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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Pheu Thai Party retains Chalerm Ubumrung
Pheu Thai Party will not expel list MP Chalerm Ubumrung, according to the party’s secretary-general, Sorawong Thienthong. Chalerm had expressed a desire to be expelled to freely join the Palang Prarachrath Party (PPRP), following his son Wan’s recent resignation from Pheu Thai. Wan’s departure came after he caused discontent within the party by interacting with a rival during an election…
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MFP remains resolute ahead of key court ruling
The Move Forward Party (MFP) remains steadfast in its mission, regardless of the Constitutional Court’s impending decision on whether to dissolve the party, according to leader Chaithawat Tulathon. Chaithawat assured that the MFP has not only grown stronger but its members are now more equipped and prepared to ensure victory in the next General Election. Confident that the court ruling…
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Tak Bai tragedy court case to be decided next month
A lawsuit against nine former top officials implicated in the Tak Bai tragedy is set for consideration by the Narathiwat Provincial Court next month. The lawsuit, filed on April 26 by a group of 48 plaintiffs, seeks justice for the victims and their families who have seen no action taken by police or prosecutors beyond financial compensation. The plaintiffs, consisting…
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Thailand rubber farmers oppose fund use for fish purchase
Rubber farmers in Prachuap Khiri Khan raised concerns over the Ministry of Agriculture’s decision to use funds from the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) to buy black-banded trevally fish at 15 baht per kilogramme. The farmers question the fairness and appropriateness of this policy. Rungroj Ratanakaw, a resident of Thong Mongkol subdistrict in Bang Saphan district, voiced his disagreement with…
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4th female Supreme Court president in Thai history to be appointed
Chanakarn Theeravechpolkul is set to become the 4th female president of Thailand’s Supreme Court on October 1. This historic appointment marks a dramatic reversal in the traditionally male-dominated judiciary. On July 8, the Judicial Commission unanimously voted to appoint Chanakarn as the 50th chief of the country’s top court. She will succeed Anocha Chevitsophon, the third woman to hold the…
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Thai senator charged for false skincare specialist claim
The Medical Council of Thailand announced plans to charge Thai Senator Keskamol Pleansamai for falsely claiming to be a skin and beauty specialist without proper certification. During a meeting yesterday, July 18, the council’s board concluded that the 46 year old Senator, Keskamol violated Section 32 of the Medical Professions Act by publicly describing herself as a skincare specialist despite…
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Thai banks deny funding Myanmar junta’s weapon purchases
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa issued a strong rebuttal to accusations from Move Forward Party (MFP)-list MP Rangsiman Rome, categorically denying that Thai banks or the government are involved in supporting weapons procurement for the Myanmar junta. These remarks follow a report from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in late June, which claimed Thai banks…
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Thai athletes’ Olympic uniform looks like waiter’s outfit
The grand reveal of Thailand‘s Olympic uniform for the Paris Games has set social media ablaze, with critics slamming the design as outdated and unfit for the global stage. Unveiled yesterday, July 17, on Stadium TH’s Facebook page, the uniform, modelled by national badminton star Sapsiree Taerattanachai, sparked a storm of controversy. The design, inspired by the Phraratchathan (Royally Bestowed)…
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MFP leader asserts party will not be dissolved
Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Chaithawat Tulathon stands firm, confidently asserting that his party will not be dissolved by the Constitutional Court next month. However, not everyone shares his optimism. MP Rangsiman Rome has voiced serious doubts about their chances. Chaithawat appeared upbeat despite the looming court decision on August 7. In stark contrast, party-list MP Rangsiman Rome expressed deep…
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Missile attack on Naypyidaw Airport kills 16 soldiers
Armed groups launched a missile attack on Naypyidaw International Airport in Myanmar, resulting in significant damage to three aircraft and the deaths of 16 soldiers. This marks the fifth attack on this airport since the start of the year. High-ranking officials from the Karenni Army (KA) reported on July 16, at 9am, that armed groups MKCDF, MRF, and BWM reportedly…
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Deputy PM Anutin opposes PM Srettha’s cannabis reclassification
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, declared his opposition to Prime Minister (PM) Srettha Thavisin‘s policy to reclassify cannabis as a Narcotics Category 5 drug. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) agreed last week to reclassify cannabis, which has been permitted for health-related purposes for over two years. This new policy is expected…
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Stateless elderly in Chiang Rai die waiting for Thai citizenship
Numerous stateless elderly individuals in Chiang Rai have tragically passed away before receiving Thai citizenship due to prolonged bureaucratic processes. A Chiang Mai teacher, Daeng, called upon Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to visit the area and witness the situation firsthand. Teacher Daeng, whose full name is Tuenjai Deetes, along with Pienporn Deetes, Secretary-General of the Foundation for Community…
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Thailand’s digital wallet disaster: MFP oppose budget
Opposition parties have taken a firm stand against the supplementary budget bill, targeting the controversial digital wallet scheme. Estimated at a staggering 450 billion baht, the scheme is criticised for its alleged inefficacy in boosting the GDP and potential legal issues, which could set a detrimental precedent for future national budgeting and fiscal policies. Sirikanya Tansakul, Deputy Leader of the…
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PM Srettha’s 122 billion baht budget boost to stimulate economy
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin launched the first reading of an additional budget for fiscal 2024, earmarking a whopping 122 billion baht for economic stimulus through the digital wallet scheme. Addressing the House, the Thai Premier outlined the government’s plan to disburse a 10,000-baht digital handout, aimed at enhancing the quality of life and generating job opportunities. “We cannot afford to…
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Court snubs Move Forward Party’s plea: Verdict moved to August 7
The Constitutional Court has thrown out the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP)‘s request for an inquiry, claiming it has ample evidence to make a ruling. The Election Commission (EC) has been pushing for the party’s dissolution and a 10-year political ban on its executive committee, due to their election campaign advocating for the amendment of the lèse majesté law. Despite…
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Thailand’s industrial sentiment hits two-year low amid political strife
