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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Thailand joins BRICS Plus Summit in Russia, aims to boost ties
Thailand will participate in the 4th BRICS Plus Summit in Russia, with Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa representing the country instead of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as announced yesterday, October 17. Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Nikorn Balankura confirmed that Thailand will join the meeting, scheduled from October 22 to 24 in Kazan, Tatarstan, upon the invitation of Russian President Vladimir…
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Chatuchak condo residents glue-d to growing homeless woes
Residents of a condominium in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, raised concerns about a growing number of homeless individuals who have taken up residence in front of their building, indulging in alcohol and glue sniffing, and leaving food waste scattered. Despite repeated reports to local government officials, the issue remains unresolved. A post on the Facebook page Drama-addict highlighted the problem, with…
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Jackpot: New Thai government lottery tickets now on sale, 20 baht
The new N3 three-digit lottery tickets are now on sale, offering a total prize pool of 2 million baht. Each ticket costs 20 baht, and the first draw is scheduled for November 1. The Government Lottery Office (GLO) announced the launch of N3 three-digit lottery tickets, available to the public today, October 17. The tickets, priced at 20 baht each,…
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People’s Party MP denies speeding after Parliament car park collision
A People’s Party MP denied driving at high speed following a collision in the parliament car park building yesterday. The car accident, which occurred on the B2 floor of the car park, was reported by Thai media yesterday, October 16. The collision reportedly took place in a section of the parking lot reserved for MPs, involving a black sedan and a…
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Thailand and Laos spark cross-border renewable energy scheme
Thai officials are set to engage in discussions with the Laotian government to enhance the utilisation of renewable energy across borders, aiming to expedite the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. The plan involves encouraging Thai businesses to purchase renewable power from Laos through a cross-border energy attribute certificate scheme, according to an official from the Energy Ministry who requested anonymity.…
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Roll the dice: Casino bill feedback to be reviewed by Thai Cabinet
A public hearing on the proposed casino-entertainment complex bill wrapped up with feedback set to be submitted to the Cabinet, announced the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) at the Ministry of Finance. The FPO, alongside the Digital Government Development Agency, collected public opinions on the bill via their websites over two weeks. The bill aims to establish entertainment complexes with legally…
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Thailand invites China to build satellite launch base
Thailand extended an invitation to China to build a satellite launch base to provide 6G technology, marking a significant step in enhancing economic cooperation as both nations gear up to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations next year. In addition to technological collaboration, China plans to send a new pair of giant pandas to Thailand as goodwill ambassadors for the…
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Bank of Thailand slashes interest rates after four-year freeze
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has stunned financial markets by slashing its key interest rate for the first time in four years, buckling under mounting pressure from the government to revive the sluggish economy. The unexpected move saw the one-day repurchase rate trimmed by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 2.25% from its 10-year high of 2.50%. This decision…
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Fugitive general resigns amid Tak Bai scandal
Retired General Pisan Wattanawongkiri, once the chief of Thailand’s 4th Army Region, has abruptly quit the ruling Pheu Thai Party and resigned from his MP position amidst a cloud of controversy. Wanted for his role in the brutal 2004 Tak Bai crackdown in Narathiwat, Pisan faces mounting pressure to return and face charges before the statute of limitations expires. The…
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Thailand extends TM6 form suspension to boost tourism
Thailand has extended the suspension of its TM6 immigration forms until April 30 next year, a move that promises to ease cross-border tourism while a new electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system is being developed. Officials say the ETA could also streamline the collection of tourism fees. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong revealed that the Cabinet approved the decision, which…
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Where’s Prawit? General skips out on Parliament again
General Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, has sparked fresh controversy with his fleeting visit to Parliament today, October 16. Arriving at 7.40am, the 78 year old MP made a swift stop at the House of Representatives. Flanked by his security team, he signed in at the second-floor entrance to confirm his presence before the 9am session—then promptly…
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PM Paetongtarn to host first informal dinner with coalition leaders
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will host an informal dinner with coalition party leaders next Monday, October 21, marking the first such gathering since she assumed office. This initiative aims to revive the practice of relaxed meetings similar to those held during the tenure of former prime minister Srettha Thavisin. The Thai premier highlighted the significance of these dinners, noting…
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Petition calls for PM Paetongtarn’s removal: Adviser appointment
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is embroiled in controversy once again, with a new petition demanding her removal from office over her appointment of Nattawut Saikua as an adviser. Nattawut, a former director of the Pheu Thai family, has a contentious past, leading to the latest challenge against the 38 year old PM’s judgement. Activist Nopparut Worachitwutthikul, formerly a leader of…
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Charting new waters: Pheu Thai seeks to ‘amend’ fences with coalition partners
In a political drama unfolding at the heart of Thailand, the ruling Pheu Thai Party admitted it must mend fences with coalition allies to forge ahead with its ambitious blueprint for rewriting the nation’s charter. This revelation came courtesy of PM’s right-hand man, Somkid Chueakong, during the poignant commemoration of the October 14, 1973, uprising on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue. Somkid,…
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Amnesty or agony: Lese majeste debate set to spark fireworks in Parliament
In a political powder keg ready to ignite, the long-awaited report on offering amnesty for those charged under the contentious lese majeste law is finally set to hit the parliamentary floor this Thursday, after being kicked down the road twice. It’s all eyes on the House panel bringing the heat, with Sasinan Thammanithinan, the outspoken People’s Party MP and committee…
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Thailand to explore new tax system for ageing population
