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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Bhumjaithai denies tension with Pheu Thai amid PM’s Buriram visit
The Bhumjaithai Party has denied any tensions with coalition leader Pheu Thai, asserting that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s visit to Buriram province, a stronghold of the Bhumjaithai Party, was not politically motivated. Chaichanok Chidchob, the party’s secretary-general, emphasised the coalition’s unity. Newin Chidchob, the party’s co-founder, welcomed the prime minister and guided her around Chang International Circuit without any political…
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Cash for quakes: Homeowners in Thailand eligible for repair aid
Good news for homeowners rattled by last week’s powerful quake—financial relief is on the way. Thai residents whose properties were damaged by the 8.2-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar on March 28 can now apply for government compensation of up to 49,500 baht to cover repair costs. Bangkok MP Suphanat Minchaiynunt announced the support package in a Facebook post today, confirming that…
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Pattaya gamble: Entertainment complex bets big on tourism boom
Pattaya is on the brink of a major transformation as plans to introduce a sprawling entertainment complex gain traction, promising a bold boost to tourism and the local economy but not without stirring debate among residents. Yesterday, April 2, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet revealed that the proposed law for the entertainment complex has already passed Cabinet review and is now…
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Trump’s 36% tax on Thailand: Impact on exports & survival tips
The America First policy under President Donald Trump has sent shockwaves through the global economy once again. This follows the announcement of a baseline tariff of 10% on imports from all countries, along with a reciprocal tariff aimed at countries with which the US has a large trade deficit. With this, Thailand has been hit with a 36% tax from Trump’s new…
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MP demands explanation for missing Phuket tsunami towers
A People’s Party (PP) MP for Phuket has appealed to the House Committee on Natural and Public Disasters Prevention and Mitigation concerning the missing tsunami warning towers in the Thalang district. PP MP Thitikan Thitipruethikul noted that locals have expressed their concern about the removal of tower WH09 from Mai Khao Beach and WH10 from Le Phang Beach. Upon his…
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Thailand sends medical aid to Myanmar after earthquake
In the wake of last week’s devastating earthquake, the Public Health Ministry has launched a series of inspections on hospital buildings across Thailand while preparing to send urgent medical aid to Myanmar, which was hit particularly hard. During an executive meeting yesterday, April 2, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin praised the ministry’s swift response, especially in caring for patients affected…
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Thailand introduces retirement lottery to boost elderly savings
Parliament has given unanimous approval in principle for a bill to amend the National Savings Fund (NSF) Act 2011, setting the stage for a retirement lottery initiative. This scheme aims to bolster retirement savings by permitting the NSF to issue lottery tickets, a measure widely supported by MPs as a way to enhance financial security for the elderly. The proposal…
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Thailand to train 20,000 masseurs as medicine assistants
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine announced an initiative to train 20,000 traditional Thai masseurs as certified Thai traditional doctors’ assistants. This will enable them to address seven specific muscle-related conditions. Doctor Somruek Chungsaman, the department’s chief, highlighted yesterday, April 2, the effectiveness of traditional Thai massage in treating various muscle-related conditions. The upskilling programmes will focus on…
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Taps off: Phuket prepares for water supply disruptions tomorrow
Phuket residents, take note: water supply disruptions are set to affect parts of the island tomorrow, April 3, as the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA Phuket) carries out vital maintenance work. Two separate outages will hit areas in Srisoonthorn and Kathu, with residents urged to prepare for the disruption. The first outage will affect the Botanica Modern Loft housing estate in…
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Thailand waives toll fees on major roads for Songkran travel
Thailand is easing the burden on travellers this Songkran, with the government announcing that tolls on two major motorways and two expressways will be waived, allowing motorists to travel for free during the long holiday. The toll exemption is part of a plan to reduce congestion as millions of Thais head home to celebrate the Thai New Year with family.…
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More than 3,000 Thai govt buildings damaged in earthquake
The powerful 8.2-magnitude earthquake near Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 28 has left a trail of destruction across Thailand, with over 3,000 government buildings affected, according to the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning (DPT). As of today, April 2, the DPT reported that 3,375 government buildings had been inspected following the quake, with 34 deemed severely damaged…
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Thai Cabinet approves 721m baht for Islamic teachers’ salary boost
To enhance peace-building efforts in Thailand’s Deep South, the Cabinet has approved a hefty 721 million baht to boost the salaries of Islamic school teachers. The decision aims to support educators in the southernmost provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Satun, along with specific districts in Songkhla. Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukul Prueksanusak announced the funding allocation yesterday, April 1, revealing…
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King Charles sends condolences after deadly quake in Myanmar
King Charles III of England has sent a message of condolence to the people of Thailand following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, March 28 and was felt across the region, particularly Bangkok. In a royal message released by the British Embassy in Thailand, the monarch expressed his “heartfelt sympathy” to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn and…
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Phuket mayoral election sees fierce competition
Registration for mayoral and municipal council candidates in Phuket opened yesterday with an energetic and competitive atmosphere as multiple teams vied for leadership positions. The registration period will continue until April 4, with many candidates eager to secure their place on the ballot. Two prominent teams arrived at the Phuket City Municipality before the official opening at 8.30am, yesterday, March…
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Casino bill faces backlash over rushed approval without study
Opponents of the casino-entertainment complex have raised concerns about the government’s approach to advancing the project, suggesting it is being expedited without adequate public examination or a comprehensive feasibility study. Their comments yesterday followed remarks by chief government whip Wisut Chainarun, who indicated that the entertainment complex bill, which received Cabinet approval on March 27, is expected to be reviewed…
