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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Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Thai PM orders embassy to evacuate nationals amid Israel-Iran tensions
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra directed the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv to vigilantly monitor the security situation in Israel, provide updates to Thai nationals residing there, and facilitate their evacuation if necessary. This directive came yesterday in response to rising tensions between Iran and Israel. Iran responded to missile attacks by the state after Israel claimed they were targeting Hezbollah…
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Minister suspends student field trips after fatal bus fire
Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob has called for an immediate suspension of student field trips following a devastating bus blaze tragedy on October 1. The incident has ignited a widespread social media debate over the safety of children during such activities. Yesterday, October 2, Permpoon announced a temporary halt to study trips in state schools and urged private institutions to adopt…
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Agriculture minister vows to expedite debt relief for farmers
Ekaphap Phonsue, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, revealed that Saikrai Pimbueng, a committee member and secretary of the Farmers’ Rehabilitation and Development Fund (FRDF), recently met with Narumon Pinyosinwat, the Minister of Agriculture. The meeting aimed to discuss policies and actions concerning Thai farmers’ issues. Saikrai detailed that since 2019, the previous government had considered restructuring farmers’…
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Elderly woman dies in Nakhon Phanom after electricity cut off
The family of a 68 year old bedridden woman who tragically died is laying the blame squarely at the feet of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) after her electricity supply was cut off for failing to pay a bill of 1,500 baht in Nakhon Phanom province. Hospital director Nongluk Chanchana, along with the grieving relatives, is demanding accountability from the Provincial…
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From idol to outcast: Thaksin devotee switches allegiances
Once a die-hard fan of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a 60 year old Thai woman went as far as travelling from Thailand to the UAE just to see her political hero during his self-imposed exile. Armed with gifts, letters, and a banner, Podjanin Towatrakool wept upon meeting Thaksin in 2009, hugging him and calling him “father.” She even…
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BMA assesses Thon Buri historical sites to boost tourism
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) embarked on a comprehensive assessment of historical sites in Thon Buri to promote tourism and bolster the city development plan. Thaiwut Khankaew, director of the BMA’s City Planning and Development Department, stated that his team, alongside A-Seven Corporation, a consultancy firm, recently visited numerous communities and landmarks. Their objective is to enhance land use potential…
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Big Pom-ise: Prawit vows to return salary and attend Parliament
The party-list MP and leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), Prawit Wongsuwan, announced yesterday, October 1, that he intends to return his salary and related allowances to the Secretariat of the House of Representatives, and promised to attend parliamentary meetings more frequently. The Secretary-general of the PPRP, Paibun Nititawan, revealed at a press conference yesterday that the party leader,…
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Anutin denies Bhumjaithai influenced Senate’s double majority vote
Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, firmly denied allegations yesterday, October 1, that his party influenced the Senate’s decision to maintain the double majority requirement for passing a referendum on a new constitution. “We had nothing to do with it,” stated Anutin, responding to comments by Senator Nantana Nantavaropas, who suggested that the vote might have been manipulated. Anutin,…
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Paetongtarn’s anti-graft lawsuit over 30% stake rocks government
In a fresh scandal targeting Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, political firebrand Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC), accusing her of violating anti-graft laws by holding a significant company stake post-election. Ruangkrai claimed that Paetongtarn retained a 30% stake in Alpine Golf and Sports Club after being appointed PM in August. According to Ruangkrai, the…
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Thailand’s life-saving Pink ID Card for Myanmar migrants
Thailand is set to transform the lives of thousands of undocumented migrant workers from Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. As of September 24, the Thai government confirmed plans to issue official Pink Cards —identification cards typically reserved for legal workers—to those who entered the country illegally, according to sources supporting Myanmar migrant workers. U Moe Kyaw, spokesperson for the Yaung…
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Activist faces extradition to Vietnam: Thai court
A Thai court sparked international outrage by ordering the extradition of a Vietnamese activist, despite fears he could face grave danger if returned to his home country. The Bangkok Criminal Court granted Vietnam’s request to extradite 32 year old Y Quynh Bdap, a co-founder of the Montagnards Stand for Justice group on September 30. Bdap was detained in Bangkok in June…
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Pattaya’s wastewater treatment project delayed again
Pattaya City Hospital is asking for a major budget extension to tackle its long-delayed wastewater treatment project. The hospital, under the Health and Environment Bureau, has requested an additional period for the disbursement of 23.8 million baht—part of a total 25.3 million baht budget—to continue its vital environmental initiative. Deputy Mayor Wuthisak Rermkijakarn presented the proposal at a Pattaya City…
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Finance ministry sees record revenue of 14.4 billion baht
The Ministry of Finance announced that the Treasury Department has achieved record-breaking revenue collection for the fiscal year 2024, amounting to 14.4 billion baht. This represents a 57.9% increase from the previous year and exceeds projections by 25.4%, marking the highest revenue since the department’s establishment on September 30, 1924. The Deputy Minister of Finance, Paophum Rojanasakul attributed this remarkable…
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EC dismisses complaints for party dissolution, insufficient evidence
The Election Commission (EC) has dismissed two of over ten complaints calling for the dissolution of certain political parties and the removal of the prime minister and some Cabinet members due to insufficient information. Sawaeng Boonmee, the EC Secretary-General, stated that the office received more than ten complaints since the new government was established but two have been rejected. He…
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Chiang Rai governor faces probe for absences during flood crisis
Thailand’s Interior Ministry has initiated a disciplinary investigation against the outgoing Chiang Rai governor, Puttipong Sirimart, after his repeated absences during critical flood-relief operations in the province. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the probe yesterday, September 29, just one day before Puttipong’s scheduled retirement. Anutin, who had previously ordered an investigation into Puttipong’s absences in late…
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Thai tax riddle: Elite Visa holders off the hook?
