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 Why retirees in Thailand are choosing long-term health insurance over quick fixes
Retirees in Thailand are increasingly seeing the importance of health insurance in protecting their well-being during retirement. With insurance requirements for retirement visas and rising healthcare costs, many are moving away from short-term plans and choosing long-term coverage. Long-term health...
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MFP leader slams government over court case remarks
The Move Forward Party (MFP) launched a scathing attack on the Thai government, accusing them of jeopardising a high-profile court case with the publication of a personal opinion from Deputy Government spokesperson Karom Phonphonklang. The contentious article, which was briefly posted on the Government House website before being removed, sparked fears it could sway the court’s decision on the looming…
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Thailand unveils US$548 billion water security plan
The Government of Thailand is set to launch a comprehensive water management plan worth half a trillion baht over the next three years, aiming to enhance the nation’s water security. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, following a meeting at the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) yesterday, August 5, expressed significant concern about water security and called on all relevant agencies to devise…
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Thai PM considers Cabinet reshuffle amid court ruling uncertainty
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed willingness to consider a Cabinet reshuffle if he remains in office following an impending Constitutional Court decision. This statement comes after the leader of the coalition United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, suggested the reshuffle to appoint the party’s Secretary-General, Akanat Promphan, to a vacant ministerial post. “There are several issues involving the justice…
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Ban-tastic wins: Political dynasties dominate PAO elections
Candidates from influential Ban Yai political families emerged victorious in the Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) chair elections across three provinces. The PAO elections, held yesterday in Ayutthaya, Chai Nat, and Phayao, saw unofficial winners linked to the Bhumjaithai Party, the United Thai Nation Party, and the Pheu Thai Party. In Ayutthaya, Somsong Phancharoenworakul, a five-time chairwoman of the Ayutthaya PAO,…
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PPRP’s internal clash: Coalition ‘parties’ divided
The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) faces an internal conflict, highlighting clear divisions within the government coalition partner, according to a political analyst. Phichai Ratnatilaka Na Bhuket, a political science lecturer at the National Institute of Development Administration, identified two factions within the PPRP: one led by party leader Prawit Wongsuwan and another by party secretary-general Thamanat Prompow. Prawit, who has…
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10,000-baht scheme will go ahead: PM’s future ‘baht’ a problem
The Government of Thailand confirmed that the implementation of the 10,000-baht digital money handout scheme will proceed regardless of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s political future. This assurance comes amid concerns over the Thai premier’s potential dismissal due to a legal challenge. The 62 year old Thai PM’s position is under scrutiny due to a motion submitted by 40 senators. They…
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PM Srettha orders Temu to comply with Thai tax laws
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed the Revenue Department and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) to ensure the new Chinese online retailer Temu adheres to Thai regulations and meets tax obligations. The directive aims to address concerns from local industries about the potential influx of inexpensive Chinese products affecting Thai manufacturers. The introduction of Temu, a Chinese e-commerce…
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Government officer drives recklessly in Phetchabun: Sleeping pills
A local government officer caused multiple vehicle accidents while driving what appeared to be a government vehicle in Phetchabun, leading to speculation about his sobriety. The officer claimed drowsiness due to sleeping pills as the reason for his erratic driving. A local news page in Phetchabun posted about a man, seemingly intoxicated, driving a four-door pickup truck marked “For Official…
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Pattaya minivan owner in despair after drain cover damages vehicle
A 39 year old minivan owner has been left in dire straits after a dislodged drain cover severely damaged his vehicle in Pattaya. On the evening of July 13, near the entrance of Soi Phothisarn on Sukhumvit Road, Kosol’s white Toyota van encountered the rogue cover, which flew up and wreaked havoc on the undercarriage, damaging the fuel tank and power…
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Srettha dismisses ‘backup PM’ rumours amid court ruling concerns
