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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    Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run

    Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...

  • Thailand launches anti-drug campaign in 10 pilot provinces | Thaiger

    Thailand launches anti-drug campaign in 10 pilot provinces

    Thailand is taking decisive action against drug-related issues by designating 10 provinces as pilot areas to test new strategies. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasised the broader societal impacts of drug problems during her visit to Roi Et, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to tackle this challenge. Drug problems are seen as a significant barrier to national progress…

  • GDP on the up: Thailand’s economy gears up for 2.7% ‘Thai’ to growth | Thaiger

    GDP on the up: Thailand’s economy gears up for 2.7% ‘Thai’ to growth

    Thailand’s Finance Ministry is projecting GDP growth of 2.7% for the current year, with expectations to reach 3% in 2025. The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) announced that while fiscal measures have been maximally employed to bolster the economy, further support from monetary policy is essential for achieving higher growth rates. During the ministry’s economic briefing, Pornchai Thiraveja, FPO Director-General, reaffirmed…

  • Thailand’s BRICS dreams: Up in the air but not grounded yet | Thaiger

    Thailand’s BRICS dreams: Up in the air but not grounded yet

    Thailand’s bid for membership in the influential BRICS international organisation remains up in the air, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The Government of Thailand is currently weighing the economic implications of joining this powerful bloc, with a decision pending in the House. BRICS, which boasts heavyweights like Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the UAE, Iran, Egypt,…

  • Thailand opens new border crossing with Cambodia to boost trade | Thaiger

    Thailand opens new border crossing with Cambodia to boost trade

    The Thai government announced the opening of a new permanent border crossing between Thailand and Cambodia, alongside extending the operating hours of an existing checkpoint. These measures aim to bolster trade and tourism relations between the two nations. The Royal Gazette published two announcements from the Ministry of Interior, which were signed by Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra, and Anutin Charnvirakul,…

  • Thailand denies Koh Kut territorial loss to Cambodia amid MoU dispute | Thaiger

    Thailand denies Koh Kut territorial loss to Cambodia amid MoU dispute

    Thailand Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai firmly denied any governmental action regarding Koh Kut in Trat province amid growing concerns about losing territory to Cambodia. The statement came in response to the Palang Pracharath Party’s (PPRP) objections to the 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia. This MoU pertains to joint marine resource development in the Gulf of Thailand—a move the…

  • Parliament to debate charter amendments in December session | Thaiger

    Parliament to debate charter amendments in December session

    Parliament will deliberate on charter amendment bills during its next session in December, as confirmed by House Speaker Wan Muhammad Noor Matha. The decision followed an agreement between the government, opposition, and Senate whips to address the proposed revisions to the 2017 constitution in the upcoming Parliamentary session due to time constraints in the current one, which concludes tomorrow, October…

  • China and Thailand tango towards BRICS with a promising economic step | Thaiger

    China and Thailand tango towards BRICS with a promising economic step

    In a diplomatic dance that promises to boost both economies, China’s Ambassador to Thailand pledged unwavering support for Thailand’s bid to join the exclusive BRICS club. This elite group features economic powerhouses Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Speaking at a high-profile event dubbed China’s Economy from a New Perspective, organised by the Thai Journalists Association and the Chinese…

  • Thailand rejects lese majeste in new amnesty bill | Thaiger

    Thailand rejects lese majeste in new amnesty bill

    The House of Representatives yesterday voted to reject the proposal to include lese majeste offences in the new political amnesty bill. The decision saw 270 MPs voting against the inclusion, with 152 in favour. The proposal, yesterday, October 24, was part of a special committee report that explored alternatives to the proposed amnesty bill for political offenders. Despite the rejection…

  • Thailand outlines new measures to support Thai farmers | Thaiger

    Thailand outlines new measures to support Thai farmers

    Commerce Minister Pichai Naripatapan, announced that the House of Representatives’ Agriculture and Cooperatives Committee met with the Ministry of Commerce to discuss policies and measures to assist Thai farmers both domestically and internationally. The focus was on key agricultural products such as rice, cassava, animal feed corn, and fruits, as well as the compilation of agricultural product data. The meeting…

  • Political unrest impacts Thailand’s stock market performance | Thaiger

    Political unrest impacts Thailand’s stock market performance

    Political turbulence, both on the domestic and international fronts, is tempering the growth prospects of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), despite the Thai index briefly surpassing the 1,500-point mark. Analysts note that the Election Commission’s (EC) recent decision to investigate Thaksin Shinawatra for potentially exerting undue influence over the ruling Pheu Thai Party is a significant factor. The political…