Whispers on Facebook’s Elite/Privilege Group suggest that holders of the controversial five to 20 years visa could dodge the Thai Revenue Department’s (TRD) new tax ruling. Starting January 1 this year, assessable income sent from abroad by Thais or foreigners residing in Thailand for at least 180 days will be subject to personal income tax. A group member claimed, after…
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Reel deal: Thai man is squids in with government digital wallet
Among the many recipients of the government’s digital wallet handout is a 66 year old Thai man who transformed his share into a thriving small business selling grilled squid. State welfare cardholder Suwit Inrat, also known as Uncle Ood, received the handout money via his Krungthai Bank account around 2am today, September 27, prompting Suwit to spring into action. With…
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Thailand’s 20-billion-baht airport expressway takes off in 2030
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is gearing up to launch public-private partnerships (PPPs) next year for the ambitious 20-billion-baht Srinakarin-Suvarnabhumi Airport expressway project. With an anticipated opening in 2030, this project is poised to streamline access to the bustling Suvarnabhumi Airport, enhancing the travel experience for both locals and tourists alike. EXAT Deputy Governor Katpachon Udomthampakdee, recently led the…
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Off-key: Ex-folk singer politician hits sour note in corruption scandal
A former Thai folk singer-turned-politician has been booted from his position as mayor of Khlong Luang district in Pathum Thani province after being entangled in a major corruption scandal. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) ruled that a case involving shady dealings during the Covid-19 pandemic had enough weight to warrant his immediate removal. The axe fell swiftly, with Interior Minister…
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Gypsy cash dash: Phuket locals swarm ATMs for 10k baht handout
Hundreds of sea gypsies in Phuket flocked to ATMs at Laem Tukkae, Koh Sirey, Ratsada subdistrict on Wednesday, September 25, as part of the Thai government’s 10,000 baht handout scheme for vulnerable citizens. The scheme, aimed at state welfare cardholders and disabled individuals, is part of a broader economic stimulus programme. A national report noted that the sea gypsies, still…
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NHRC urges Thailand to rethink Southern Land Bridge project
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is urging Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to reconsider the Southern Land Bridge megaproject, highlighting concerns about its environmental impact and implications for local communities. The NHRC supports its call with findings from various studies conducted by state agencies. Council member Sayamol Kaiyoorawongs stated that the prime minister should direct the Office of Transport and…
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Recipients can use 10,000-baht handout to clear debts: Deputy PM
Recipients of the 10,000-baht handout are free to use the money as they see fit, including paying off debts, according to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham addressed reports that many eligible individuals in the first phase of the scheme, which began yesterday, September 26, plan to use the funds to clear their debts. “They can use the money [to…
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400-baht minimum wage confirmed for October 1 despite delay
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed that the 400-baht daily minimum wage will take effect on October 1 as planned, despite the national wage committee’s failure to endorse it yet. Opposition People’s Party MP Sia Champhathong questioned the minister in the House yesterday, asking if the adjournments of two recent committee meetings were a governmental tactic to avoid addressing the issue.…
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Thailand aims to eradicate poverty in two years
Thailand aims to eradicate poverty and build a prosperous economy within the remainder of its term, an adviser to PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed. With just over two years left in office, the 38 year old prime minister is determined to ensure that Thais can rise above poverty, stated Surapong Suebwonglee, deputy chairman of the five-member advisory panel appointed by PM Paetongtarn.…
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Thailand digital wallet handout falls short: Woman gets only 4,000
A Thai woman attempting to withdraw 10,000 baht for her father, as part of the Thai government’s digital wallet handout for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities, received only 4,000 baht, sparking suspicions of debt deductions by the bank. In Uthai Thani province, the government commenced disbursing 10,000 baht to vulnerable groups and those with disabilities. From early morning, recipients…
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Bangkok is ready for potential flooding: Deputy Interior Minister
Deputy Interior Minister Theerarat Samrejvanich assured the public that Bangkok is well-equipped to manage any potential flooding, drawing a clear distinction from the devastating floods of 2011. Theerarat shared insights from her recent discussion with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who confirmed the city’s proactive measures against potential floods. Local officials have been tasked with inspecting water pumps and ensuring all…
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Northern Thailand: Electricity bills scrapped in disaster zones
To ease the burden on flood-ravaged communities, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that electricity bills for this month will be waived for those living in the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand. After chairing a crucial Cabinet meeting at Government House, the 38 year old PM confirmed, “We are suspending the collection of electricity fees for this month. It’s a…
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Bangkok’s Red Line to extend 20-baht fare after ridership surge
The Red Line operator aims to extend its popular 20-baht flat-rate fare for another year following a significant increase in ridership during the current trial period, which expires in November. Passenger numbers on the Red Line surged by approximately 50% since the 20-baht fare was implemented in October last year, according to Suthep Punthupeng, CEO of SRT Electrified Train Co,…
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Thailand’s universal healthcare won’t ‘break the bank’ says minister
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health remains confident that the universal healthcare programme will not face financial difficulties, according to Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin. The government has allocated a central budget of 5.9 billion baht for the scheme for the fiscal year ending September 30. Somsak provided this update following a National Health Security Board meeting, where participants discussed plans for…
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93 countries including Singapore will require ETA for Thai entry
Soon, Singaporeans and travellers from 92 other visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before their trip to the Land of Smiles. Reports suggest a pilot programme might kick off in December, with full implementation expected by June 2025. However, The Straits Times has learned that the exact launch date is still up in the…
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