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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Dream homes for less: Thai govt rolls out affordable housing project
Thais earning under 50,000 baht per month are being offered a golden opportunity to own a home in the city through the government’s “Baan Pheu Khon Thai” (Homes for Thais) initiative, with registration set to open on January 20. The project, announced by Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, aims to provide affordable, fully furnished housing near urban centres, leveraging land owned…
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Phuket’s healthcare crisis: PM pushes for cancer centre
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra spotlighted healthcare as a critical issue for Phuket, amid public outcry and fundraising efforts to improve cancer treatment facilities on the island. At a high-level meeting held at Phuket International Airport this morning, the 38 year old Thai PM addressed the urgent need to upgrade state hospitals like Vachira Phuket Hospital to better handle diseases such…
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Phuket kicks off bold campaign for clean politics and fair elections
Phuket is making waves in political reform, launching a high-profile campaign to ensure fair and transparent elections across the island. The Phuket Provincial Election Commission Office unveiled its Honest Political Reform on the Basis of Elections project at a lively event held at the Bhukitta Boutique Hotel & Residence Phuket yesterday, January 8. Presiding over the ceremony was Phuket Vice…
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Power play: Thailand plugs into cutting electricity costs
The Government of Thailand is actively exploring methods to reduce electricity costs, as suggested by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, according to Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. Responding to Thaksin’s remarks, the de facto leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, Pichai noted that Thaksin had assured voters in Chiang Rai of the government’s intention to decrease energy prices to…
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Thailand revives trade with Pakistan in major economic pact
After a decade of silence, Thailand and Pakistan are back at the negotiating table, reigniting hopes for a booming trade partnership. The two nations have agreed to resume talks under their Joint Trade Committee (JTC) at the ministerial level, with Thailand hosting the next round of discussions later this year. In a recent meeting between Thailand’s Minister of Commerce, Pichai…
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Hippo star Moo Deng steals spotlight as election mascot (video)
The Election Commission (EC) has pulled out all the stops to boost voter enthusiasm for the upcoming provincial administrative organisation (PAO) elections, introducing an unlikely but adorable mascot—Moo Deng, the famous pygmy hippo calf. EC chairperson Ittiporn Boonprakong proudly presented Moo Deng during a lively ceremony at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road. Speaking to a captivated audience, he…
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Opposition plans censure debate against coalition government
The opposition is planning to file a motion for a censure debate against the coalition government by February, with the debate anticipated to occur between late February and early March. This was announced by Pakornwut Udompipatskul, a People’s Party list MP and head opposition whip. Pakornwut emphasised that the debate should not extend beyond the second week of March. Key…
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Thailand’s Children’s Day logo sparks joy and vitality
Thailand’s Ministry of Education has unveiled the heartwarming story behind the Children’s Day logo set to represent the nation from 2023 to 2027. The spotlight falls on Wikawee Rattamanee, a talented Silpakorn University student whose design won a nationwide competition last year. Her creation, centred on the theme of a child’s smile, earned her the top prize of 35,000 baht.…
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No luck for Yingluck: Former PM ineligible for prison programme
Yingluck Shinawatra, former Prime Minister of Thailand, will not qualify for release under the forthcoming alternative prison detention programme if she returns to Thailand, as she does not meet the new eligibility criteria, stated Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. Yingluck was sentenced to five years imprisonment in August 2017. New regulations by the Department of Corrections (DoC) allow only those with…
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PM Paetongtarn defends Thaksin amid racist remark controversy
Stepping out from a Cabinet lunch today, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra launched into a defence of her father, Thaksin, after he was caught in making controversial racist comments during a rally speech. Thaksin’s remarks yesterday, January 6, criticised as discriminatory, sparked a backlash and calls from Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit for Paetongtarn to reprimand him. Initially caught off-guard by the journalists’ pressing…
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300 same-sex couples to wed in Bangkok as new law takes effect
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) anticipates that approximately 300 same-sex couples will get married in Bangkok on January 23 when the Marriage Equality Law comes into effect. Preparations for the event are underway, with Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon visiting district offices to oversee arrangements for marriage registrations. District officials have received training to guide couples through the necessary steps…
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Government House open this Saturday for National Children’s Day
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will open the Government House on Saturday, January 11, for children and their families in celebration of National Children’s Day. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub announced that the 38 year old Thai premier will participate in the festivities, which include various activities hosted by the Prime Minister’s Office. One highlight will allow children to sit in the…
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Thaksin denies Cabinet reshuffle, supports energy cost cuts
Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s former prime minister and the alleged de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party, has put to rest rumours suggesting the potential dismissal of Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga in the next Cabinet reshuffle. Yesterday, January 5, Thaksin clarified that no such reshuffle is currently planned. Pirapan, for his part, denied any discord with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra…
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Thaksin sparks outrage with racist remarks in Chiang Rai
The former Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, delivered a controversial speech containing racist remarks about international models from Africa while supporting his daughter and Pheu Thai Party members in the Provincial Administrative Organisation chief election campaign in the northern province of Chiang Rai. Thaksin has taken a prominent role in the local election campaign in Chiang Rai as his…
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Same-sex marriage to gain legal status in Thailand
Thailand’s Interior Ministry is set to enforce the Marriage Equality Bill, expected to become law later this month, according to a statement from ministry spokesperson Traisulee Taisaranakul. The Department of Provincial Administration (DoPA) has aligned its regulations with the new law and established guidelines to streamline the registration process. The department has also upgraded its computer systems and marriage registration…
