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 How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Thai minister ready to battle over funding for Russian helicopter
Thai Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, is set to challenge the parliamentary subcommittee’s refusal to approve funding for a new Russian-made helicopter. The helicopter is intended to augment the capabilities of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), particularly in dealing with the country’s increasing wildfires and haze pollution. The subcommittee, tasked with scrutinising the fiscal budget for 2024, had…
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Thailand’s TQM Insurance introduces cover for PM2.5 pollution-related diseases
Health concerns over PM2.5 air pollution in Thailand are escalating, prompting insurance companies to develop policies that cover respiratory diseases attributed to the hazardous particulate matter. TQM Insurance Brokers, in collaboration with Bangkok Insurance (BKI), has introduced a novel health insurance policy specifically designed for ailments related to PM2.5 dust exposure. The policy stipulates that if an insured individual is…
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Ex-PM Thaksin unlikely to take on advisory role in Thai govt
Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has shown no inclination to take up an advisory role within the government following his release on parole, as reported by current Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. PM Srettha, who met Thaksin at his Bangkok residence last week, suggested that the former prime minister might prefer spending time with his family and focusing on his…
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MFP holds key to censure or general debate in House
The Move Forward Party (MFP) holds the key to whether a censure or general debate will take place in the House, according to Jurin Laksanawisit, a list MP from the Democrat Party. He noted that the Democrats lack the necessary votes to sponsor such a motion. Jurin elaborated that a general debate motion which does not require a vote, under…
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Foreign mafia concerns raised in Phuket by UTN deputy
In the stunning tourist hotspot of Phuket, a concerning situation has surfaced. Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, the Deputy leader of the United Thai Nation, has brought to light allegations of foreign mafia gangs operating within the area. This revelation comes after a recent visit to Phuket, during which Thanakorn conducted an inspection and collected information about the matter. Phuket, known for its…
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Thai surrogacy revolution: Foreign couples welcome
Authorities in Thailand are on the brink of a groundbreaking change in surrogacy laws, poised to welcome foreign couples into the country for surrogate births, reveals the Department of Health Service Support. The current legislation, known as the Protection for Children Born through Assisted Reproductive Technologies Act, restricts surrogacy services to Thai nationals alone, clarified Arkhom Praditsuwan, the department’s deputy…
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Myanmar seminar: Promoting dialogue amid political turmoil
In a bold move challenging the Myanmar junta’s objections, Thai politicians kickstarted a two-day seminar delving into Myanmar’s political turmoil. Despite diplomatic tensions, the event aims to foster dialogue among stakeholders. Thai parliament’s Move Forward Party (MFP) member Rangsiman Rome, leading the House committee on national security, initiated the seminar with a vision of promoting peace and sustainability in Myanmar’s…
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Thailand and Switzerland secure significant sum from drug kingpin
Thailand secured a substantial windfall of 1.88 million Swiss francs (76.89 million baht) from Switzerland, originating from the assets of drug kingpin Wei Hsueh-kang. In a ceremony presided over by Deputy Attorney General Jumpon Phansumrit, Thailand inked its inaugural asset-sharing pact with a foreign nation, setting a precedent for future collaborations in the war against crime. This landmark agreement signals…
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Thailand apologises to India for comments on rice export policy
A formal apology to India has been issued by Thailand, following inappropriate comments made by Thailand’s World Trade Organisation (WTO) ambassador regarding India’s rice export policy. The comments were made during the 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO in the United Arab Emirates. Phumtham Wechayachai, the Commerce Minister of Thailand, confirmed the apology. The Indian government received a written apology…
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Cabinet reshuffle dismissed by key ministers following budget bill
Talk of a possible Cabinet reshuffle has been dismissed by three key Cabinet ministers, following the passing of the budget expenditure bill in early April. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang, and Agriculture Minister Capt Thamanat Prompow are the ministers in question. Rumours have been circulating about a potential Cabinet reshuffle since the ministers…
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Thai govt to use One Map system for land disputes resolution
Sutin Klungsang, the Defence Minister, stated that the Thai government will employ the One Map system, developed by the Royal Thai Survey Department, to resolve ongoing land ownership disputes nationwide, including a contentious issue in Khao Yai National Park. Sutin, who is also the chair of the One Map preparation committee, made it clear that any disagreements about the map’s…
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Thailand escapes ‘not free’ label despite election chaos
Thailand’s surge from the shackles of “not free” to “partly free” status in the annual Freedom House survey has sent ripples across the globe. Despite a rocky electoral journey that left many questioning the integrity of the democratic process, the Land of Smiles defies the odds, prompting scrutiny and speculation. Freedom House, a Washington DC-based non-profit organisation championing democracy and…
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Transport minister slashes prices with 38 more domestic flights
Amid escalating complaints over skyrocketing airfare prices, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced an additional 38 domestic flights and an estimated 13,000 seats for the upcoming Songkran holiday season in April. Suriya asserted that this measure is just one of the short-term solutions being devised to combat the escalating airfare predicament. “We’re taking decisive action to address the concerns raised by…
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PM Srettha’s surprise visit to Yala province sparks tourist frenzy
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, flanked by a cadre of ministers, paid a surprise visit to Yala Province yesterday, igniting a blaze of excitement aimed at boosting the region’s tourism. This high-stakes visit, part of an expansive tour spanning Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, aims to catapult Yala’s tourism sector into the stratosphere, setting a bold target of 2 million visitors, both…
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Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra among 150 selected for new NDC defence course
The National Defence College (NDC) announced a fresh intake of 150 students for its new defence curriculum. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of Thailand’s ruling Pheu Thai Party, is among the selected. Paetongtarn, along with other executives, is set to delve into this new curriculum which aims to broaden their perspectives and build strong networks. Over 500 individuals applied for the prestigious course,…