Thailand must urgently adjust its tax structure and increase tax participation to address future expenses related to its ageing population, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. The Finance Ministry is exploring a negative income tax (NIT) system to assist individuals with incomes below a government-set threshold. Julapun clarified that the goal is to ensure residents can sustain their livelihoods,…
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Pheu Thai confident on referendum despite double-majority dispute
The Pheu Thai Party remains optimistic that the referendum on constitutional amendments will proceed early next year, despite disagreements regarding the double-majority requirement in the referendum bill. Sorawong Thienthong, Pheu Thai Party Secretary-General, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to holding the referendum in early 2025. The initial step involves ensuring that the amended bill successfully passes through Parliament in the coming…
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Pheu Thai dismisses petition alleging monarchy undermining
The Pheu Thai Party dismissed the recent petition against it which accused the party of undermining Thailand’s constitutional monarchy. Pheu Thai asserted that it can address all raised concerns and emphasising that some claims lack merit. Chousak Sirinil, the party’s legal adviser, said yesterday, October 11, that the six accusations against Pheu Thai do not have sufficient grounds to be…
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Thailand boosts economy with overseas workers
Thailand has seen a significant boost in its economy, with over 55,000 workers sent abroad during the 2024 fiscal year, resulting in more than 270 billion baht added to their families’ incomes. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn visited 364 Thai workers yesterday, October 11, who were undergoing pre-departure training before heading to Taiwan, Israel, and Japan. Among these workers, 321 are…
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Trudeau applauds Thailand’s marraige equality law
In a high-stakes diplomatic encounter at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shook hands over a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ rights. Meeting yesterday, October 10 at the National Convention Centre, Trudeau didn’t hold back in praising Thailand’s trailblazing move on marriage equality, noting it as a “first” for ASEAN.…
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Bets on: Royal nod to 23 gambles, from bull races to mahjong chases
The Royal Gazette has published a ministerial regulation allowing 23 types of gambling activities within specific time frames, such as human-bull racing, boxing, wrestling, ring tossing, and mahjong. The report from today, October 11, details that the Royal Gazette has released Ministerial Regulation No. 46, permitting the following gambling activities within designated hours: human-bull racing from 7am to 7pm, boxing…
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Visa-free travel: Indonesia opens doors to 13 countries
Indonesia is rolling out the red carpet for citizens of 13 countries, with its latest visa-free travel policy set to shake up tourism and economic development. Announced in Presidential Regulation No. 95 of 2024, which was formally ratified on August 29, this groundbreaking move targets 11 of Indonesia’s Asian neighbours, alongside Colombia and Suriname. The lucky 13 nations—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia,…
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Thailand and China’s friendship to shine on 50th anniversary
China is rolling out the red carpet for Thailand as both nations prepare to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties next year. Chinese Premier Li Qiang vowed to boost traditional friendship and build a China-Thailand community with a shared future in a power-packed meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Vientiane, Laos. “China and Thailand are close friends and…
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Bhumjaithai abstains from House vote on referendum bill
The Bhumjaithai Party refrained from participating in a House vote rejecting the Senate’s decision to maintain the double-majority clause in the constitutional referendum bill, according to party leader Anutin Charnvirakul. The House of Representatives voted 348 to zero yesterday, October 10, to reject the Senate’s amendments to the referendum bill, with 65 abstentions. The original House-endorsed bill proposed a change…
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Thailand and South Korea to boost cooperation in soft power
Thailand and South Korea have committed to enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including soft power development, electric vehicles (EVs), and labour issues. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol yesterday, October 10, during the ASEAN summit in Vientiane. The leaders discussed expanding collaboration in trade, investment, electric vehicles, national defence, and cultural exchanges. PM Paetongtarn emphasised…
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US ambassador vows stronger ties with Thailand
In a high-profile diplomatic push, the US ambassador to Thailand, Robert F Godec, has committed to enhancing economic, security, and humanitarian cooperation with Thailand under its new government. This bold pledge came during a meeting yesterday, October 9, with Chusak Sirinil, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, as both nations gear up for the 200th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.…
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Pattani: Border patrol officer killed in dual insurgent attacks
Tensions erupted late last night when insurgents launched coordinated attacks on two security outposts in a southern border province, resulting in the tragic death of a border patrol officer. The assailants, armed with military-grade weapons, carried out the strikes within minutes of each other, leaving authorities scrambling to respond. The first attack occurred at around 11.45pm, yesterday, October 9, when…
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Thaksin and Pheu Thai Party face constitutional showdown
Independent lawyer Thirayut Suwankesorn, renowned for dismantling the Move Forward Party, has launched a scathing complaint against the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its influential patriarch, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The complaint, submitted to the Constitutional Court at 10.30am today, October 10, accuses them of a serious breach of constitutional protocol, alleging attempts to undermine the country’s constitutional monarchy.…
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Thai PM urges unity at ASEAN Summit to tackle climate change
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra attended the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits at the National Convention Centre in Laos at 9.30am yesterday, October 9. Upon arrival, the Thai premier received a warm welcome from Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and his wife. PM Paetongtarn addressed the assembly, underscoring the need for Collective Leadership within ASEAN to tackle regional issues and…
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Thailand unveils five new higher education sandbox programmes
Thailand is set to introduce five new higher education sandbox programmes aimed at producing graduates to meet market demand and attract foreign investment. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) announced the initiative yesterday, October 9, highlighting its focus on areas with high demand for skilled professionals. The new programmes will target semiconductor engineering, cybersecurity, K-Engineering Work-integrated…
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