Thailand’s industrial sentiment index experienced a decline for the third consecutive month in June, reaching its lowest point in two years, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The drop is attributed to a sluggish economy, weak demand, and increasing bad debt problems. The FTI reported that the industrial sentiment index fell to 87.2 in June, down from 88.5…
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Myanmar civil war boosts maritime trade at Thailand’s Ranong Port
Myanmar’s shift to maritime transport for exports due to its civil war is increasing activity at Ranong Port in Thailand, potentially boosting the government’s Land Bridge project. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri indicated that the civil war in Myanmar has disrupted cross-border trade with Thailand, prompting entrepreneurs to use Ranong Port instead of land routes through Tak’s Mae Sot district.…
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Thai Finance Ministry pledges market confidence amid scandal
Thailand’s Finance Ministry vows to restore confidence in the Thai capital market following allegations of fraud involving former executives of Energy Absolute (EA), a company listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit expressed optimism that actions by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in collaboration with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the…
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Fertiliser fiasco: Thailand halts farmers’ subsidy scheme
Trouble is brewing for Thailand’s farmers as the much-anticipated fertiliser subsidy faces suspension until next year, according to Agriculture Minister Thamanat Prompow. Thamanat announced plans to discuss the troubled fertiliser subsidy policy with economic ministers, following revelations that the scheme could be on hold until 2024. Initially, the government had approved subsidies of 500 baht per rai, capped at 10,000…
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Power play: Thailand’s coalition leaders unite over dinner
Emerging from a high-profile dinner meeting at the Nai Lert Park Heritage Home, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confidently asserted that the coalition now commands the unwavering support of over 314 MPs. The informal dinner, attended by core leaders of the 11 coalition parties, underscored the unity among the partners. The 62 year old Thai premier highlighted the solidarity within…
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Thai Education Ministry advances tablet initiative despite budget cut
Thailand’s Education Ministry continues to advance its tablet distribution initiative, despite a budget reduction from 16 billion to 13 billion baht. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, an assistant to the Education Minister, confirmed the ministry’s commitment to the project yesterday. Education Minister Police General Permpoon Chidchob is spearheading the One District, One Quality School project. This initiative aims to consolidate educational resources, both…
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Former Bangkok MP exits Pheu Thai after election controversy
A former Bangkok MP resigned from the ruling Pheu Thai Party following criticism for showing sympathy to a party opponent during a recent local election in Pathum Thani. Wan Ubumrung submitted his resignation at the Election Commission (EC) and announced it was effective immediately. Wan explained that his decision came after being summoned by the party to clarify his presence…
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Bangkok to speed up removal of illegal canal structures
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) pledged to accelerate the removal of illegal structures built over the city’s extensive network of canals. Bangkok hosts over 1,980 canals and other waterways, with 233 under the Department of Drainage’s jurisdiction, while local district offices under the BMA manage the remainder. A 2021 survey by the Department of Drainage and Sewerage identified approximately 11,035 illegal…
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Thai PM announces 10,000 baht digital wallet registration date
Registration for the 10,000-baht digital wallet handout starts on August 1, as announced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. This initiative aims to stimulate the economy through significant government spending. The Bangkok-born PM shared the date on X (Twitter) yesterday, July 15, coinciding with the Digital Wallet Policy Committee’s meeting to finalise preparations for registering eligible recipients and vendors. He emphasised…
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Thailand senator under fire for questionable PhD certificate
A Thai senator is facing criticism over her educational background after many academics and Thai netizens pointed out that her doctorate from California University was allegedly obtained for 8,600 baht. The newly elected senator, Associate Professor Doctor Keskamol Pleansamai, garnered the highest number of votes (79) in the recent selection of the Thai Senator election. The top score and her…
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Thaksin to be officially released with innocence certificate in August
The Department of Corrections is preparing to issue a certificate of innocence to former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, marking the official and legal release of the former politician after the completion of his sentences. The legal proceedings began after the 74 year old ex-PM arrived in Thailand in August of last year. He initially faced eight years in prison…
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King Vajiralongkorn supports sustainable farming and welfare
King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the agricultural sector, recognising its vital role in the national economy since his days as Crown Prince. His Majesty has undertaken numerous initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of farmers throughout the country. These initiatives have not only strengthened the bond between farmers and the monarch but also frequently…
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New Thailand senators promise change and optimism in politics
Newly appointed Senators in Thailand are expected to bring a wave of change and optimism to the political landscape, asserts Angkhana Neelapaijit. Rumours suggest a significant number of the new Senators have affiliations with the Bhumjaithai Party. However, Angkhana maintains that Senators can still operate independently and prioritise the public’s interests. Angkhana, in an interview, acknowledged her minority status within…
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PM Srettha wishes Trump speedy recovery amid assassination attempt
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin addressed the shocking incident involving former United States President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who was shot in his right ear in an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania yesterday, July 14. The FBI has now labelled the event an assassination attempt. Reports from the US indicate that the Secret Service responded…
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Red yeast rice scare: Thai FDA ensures public protection
Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reassured the public that red yeast rice supplements linked to a shocking number of deaths in Japan have not entered the Thai market. This announcement follows Japan’s Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co’s revelation that it is investigating an additional 76 deaths potentially connected to its benikoji (red rice tablets). The health scare began in March when…
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