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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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 despite UNHCR warnings
Thailand has deported 40 Uyghurs to China after holding them for over a decade, drawing condemnation from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The agency expressed its deepest condolences and labelled the deportation a violation of international law. UNHCR reported that it repeatedly requested access to the detained Uyghurs, who feared persecution if returned to China. Thai officials…
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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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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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Thaksin vows to end Thai unrest, sparking strategy concerns
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s commitment to ending the unrest in southern Thailand by next year has sparked concerns and led to inquiries regarding the government’s actual strategies to address the situation, according to a political scholar from Thammasat University. As an informal adviser to the ASEAN chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Thaksin made a significant visit to the…
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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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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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People’s Party targets Bangkok 2026 election with pollution policies
The main opposition, the People’s Party (PP), is ambitiously aiming for a comprehensive victory in Bangkok’s gubernatorial election next year, with plans to address the city’s numerous challenges through targeted policies. Bangkok MP Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, responsible for the party’s election strategy, highlighted an early focus on combating air pollution during the launch of the Hackable Bangkok 2026 campaign yesterday, February…
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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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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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Former Thai PM Thanin Kraivichien passes away at 97
Thanin Kraivichien, the 14th Prime Minister of Thailand and former President of the Privy Council during the reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, passed away yesterday, February 23, at the age of 97. His family has announced that the schedule for his royal cremation and religious ceremonies will be shared in due course. Born in Bangkok on April…
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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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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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Thailand and Laos to boost trade and security ties by 2027
Thailand and Laos agreed to a commitment to enhance collaboration across several sectors, including bolstering border security, addressing haze problems, and setting a joint trade target of US$11 billion (369.9 billion baht) by 2027. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra held a meeting yesterday, February 20, with her Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone at Government House in Bangkok. During the meeting, the two…
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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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Phuket hosts Deep South youth for cultural exchange
Phuket is gearing up to host disadvantaged youth from Thailand’s Deep South as part of the San Jai Thai Su Jai Tai project, an initiative designed to bridge cultural gaps and provide life-changing experiences for young people from conflict-affected regions. Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Officer, Thiraphong Chuaychu, announced the initiative at a meeting held at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, February…
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Thai farmers demand rise in rice price to 10,000 baht per tonne
Farmers congregated at Government House in Bangkok, yesterday, February 19, urging the government to increase rice prices from the current 6,000 baht to 10,000 baht per tonne. Farmers from various provinces, including Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, and Suphan Buri, sought meetings with the prime minister, the agriculture minister, or the commerce minister to discuss solutions to declining rice prices. Deputy Commerce Minister…
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Scam horror: Ethiopian men reveal abuse in Myanmar compounds
In Thailand’s Fort Wachiraprakan military camp, four Ethiopian men revealed bruises and scars they acquired during their detention in Myanmar’s infamous scam compounds. Yotor, a 19 year old, spoke about daily electric shocks. These men are among 260 individuals, primarily human trafficking victims, transferred from Myanmar to Thailand as part of an ongoing international effort to dismantle scam centres along…
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Thaksin Shinawatra to visit Narathiwat for security talks
Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, is set to visit Narathiwat on Sunday, February 23 as an informal adviser to the ASEAN chair, where he will discuss security matters with officials in Thailand’s Deep South. The visit, confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai yesterday, marks Thaksin’s first return to the region since his tenure…
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PM urges fast-track completion of Songkhla-Malaysia border road
Thailand’s long-delayed new border crossing in Songkhla is finally set to open, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra ordering urgent action to complete the missing road link to Malaysia. During a mobile Cabinet meeting in Songkhla yesterday, February 18, PM Paetongtarn inspected several development projects and was shocked to learn that the 2nd Sadao Border Checkpoint, built in 2019, remains closed…
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Thailand battles flu season as cases soar and fever pitch rises
Thailand is facing a major influenza outbreak, with 107,570 cases recorded this year and nine deaths, the Public Health Ministry confirmed yesterday, February 18. Flu infections are surging at 15,000 new cases per week, a sharp rise from the 10,000 per week reported in early 2024. Dr Jurai Wongsawat, spokesperson for the Department of Disease Control (DDC), stated that children…
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Lao PM visits Thailand to boost ties on 75th anniversary
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone will visit Thailand on Thursday, February 20, in a historic trip aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the neighbouring countries. The visit comes as Thailand and Laos celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations, marking a significant milestone in their partnership. According to Thailand’s Foreign Ministry, the trip follows an official invitation from Prime…
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PM Paetongtarn visits Phatthalung ahead of Cabinet meeting
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited Phatthalung yesterday, engaging with locals and pledging economic growth ahead of the year’s first mobile Cabinet meeting in Songkhla. During the first stop of her two-day tour, Paetongtarn visited Thale Noi, a vast wetland in Khuan Khanun district, where she was welcomed by Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong, and…
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Thai durians remain China’s top choice amid safety upgrades
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has expressed confidence that Thai durians will continue to be the preferred choice in China, following enhancements to food safety and contamination screenings. Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat, after her recent visit to China, reported discussions with Sun Meijun, Minister of the General Administration of Customs of China, concerning Thai fruit imports. Thailand is the leading…
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Pheu Thai dismisses calls to dissolve House over charter clash
The ruling Pheu Thai Party has dismissed the opposition People’s Party’s call to dissolve the House, with Pheu Thai MP Sutin Klungsang clarifying that differing views on a proposed charter amendment do not signify a rift serious enough to destabilise the coalition. “This will not affect the coalition’s stability. Business continues as usual despite the impasse.” Joint sittings to discuss…
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