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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Sponsored 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
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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Phuket urges employers to boost worker protection
Phuket’s top officials are urging business owners to get serious about social security – or risk leaving their workers in the lurch and violating the law. The Phuket Social Security Office is pushing for greater awareness of its services and benefits, reminding employers that proper registration and contributions aren’t just red tape – they’re crucial financial lifelines for workers. The…
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Experts warn Thailand’s digital wallet plan could be a short-term fix
As Thailand plans its next round of digital wallet handouts, experts are raising concerns. The government’s initiative, aimed at distributing funds to teenagers, may not have the desired economic impact. In fact, some argue it could do more harm than good in the long run. The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) urged the government to reconsider its approach, advising a…
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Paetongtarn hits back at opposition’s ‘secret deal’ claims
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has lashed out at the opposition People’s Party after they accused her of making political deals for her family’s gain. Dismissing the allegations as baseless, she’s calling for reason over rumours as the no-confidence debate heats up. In a fiery response to accusations from the opposition, the Thai premier spoke to reporters yesterday, March 20, denying…
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Ministerial bling: Pichai denies link to 26 million baht necklace rumour
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan has stepped forward to address recent rumours surrounding a 26.44 million baht diamond necklace, after reports suggested it was in the possession of a high-ranking government minister with the initial “P”. The necklace, a stunning piece from Lotus Arts De Vivre, is the Zambian Emerald & Diamond Necklace, valued at 26.44 million baht, and was reportedly…
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Park life: Thailand eases alcohol rules for officials, not tourists
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) in Thailand has revised regulations to permit alcohol consumption in designated areas within national parks. However, this relaxation applies only to officials and organised groups who obtain permission, while tourists remain prohibited from consuming alcohol. The department, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), has been gathering public…
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Thai deputy PM Phumtham visits Uyghur community in Xinjiang
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai recently visited the Uyghur community in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region after a return to their homeland. Phumtham apologised for their prolonged detention of 11 years, emphasising that the government had acted appropriately by reuniting them with their families. Yesterday, March 19, Phumtham, also the defence minister, along with a media contingent, visited a Uyghur…
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PM Paetongtarn defends family time amidst farmers’ protest
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has responded to criticism following her controversial appearance with her children during a farmers’ protest outside Government House. The incident, which took place on Tuesday, March 18, has sparked outrage as farmers from 19 provinces unloaded truckloads of blackchin tilapia near the Government House fence. The farmers were protesting the government’s slow response to eradicating the…
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Alcohol act revamp: Thailand raises the bar on booze ads
The Thai Cabinet agreed to revise the Alcohol Beverage Control Act, allowing businesses to advertise their alcohol products and enabling the public to share pictures and videos of alcoholic beverages without legal punishment. The draft of the revised Alcohol Beverage Control Act was discussed during the Cabinet meeting yesterday, March 19. At the end of the meeting, 365 Parliament members…
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Thai-speed ahead: PM revs up talks for F1 grand prix in Thailand
Could Thailand be the next country to host a glamorous Formula One (F1) Grand Prix? Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has opened the door to this exciting possibility, holding high-level talks with Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of the Formula One Group, about bringing the iconic motorsport event to the kingdom. Yesterday, March 18, Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsab confirmed that the…
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PM rejects opposition’s request for full 30-hour debate control
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has not approved the opposition’s request to control the entire duration of a 30-hour censure debate. She acknowledged that determining the length of the debate is not within her authourity. Yesterday, March 18, the Thai PM commented that the opposition’s request might not be logical, a sentiment echoed by the coalition government, which found the demand excessive.…
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Thailand uncertain on US visa ban after Uyghur deportation
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed uncertainty regarding her inclusion on a list of Thai officials recently barred from obtaining US visas following the deportation of 40 Uyghur detainees to China. Addressing the media yesterday, March 18, she said, “There’s no confirmation yet. I still don’t know.” The 38 year old PM explained that the Foreign Affairs Ministry would further clarify…
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School rejects ‘slum’ label for Phuket Myanmar community (video)
The director of a Catholic-operated school in Phuket has contested the description of a Myanmar community in the province as a “slum” by a foreign YouTuber. A video on the YouTube channel Ride with Gabi, which claims to document a “Myanmar slum in Phuket,” has ignited debate, showing a significant Myanmar migrant community in the southern province. The footage depicts…
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Broken jaw blunder: Botched surgery leaves Thai man unable to eat
A botched operation on a Thai man’s broken jaw has left him unable to eat. The Thai man reached out to the Social Security Office (SSO) after suffering from a broken jaw but the operation went horribly wrong. The 42 year old Thai man, Sommai, reached out to the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after failing to receive proper medical treatment…
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YouTuber exposes Phuket’s shocking slum conditions (video)
A YouTuber has caused a storm online with his latest video, The Other Side of Phuket, which takes viewers behind the glossy tourist façade to one of the island’s largest slums. In the video, popular YouTuber Ride with Gabi contrasts Phuket’s global fame for its stunning beaches and lively nightlife with the stark reality of its poverty-stricken communities. The video…
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Thailand considers raising pension age to 65, SSO clarifies
The Social Security Office (SSO) has clarified that the proposed increase in the retirement age for pension eligibility from 55 to 65 is a suggestion from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and is not yet implemented in Thailand. SSO Secretary General Marasri Jairangsee indicated that this idea, initially presented by the ILO, has been under consideration by the SSO since…
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PM Paetongtarn prepares for Bhutan visit to boost trade
