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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PM: Ex-minister’s parole release unrelated to Yingluck’s return
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra firmly dismissed any links between the parole release of former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom and the speculated return of ex-premier Yingluck Shinawatra. Addressing the media yesterday, PM Paetongtarn clarified that Boonsong’s release was strictly in accordance with the Department of Corrections (DoC) regulations and had no connection to her aunt, Yingluck. “It is about the DoC’s…
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Thailand grants citizenship to 72 stateless individuals in Chiang Rai
A historic moment unfolded in Chiang Rai as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra presented Thai citizenship cards to 72 individuals from ethnic minority groups, marking a monumental step towards addressing statelessness in the country. The ceremony, held at the GMS International Convention and Exhibition Centre on Sunday, December 1, highlighted Thailand’s commitment to inclusivity and human rights, with key officials and…
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Paetongtarn faces backlash over flood crisis management failures
The recent devastating floods in southern Thailand have intensified pressure on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government, pushing the leader into the eye of a storm of criticism. With severe flooding wreaking havoc in the south, many are questioning her ability to manage a national crisis effectively. The prime minister, who initially struggled to establish her footing in the north, eventually…
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Thailand’s PM champions disability rights on International Day
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivered a heartfelt message on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, reaffirming her government’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities for all. Celebrated annually on December 3, the day marks a significant call to action for societies to dismantle barriers and ensure the dignity and rights of individuals with disabilities are respected. Equal opportunities was…
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Thailand’s big love leap: Same-sex couples to wed starting January
Thailand is rolling out the rainbow carpet as the Marriage Equality Bill is set to become law on January 22, making the nation a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights in Asia. Following its royal endorsement by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and publication in the Royal Gazette on September 24, the countdown to this historic milestone has officially begun.…
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UAE and Thailand bilateral agreements to boost trade and travel
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Thailand are poised to deepen their partnership through a series of bilateral agreements, according to UAE ambassador to Thailand Obaid Saeed Obaid Bintaresh Aldhaheri. Speaking at a UAE National Day celebration on Thursday, November 28, Aldhaheri underscored Thailand’s importance as a strategic partner beyond traditional oil trade. “We look forward to strengthening bilateral relations…
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Thailand debates Cambodia MoU to avoid political unrest
The Bhumjaithai Party pledged its support for a proposal by Pheu Thai list MP Noppadon Pattama to convene a general debate on the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Thailand and Cambodia concerning joint development in the Gulf of Thailand. This proposal aims to preempt political unrest by allowing open discussions among MPs and senators during the upcoming Parliamentary session.…
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Thai PM criticised over southern flood response, husband remark
The Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn “Ing” Shinawatra, came under criticism after denying accusations of neglecting the flood crisis in southern Thailand by citing her husband’s southern heritage as evidence of her concern for the region. Today, December 2, marked the 11th day that residents in southern Thailand have been battling severe flooding. According to the Post Today, 10 provinces…
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Thai Cabinet extends 20-baht train fare with 400m baht budget
The Thai Cabinet has sanctioned a budget of 400 million baht to extend the 20-baht flat fare for the Red and Purple electric train lines for an additional year. This decision aims to provide continued financial relief to commuters using these lines. The extension pertains to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Red lines, which include the Nakhon Withi Line…
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19 billion baht allocated for Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai flood repairs
Thailand’s government has allocated 19 billion baht for infrastructure and utility repairs in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, responding to the recent severe floods, according to Government Spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub. This announcement followed a Cabinet meeting conducted in Chiang Mai, where an economic and social development plan was approved, as proposed by the National Economic and Social Development Council. The…
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Thai Cabinet approves civil service salary increase proposal
The Thai Cabinet has acknowledged a proposal to adjust the starting salaries for new civil service recruits, with a bachelor’s degree holder earning no less than 18,000 baht and a vocational certificate holder receiving a minimum of 11,000 baht. This adjustment is expected to utilise a budget of 2.67 billion baht. A meeting took place at Chiang Mai Rajabhat University,…
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Thaksin hits the road to boost Pheu Thai’s PAO hopes
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is back in the political spotlight, gearing up to help Pheu Thai candidates in key Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) races. After a triumphant showing in Udon Thani, the party is looking to capitalise on its momentum with Thaksin as its secret weapon. A party insider revealed the 74 year old former PM will visit…
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Thai politician hospitalised after hunger strike amid money laundering probe
Embattled politician Samart Janechaijittawanich has been whisked to hospital following a four-day hunger strike while under detention. The saga unfolded late yesterday as Samart ensnared in a money laundering scandal linked to The iCon Group, was transferred to the Department of Corrections Hospital, confirming fears for his health. Samart, apprehended earlier this week in the northern province of Chiang Rai,…
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Sink or swim: Thai submarine deal stuck in murky waters
Thailand’s long-delayed submarine deal with China remains in troubled waters as Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai admits he’s yet to make a call on the contentious project. “The project’s fate is still not clear because I have not yet studied it. I’ll decide after studying it.” The 13.5 billion baht procurement of an S26T Yuan-class submarine has been stalled amid political…
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People’s Party shuns protests, opts for Parliamentary reform
Thailand’s main opposition group, the People’s Party (PP), has decided not to engage in the upcoming anti-government protests orchestrated by former protest leader Sondhi Limthongkul. Instead, PP is committed to operating within the Parliamentary system to fulfil its role as a political entity. Parit Wacharasindhu, spokesperson for the People’s Party, stated yesterday, November 27, that the party would prioritise addressing…
