Chada made the shocking announcement in Parliament after Pita Limjaornerat, the leader of the Move…
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The ‘forward’ march: Devoted MFP supporters unite in Phuket to back Pita Limjaroenrat’s PM bid
About 30 Move Forward Party (MFP) supporters yesterday gathered at the iconic Mingmongkol Statue in Queen Sirikit Park to offer their unwavering support for MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat and the prime ministerial candidate. The event transpired following Pita’s unfortunate denial of the coveted prime ministerial position in a combined voting session involving both the House of Representatives and Senate. Despite…
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ASEAN discussions: Ministers struggle to find Myanmar crisis resolution, Thailand charts own course
In the pursuit of calming the chaos ensuing in Myanmar, yesterday foreign ministers of the ASEAN nations carried on their discussions. These continued ASEAN discussions follow the conclusion of the bloc’s ministerial summit held previously. Myanmar has been subjected to detrimental turbulence since the military coup took control of the government that was previously led by Aung San Suu Kyi,…
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Racket restriction: Thai senators and EC officers ‘served’ ban from Thailand badminton court
A badminton court in northern Thailand announced on its official Facebook page that Thai senators and Election Commission (EC) officers and their family members are banned from visiting or playing on the premises. The Panda Arena badminton centre, in the northern province of Uttaradit, announced on Facebook… “Our badminton court does not allow senators and EC authorities, along with their…
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THAI scandal sees corruption charges dropped against ex-PM Thaksin
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has aborted all charges against Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, and three others in the Thai Airways (THAI) corruption saga. The case involved allegations of corruption linked to the acquisition of 10 Airbus aircraft by Thai between 2003 and 2004. This was revealed by former deputy transport minister Pichet Sathirachawal, who was also accused…
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Thai stock market fluctuates amid MFP leader’s shareholding controversy
The Move Forward Party (MFP) leader’s shareholding case prompts fluctuations in the Thai stock market. The Exchange Commission (EC) yesterday referred Pita Limjaroenrat’s iTV shareholding case to the Constitutional Court for resolution, sending ripples through the stock market. Suspicions regarding Pita’s iTV shareholding led the EC to propose he ceases all MP duties immediately, pending court deliberation in the following…
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Protest called today amid EC’s action in termination of future Thailand PM Pita
A human rights lawyer and political activist today took to social media to invite people to the protest outside the Bangkok Art & Cultural Centre (BAC) in Bangkok. Arnon Nampha’s call to action comes in the wake of the Election Commission of Thailand (EC) seeking the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the termination of the potential future Prime Minister Pita Limjaroenrat,…
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BRT improvements: Bangkok’s bus service to continue with 455 million baht funding boost
In a bid to enhance the current quality of public transportation in the capital, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced BRT improvement plans to continue the city’s bus service after the concession held by the Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) expires on the last day of August. The BMA’s commitment to maintaining and improving the BRT service was affirmed…
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Power play unleashed: New Thai prime minister set to take centre stage in thrilling joint sessions showdown
The Deputy House Speaker-elect announced today the highly anticipated installation of the new prime minister of Thailand is likely to be installed within the first three joint sessions of the House of Representatives and the Senate, scheduled over the next two weeks. Deputy House Speaker-elect Pichet Chuamuangphan said that the three sessions are planned for July 13, 19 and 20,…
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Deputy PM Prawit denies nap claims, insists he was just grounded
Lt. Gen. Patchasak Patirupanon, assistant spokesperson to the Deputy Prime Minister, denied General Prawit Wongsuwan was asleep during the House of Representatives meeting yesterday. Lt. Gen. Patchasak reckons the 77 year old was looking down at the ground and looking up, not sleeping. The picture of the deputy PM allegedly snoozing caused much mirth and merriment on Thai social media…
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MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s wealth disclosure unveils assets of 85 million baht
The Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) today revealed details of the financial standing of Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat. The details, intriguing as they are, highlight the scale and spread of his assets and liabilities, which total 85 million baht (US$2.4 million) and 20 million baht (US$573,000) respectively, Sanook reported. Pita’s assets consist of cash totalling…
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Thai political truce sparks hopeful business and economic recovery prospects
Thailand‘s business leaders anticipate a more positive path for the Move Forward Party (MFP) and its seven ally political parties to constitute a government and address economic challenges, following the agreement on a House speaker. The MFP had earlier been engaged in disputes with the Pheu Thai Party over this significant role in the House of Representatives. The conflict was resolved…
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Cuba turns to Russia amid fuel crisis and economic downturn
Equipped with a navy blue, Soviet-era Lada, Cuban cab driver Jorge Lloro’s everyday life is a stark reminder of Cuba’s Cold War-era relationship with Russia. There are roughly 100,000 Russian-made autos on this island nation, originally brought here as a workaround for the United States’ long-standing economic embargo. Today, grappling with a severe fuel crisis and a grim economic outlook,…