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin dismissed rumours suggesting a “backup prime minister” is being considered to replace him. Speculation arose due to concerns about his potential removal over the appointment of ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a PM’s Office Minister in the latest Cabinet reshuffle. The Thai premier assured the public of his commitment to his role. “I am still the prime…
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New facilitator boosts Thai-BRN peace talk optimism
Peace talks between the Thai government and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) separatist movement are expected to yield positive outcomes with the appointment of a new talks facilitator. This optimism stems from the recent designation of Datuk Mohd Rabin Bin Basir, former Director-General of Malaysia’s National Security Council, as the new mediator by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. He replaces…
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Thai PM urged to sign Cannabis Act amid legislative delays
A letter urging the prompt signing of the Cannabis Act has been submitted to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis network, led by spokesperson Chokwan Chopaka, delivered the letter, which was received by mass communication expert Pansak Charoen. The letter stressed the Thai premier’s previous commitment to regulating cannabis through specific legislation, particularly the…
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Thai senators pledge better welfare for media professionals
Senators from professional group No.18, specialising in mass communication and literature, have committed to enhancing the status and quality of life for media professionals. One of the leading senators in this group, Chaiyong Maneerungsakul, revealed that the recently elected Senate candidates come from diverse media backgrounds, including roles such as public relations officers in hospitals. As the most senior senator…
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10.5 million sign up for Thailand’s digital wallet scheme in six hours
More than 10.5 million people signed up for the eagerly anticipated digital wallet scheme within the first six hours of its registration opening yesterday. This number surpassed initial expectations, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. However, he also clarified that not all who registered will qualify for the benefits, as eligibility will be determined after a review period, with…
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MFP MPs to join lesser-known TKCV if court dissolves party
All MPs from the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) will transition to the lesser-known Thinkakhao Chaovilai Party (TKCV) if the Constitutional Court rules to dissolve the MFP next week. The court is set to decide whether the MFP should be dissolved for violating Section 92 of the organic law on political parties, following a complaint filed by the Election Commission…
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Power play: Prawit Wongsuwan’s desperate bid for PM backfires
Palang Pracharath (PPRP)’s political manoeuvres seem to have backfired, with internal rifts threatening to tear the party apart. Samart Jenchaijitwanich’s attempts to bolster Prawit Wongsuwan’s chances of becoming prime minister by luring politicians from rival parties have caused an uproar. The latest recruit, Wan Yubamrung, was presented alongside Prawit on July 23, following his exit from the Pheu Thai Party.…
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Thai electricity tariff to remain at 4.18 baht per unit
The Thai Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) decided to maintain the electricity tariff at 4.18 baht per unit for the billing period from September to December this year. For consumers using no more than 300 units per month, the tariff remains at 3.99 baht per unit. Poonpat Leesombatpaiboon, Secretary-General of the ERC, revealed on July 1 that the commission resolved to…
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Thai Oil denies 567 million baht payment for overdue wages
Thai Oil Public Company Ltd firmly denied agreeing to issue a payment of 567 million baht to settle outstanding wages owed to workers by subcontractors. The unpaid wages are linked to the Unincorporated Joint Venture (UJV) consortium, a subcontractor hired by Thai Oil. The consortium consists of Petrofac South East Asia Pte Ltd, Saipem Singapore Pte Ltd, and Samsung E&A…
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Thailand’s digital wallet scheme registration starts today
Registration for the digital wallet scheme started today, August 1 at 8am and will be available 24 hours a day until September 15. The Thai government arranged for a call centre at 1111 to answer any questions around the clock. The digital wallet initiative, offering a digital currency worth 10,000 baht, has eight conditions and restrictions that citizens must meet…
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Bhumjaithai eyes deputy House speaker role amid MFP uncertainty
Bhumjaithai Party is reportedly eyeing the position of first deputy House speaker if the Move Forward Party (MFP) faces dissolution next week. Currently, the role is held by Fair Party MP Padipat Suntiphada, who was originally a MFP MP for Phitsanulok province at the time of his nomination and selection. The law prohibits the main opposition party from having one…
