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 government slashes hotel fees in tourism boost gamble
The Thai Cabinet made a bold move to bolster its tourism sector by extending a waiver on operating fees for hoteliers for another two years. This strategic decision, made yesterday, June 25, aims to support the country’s ongoing economic recovery following the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The fee exemption, which spares hoteliers from the annual charge of 40…
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Bali Hai Pier and Koh Larn to undergo major makeover
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has mandated a comprehensive overhaul of the Bali Hai Pier and Koh Larn. The ambitious project aims to revitalise the pier’s landscape, streamline electrical and communication cables, and boost overall tidiness. This initiative underscores the Thai premier’s commitment to elevating visitor experiences and enhancing local amenities. Deputy Mayor Manot Nongyai, alongside Deputy Mayor Kritsana Boonsawat and…
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EC under fire for broken livestream promise
Yingcheep Atchanont, the manager of Internet Dialogue on Law Reform (iLaw), unleashed a scathing critique against the Election Commission (EC) for failing to live up to its promise of livestreaming the crucial final round of senatorial election voting. “The EC had publicly promised that observers could follow the procedure on CCTV streamed from the halls. What we found, however, is…
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Senate bid: Ex-PM Somchai reveals the secret to his success
Former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat revealed the key to his success in reaching the final round of the Senate election: His wife’s unwavering support. Upon arriving at Impact Arena in Mueang Thong Thani today to participate in the election, Somchai dispelled rumours that he had been chosen to lead the next Senate. He clarified that he was competing in the…
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EC urges Senate candidates to behave as final voting day nears
The Election Commission (EC) issued a stern warning to Senate election candidates regarding adherence to regulations as the final phase of voting takes place today. Some 2,995 candidates, who cleared the provincial-level selection process on June 16, are competing for 200 seats at Mueang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi. The official results will be announced on July 2. EC Secretary-General Sawaeng…
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Thailand government launches ambitious Cloud initiative
The Thai government greenlit a new committee to spearhead its ambitious Cloud First Policy. This transformative initiative, revealed by an insider from the Government House, aims to transition the nation’s administration into a fully digital realm, harnessing the power of cloud technology. The Cloud First Policy is designed to integrate cloud infrastructure across all governmental agencies, propelling Thailand towards its…
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Election frenzy: Senators battle for top seats
Senatorial candidates arrived at the Impact Forum Mueang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi province as early as 5am today, ahead of the election scheduled for today, June 26. Although official registration wasn’t set to begin until 8am, many candidates decided to brave the early hours to avoid the notorious traffic congestion of the Bangkok metropolitan area. With anticipation running high, the…
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Thailand needs to step up its fight against human trafficking
Thailand remains in Tier 2 on the US Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, indicating a determined effort to combat human trafficking. The US authority remarked that although Thailand has not met the minimum standards for eradicating trafficking, the government is making significant strides. “The [Thai] government demonstrated overall increasing efforts compared with the previous reporting period. These…
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Government to accelerate Sino-Thai HSR project
The Sino-Thai high-speed rail (HSR) link construction will be a major item on the agenda at next week’s mobile Cabinet meeting in Nakhon Ratchasima, with the government eager to accelerate the project, according to Digital Economy and Society (MDES) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong. The 250.77-kilometre high-speed rail link between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima is projected to be completed by 2028. Currently,…
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Thailand to adopt offset policy for military procurements
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin emphasised the necessity for the armed forces to adopt an offset policy when procuring weapons and military hardware. This policy aims to secure reciprocal benefits as a precondition for approving new procurement deals. The Thai premier said the policy should include opportunities for Thailand to participate in the development of new defence technology from the country…
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DLT proposes four new electric bus routes for Rangsit station
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) proposes four new electric bus routes to improve connectivity to the State Railway of Thailand’s (SRT) Red Line Rangsit Station in Pathum Thani province. The plan aims to address the inadequacies in the current feeder system, which were highlighted by a recent Transport Ministry survey. Transport Ministry spokesperson Krichanont Iyapunya stated that the DLT’s…
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Thailand imports shrimp from Ecuador amid local production crisis
Thailand, once the world’s leading shrimp exporter, now finds itself importing shrimp from Ecuador. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed the Department of Fisheries to investigate and report back in the next Cabinet meeting. The nation, which used to produce and export 600,000 tonnes of shrimp annually, now produces only 200,000 tonnes. This significant decline has necessitated the importation of shrimp,…
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Senators’ showdown: Bangkok hotel hosts candidate meetup
In a bustling gathering at Bangkok’s Amari Don Mueang Airport Hotel, over 500 hopefuls vying for senatorial seats met yesterday, June 24, for an event known as the Meeting of Independent Senate Candidates. This lively assembly saw candidates from across the nation converge, all eager to make their mark on the upcoming election. Sources revealed today that each attendee paid…
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PM Srettha faces corruption probe over asset disclosure
Political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana is pushing for a corruption investigation against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, accusing him of failing to fully disclose his assets and previous executive roles. Ruangkrai announced his petition to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate potential inconsistencies in the wealth and former position statements submitted by the Thai premier upon assuming office as prime minister…
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PM Srettha’s Pattaya Beach night out sparks economic buzz
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visited Pattaya Beach at the weekend to bolster tourism and jump-start economic recovery efforts. Alongside Chon Buri Governor Thawatchai Srithong, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, and Police Lieutenant General Somprasong Yenthuam, Region 2 Police Commander, the delegation’s arrival at 8pm on Saturday, June 22, heralded a lively evening on Pattaya’s famous Walking Street in South Pattaya, abuzz…
