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.
-
Sponsored How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
-
Pol-ishing Thais: Thailand, Poland to boost medical technology ties
Thailand and Poland, despite their close trade ties, are urged to enhance their business cooperation, particularly in the medical technology sector, according to Polish Ambassador Artur Dmochowski. During a seminar in Bangkok yesterday, July 9, Dmochowski highlighted Poland‘s desire to strengthen economic, commercial, and technological exchanges with Thailand. The event aimed to showcase advancements in Polish medical technology. The Polish…
-
Thai Olympic dreams: PM’s promise of glory and support
During his address at the Government House, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his support for Thailand’s 2024 Olympic contingent, urging them to give their utmost in Paris. He also vowed to boost funding for national athletes and extend support beyond their sporting careers. The Thai athletes, led by Thai Olympic Secretary-General Wit Devahastin na Ayudhya, gathered yesterday, July 8, for…
-
Submerged in controversy: Sutin to meet PM over submarine deal
Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang announced today that he will meet Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin next week to discuss the controversial submarine procurement project. Sutin revealed that if the prime minister approves, the proposal will be swiftly submitted to the Cabinet for final approval. “Once China answers this key question, I will compile all the information for the prime minister to…
-
New Malaysian mediator appointed for Thai peace talks
The Malaysian government has appointed a new mediator for the peace process in southern Thailand. This comes amid urgent calls for a reassessment of the peace roadmap following a surge in violence that has shattered public confidence. A devastating car bomb exploded outside a police flat in Yala on June 30, claiming the life of a school teacher and injuring…
-
Thailand’s Half-Half fertiliser project aims to grow rice prices
The Thai government has launched the Half-Half Fertiliser project, aiming to improve rice prices for farmers while continuing the 1,000 baht per rai support scheme. The initiative is intended to help farmers in times of crisis and enhance rice quality. Thammanat Prompao, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, addressed criticisms of the Half-Half Fertiliser project at the Government House today.…
-
Thailand and France boost defence ties with 200 billion baht deal
Thai and French officials convened a special seminar to enhance the defence industries of both nations, with Thailand aiming to procure defence products valued at 200 billion baht over the next two decades. Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and the French Ambassador to Thailand Jean-Claude Poimboeuf opened the Thailand-France Seminar on the Defence Industry 2024 at the Office of the Permanent…
-
Former red-shirt leader plans protest against new govt initiatives
Former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan announced plans for a protest next month against several government initiatives, citing concerns that these measures would primarily benefit the country’s elite. Jatuporn specifically pointed to proposals to increase the cap on foreign ownership in condominiums to 75% and extend land leases for foreigners to 99 years. In a Facebook post made yesterday, July 8,…
-
Cash in the cloud: Thailand gears up for digital wallet launch
Thailand’s deputy finance minister recently disclosed that the prime minister will announce details about the digital wallet project, including registration and identity verification steps, on Wednesday, July 24. The project aims to distribute 10,000 baht through digital wallets, pending approval from various authorities. Deputy Finance Minister Paopum Rojanasakul addressed concerns raised by Deputy Leader of the Move Forward Party, Sirikanya…
-
Pathum Thani PAO chairman suspended amid corruption trial
The recently elected Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) Chairman in Pathum Thani, Charn Phuangphet, faces suspension from duty due to malfeasance, pending a court decision, according to Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Anutin confirmed that the provincial officers will adhere to the legal advice provided by the Council of State (CoS), which recommends suspension due to Charn’s ongoing trial for malfeasance. While…
-
Thailand faces ‘invisible time bomb’ population crisis
Thailand’s population crisis, described as an “invisible time bomb,” requires urgent government intervention, according to Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS). Varawut stated the following during a forum on national strategies hosted by the National Press Council of Thailand on Thursday, July 4. “Environmental issues are visible, but this [population crisis] is an invisible time…
-
NSC to review permanent border checkpoint with Cambodia
The National Security Council (NSC) will thoroughly examine the trade benefits and security concerns surrounding a proposed new permanent border checkpoint with Cambodia, according to a senior official. Police in Trat province are advocating for Ban Tha Sen in Mueang district to be established as a permanent checkpoint following Cabinet approval, pending NSC support. Ban Tha Sen borders Phothisat province…
-
Prachuap Khiri Khan holds water ceremony for king’s birthday
The governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan led a sacred water collection ceremony at Wat Khao Tham Ma Rong, Bang Saphan, in honour of King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s upcoming 72nd birthday celebration. Somkid Chantamorn, the Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, presided over a sacred water collection ceremony yesterday, July 4, at Wat Khao Tham Ma Rong in Pong Prasat subdistrict, Bang Saphan…
-
Ex-army general open to Senate Speaker role amid security focus
General Kriangkrai Srirak, who received the highest votes in the public administration and security professional group in last week’s Senate election, responded positively to speculation that he might become the Senate Speaker. Kriangkrai expressed yesterday that if the majority of the Senate members trusted him with the position of Senate Speaker, he would not hesitate to accept the role. However,…
-
Foreign Affairs Minister Maris to visit China for pivotal talks
Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is set to visit China next week at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The visit, scheduled from Monday, July 8 to Wednesday, July 10, will see Maris and Wang co-chair the second Thailand-China Foreign Affairs Ministerial Meeting, aiming to strengthen cooperation and support between the two nations. Nikorndej Balankura, a spokesperson for…
-
Top cop controversy: PM Srettha denies misconduct
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin vehemently denied allegations of misconduct in the appointment of Police General Torsak Sukvimol as national police chief. The Thai premier stood firm against accusations that he had breached the Royal Thai Police (RTP) Act when appointing Torsak Sukvimol last year. The complaint was brought against him by Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn aka Big Joke, Torsak’s former…
-