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra engaged in discussions with Bhutan’s Ambassador to Thailand yesterday, March 14, focusing on preparations for the forthcoming state visit of the King and Queen to Bhutan. This marks Their Majesties’ initial state visit following an invitation from His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan. Paetongtarn held talks with Kinzang Dorji, the Bhutanese Ambassador to…
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Thailand confident FTA with EU will be finalised by year-end
Despite mounting pressure from the European Parliament over Thailand’s deportation of Uyghurs to China, the Commerce Ministry remains confident that free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union (EU) will stay on track, with a final deal expected by December 25. The controversy stems from a European Parliament resolution condemning Thailand’s deportation of 40 Uyghurs on February 27, warning…
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EU blasts Thailand over Uyghur deportations and lese-majeste
In a scathing rebuke, the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning Thailand for deporting Uyghur refugees to China and urged the European Commission to pressure Bangkok into reforming its lese-majeste law, releasing political prisoners, and improving human rights standards. The vote, held yesterday, March 13, saw overwhelming support, with 482 votes in favour, 57 against, and 68 abstentions. The resolution…
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Victory Monument area in Bangkok declared a historical site
Bangkok’s iconic Victory Monument, a historic landmark honouring Thailand’s fallen heroes, has officially been registered as an ancient site by the Fine Arts Department. The announcement, published in the Royal Gazette yesterday, March 12, confirms the site’s protected status, securing its preservation for future generations. The declaration, made under Section 7 of the Ancient Monuments, Antiques, Objects of Art and National Museums Act 1961, establishes…
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Phumtham denies handpicking pro-govt media for China trip
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has strongly denied allegations that only pro-government media were selected to accompany him on an upcoming trip to China. The visit, set for March 18, aims to check on the 40 Uyghurs deported from Thailand last month, a move that sparked international condemnation. Phumtham’s response comes after People’s Party MP Rangsiman Rome accused…
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Thai health initiative nears target with 18 million educated on carbs
The Ministry of Public Health announced that its initiative encouraging Thai citizens to monitor their carbohydrate intake has achieved notable success. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin revealed that over 18 million people have been educated on carbohydrate counting, nearing the project’s target of 20 million by March 20. With assistance from village health volunteers across the country, 445,791 individuals monitored…
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Labour Ministry under scrutiny for 7 billion baht office purchase
The Ministry of Labour confirmed its willingness to cooperate with a panel investigating claims that the Social Security Office (SSO) spent an excessive 7 billion baht on acquiring the SKYY9 Centre on Rama IX Road, despite its appraised value being 3 billion baht. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn stated that the ministry is committed to ensuring transparency throughout the investigation. He…
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Opposition urged to revise censure motion excluding Thaksin
The opposition has until March 19 to revise its position and exclude any references to external parties to ensure the censure debate proceeds as planned on March 24, according to House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha. The speaker’s remarks pertain to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is perceived as the influential figure behind the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Wan…
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Jomtien Beach revamp nears completion, flooding fix underway
Pattaya’s Jomtien Beach transformation is well underway, with more than 80% of the project completed as the city works to tackle persistent flooding and modernise its landscape. Set for completion by the end of this year, the massive upgrade promises better drainage, improved footpaths, more parking, and enhanced lighting—a game-changer for residents and tourists alike. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet recently inspected…
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Thai MP under scrutiny for smoking e-cigarette in Parliament
Thai People’s Party MP, Charoenyuth (Tonkla) Chaturapornprasit, is facing an ethics investigation after being caught on camera smoking an e-cigarette inside Parliament. The matter is expected to be reviewed by the House Ethics Committee, with debate intensifying over the regulation of e-cigarettes in Thailand. A picture was shared on social media earlier today, March 11, on the กูจะลากไส้มึงออกมาดูเล่น page, showing…
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No-confidence motion barred over Thaksin reference
Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha stated that a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will not be included on the Parliamentary agenda if it continues to reference former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. After the motion was submitted to him, Wan informed opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut that any mention of Thaksin must be removed. He argued that referencing Thaksin, who…
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Casino bill to require 50m baht bank balance for Thai entry
The Entertainment Complex Bill, set for revision, is anticipated to be submitted for Cabinet approval next week, according to PM’s Office Minister Chousak Sirinil. The bill has been prioritised as an urgent policy, following discussions with the Interior Ministry and the Finance Ministry, with aims to expedite its legislative process. The bill includes a condition requiring Thai citizens to maintain…
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Thailand cracks down on e-cigarettes with tough new measures
The Thai government is ramping up its fight against illegal e-cigarettes with a sweeping crackdown on smuggling, online sales, and domestic distribution. At a high-level meeting yesterday, March 6 at Government House, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Jiraporn Sindhuphrai, who oversees the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), announced intensified suppression efforts and long-term solutions. Jiraporn revealed that…
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Thailand halts airport transfer plan due to financial concerns
Thailand’s Transport Ministry has abruptly scrapped plans to transfer Krabi, Udon Thani, and Buriram airports to Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT), citing financial and operational concerns. Instead, officials are shifting focus towards developing state-run airports to generate more income and reduce reliance on government funding. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced yesterday, March 6, that the transfer, initially approved by…
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Royal Thai Navy’s billion-baht battle over subs and frigates
Thailand’s troubled submarine deal and ambitious warship plans are caught in political limbo, with the Pheu Thai-led government showing little urgency in making key defence decisions. As Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepares for a censure debate later this month, the Royal Thai Navy (RTN)’s long-stalled projects remain up in the air. The RTN initially accepted China’s offer of an S26T…
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