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Thailand’s household electricity tariffs remain unchanged
Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga affirmed that electricity tariffs for households in Thailand will remain unchanged from May to August, maintaining the current rate of 4.18 baht per unit. Pirapan, also serving as a deputy prime minister, explained that this decision has been made possible due to the continuation of gas production in the Gulf of Thailand by PTT Exploration and…
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Thailand and Cambodia in talks over disputed Gulf area
Negotiations are underway between Thailand and Cambodia concerning overlapping border regions in the Gulf of Thailand, according to Sutin Klungsang, Thailand’s Defence Minister. He addressed public concerns and queries from the press about the possible implications of a meeting held in Bangkok on February 21 between Hun Sen, former Prime Minister of Cambodia, and Thaksin Shinawatra, ex-Thai Prime Minister. Sutin…
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South Pattaya canal plagued by environmental catastrophe
In a recent session of the Pattaya City Council, member Metakrit Sunthornrot ignited concern over the persistent challenges besieging the South Pattaya Canal. Despite assurances of advancement, the situation continues to spiral, prompting intensified calls for immediate intervention. Metakrit underscored the city’s dedication to tackling environmental adversities, particularly in the crucial management of the South Pattaya Canal. Plans were detailed…
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Over 147,000 sign up for debt relief programme worth billions
Some 147,714 individuals have registered for the Interior Ministry’s debt relief programme within the past three months, an initiative aimed at combating a staggering debt value of 10.74 billion baht, confirmed Permanent Secretary Suttipong Juljarern on Monday. With the registration window, which started on December 1, set to close tomorrow, Suttipong urged those grappling with debt woes to expedite their…
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Thailand’s State Audit Office to streamline large-scale govt projects
In a recent development, the State Audit Office (SAO) of Thailand announced the inauguration of a new section dedicated solely to auditing large-scale government projects. This new initiative will come into effect from April 1, as per the announcement made by the State Audit Commission in the Royal Gazette last month. The SAO Auditor-General, Prajuck Boonyoung, highlighted the necessity of…
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Thai government’s revenue collection could fall short in 2024
Deputy Finance Minister Krisada Chinavicharana expressed concerns that the government’s revenue collection for fiscal 2024 might not surpass the target, unlike the 174 billion baht (US$4.8 billion) surplus witnessed the previous year. This was announced at the Outstanding Revolving Fund Award event held yesterday. The government has projected an expenditure budget of 3.48 trillion baht (US$96 billion) for fiscal 2024,…
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Thaksin Shinawatra’s return stirs interest in Thailand’s economic policy
Former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra is back in the political limelight following his release on parole. His return to his Ban Chan Song La residence in Bangkok, which previously served as his command centre during his time in office, has sparked interest from the business sector. They are keen to understand the potential implications this could have on…
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Thai citizens question Department of Corrections’ parole powers
A NIDA opinion poll reveals that a significant percentage of Thai citizens are in disagreement with the Department of Corrections’ authority to sanction reductions in prison sentences and approve parole. The survey sought public opinion on the department’s power to either reduce convicts’ imprisonment tenure or grant them parole. The responses were varied, with 40% categorically opposing it, 19.47% in…
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Police Chief’s directive to protect Royal Thai Police’s reputation
National Police Chief Police General Torsak Sukvimol has issued a stern order to all police officers, commanding them to refrain from divulging any information to the press that could tarnish the image or operational integrity of the Royal Thai Police (RTP). Moreover, officers have been explicitly warned against actions that could potentially serve their personal interests, sparking a firestorm of…
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Thai Mental Health Department’s Hope Task Force tackles suicides
In a bid to combat the alarming surge in suicide attempts, the Department of Mental Health (DMH) leads an initiative to amplify its Hope Task Force network to a provincial scale. After a staggering 31,000-plus suicide attempts rocked the nation last year, the DMH is leaving no stone unturned in its mission to save lives. DMH Deputy Director-General, Sirisak Thitidilokrat,…
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Thailand boosts welfare benefits for elderly, infants, and disabled
Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has taken a momentous step forward to enhance welfare benefits for the elderly, infants, and individuals with disabilities. The sub-committee under the ministry assented to this significant development. According to Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, the proposed scheme would offer a flat rate welfare payment of 1,000 baht…
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Thai police chief denies involvement in online gambling scandal
Police General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, Deputy National Police Chief, yesterday refuted allegations of his involvement with online gambling networks. Despite the rumours that have been swirling since early this week, Big Joke clarified that no formal charges have been brought against him following the widely publicised house search conducted last year. Furthermore, he noted that only eight individuals, some…
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Thailand’s ex-PM Thaksin paroled raising legal questions
Convicted former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted parole in compliance with legal criteria, according to Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong, the Justice Minister. This comes following Thaskin’s return to Thailand last year, during which he did not serve any jail time. This development sparked questions from Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, a Bangkok MP for the Move Forward Party (MFP),…
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Move Forward Party set to announce PPAO presidential candidate
Pita Limjaroenrat, a key figure in Thai politics, is poised to make an important announcement in Phuket this weekend. The Move Forward Party (MFP), under his leadership on Saturday, February 24, will be introducing its presidential candidate for the upcoming Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) election. Pita’s arrival in Phuket was confirmed via a Facebook post by Chalermpong Saengdee, a…
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Desperate father pleads for Thai worker’s release from Hamas
A Thai father is urging the government to intervene in the release of his son, who has been detained by Hamas militants in Israel for an excruciating five months. Wilas Tanna hailing from tambon Ban Khu in Na Pho district, voiced his anguish yesterday, February 21, expressing grave concerns for the safety of his 36 year old son Pongsak following…
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