  • PM Paetongtarn’s political shrug: Dodging EC probe bombshell | Thaiger

    PM Paetongtarn’s political shrug: Dodging EC probe bombshell

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra shrugged off the Election Commission’s (EC) bombshell probe into allegations that could see her Pheu Thai Party and five political allies dissolved. Accusations are flying that the parties let an outsider pull the strings, and that outsider is none other than former PM, and Paetongtarn’s kin, Thaksin Shinawatra. The drama kicked off when key figures from…

  • Phew! Thai party faces petition peril over Thaksin ties | Thaiger

    Phew! Thai party faces petition peril over Thaksin ties

    A dramatic political twist erupted as a petition emerged demanding the dissolution of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, with claims of undue influence from former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. The party itself has made the explosive allegations. The Election Commission (EC) confirmed it is merging four petitions against Pheu Thai, alleging that the party is under Thaksin’s sway, despite him not…

  • Public CNG bus safety inspections launched by DLT | Thaiger

    Public CNG bus safety inspections launched by DLT

    The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has initiated a comprehensive vehicle safety inspection for all public buses running on compressed natural gas (CNG). The inspections aim to bolster safety measures and boost passenger confidence. This mandatory inspection campaign will run until November 30. The DLT reported that 1,331 out of the total 13,426 CNG-powered buses nationwide have been inspected. Findings…

  • EC investigates Pheu Thai Party, dissolution probable | Thaiger

    EC investigates Pheu Thai Party, dissolution probable

    The Election Commission (EC) has commenced an investigation into the ruling Pheu Thai Party, which could potentially lead to its dissolution, as reported by multiple local media outlets yesterday, October 18. The EC has formed a committee to examine complaints alleging that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been exerting influence or directing party activities. This information was shared by…

  • Deputy speaker shuts down House debate on amnesty bill | Thaiger

    Deputy speaker shuts down House debate on amnesty bill

    Tensions flared in Thailand’s House of Representatives yesterday as Deputy House Speaker Pichet Chuamuangphan unexpectedly slammed the gavel on a heated debate, abruptly closing the session before a vote on a controversial amnesty proposal could be held. The debate centred on a report led by Pheu Thai MP Chusak Sirinil, which explored ways to draft an amnesty bill aimed at…

  • Phuket landslide victims to receive 9,000 baht compensation soon | Thaiger

    Phuket landslide victims to receive 9,000 baht compensation soon

    Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat assured that compensation from the central government to victims and survivors of the landslide in Kata will be delivered soon. The amount, 9,000 baht per person, will be paid directly into claimants’ bank accounts, Governor Sophon told reporters. He was speaking at the site of the landslide following a merit-making ceremony to support those who suffered…

  • Joint session on 2017 Thailand constitution set for mid-December | Thaiger

    Joint session on 2017 Thailand constitution set for mid-December

    The House of Representatives anticipates holding a joint session with the Senate by mid-December to deliberate on a bill amending the 2017 constitution. According to Nattawut Buaprathum, a People’s Party list MP and opposition whip chief, this decision follows an agreement between the government and opposition whips. The whips agreed that starting deliberation during the nearly concluded parliamentary session would…

  • No putt-ing around: RTAF golf course revamp on hold for deeper study | Thaiger

    No putt-ing around: RTAF golf course revamp on hold for deeper study

    The proposal to transform the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)’s Dhupatemiya golf course in Pathum Thani into a public park requires an in-depth study, as the location plays a critical role in the military’s strategic operations, stated Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham was addressing questions from the People’s Party (PP) MP for Pathum Thani, Chetawan Thuaprakhon, regarding the potential transfer…

  • Thailand joins BRICS Plus Summit in Russia, aims to boost ties | Thaiger

    Thailand joins BRICS Plus Summit in Russia, aims to boost ties

    Thailand will participate in the 4th BRICS Plus Summit in Russia, with Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa representing the country instead of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as announced yesterday, October 17. Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Nikorn Balankura confirmed that Thailand will join the meeting, scheduled from October 22 to 24 in Kazan, Tatarstan, upon the invitation of Russian President Vladimir…

  • Chatuchak condo residents glue-d to growing homeless woes | Thaiger

    Chatuchak condo residents glue-d to growing homeless woes

    Residents of a condominium in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, raised concerns about a growing number of homeless individuals who have taken up residence in front of their building, indulging in alcohol and glue sniffing, and leaving food waste scattered. Despite repeated reports to local government officials, the issue remains unresolved. A post on the Facebook page Drama-addict highlighted the problem, with…