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Three referendums required for 2017 constitution rewrite
Three referendums are deemed necessary for a complete rewrite of the 2017 constitution, according to Nikorn Chamnong, the secretary of the joint House-Senate panel on the referendum bill. This statement directly counters the claim made by People’s Party list MP Parit Wacharasindhu, who suggested that only two referendums would be needed, a point he believed was backed by Parliament President…
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Thai PM and Energy Minister clash over clean energy vision
Tensions have erupted in Thailand’s government as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga lock horns over the nation’s clean energy future. A disagreement, which has reportedly been simmering for weeks, boiled over yesterday, November 26, leading to the abrupt cancellation of a joint press conference following a National Energy Policy Board meeting. While PM Paetongtarn addressed the…
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Phuket motorists warned of road closure for power pole relocation
Motorists in Phuket have been advised to steer clear of Soi Cherng Talay 16 today, November 27, due to a planned closure for essential infrastructure work. The Cherng Talay Police issued a warning to avoid the area as power poles are scheduled to be relocated, impacting traffic flow throughout the day. The Thalang branch of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA…
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AoT to compensate residents 12 billion baht for airport noise
Airports of Thailand (AoT) is set to distribute 12 billion baht as compensation to residents affected by noise pollution from the third runway at Suvarnabhumi Airport. This decision follows a meeting held on Monday, November 25 involving the AoT, the Transport Ministry, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to address residents’ demands for relief from the noise generated by aircraft…
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Ceremony in Siam’s old capital celebrates historic Iranian scholar
The Iranian Embassy in Thailand hosted a ceremony commemorating Sheikh Ahmad Qomi, a historical figure credited with fostering cultural ties between Iran and Thailand, at his mausoleum in Ayutthaya province on November 23. The event, marking 70 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries, was joined by high-ranking Iranian and Thai officials, academics, researchers, and culture enthusiasts. Nasseredin Heidari,…
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Pheu Thai secures Udon Thani election win, credits Thaksin
The Pheu Thai Party celebrated a significant victory in the recent Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chairman election in Udon Thani, attributing the success largely to the influence of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. This triumph saw their candidate, Sarawut Pethpanomporn, secure a decisive win. Anusorn Iamsa-ard, a member of Parliament for Pheu Thai, highlighted the combination of Sarawut’s political experience…
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Tensions rise on Thai-Myanmar border over alleged incursion
The Thai-Myanmar border in the Pai district of the northern province of Mae Hong Son is experiencing heightened tensions after the United Wa State Army (UWSA), also known as Red Wa, reportedly encroached on Thai territory. ThaiRath reported today, November 26, that the Shan State National Army (SSNA) revealed the situation along the border at Doi Nong Luang and Doi…
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Labour of love: Minister fights for informal workers’ rights
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is actively advocating for a legislative measure to enhance the protection and welfare of approximately 20 million informal workers, according to a statement from the ministry’s spokesperson. The Labour Ministry is preparing to engage in discussions with the Cabinet’s secretary-general to determine the appropriate timeline for presenting the bill to the Cabinet for consideration. Phumiphat Mueanchan…
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Thai PM yet to unveil new stimulus to boost economic growth
After nearly three months in office, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is poised to influence Thailand’s economic growth through a series of new stimulus proposals. These measures aim to address various economic challenges and are anticipated to be unveiled shortly. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) recently projected Thailand’s GDP growth to be between 2.3% and 3.3% for 2025,…
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Former MP advocates for fair treatment in Yingluck’s planned return
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra plans to “face her legal obligations” in Thailand without requesting special treatment, according to Worachai Hema, an ex-member of Parliament for the Pheu Thai Party from Samut Prakan. Worachai, who serves on Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai’s advisory team, shared these insights following Thaksin Shinawatra’s media interview discussing his sister Yingluck’s anticipated return before Songkran 2025.…
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EC persists in Thaksin investigation despite court ruling
The Election Commission (EC) remains steadfast in its investigation into allegations against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, focusing on claims of his manipulation of the Pheu Thai Party and interference in the coalition government. This action continues despite the Constitutional Court’s recent decision to dismiss a petition accusing Thaksin and the ruling party of attempting to overthrow Thailand’s constitutional monarchy.…
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Bangkok allocates 14.54 billion baht to settle BTS Skytrain debt
The Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) has sanctioned a substantial budget of 14.54 billion baht for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to address its debt to Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC), the operator of the city’s BTS Skytrain. This decision follows a proposal submitted by Bangkok’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, during a BMC meeting. Chadchart presented a draft ordinance requesting the…
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Deputy minister’s bold plan to quench Phuket’s water woes
Phuket’s water crisis may soon be a thing of the past, thanks to a fresh action plan unveiled during Deputy Minister of Interior Sabida Thaiseth’s recent visit. Arriving in Phuket for a two-day official tour, Sabida dove into long-term strategies to secure the island’s water supply, a critical issue that has plagued the region for years. The briefing took place…
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Thailand’s cash handout scheme faces scrutiny before elections
The second phase of Thailand’s 10,000-baht cash handout scheme is under scrutiny for potentially breaching legal boundaries, as the government plans to distribute the funds to four million elderly citizens during the Chinese New Year, just days before the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) elections. This timing has sparked concerns about its potential influence on the upcoming election outcomes. Somchai Srisutthiyakorn,…
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Thai welfare cardholders must verify eligibility by December 26
Thailand’s Ministry of Finance is urging 1 million holders of the state welfare card to verify their eligibility and confirm their identity by December 26 to secure their benefits. These individuals, part of the 14.5 million registered cardholders, have not yet confirmed their identity, leaving their welfare benefits unclaimed. Julaphan Amornvivat, Deputy Minister of Finance, announced this following a meeting…
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