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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
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Buriram residents fear digital wallet could be axed after PM ousted
Buriram residents and local vendors are increasingly anxious following the Thai Constitutional Court’s surprise decision to oust Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The major concern is the potential scrapping of the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme, a key economic boost initiative from the Pheu Thai Party. The Buriram municipal market is buzzing with worry as many dread that the much-anticipated digital wallet…
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Japan invited to supercharge Thailand’s Red Line railway network
In a strategic move to bolster Thailand’s railway infrastructure, the Ministry of Transport extended an invitation to Japanese companies to invest in the extension networks of the Red Line electric train system. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit welcomed the newly appointed Japanese ambassador, Otaka Masato, during a media briefing yesterday, August 14, highlighting the potential for enhanced transport cooperation between the…
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FTI rattled by PM Srettha’s ousting: Investors on edge
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) voiced alarm following the Thai Constitutional Court‘s shock decision to remove Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office yesterday. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, Chairman of the FTI, warned that the ruling could put a brake on both local and foreign investment as investors rethink their strategies amid the political turmoil. Thailand is already wrestling with major economic hurdles,…
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New Russian Consul General Ivanov meets with Phuket Governor
Egor Ivanov, the newly appointed Russian Consul General for Phuket, met with Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat yesterday to formally introduce himself after his credentials were accepted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the meeting, Ivanov expressed his gratitude to Governor Sophon and his team for their efforts in looking after Russian tourists. He also conveyed his readiness to support…
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Thai MPs call for new constitution after PM Srettha’s removal
Parit Wacharasindhu, a Member of Parliament from the People’s Party, voiced concerns yesterday following the Constitutional Court’s decision to remove Srettha Thavisin from the position of Thai Prime Minister. Parit stated his party’s disagreement with the ruling, highlighting that while political leaders should uphold ethics and integrity, the interpretation of ethics is subjective. He argued that ethical matters should be…
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Thailand’s Pheu Thai pushes casino legalisation despite resistance
Pheu Thai, the governing party in Thailand, remains confident in its ability to persuade its coalition partner, Bhumjaithai Party, to support the legalisation of casinos, despite Bhumjaithai’s recent opposition. The bill, championed by Pheu Thai, aims to legalise casinos as part of a larger initiative to create regional entertainment complexes to attract investment. Hours before his removal as prime minister…
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Thai politics in Cabinet fever as PM race heats up, 7 candidates
Following the removal of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, several media outlets are closely watching the selection of the next PM and the formation of the new Cabinet with seven potential candidates from five coalition government parties. According to Section 159 of the Constitution, the appointment of the PM of Thailand involves five conditions: The House of Representatives must appoint…
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Thai PM Srettha removed over serious political ethic violation
The Constitutional Court of Thailand today removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office after ruling that he seriously violated political ethics by appointing a former criminal as a minister. The now-former PM Srettha appointed Pichit Chuenban, a renowned lawyer associated with the Shinawatra family, as the Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office. This decision raised concerns among 40 Senators, as…
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Thailand’s entertainment bill faces opposition over complex plan
The Government of Thailand’s proposed entertainment complex bill has faced significant opposition from both the coalition Bhumjaithai and the opposition Democrat parties, with critics arguing that the potential drawbacks outweigh the benefits. Bhumjaithai Party Secretary-General Chaichanok Chidchob voiced the party’s objections after a coalition meeting yesterday, August 13, highlighting four main concerns. According to Chaichanok, the bill would not effectively…
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Thai PM orders swift action on Chinese goods influx
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin tasked Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai with fast-tracking measures this month to tackle the surge of Chinese goods into Thailand. Following the weekly Cabinet meeting held yesterday, August 13, PM Srettha announced that the Commerce Ministry would spearhead efforts to prevent substandard goods from entering the country. This initiative will be a collaborative effort with the Finance…
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Thailand govt addresses TEMU’s impact on local SMEs
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce raised concerns over the impact of the global e-commerce platform TEMU on Thai SMEs. Immediate protective measures are being discussed with eight agencies to curb the influx of online goods into the country. Phumtham Wechayachai shared his views on Facebook, stating that while international e-commerce platforms bring opportunities, they also present significant…
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People’s Party confirmed legal despite petition threat
The People’s Party (PP), emerging from the recently disbanded Move Forward Party (MFP), has been confirmed by the Election Commission (EC) as having established the necessary party branches legally. The announcement followed a statement by Warong Dechgitvigrom, leader of the Thai Pakdee Party, who indicated his intention to file a petition against the PP. His contention revolves around the predecessor,…
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Student activists campaign against judges at Thai universities
Student activists at Thammasat and Chulalongkorn universities launched campaigns targeting two Constitutional Court judges who also serve as guest lecturers at their institutions. This action follows the court’s recent ruling that led to the disbandment of the Move Forward Party (MFP). Thammasat University Student Council Rangsit Campus and the committee of students from the Faculty of Law posted an open…
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Thailand to introduce bill for informal workers’ welfare
The Government of Thailand is set to introduce a bill aimed at enhancing the quality of life and providing welfare protection for the country’s 20 million informal workers, including Internet influencers and farmers who currently lack access to a social safety net. Labour Ministry spokesperson Phumiphat Mueanchan announced that the ministry is advancing the bill to the Cabinet for approval…
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Bang Lamung district chief marks 41st birthday with leaders
A grand celebration took place at the home of Wikit Manarojkit on Pattaya-Naklua Road, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province marking his 41st birthday. The event, held yesterday, August 8, drew a significant crowd of notable figures from various sectors. Wikit Manarojkit, known endearingly as Amphoe Ton, and Ratchadaporn Tharasombat, President of the Banglamung Red Cross, warmly welcomed guests into…