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PM Srettha races to transform Rayong and Chon Buri
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin led a delegation to Rayong and Chon Buri last Sunday, June 23, to inspect pivotal projects within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). At Rayong’s U-Tapao International Airport, PM Srettha scrutinised the progress of an ambitious project aimed at linking the airport with a high-speed rail network that will connect three major airports. “This network is set to…
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Big Joke vs Srettha: Deputy police chief vows to return
Deputy Police Chief Police General Surachate Hakparn, aka Big Joke, issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. He threatened to file a malfeasance complaint against the PM if he failed to revoke the order temporarily dismissing him from the force. Big Joke revealed he had already appealed to the Police Virtue Protection Committee and petitioned the prime minister, who…
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Pheu Thai denies plans to scrap party-list electoral system
The Pheu Thai Party firmly refuted circulating rumours suggesting the party plans to abolish the party-list electoral system to outmanoeuvre the rising Move Forward Party (MFP) in the upcoming election. Pheu Thai list MP Noppadon Pattama stated that he has never encountered such a strategy in the party’s discussions. This response came after Thai Sang Thai Party Leader, Sudarat Keyuraphan…
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Senate election to proceed despite 333 complaints, fraud concerns
Despite the Election Commission (EC) fielding over 300 complaints, including 39 cases related to potential fraud, the Senate election results will proceed as scheduled. EC Secretary-General Sawang Boonmee revealed that a total of 333 complaints have been lodged, with 90 involving accusations of corruption. Investigations into these complaints are expected to take significant time. A large portion of the complaints…
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Civil group to submit climate bill targeting 2035 carbon neutrality
A civil society group is preparing to present a bill to Parliament, aiming to accelerate climate goals while safeguarding local communities’ rights to their natural resources. Coordinator of Thai Climate Justice for All, Kritsada Boonchai, announced that the draft law, the group’s first, intends to support the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “Currently, tackling climate change is a…
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PM Srettha crushes coalition crisis rumours
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has slammed rumours suggesting the Palang Pracharath Party might be ousted from the coalition government. Speaking to reporters at Parliament yesterday, June 21, Srettha decisively quashed the speculation. “I have never mentioned any changes, and these rumours did not come from me.” The 62 year old PM assured that the coalition’s internal communications remained harmonious.…
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Government may raise foreign condo ownership limit to 75%
The government considers increasing the foreign ownership limit in condominiums from 49% to 75% of a building’s usable space, as disclosed by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The Interior Ministry is evaluating the feasibility of extending the maximum leasehold period for foreigners from 50 years to 99 years. Phumtham stated that this proposal was first discussed at a Cabinet meeting…
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Budget deficit: Government to unveil new economic measures
Amidst budget deficit concerns, the government will introduce new measures to boost the struggling economy next week, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced today. Discussions about economic stimuli and the stock market were held with Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira yesterday evening. “A significant announcement on short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures will be made tomorrow or the day after.” When asked if…
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Transport Ministry may delay Don Mueang toll hike
The Ministry of Transport is considering to postpone a planned toll rate increase on the Don Mueang Tollway and may even lower the current fees, according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. Initially, the toll rates were set to rise from 115 baht to 130 baht per trip this year. Suriya has tasked the Department of Highways, which granted the concession…
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PM Srettha’s TV premier: Another propaganda show?
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to make his TV debut as the host of Talk with Srettha tomorrow, June 22, nearly 10 months after assuming office. This tradition of Thai leaders hosting TV shows to address the nation, dubbed “the prime minister meets the people,” has a storied history. But will Srettha’s show bring something new to the…
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PM Srettha shifts gears: Sunday tour to assess F1 potential
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will be touring Chon Buri and Rayong this Sunday to assess commercial developments, scope out a potential Formula One race route, and review pivotal government projects. According to PM’s Office spokesperson Chai Wacharonke, the prime minister’s agenda kicks off at Rayong’s U-Tapao International Airport. He and his delegation will meet with local authorities to discuss…
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Haulage operators in Thailand threaten strike over diesel prices
Road haulage operators have hiked their charges by an average of 9% today and are now gearing up for a nationwide strike unless the government addresses their demands to cap diesel prices at 30 baht per litre. Apichart Prairungruang, Land Transport Association of Thailand President, expressed frustration. “We’ve adjusted charges to cope with rising costs after four petitions to Prime…
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EC clarifies Senate election vote exchange, downplays complaints
After questions arose regarding candidate vote exchange in the Senate elections, the Election Commission (EC) no longer deems wooing or exchanging votes in the Senate election as a breach. A petition challenging the initial restrictions on candidates’ election campaigning led the Administrative Court to rule against these restrictions on May 24, resulting in their repeal. EC Secretary-General Sawang Boonme addressed…
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MFP urges budget reform, reassures public with its scrutiny efforts
In a heated budget debate, the Move Forward Party (MFP) claims a significant victory in its relentless scrutiny of the 2025 budget. Party leaders assure the public that their meticulous examination has met expectations, confident that their efforts won’t disappoint. Natthapong Rueangpanyawut, a party-list MP from MFP, highlighted a pressing issue during the debate: the need for fundamental budgetary reform.…
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PM Srettha in talks with BoT chief over handout scheme
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has yet to address Bank of Thailand (BoT) Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput’s staunch opposition to the government’s colossal 500-billion-baht handout scheme. Acknowledging the brewing conflict, PM Srettha admitted he and the central bank governor held divergent views, necessitating urgent discussions. Governor Sethaput, in a candid Bloomberg interview, criticised the sweeping economic stimulus, suggesting it was excessive…
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