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Good fortune: PM Paetongtarn’s assets exceed 13 billion baht
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has disclosed a detailed account of the assets and liabilities of Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, marking her ascension into office. The report reveals that the 38 year old PM holds assets worth over 13 billion baht, alongside liabilities amounting to more than 4 billion baht. The asset declaration includes a wide array of personal…
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NACC denies lobbying claims in Thaksin hospital case investigation
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) firmly denies any lobbying efforts aimed at altering the commissioner overseeing the investigation into former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s detention at a police hospital. Sarote Phuengramphan, the NACC secretary-general and spokesperson, refuted claims of lobbying to replace the commissioner. These allegations were brought forth by activist and former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan during a Facebook live…
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Yacht fleet breakfast: Thaksin and Thamanat’s island meet-up
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and ex-Agriculture Minister Thamanat Prompow made waves yesterday, December 26 as they were spotted enjoying a private breakfast on the picturesque Koh Lipe, Satun province. The political duo arrived in style, leading a fleet of six luxury yachts to the tropical getaway. Landing unannounced at the upscale Bulow Casa Grand View Resort, they dined from…
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Thailand boosts child welfare benefits to 1,000 baht monthly
Thailand’s Social Security Office (SSO) has announced an increase in child welfare benefits for insured individuals, with payments rising from 800 baht to 1,000 baht per month per child. This adjustment will take effect in January 2025, following a decision made by the Cabinet on December 17. The move is aimed at encouraging childbirth among insured citizens, as Thailand faces…
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Top official inspects Phuket’s safety amid landslide scandal
A high-profile visit to Phuket has reignited scrutiny over the island’s safety protocols and infrastructure as former Vice Governor and now Inspector-General of the Ministry of Interior, Supoj Rodruang Na Nongkhai, returned on Christmas Day. Supoj, whose career has soared since leaving Phuket in 2020, arrived to review critical policies including tsunami preparedness, illegal hotels, and landslide prevention. Accompanied by…
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Thai Parliament to debate amendment bills on 2017 constitution
The Thai Parliament is gearing up to examine a series of charter amendment bills aimed at revising the 2017 constitution, with discussions set to take place in mid-January. Parliament president Wan Muhamad Noor Matha confirmed this development, highlighting a total of 17 proposals for section-by-section amendments. Additionally, there is a significant bill sponsored by the opposition People’s Party (PP), aiming…
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NHSO delays cancer care reimbursement changes to April
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has decided to delay the implementation of new budget reimbursement criteria for hospitals involved in the Cancer Treatment Anywhere (CA) programme. This postponement aims to address existing reimbursement issues through upcoming discussions. Dr Athaporn Limpanylers, deputy secretary-general of the NHSO, announced yesterday, December 24, that revisions will be made to the criteria for reimbursing…
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Teeing off diplomacy: Thailand celebrates 50 years with China
Thailand rolled out the green carpet in Pattaya for over 300 Chinese golf enthusiasts, blending sport and diplomacy in a high-profile event. The Amazing Thailand Golf Paradise 2024, held on December 19 at Siam Country Club Waterside and Rolling Hills, marked the 50th anniversary of Thai-China diplomatic relations with a swing and a celebration. Under Thailand’s specialised golf package tours,…
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Defence Council approves plan to downsize RTA and cut costs
The Thai Defence Council has approved a significant white paper, marking a strategic shift to downsize the Royal Thai Army (RTA) and cut back on weapon expenses. This decision, made during the council’s final meeting of the year, aligns with the strategic plan for 2026 to 2037, which Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai presented to set the…
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Phuket tackles homelessness and begging with new initiative
Phuket officials have embarked on a significant initiative to tackle homelessness and begging in Phuket Town, with a focus on enhancing the lives of vulnerable residents. This proactive effort was spearheaded by Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai, who led a field visit to Lan Nawamin, off Phuket Road, yesterday, December 23. The visit was a collaborative endeavour involving key agencies including…
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Thailand to revise minimum wage across provinces from January
Thailand is set to implement a new minimum wage structure across its 77 provinces from January 1, 2025. The decision was made following an extensive meeting led by Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour. The meeting, which took place yesterday, December 23 and lasted over five hours, resulted in a unanimous agreement on the new wage rates,…
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PM Paetongtarn embraces political moniker amid press scrutiny
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been nicknamed “Paetongphoey” by Government House reporters, as part of their tradition of assigning monikers to senior officials at the year’s end. The nickname combines the first two syllables of her name with the Thai word “phoey,” meaning “script,” referencing her reliance on prepared speeches during significant events. When asked about the nickname, the 38…
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MPs urged to prioritise urgent bills in packed Parliamentary session
Chief government whip Wisut Chainarun is optimistic that the House will successfully scrutinise approximately 20 urgent bills during the current Parliamentary session. This session, which commenced yesterday, December 22, has a packed agenda with bills of significant economic and social impact awaiting approval. The urgent bills include legislation on fisheries, aimed at tackling industry challenges, and a bill to introduce…
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Residents challenge SRT’s ownership claims to Khao Kradong
A land dispute in Khao Kradong, Buriram, has sparked controversy, with Songsak Thongsri, Deputy Minister of Interior, stating that the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) seems to be at fault. The conflict involves over 400 residents who claim rightful ownership of the land, asserting their families have occupied it long before the railway’s construction. During a visit to the contested…
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Thai government to choose sites for casino complexes
The Thai government is set to centrally determine the locations for proposed casino-entertainment complexes, a move aimed at ensuring fair competition among prospective investors, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. The initiative hinges on the passage of a bill legalising gambling, which is currently under consideration. “If the locations are chosen by the government, this will allow investors to…
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