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House to select new deputy speaker after Padipat loses MP status
The House of Representatives is set to select a new first deputy House speaker next Wednesday following Padipat Suntiphada’s loss of MP status, a result of the constitutional court’s dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP), according to chief government whip Wisut Chainaroon. A Pheu Thai Party MP, Wisut, emphasised that the position must be filled by a member of…
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Thai ministry tackles substandard imports threatening SMEs
The Commerce Ministry has partnered with ten government agencies to implement measures aimed at reducing the influx of low-priced, substandard imported goods, which pose safety risks to consumers purchasing from both online and offline vendors. The Commerce Permanent Secretary, Vuttikrai Leewiraphan, highlighted that the rise of Chinese e-commerce platforms using a direct-to-customer model allows buyers direct access to inexpensive products…
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Thailand probes ex-MFP MPs over lese majeste law support
An ethical investigation into 44 former members of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP) has been initiated by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). These politicians are under scrutiny for their support of a bill intended to revise the lese majeste law, as confirmed by the NACC yesterday, August 8. NACC Secretary-General Niwatchai Kasemmongkol revealed that the commission has found sufficient…
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Ex-Move Forward MPs to unveil new party after court ban (video)
Following the shock dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP), former MPs are set to rise from the ashes with a brand-new political entity. The MFP, which clinched victory in the 2023 General Election, was abruptly disbanded by the Constitutional Court yesterday, August 7, accused of attempting to undermine the constitutional monarchy by pushing to amend the lese majeste law…
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UK Thai embassy issues warning amid anti-immigration protests
The Thai Embassy in London issued a stern warning for all Thais living in or travelling to the UK: steer clear of crowded places and protests. This urgent advice comes as thousands of anti-immigration protesters take to the streets in towns and cities nationwide. Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool, and Belfast have been pinpointed as high-risk areas. The embassy strongly advises…
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Thailand to introduce more effective and affordable HPV vaccine
Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO) plans to replace its two-dose human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine with a more affordable and effective single-dose alternative in the next fiscal year, according to Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin. The current two-dose vaccine has a 60% effectiveness rate against two strains of the virus, HPV16 and HPV18, whereas the proposed single-dose vaccine boasts a…
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US Embassy concerned over dissolution of Move Forward Party
The United States of America Embassy issued an official statement of concern on Facebook after the Constitutional Court yesterday dissolved the Move Forward Party (MFP) over their attempts to alter the lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Law. After five months of consideration, the Constitutional Court yesterday, August 7, deemed the MFP‘s campaign to reform…
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Thai bill to legalise adult entertainment industry fails first reading
A bill aiming to legalise the adult entertainment industry and its associated products, including pornographic materials and sex toys, failed to pass its first reading in the House yesterday. Sponsored by the Move Forward Party (MFP), the bill was introduced by Bangkok MP Taopiphop Limjittrakorn last month. The proposal sought to amend Section 287 of the Criminal Code, which currently…
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EU denounces Thailand’s opposition party dissolution
The European Union (EU) voiced serious concerns about the dissolution of Thailand’s opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) by the Constitutional Court, highlighting its potential negative impact on the country’s democratic progress. The EU labelled the court ruling as a setback for political pluralism in Thailand, noting that the MFP garnered 14 million votes out of 39 million in the 2023…
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PM Srettha denies rumoured bribes to MFP MPs
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin vehemently denies knowing anything about the explosive rumours circulating about attempts to bribe Move Forward Party (MFP) MPs to switch allegiances. Insiders claim that rival political factions have allegedly dangled a staggering 30 million baht in front of some MFP MPs to lure them away. These tantalising whispers come as the MFP, the leading opposition…
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Move Forward Party dissolved, leaders banned for 10 years (video)
The Constitutional Court of Thailand today announced a verdict to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP) over their efforts to reform the lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Law, and ban the managing executives of the party for 10 years. In April, the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) requested that the Constitutional Court consider dissolving…
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PM Srettha’s mother honoured at royal cremation ceremony
The funeral of Chodchoi Thavisin, mother of Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, took place with significant figures from various sectors attending to pay their respects. His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua appointed General Surayud Chulanont, President of the Privy Council, to represent him in the royal cremation ceremony held at Wat Thepsirintrawat yesterday, August 6 at 5pm. Notable attendees…
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Thailand Parliament rejects pornography and sex toy legalisation
Parliament today rejected the Move Forward Party’s (MFP) proposal to legalise professions related to pornography and the sex toy industry. The decision was based on concerns about explicit advertising and potential violations of Muslim religious principles. MFP MP Taopiphop Limjittakorn submitted a draft to revise Section 287 of the Criminal Law to legalise professions related to pornography and the sex…
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Red Shirt leader sentenced to five years for disclosing state secrets
The Criminal Court sentenced Red Shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan to five years in prison without probation for disclosing confidential state documents regarding Thai-Cambodian relations. His lawyer has filed for bail with collateral amounting to 250,000 baht. The Criminal Court convened yesterday, August 6, to deliver its verdict on the undecided case number 2540/2565. The public prosecutor had charged Thai politician…
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Pattaya City honours Queen Sirikit ahead of 92nd birthday
Pattaya City hosted an event to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother in anticipation of her 92nd birthday on August 12, which is Thailand’s Mother’s Day. The ceremony, held at 10.30am today, August 7, in the Thappraya Room at Pattaya City Hall, reflected the city’s deep respect and gratitude towards the Queen Mother. Mayor Poramese Ngampichet led the…
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