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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Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Thai hotels fear Songkran impact from Uyghur controversy
The Thai Hotels Association expressed concerns over potential impacts on the upcoming Songkran festival due to Thailand’s decision to repatriate Uyghurs to China. The decision by the Government of Thailand action has drawn warnings from Japan and the United States, while Australia has issued a strong disapproval statement. The European Union has also expressed regret, citing violations of the non-refoulement…
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Pattaya cracks down on shady grabs and sinking streets
Pattaya officials are cracking down on illegal land grabs and worsening flood woes, with urgent measures underway to reclaim public property and overhaul drainage systems. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet and Bang Lamung District Chief Patcharaphat Sritanyanon chaired an emergency meeting to address these pressing concerns, focusing on two major crises: illegal encroachment at Sukhawadee House and persistent flooding in the city’s…
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Thailand upholds alcohol ban on Buddhist holidays with exceptions
Thailand’s Alcoholic Beverage Board has upheld the ban on alcohol sales during five major Buddhist holy days, with limited exceptions for specific locations. The decision, aimed at balancing religious observance with tourism promotion, is expected to take effect before Visakha Bucha Day on May 11. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Chantararuangthong, chaired the National…
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Thai man blames social security delay for brother’s death
A Thai man blamed delayed treatment under the Social Security Office (SSO) for his brother’s death while others came forward to express their disappointment over the poor quality of medical care provided under the SSO. Facebook user Chatpat Chuthichok shared the story of his brother yesterday, March 2. His brother died in hospital on February 28 after a lengthy wait…
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Thailand sees record 1.13 trillion baht foreign investment boost
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed optimism about Thailand’s economic prospects, highlighting significant foreign investment, which reached over 1.13 trillion baht last year, the highest in a decade. In a monthly Empowering Thais TV segment aired by the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand, the premier shares her optimism in regards to economic trajectory, despite last year’s 2.5% growth. “We will work…
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Tiktok to invest 300bn baht in Thai tech hub development
TikTok plans to invest approximately 300 billion baht in Thailand over the next five years to transform the country into an ASEAN technology hub. The decision emerged from discussions yesterday, February 28, between Helena Lersch, TikTok’s vice-president of public policy, and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok, as reported by Government Spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub. Lersch expressed appreciation for the Thai…
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Deputy PM calls for fair censure debate, no Thaksin targeting
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai called for the opposition to engage in a constructive debate without involving former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is not part of the Cabinet. The no-confidence motion is directed at Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, raising speculation that the opposition may criticise Thaksin, her politically active father. Paetongtarn faces accusations of lacking leadership skills, knowledge, and…
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Thai minister refutes 92 billion baht foreign healthcare cost claim
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin addressed public concerns after the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) reported that healthcare costs for foreign workers reached 92 billion baht last year. He clarified that the actual figure was closer to 2 billion baht. Somsak acknowledged that healthcare spending increased during 2021 and 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that the…
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Thailand Anti-Discrimination Bill set for Cabinet approval by April
The Department of Rights and Liberties Protection has announced that the government’s version of the Anti-Discrimination Bill is anticipated to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval by April. Somdech Poonnampao, head of the department’s legal division, stated that the bill’s drafting originated from a 2019 proposal by civil society groups. These organisations encouraged the Ministry of Justice to prepare…
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Labour Ministry backs export of Muay Thai coaches to Hong Kong
The Labour Ministry has committed to fully supporting the export of Muay Thai boxing coaches to Hong Kong, where there is a significant demand for their expertise. This commitment was highlighted during Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn’s recent visit to the territory. During his visit, Phiphat, accompanied by senior ministry officials, toured a fitness centre on Fa Yuen Street in Mong…
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Senate votes to ban small mesh nets for night fishing
The Senate has voted to prohibit the use of purse seine nets with mesh sizes smaller than 2.5cm for night fishing, leading to the return of the Lower House’s fisheries bill to MPs for further discussion. The Upper House reviewed the amendment bill for the Royal Ordinance on Fisheries 2015 on Tuesday, following the Senate committee’s evaluation. The bill comprises…
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New entertainment complex law to shake up Thailand’s nightlife
A controversial new law that could revolutionise Thailand’s entertainment industry is set to be reviewed by the Cabinet on March 11, sparking curiosity and speculation about the future of nightlife in the country. The Entertainment Complex Business Act aims to regulate entertainment venues more strictly, impacting nightclubs, bars, and other entertainment establishments nationwide. The Council of State recently returned the…
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Thailand deports 40 Uyghurs to China amid global outrage
Thailand has secretly deported 40 Uyghur detainees to China after nearly 11 years in detention, sparking international outrage and accusations of human rights violations. The deportation was confirmed by Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who stated that the transfer was conducted under international standards and after receiving assurances from China regarding the detainees’ welfare. The operation began in the early hours…
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Thailand to introduce 300-baht tourism tax
Thailand is set to introduce a 300-baht tourism tax for foreign visitors by the end of this year, sparking debate over its potential impact on the travel industry. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong confirmed that the fee is expected to take effect during Thailand’s High Season, provided it is approved and published in the Royal Gazette by March. The…
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No-confidence motion targets PM Paetongtarn
Opposition Leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has launched a political firestorm by filing a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, accusing her of incompetence and corruption. The motion, submitted under Section 151 of the Constitution at Parliament today, February 27, aims to unseat Paetongtarn amid claims of poor governance and political manipulation. Natthaphong, head of the People’s Party, announced that while…