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Thai workers in Israel urged to shelter amid Hezbollah threat
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) alerted approximately 2,000 Thai nationals working in northern Israel to the potential threat of an attack from Hezbollah, a group allied with the Palestinian militant organisation Hamas. These individuals have been urged to seek shelter in bunkers for their safety. Nikorndej Balankura, the MFA spokesperson, issued this warning yesterday in response to rising tensions…
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Tang Rat app crashes amid rush for 10,000 baht digital wallet
The Tang Rat application crashed as numerous people rushed to download and verify their identities ahead of the registration for the 10,000 baht digital wallet set to begin tomorrow, August 1. It was reported today that the government, through the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) and the Ministry of Finance, will open the registration for the 10,000 baht…
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Ex-PM Thaksin’s Dubai dreams dashed: Medical treatment declined
The Criminal Court dashed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s hopes of jetting off to Dubai for medical treatment. The embattled ex-leader requested to travel to the UAE from August 1 to 16, citing a slew of health issues, including chronic pneumonia, respiratory and coronary symptoms, a torn right rotator cuff, and spinal disc herniation. Thaksin, who celebrated his 75th birthday last…
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Thailand to send 900 workers to Finland for berry picking
Thailand’s Minister of Labour discussed with Finland’s Minister of Employment plans to send 900 Thai workers to pick wild berries. The safety, welfare, and benefits of the workers are guaranteed, with strict visa and work permit checks in place. Minister of Labour Pipat Ratchakitprakarn engaged in a video conference with Finland’s Minister of Employment Arto Satonen and his team. The…
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Activist Parit Chiwarak sentenced to two years for lese majeste
The criminal court of Thailand sentenced political activist Parit Chiwarak, also known as Penguin, to three years in prison for lese majeste, later reduced to two years without suspension. An arrest warrant has been issued for him to serve the sentence within a 10-year statute of limitations. The verdict was delivered today, July 31, at 10am at Criminal Court Room…
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MFP faces potential dissolution amid court ruling
Move Forward Party (MFP) remains resolute in its mission to promote progressive policies, regardless of the impending Constitutional Court ruling that could lead to its dissolution next week, according to spokesperson Parit Wacharasindhu. Parit announced that party leader Chaithawat Tulathon and chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat will present statements on Friday summarising the legal arguments submitted to the court. The court…
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US urges Thailand to release Vietnamese activist facing extradition
US Congress members have formally requested that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin release Vietnamese activist Y Quynh Bdap and assist in his resettlement to a third country rather than deporting him. This appeal was based on a letter signed by Michelle Steel, Luis Correa, John Moolenaar, and Chris Smith dated Friday, July 26. Activist 32 year old Bdap, who founded Montagnards…
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Big Joke changes name for better luck amid gambling scandal
The Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, changed his name, adding one more letter for better luck. Big Joke was recently removed from his position following an alleged involvement in a gambling and money laundering operation. It is alleged there were financial connections between him and a gambling network. The deputy commissioner denied all…
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Neighbours come together for peace in Myanmar conflict
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa called on Myanmar’s neighbouring countries to strengthen their cooperation in encouraging all parties involved in Myanmar’s civil war to halt the ongoing conflict since the 2021 military coup. Maris spoke to Kyodo News and Thai media in Vientiane yesterday, July 29, noting that he had informal discussions with his counterparts from Myanmar and India concerning the…
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Pheu Thai confident digital wallet bill will pass final House readings
Pheu Thai Party expresses confidence that its supplementary bill, designed to fund the flagship digital wallet handout scheme, will pass the House’s second and third readings tomorrow. A Pheu Thai MP-list and chief government whip, Wisut Chainaroon, asserted that the bill will pass due to the digital wallet scheme igniting new hope among the public. The final deliberation of the…
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