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Russian defence ministry’s flight schedules “drone-ed” due to Ukraine attack
The Russian defence ministry announced that it faced a drone attack originating from Ukraine, causing a temporary disruption in flight schedules at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow. The attack took place yesterday, involving about five drones and extended to surrounding territories as well. The defence authorities have clarified that all involved drones were shot down successfully, causing no harm to civilians…
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Dozy deputy: Prawit, once again, caught napping on the job in Parliament
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan has been caught at it again, snoozing on the job, during a Parliament meeting. It’s not the first time Prawit, affectionately known as “Uncle Pom,” has been caught nodding off at work. The 77 year old politician has always defended himself against the accusations saying he was only “resting his eyes,” just like Sleeping Beauty.…
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Move Forward Party MP admits to violent incident
A notable incident involving an MP from the Move Forward Party (MFP) in Bangkok raised eyebrows. The MP, Sirin Sanguansin, confirmed he was responsible for an act of violence against a woman when he was travelling between Pattaya and Sri Racha. On Thursday, Sirin wrote in a Facebook post… “I am very sorry for the incident. First, I was late…
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Move Forward Party MP accused of physically assaulting girlfriend
A Thai woman filed a complaint against a Move Forward Party (MFP) MP claiming he physically assaulted her. The MFP has taken immediate action by initiating investigations into the matter. Screenshots of the 26 year old Thai woman’s injuries immediately circulated on Thai social media after the posts appeared yesterday on her Instagram account. The posts contained images of a…
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Pheu Thai Party reviews one-year performance, addressing overdue Bangkok transit fees
Thailand’s Pheu Thai party passed satisfactory judgment on its Bangkok councillors’ performance following a one year tenure, despite a less than stellar display in the General Election held on May 14 last year. The party members, celebrating the anniversary of their councillors’ induction into office, were determined in expressing the successful implementation of several campaign promises. Pheu Thai managed to…
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Defamation case rejected by Thai court against Thai Pakdee Party leader
Today, the Criminal Court discarded a case of defamation that had been lodged by the Move Forward Party (MFP), targeting Warong Dechgitvigrom, the leader of the Thai Pakdee Party. The ruling from the court was based on the assertion that the defendant had acted within his rights, making a critique that was deemed honest and secured by the Constitution. Accusations…
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Prawit and seek: Deputy PM shuts down Thaksin meeting rumours in UK
In response to recent speculation, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon denied meeting with exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during a visit to England. The deputy PM, a list MP and leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), stated that he hadn’t been in contact with the fugitive politician in almost two decades. The 77 year old’s recent journey to…
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Cameraman caper: Former journalist nabbed for stealing from fellow hacks
Parliamentary Police officers arrested a former Thai journalist as he posed as a news cameraman for stealing valuables from other hacks. Police believe the suspect attempted to blackmail new Members of Parliament. Journalists from several news outlets gathered at Parliament House yesterday to interview new MPs who reported for work at Parliament. Amid the chaos, one reporter noticed the former light-fingered…
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Fresh complaint to target key players in Thailand’s ‘Patani state’ referendum
Another complaint will be lodged against figures involved in championing a ‘Patani state’ independence referendum. This declaration was made by Lieutenant General Santi Sakuntanak, the commander of the Fourth Region Army and the director of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) Region 4. Lieutenant General Santi yesterday reported that security personnel are in the process of collecting evidence before submitting…
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Thailand No.1 in ASEAN according to UN’s 2023 Sustainable Development ranking
Thailand‘s recent economic, social, and green development has been reflected in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Report for 2023. In a statement relayed by Trisulee Trisoranakul, the Deputy Government spokesperson, it is reported that Thailand’s Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense, Prayut Chan-o-cha, is pleased. Thailand has now improved its standing to the 43rd position among 166 countries from…
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Picture perfect scandal: Bangkok governor addresses leaked intimate photos
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt addressed intimate pictures of him with an unnamed woman that were circulated on social media. These pictures showed the 57 year old Bangkok chief kissing a blonde woman in a restaurant. Chadchart today admitted that the photographs were taken in a private setting and unrelated to his role as Governor of Bangkok in any way. He…
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Move Forward Party member to step down over drink-driving charge
The MP-elect resignation of Nateepat Kulsetthasith, a 46 year old Move Forward Party list member, confirmed that she will resign following her involvement in a drink-driving charge last month. However, she must first complete the required electoral procedures. On Monday, the Election Commission (EC) endorsed all 500 MPs elected, and Nateepat appeared in the Office of the Secretariat of the…
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