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Bangkok governor lifts disaster status after quake chaos eases
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has officially called off the city’s disaster zone status following last Friday’s quake scare, declaring the situation “back to normal” just days after panic swept through the capital. Yesterday, March 31, the 58 year old city chief signed an order cancelling the March 28 declaration by the Bangkok Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Centre, which had…
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Phuket forum seeks input on draft national policy map
The Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning hosted a public forum in Phuket to gather feedback on the draft national policy map. The event engaged over 600 stakeholders from various sectors across southern Thailand. Held at The Pago Design Hotel in Ratsada, participants included government officials, representatives from local administrative organisations, NGOs, private sector leaders, experts, and…
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Phuket eyes jackpot as entertainment complex bill hits Parliament
Thailand’s long-debated entertainment complex bill is finally on the table, with Parliament expected to deliberate the high-stakes proposal by April 9, according to chief government whip Wisut Chainarun. The bill, greenlit by the Cabinet on March 27, is awaiting a confirmed submission date. If not ready for April 3, it will almost certainly be up for debate on April 9.…
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Bhumjaithai MP faces possible expulsion for Kla Dharma ties
The Bhumjaithai Party is reportedly considering the expulsion of Khon Kaen Member of Parliament (MP) Ekkarat Changlao after he was recently seen attending a Kla Dharma Party event held to establish a branch in the northeastern province. Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of Bhumjaithai, revealed that party members have put forward a proposal to review Ekkarat’s actions and potentially remove him from…
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Thailand hosts 6th BIMSTEC Summit, fostering regional ties
Thailand is set to host the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit from April 3 to 4, according to reports from the Thai government. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub announced yesterday, March 30, that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is preparing to welcome leaders and representatives from six member countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal,…
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Thailand seeks UNESCO status for Loy Krathong festival
Thailand is set to propose the inclusion of the Loy Krathong festival in the Intangible Cultural Heritage list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, as announced by Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol. The Loy Krathong festival was officially declared a national cultural heritage in 2011. Minister Sudawan…
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PM cuts Phuket meeting to respond to Bangkok earthquake
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was forced to cut short a crucial meeting with Phuket officials yesterday after receiving urgent news of the devastating earthquake that struck Bangkok. At 12.30pm, March 28, the 38 year old Thai premier was in the middle of a high-level meeting in Phuket, reviewing the island’s development plans and tourism policies, when she received an emergency…
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Thailand’s ditching arrival cards—but the digital fix is a mess (video)
Thailand is finally ditching its notorious TM6 paper arrival form—but don’t celebrate just yet. From May 1, every foreigner entering the country must now navigate the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system. And as usual, it’s already a hot mess. The government has launched an operational website for the TDAC, which is set to replace the old-school blue-and-white forms used…
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Thai MP blows whistle on 20m baht vote-buying scandal
A firestorm has erupted in Thai politics after opposition MP Krit Silapachai claimed he was offered up to 20 million baht and a cushy job in exchange for voting in favour of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during a recent no-confidence debate. The explosive revelation, made in a Facebook post on Wednesday night, March 26, sparked outrage and triggered an internal…
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Thai Cabinet approves tax breaks for big EV investments
The Cabinet has approved a draft decree to offer tax incentives for companies investing in large commercial electric vehicles (EVs). This measure allows companies to claim double the expense for locally produced EVs and 1.5 times for imported ones. Deputy Government spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan stated that the decree aims to encourage the use of large commercial EVs, such as electric…
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Rape-accused Bangkok MP denies vote-for-favour claims
Scandal-hit MP Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit is fighting back against explosive claims that he supported the government in exchange for help with his ongoing rape case. The Thai Progress Party lawmaker, who represents Bangkok’s Bang Khuntien district, insists there was no political deal behind his surprise vote for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during Wednesday’s no-confidence debate. “This issue [the rape case] has…
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PM Paetongtarn heads to Phuket to boost sustainable tourism
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is bringing her soft power message to the golden sands of Phuket in a bold bid to reshape the future of Thai tourism. The 38 year old Thai premier is set to jet off to the southern island tomorrow, March 28, as part of her push to position Thailand as a global leader in sustainable travel.…
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Thailand approves mega entertainment complex bill with casino cap
Thailand is going all-in on entertainment—but not just for gamblers. In a landmark move, the Cabinet has approved the draft Integrated Entertainment Business Act and sent it to the House of Representatives for further consideration. While the inclusion of casinos may raise eyebrows, the government insists they’ll be strictly regulated and capped at just 10% of any entertainment complex. “The…
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Stricter safety urged after multiple Rama II construction accidents
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has called for stringent safety measures in response to recurrent accidents at a major construction project on Rama II Road, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. A meeting with Italian-Thai Development (ITD) is scheduled for tomorrow, March 28. The minister has directed the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare (DLPW), alongside the Institute for the Promotion…
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MP banned for 10 years over vote-buying in Thailand election
The Supreme Court has ruled that Mukdawan Luengsinil, a Bhumjaithai Party MP representing Nakhon Si Thammarat, is barred from contesting or voting in elections for the next 10 years due to an election law violation. This decision follows a petition from the Election Commission (EC), which found evidence of her involvement in vote-buying during the 2023 General Election in Constituency…
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