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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Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Thailand is a popular choice for retirees because of its beautiful landscapes, warm climate, and affordable living. Cities like Chiang Mai and coastal areas offer a relaxed lifestyle with friendly communities. The country also...
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Thaksin’s hospital treatment probe faces authority limits: Committee
A House committee investigating allegations of special treatment for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his detention at Police General Hospital (PGH) faces limitations in its authority. The Department of Corrections clarified that the committee cannot summon Thaksin or related agencies to testify. Chaired by Rangsiman Rome, an MP from the opposition People’s Party, the committee on state security, border…
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Interior ministry allocates 56 million baht for Surat Thani marshland
Thailand’s Ministry of Interior approved a budget of over 56 million baht for the fiscal year 2025 to develop the Khlong Khwai marshland, aiming to create a new green space for the people of Surat Thani province. Kanisini Opasrangsank, a Member of Parliament for Constituency 1 in Surat Thani and Deputy Secretary-General of the United Thai Nation Party, along with…
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Bangkok court drops Thai activist’s spyware suit: Amnesty
In a controversial ruling, the Bangkok Civil Court has dismissed Thai activist Jatupat Boonpattararaksa’s lawsuit against NSO Group Technologies, sparking outcry from rights advocates. Jatupat had accused NSO Group of failing to prevent his alleged targeting with Pegasus spyware, a tool widely criticised for its role in surveillance abuses worldwide. Amnesty International’s Thailand Researcher, Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong, condemned the court’s decision.…
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Phuket and Indonesia strengthen ties to support local community
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat recently welcomed Suarganana Pringganu, the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia, to discuss strengthening cooperation and support for the Indonesian community in Phuket. This meeting, held at Phuket Provincial Hall, underscored the importance of nurturing bilateral relations and addressing significant issues such as the welfare and repatriation of Indonesian citizens. During the discussions, Pringganu acknowledged…
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Thailand slips in global digital race: Urgent tech policy shake-up
Thailand’s digital prowess took a hit, dropping two spots to 37th globally in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2024. The ranking, published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), evaluated 67 countries and economic zones across three key metrics: knowledge, technology, and future readiness. With an overall score of 65.45, Thailand is now third in digital competitiveness in the…
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Thailand set to rock world stage with plans to boost events scene
Thailand is getting ready to rock the world stage with a grand plan to revitalise its events infrastructure, turning it into a prime destination for global sports and entertainment. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong outlined an ambitious vision to transform Bangkok’s National Stadium into a state-of-the-art multi-function stadium, poised to host everything from international sports competitions to blockbuster concerts.…
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Pichai spices up the US: 50 influencers back authentic Thai food
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan has enlisted the help of 50 powerful US influencers to promote a wave of authentic Thai restaurants across the US. The star-studded event took place in Hollywood, California, where Pichai awarded prestigious Thai Select certificates to seven US-based Thai restaurants. The 6pm ceremony, yesterday, November 19, which was broadcast live on social media by influencers with…
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Thailand partners with Turkey to build high-speed rail empire
Thailand is gearing up to transform its rail landscape by partnering with Turkey’s state-owned train manufacturer, Türasaş, in a bold step towards high-speed travel. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit revealed on Monday, November 18, that the collaboration aims to boost Thailand’s transport sector and establish a domestic rail manufacturing industry. During his recent visit to Türasaş’s Sakarya facility in Turkey, Suriya…
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Pattaya revamps park to oust venomous visitors near residence
Residents near Jeh Madi Mansion, close to Soi Sukhumvit 28 and Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, raised the alarm over unwelcome slithery neighbours – venomous creatures lurking a little too close to home. In response, Deputy Mayor Manot Nongyai, flanked by local council members and city officials, launched an emergency renovation project yesterday, November 19, clearing out the public area to improve…
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Thai lottery draw dates changed to accomodate new year holidays