Singapore’s food for thought: Official keen on Thai collaboration
In a significant step towards ensuring food security, a high-ranking Singapore official expressed a keen interest in collaboration with Thailand. This landmark meeting promises to reshape the agricultural landscape for both nations. Permanent Secretary of Singapore’s Ministry of Sustainability and Environment Stanley Loh held talks with Prayoon Insakul, Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Agriculture Ministry, on Tuesday, July 2. The meeting…
-
US government tempts RTA with fleet of F-16 fighter jets
The US government has made a tantalising offer to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTA) – a loan to purchase an entire fleet of F-16 fighter jets. Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang revealed this intriguing development, shedding light on the high-stakes negotiations. In a meeting at the Defence Ministry, US Ambassador Robert Frank Godec presented the enticing proposition. Godec conveyed that…
-
NACC calls for probe into BMA’s electric truck project
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) urged the Secretariat of the Cabinet to scrutinise the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) 3.99-billion-baht project aimed at leasing electric garbage trucks, amid concerns of potential corruption. NACC chairman Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit submitted a formal letter to the secretariat yesterday, July 3, providing detailed recommendations on how to prevent corruption in these large-scale projects. The commission had…
-
Pheu Thai urged to uphold transparency, military reforms by MFP
Pheu Thai Party is being urged to uphold its commitments to enhance transparency and efficiency in Parliament, introduce a new political amnesty bill, and accelerate military reforms, according to Move Forward Party (MFP) chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat. These commitments were outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that Pheu Thai and MFP signed before agreeing on the allocation of the…
-
Government scandal: PM Srettha orders probe into ‘pay-for-passes’
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin launched an urgent investigation into claims that entry passes to Government House are being sold for cash. Speaking to reporters, the Thai PM expressed his dismay at the allegations. “I have never heard of such activity, but I find it utterly unacceptable. I have ordered those concerned to look into the reports and hope that they…
-
Revised debt management plan pushes borrowing to 1.03t baht
The Thai Cabinet approved a revised public debt management plan for the 2024 fiscal year, incorporating an additional 275.87 billion baht in borrowing. Of this, 269 billion baht is designated for direct government use and lending to state enterprises for debt restructuring. According to Deputy government spokesperson Rudklao Suwankiri, this revision increases the total new borrowing for the current fiscal…
-
PM Srettha orders ‘X-ray’ ops to sniff out drug abusers
To combat the narcotics epidemic, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin launched an aggressive nationwide crackdown on drug abuse and trafficking. Dubbed the “X-ray” operations, this initiative aims to root out drug abusers and dismantle trafficking networks across the country. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke declared that drug abusers will be sent to rehab centres, while traffickers will be arrested and face justice.…
-
Political turmoil and economic strife rock Thailand’s elite
The fate of Thailand’s business-friendly Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a former real estate mogul, hangs by a thread less than a year after taking office. Political turmoil has shaken investor confidence in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, resulting in a 15% drop in the benchmark stock index since last year. Compounded by a weaker baht, the combined wealth of the nation’s…
-
Bombshell verdict: Srettha and MFP face the music in September
The Constitutional Court is set to deliver a landmark decision by September that could potentially see Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin dismissed and the opposition Move Forward party (MFP) dissolved, according to the court’s president. In a press briefing, Court President Nakharin Mektrairat confirmed that rulings on both high-stakes cases would be made by September. Last month, the court scheduled the…
-
Korat locals protest against potash mining expansion
Korat locals gathered in force to protest against the government’s controversial plan to grant additional mining concessions in their province. Amid growing tensions and heartfelt pleas, the demonstrators demanded compensation for the devastating impacts existing mines have already had on their lives. The protesters, arriving at Rajabhat Nakhon Ratchasima University at 9am, were determined to deliver their message to Prime…
-
New Pathum Thani CEO suspended over corruption allegations
The newly elected CEO of Pathum Thani Provincial Administration finds himself unable to assume office due to an ongoing corruption investigation. This dramatic development has left the province in a state of political uncertainty. Secretary-General of the Council of State Pakorn Nilprapunt announced that Charn Puangphet had been suspended from duties in 2012. The suspension stemmed from allegations dating back…
-
Thai Cabinet to scrap duty-free stores on arrival after 3 billion baht loss
The Thai Cabinet plans to scrap duty-free stores on arrival at eight airports in Thailand after losing an estimated 3 billion baht in customs revenue. This cancellation is also aimed at making Thailand a hub of tourism and shopping. The Prime Minister’s Office deputy spokesperson, Ratchada Thanadirek, reported in a press conference after today’s Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet agreed to…
-
Deputy Thai PM orders plan to boost tapioca market in Korat
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai visited tapioca farmers in Korat, where he ordered the development of a comprehensive plan to manage prices and urged the expansion of new export markets in the Middle East. During the recent off-site Cabinet meeting in Nakhon Ratchasima, Phumtham met with the Tapioca Association, farmer representatives, and the President of the…
-
Finance Ministry to launch new 100 billion baht investment fund
Plans are underway at the Finance Ministry to establish a new investment fund similar to the previous state-controlled Vayupak Fund, aimed at bolstering Thai shares with strong fundamentals. This initiative is expected to be finalised within two weeks. Finance permanent secretary Lavaron Sangsnit announced that the new fund is projected to attract a minimum of 100 billion baht into the…
-
SEC bill to launch 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge project by 2026
The draft of the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) bill is on track to be submitted to the Cabinet by the end of September, aiming to kickstart the 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject in 2026, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced yesterday. The blueprint for the project is currently being adjusted to align with the expectations of foreign investors and locals. These adjustments…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.