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DSI investigates potential rigging in last year’s Senate election
The Department of Special Investigation’s (DSI) special cases board will address complaints related to the Senate election held last year with transparency, according to Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. Yesterday, February 26, the minister met with unsuccessful candidates and those on the reserve list of senators who supported him amid rising tensions between the DSI and the Senate. Some senators have…
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Over 7,000 foreign nationals rescued from Myanmar scam centres
More than 7,000 foreign nationals trapped in scam call centres in Myanmar’s Myawaddy region have been freed and are awaiting repatriation, according to the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF). The victims, totalling 7,141 people from 28 nationalities, were rescued from the notorious Shwe Kokko and KK Park complexes, areas known for human trafficking and cybercrime activities. The BGF, led by…
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U-Tapao Airport expansion cut as high-speed rail delays continue
The ambitious U-Tapao Airport expansion is being drastically scaled back as the Bangkok-Rayong high-speed rail project faces ongoing delays and uncertainty. The airport, a key component of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development, was initially designed to handle 12 million passengers annually. However, with the high-speed rail link stalled for nearly five years, those plans are being significantly downsized. U-Tapao…
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Social Security Fund board rejects pension formula
The Social Security Fund (SSF) Board recently declined a proposed pension formula, citing its complexity as the reason for rejection. Board member Associate Professor Sustarum Thammaboosadee, who coordinates the Progressive Social Security Team, expressed regret over his inability to persuade the SSF Board to adopt the proposal. Despite this setback, he plans to continue advocating for the formula at the…
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Free Internet for disabled Thais under new government initiative
In a groundbreaking move to bridge the digital divide, a new initiative will provide free Internet access to over 1.1 million disabled people across Thailand. The programme, launched through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), and Bangkok Tellink, aims to empower disabled people by giving…
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200 Myanmar migrants sent home in Thai repatriation drive
In a significant crackdown on illegal immigration, 200 Myanmar migrants were deported from Ranong province yesterday, February 24 as part of Thailand’s ongoing efforts to address the influx of undocumented workers. The group, consisting of 198 men and two women, were repatriated after undergoing legal proceedings and voluntarily joining the government’s repatriation programme. The migrants were transported to the customs…
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Kothon and 8 charged in murder of PAO member
In a chilling conclusion to a high-profile murder case, the Crime Suppression Division has officially indicted Sunthon Wilawan, known as Kothon, and eight accomplices for the brutal killing of Chaimes Sitthisanitphong, also known as S.J. Tong, a member of the Provincial Administrative Organisation in Prachin Buri. The case files were submitted to prosecutors today, February 25, marking a major development…
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Thaksin skips rumoured meeting with Newin amid political tensions
Political drama unfolded at the Pullman King Power Hotel on Rangnam Road as former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra failed to appear for a highly anticipated meeting with Newin Chidchob, the influential figure of the Bhumjaithai Party yesterday, February 24. Despite rumours of a secret dinner to resolve political rifts between Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai, Thaksin was a no-show, leaving reporters…
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Who qualifies for 2025 Thailand welfare cards?
Thailand will open registration for a new round of state welfare cards next month, aimed at supporting low-income people and vulnerable groups. It has been two years since the last registration round, from September 5 to October 31, 2022. This time, the government is gearing up to help even more people in need, with a financial aid package of 1,545…
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Thaksin apologises for 2004 Tak Bai massacre amid bombings
Thaksin Shinawatra has issued an apology regarding the tragic events of the Tak Bai massacre in Narathiwat province, which took place in 2004 under his leadership. The former Thailand PM acknowledged procedural errors during his tenure and expressed remorse to the Muslim community. Thaksin stated his deep concern for the citizens during his time as PM, admitting that mistakes were…
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Progressive Party MP faces rape charges, awaits court’s decision
The Thai Progressive Party has not yet expelled Bangkok MP Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit, who faces charges for allegedly raping a Taiwanese tourist in Chiang Mai. The party awaits the prosecutors’ decision on whether the case will proceed to court. Yesterday, February 23, the party released a statement expressing serious concern over the allegations involving Chaiyamparwaan. “We are well aware that this…
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Thaksin unfazed by bombings, sees hope in the Deep South
Former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra expressed his lack of concern over recent bombings in the Deep South during his visit to the area, noting that past assassination attempts have failed to intimidate him. This comment followed bombings in Yala province on Saturday, February 22, and at Narathiwat Airport yesterday morning, where his plane was scheduled to land. In…
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Senators urge justice minister’s removal over election probe
A group of senators is advocating for the dismissal of Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong due to the Department of Special Investigation’s (DSI) plan to examine complaints linked to last year’s Senate election. The DSI is set to convene on Tuesday, February 25, to deliberate on whether to pursue an investigation into vote-fixing allegations. This follows demands from unsuccessful…
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New allowance system for seniors in the works
The Government of Thailand plans the introduction of a 1,000 baht monthly allowance for senior citizens, replacing the current age-based payment system. The proposal follows discussions on senior welfare improvements and budget constraints. A new flat-rate monthly allowance of 1,000 baht for citizens over 60 will replace the current tiered system, as announced by Secretary to the Prime Minister Somkid…
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Thailand’s biometric system overloaded with 50 million records
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has hit a critical roadblock, with its biometric system reaching its maximum capacity of 50 million records, preventing new foreign arrivals from being automatically recorded. The bureau is now forced to manually document arrivals and rely on an online database for security checks until a new system is developed. Police Colonel Neti Khanboon, commander of the database…
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