  • People’s Party MP denies speeding after Parliament car park collision | Thaiger

    People’s Party MP denies speeding after Parliament car park collision

    A People’s Party MP denied driving at high speed following a collision in the parliament car park building yesterday. The car accident, which occurred on the B2 floor of the car park, was reported by Thai media yesterday, October 16. The collision reportedly took place in a section of the parking lot reserved for MPs, involving a black sedan and a…

  • Chadchart inspects footpath renovation in Bangkok Yai district | Thaiger

    Chadchart inspects footpath renovation in Bangkok Yai district

    The capital’s streets are getting a makeover and Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt is leading the charge. The 58 year old city chief, accompanied by Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon, hit the streets on Tuesday, October 15 to inspect the ongoing footpath renovation project on Itsaraphap Road near the MRT Itsaraphap Station in Bangkok Yai district. This ambitious upgrade, launched in June,…

  • Thailand and Laos spark cross-border renewable energy scheme | Thaiger

    Thailand and Laos spark cross-border renewable energy scheme

    Thai officials are set to engage in discussions with the Laotian government to enhance the utilisation of renewable energy across borders, aiming to expedite the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. The plan involves encouraging Thai businesses to purchase renewable power from Laos through a cross-border energy attribute certificate scheme, according to an official from the Energy Ministry who requested anonymity.…

  • Roll the dice: Casino bill feedback to be reviewed by Thai Cabinet | Thaiger

    Roll the dice: Casino bill feedback to be reviewed by Thai Cabinet

    A public hearing on the proposed casino-entertainment complex bill wrapped up with feedback set to be submitted to the Cabinet, announced the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) at the Ministry of Finance. The FPO, alongside the Digital Government Development Agency, collected public opinions on the bill via their websites over two weeks. The bill aims to establish entertainment complexes with legally…

  • Bank of Thailand slashes interest rates after four-year freeze | Thaiger

    Bank of Thailand slashes interest rates after four-year freeze

    The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has stunned financial markets by slashing its key interest rate for the first time in four years, buckling under mounting pressure from the government to revive the sluggish economy. The unexpected move saw the one-day repurchase rate trimmed by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 2.25% from its 10-year high of 2.50%. This decision…

  • Climate activists rally in Bangkok: No more ‘carbon’ copies of injustice | Thaiger

    Climate activists rally in Bangkok: No more ‘carbon’ copies of injustice

    More than 200 climate activists descended on the United Nations Headquarters in Bangkok yesterday passionately demanding an end to climate change laws and carbon credit systems that favour corporate giants. The rally, titled “System Change Not Climate Crisis,” aimed to pressure the Thai government ahead of the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), taking place in Azerbaijan from November…

  • Fugitive general resigns amid Tak Bai scandal | Thaiger

    Fugitive general resigns amid Tak Bai scandal

    Retired General Pisan Wattanawongkiri, once the chief of Thailand’s 4th Army Region, has abruptly quit the ruling Pheu Thai Party and resigned from his MP position amidst a cloud of controversy. Wanted for his role in the brutal 2004 Tak Bai crackdown in Narathiwat, Pisan faces mounting pressure to return and face charges before the statute of limitations expires. The…

  • Thailand extends TM6 form suspension to boost tourism | Thaiger

    Thailand extends TM6 form suspension to boost tourism

    Thailand has extended the suspension of its TM6 immigration forms until April 30 next year, a move that promises to ease cross-border tourism while a new electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system is being developed. Officials say the ETA could also streamline the collection of tourism fees. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong revealed that the Cabinet approved the decision, which…

  • PM Paetongtarn to host first informal dinner with coalition leaders | Thaiger

    PM Paetongtarn to host first informal dinner with coalition leaders

    Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will host an informal dinner with coalition party leaders next Monday, October 21, marking the first such gathering since she assumed office. This initiative aims to revive the practice of relaxed meetings similar to those held during the tenure of former prime minister Srettha Thavisin. The Thai premier highlighted the significance of these dinners, noting…

  • EEC high-speed rail contract revisions to Cabinet in two weeks | Thaiger

    EEC high-speed rail contract revisions to Cabinet in two weeks

    Proposed revisions to the contract for the high-speed rail project connecting three major airports are expected to be submitted to the Cabinet within two weeks, according to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. Pichai, who also chairs the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee, announced that the committee had approved changes to five critical points in the contract. The committee is currently…