The Thai Government Lottery Office (GLO) announced a change in the schedule for two upcoming lottery draws. The draw initially set for December 30, will now take place on January 2, 2025, due to the new year festivities. This adjustment allows for a more suitable timing, providing 17 days for the sale of lottery tickets for this particular draw. The…
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Justice minister says ‘no special treatment’ for Yingluck
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s potential return to Thailand sparked a national debate after her brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, hinted at a possible homecoming around next year’s Songkran festival. Speaking in an interview with Nikkei Asia, Thaksin stated his sister could be coming home. “I don’t think there’s any issue preventing her from coming home. I believe she…
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GLO hosts Chiang Mai lottery draw to boost transparency
The Government Lottery Office (GLO) of Thailand is set to conduct a lottery draw in Chiang Mai province on December 1. This initiative aims to enhance transparency in the lottery process and methods, offering the public an opportunity to witness the proceedings firsthand. The lottery draw, set for December 1, will take place at the Chiang Mai International Exhibition and…
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Phuket succuessfully tests new mobile emergency alert system
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), and the Phuket Provincial Office, successfully trialled the Cell Broadcast mobile emergency warning system. The trial, conducted yesterday, November 19, at the Chao Fah Meeting Room in Phuket Provincial Hall, was led by Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and witnessed by key figures, including Nattapol Natthasomboon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital…
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Thai news presenter sparks concern by drinking tap water on air (video)
A political debate concerning the potability of tap water in Bangkok sparked significant public attention. Renowned news presenter Sorayuth Suthassanachinda decided to test this claim himself by drinking a glass of tap water, leading to an array of reactions from concerned viewers. Sorayuth, a popular figure in Thai media, addressed the issue of drinkable tap water during his programme กรรมกรข่าว…
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Alcohol bill on the rocks: New legislation nearly ready to pour
Wisarn Techathirawat, chairperson of the special committee overseeing the new Alcoholic Beverage Control Bill, announced that the legislation is nearing completion. Aiming for submission to Parliament by mid-December, the draft is approximately 80% finished. At a national academic conference on alcohol, Wisarn revealed that Parliament had given the green light to five Alcoholic Beverage Control Bill drafts, contributed by the…
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Attorney General throws out coup accusation against Thaksin
In a bold move that’s shaking up Thai politics, the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has flatly refused to process a high-stakes case accusing former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the ruling Pheu Thai Party of attempting to overthrow Thailand’s democratic system with the King as Head of State. According to a news source, the case was dismissed today, November 19, …
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Somchai tees off at Thai PM to settle Alpine Golf land dispute
In a blistering call to action, former senator Somchai Sawangkarn has once more urged Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to decisively tackle a fiery land dispute around Alpine Golf Course that’s been simmering for far too long. In his third open letter, Somchai implores the Thai premier to show true grit and integrity, insisting that the nation’s wellbeing is at stake.…
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Thaksin leads critical local election battle in northeast Thailand
The upcoming Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chief election in Udon Thani has drawn national attention as Thaksin Shinawatra, the influential figure behind the ruling Pheu Thai Party, leads campaign efforts against the emerging People’s Party challenger. The November 24 election pits Pheu Thai’s candidate Sarawut Petchpanomporn against the People’s Party’s Kanisorn Khurirangon in what analysts view as a significant test…
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Thai elderly to soon receive 10,000 baht cash aid: Finance Ministry
The Ministry of Finance is poised to introduce a one-time cash payment initiative targeting the elderly, as confirmed by Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul. This proposal, amounting to 10,000 baht, will be presented during the upcoming economic stimulus policy committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 19. This new measure specifically excludes state welfare cardholders and disabled individuals who previously received…
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Thailand’s Marriage Equality Bill to boost GDP and tourism
Thailand’s historic decision to legalise same-sex marriage, starting January 2025, is set to supercharge its tourism industry, drawing in millions of visitors and billions in revenue. According to a new study by digital travel platform Agoda, this legislative move is projected to bring in 4 million additional international visitors each year, driving up tourism revenues by an impressive US$2 billion…
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Pattaya City councillor ‘paves’ the way for safer roads
In a proactive move to address complaints over potentially dangerous road conditions, Pattaya City Council member Wutthithorn Saengurai inspected an ongoing road project on Sukhumvit Road near the South Pattaya intersection yesterday, November 14. Accompanied by top officials from the Drainage System Maintenance Division, Sanitary Engineering Division, and the Pattaya City Administration’s Complaint Reception Department, Wutthithorn responded to residents’ concerns…
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Constitutional amendment: PP proposes Senate removal in process
The People’s Party (PP) yesterday submitted a proposal aiming to remove the Senate from the constitutional amendment process, according to the House of Representatives’ secretariat. This is one of the 17 proposals put forth by the PP, targeting specific sections of the constitution for amendment. A central focus of these proposals is Section 256, which requires that any charter amendment…
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PM Paetongtarn to visit Malaysia for trade and border security talks
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra plans to visit Malaysia next month to enhance bilateral ties, focusing on trade and border security improvements. This announcement follows Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s meeting with Malaysian Ambassador Datuk Jojie Samuel during his farewell visit, where they discussed pressing issues along the southern border that necessitate increased collaboration. Anutin highlighted that PM Paetongtarn’s December…
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Thaksin under scrutiny for possible VIP hospital privileges
Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand, is set to be summoned by a parliamentary committee to address allegations regarding his treatment at the Police General Hospital during his detention. These claims suggest the 74 year old politician received special privileges while at the hospital, raising questions about the standard procedures typically followed for prisoners requiring medical attention. The…
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Wage against the machine: Workers rally at Government house over pay delays
Hundreds of workers gathered in front of Government House yesterday, November 12, voicing frustrations over unpaid wages and seeking government intervention. Approximately 10,000 workers have not received their salaries for the past eight months due to delays from subcontractors involved in a clean fuel project located in Chon Buri. Members of the Federation of Subcontractors, representing 28 different firms, delivered…
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Phuket’s waste crisis escalates: Larger landfills urgently needed
Phuket is battling a mounting waste crisis as the island’s landfills struggle to keep up with booming tourism and business expansion. Deputy Mayor Suphot La-ongphet is spearheading urgent efforts to contain the overflow, making a high-stakes visit to Saphan Hin’s landfill sites 4 and 5 on Monday, November 11 to fast-track expansion projects. Landfill 3 is already beyond capacity, with…
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Thailand approves 55 billion baht low-interest home loans
The Thai Cabinet has approved the Government Housing Bank (GHB) to roll out a low-interest loan package worth 55 billion baht. This initiative aims to enhance housing accessibility for Thai citizens and includes two major schemes: a fixed-rate mortgage for the first five years at 3% per annum for purchasing or constructing homes, and a low-interest loan for home renovations…
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Thailand’s Huai Mun Pineapple gains GI status in Japan
Thailand’s Deputy Minister of Commerce, Naphinthorn Srisampan, recently engaged in discussions with Japan’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Yoichi Watanabe. They focused on the registration of Huai Mun Pineapple as a Geographical Indication (GI) product, marking the first Thai fruit to achieve this recognition in Japan. The meeting also included a visit to Japan’s largest wholesale market for…
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Thai Cabinet approves 15 billion baht loan for small businesses
The Thai Cabinet approved a substantial loan initiative aimed at boosting employment and entrepreneurship with a budget of 15 billion baht, targeting street vendors and small businesses to alleviate high-interest debt. The scheme is expected to benefit around 300,000 individuals across the country. Finance Deputy Minister Paophum Rojanasakul announced that the Cabinet agreed to allow the Government Savings Bank (GSB)…
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Phuket council election set for February 1 next year
The Phuket Election Commission (PEC) confirmed that the election for the new president and council members of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO) is set for Saturday, February 1, 2025. The decision has stirred some concern, as Parit Wacharasindhu, a member of the People’s Party in the House of Representatives, pointed out the potential impact on voter turnout. Elections must…
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