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 one hospital visit in Thailand could cost more than your whole trip
Thailand is a favourite spot for travellers who want to enjoy more while spending less. From cheap street food to low-cost hotels and fun attractions, it’s easy to stretch your budget here. But there’s one thing many people don’t think...
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PM Srettha strikes deals in Parisian power play
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made waves in Paris as he orchestrated a series of high-stakes meetings with France’s business elite. From fashion to automotive technology, the 62 year old Thai PM’s mission was clear: to solidify Thailand’s status as a regional powerhouse for trade and innovation. Kicking off his jam-packed schedule yesterday morning, PM Srettha delved into talks with Sébastien…
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Southern Thailand protests against newly proposed national park
Protests have sparked among the residents of Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani over the proposed creation of Hat Khanom-Mu Koh Thale Tai National Park. Approximately 500 locals from these regions argue that the establishment of the park would directly impede their livelihoods, utilising the land they rely on for subsistence. The public outcry was voiced during a meeting held…
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Thai women march to Government House for labour rights
Bangkok streets echoed with the chants of empowered Thai women as they marched to Government House, armed with 11 demands to challenge labour oppression on this International Women’s Day. Thai women’s labour groups, spearheaded by the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee (TLSC), took to the streets with a resolute message under the banner of Resistance against Women’s Labour Oppression Capitalism. Their…
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Bangkok’s street stall showdown: Pedestrians vs Vendors
The age-old saga of Bangkok’s bustling streets versus its iconic street stalls continues, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) at the forefront of a new regulation to solve the decade-long issue of street stalls encroaching on pedestrian paths. A resident of Bangkok’s Udom Suk area lamented her daily struggle as a pedestrian, echoing the frustrations of many. “Footpath warfare is…
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Phetchabun residents petition over Khao Kho land dispute
A heated land dispute in Phetchabun’s Khao Kho district led residents of 35 local communities to petition two House committees for intervention. Opposition leader and member of the House of Representatives committees on the military and natural resources and environmental affairs, Chaithawat Tulathon, received the petition yesterday. Buppha Chanpheng, representing the locals living within the Khao Kho forest complex, submitted…
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Thai House rejects labour bill fearing 30% cost surge
A labour welfare bill proposed by the Move Forward Party (MFP) has been rejected by the House of Representatives, sparking concerns about a potential 30% increase in labour costs across Thailand. Despite this setback, the MFP had some success as the House consented to two additional draft bills, one from the Bhumjaithai Party and another from the MFP. List-MP Sia…
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Thaksin’s parole travel requires probation officer approval
The Thai Department of Probation’s Deputy Director-General, Montree Bunyayothin, addressed the matter of Thaksin Shinawatra’s recent release on parole on March 6. Montree confirmed that Thaksin, a former Thai Prime Minister, could potentially travel to Chiang Mai to visit family and pay respects to his ancestors. However, this would require prior approval from probation officers. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter and…
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Thai Night Hong Kong 2024 returns with global partnerships
The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), under Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, is abuzz with excitement as Thai Night Hong Kong 2024 approaches. Themed Inspiring Thailand, the event, scheduled for next Monday, March 11 at FILMART, aims to shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of the Thai entertainment industry. Presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi,…
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LGBTQ+ couples flock to homophobic countries for honeymoons
A recent survey unveiled that LGBTQ+ couples are setting their sights on honeymoon destinations where homosexuality remains illegal, defying conventional norms. Dubai, the Maldives, East Africa, and the Caribbean are just some of the places identified by LGBTQ+ couples as dream honeymoon spots, according to Kuoni’s latest LGBTQ+ Honeymoon report. While 44% of respondents prioritise the overall destination experience over…
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Thai government urged to prepare for Myanmar refugee influx
In anticipation of a potential surge in refugees from Myanmar, a security expert called on the Thai government to take immediate action by establishing a safety zone or humanitarian corridor near the Thai-Myanmar border. Associate Professor Panitan Wattanayagorn, speaking to Thai PBS, warned of intensified fighting between government troops and rebel forces during the upcoming dry season, fuelled by Myanmar’s…
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Thai reporter acquitted of defamation charges in landmark case
In a landmark verdict, a reporter has been cleared of three counts of defamation, marking a victory against the backdrop of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) cases. The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Court’s decision yesterday to clear Chutima Sidasathian serves as a beacon of hope for free speech advocates in the country, who have long battled against such oppressive legal…
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Restaurant encroachment threatens Hua Hin’s sandy shores
Yamu Beach in Phuket may have just played second fiddle to an encroachment crisis engulfing the pristine sands of Hua Hin. Evidence surfaced on the Prachuap News Facebook page, showcasing a long line of eateries and guesthouses that have sunk their claws deep into Hua Hin’s main beach. Witnesses describe a scene akin to invasion, with some structures extending a…
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Will Thaksin return to Chiang Mai home?
In an exclusive statement, Thaksin Shinawatra’s youngest daughter debunked rumours, stating that while her father expressed a desire to visit Chiang Mai, there are no concrete travel arrangements yet. Thaksin’s youngest daughter, Paetongtarn, made known that nothing had been planned. “As of now, no specific itinerary has been planned. He said he’d like to visit his ancestors’ graves. And his elder…
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Thai PM invites Aussie firms to invest in clean energy
During the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister of Thailand, extended an invitation to prominent Australian companies to invest in Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) battery, clean energy, and transport logistics sectors. The summit, which marks five decades of Australia’s partnership with ASEAN, is being held in Melbourne, Australia. PM Srettha used this opportunity to meet with his…
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Ryal Thai Navy appeal for frigate procurement funds rejected
A Thai government source revealed yesterday that the special House committee responsible for scrutinising the 2024 budget rejected a Royal Thai Navy (RTN) appeal against its decision to deny its request for budgetary funds for the procurement of a new frigate. The House committee dismissed the RTN’s appeal with a vote of 37 against and 16 in favour, along with…
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PM Srettha to stress infrastructure projects at ASEAN-Australia Summit
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to highlight the nation’s infrastructure advancements, particularly the Land Bridge and Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) projects, at the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit continuing until tomorrow, according to an official government representative. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke announced yesterday that the Thai prime minister will also seek to strengthen collaboration in logistics, capitalisation of Free…
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Former Thai PM Yingluck cleared in major corruption case
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Case Division for Holders of Political Positions yesterday delivered a resounding verdict, absolving Yingluck Shinawatra and five co-defendants of malfeasance and corruption allegations. The charges stemmed from the allocation of a hefty 240-million-baht campaign budget aimed at promoting the Yingluck government’s ambitious 2-trillion-baht infrastructure projects. Commenting on the verdict, Thanaporn Sriyakul, director of the Political and…
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Thai government issuing smart ID cards to Buddhist monks
The Thai government has begun issuing smart ID cards to over 100,000 Buddhist monks across the nation, revealed Puangpet Chunlaiad, a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office. These ID cards contain crucial details about each monk’s history and are linked to the country’s citizenship database managed by the Interior Ministry. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to enhance…
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Over a million Buddhists gather to venerate Buddha’s relics in Bangkok
Sanam Luang in Bangkok recently played host to over 1 million Buddhists who congregated to venerate the relics of the Lord Buddha and his chief disciples, Sariputra and Moggallana. The Ministry of Culture reported this mass gathering took place between February 24 and March 3. The Culture Minister, Sermsak Pongpanich, revealed that roughly 100,000 Buddhists visited each day during the…
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Rama II expressway construction issues prompt contractor downgrade considerations
The construction of the Rama II Road expressway, currently plagued by delays, substandard work and safety concerns, has prompted Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to consider downgrading contractors responsible for the project. The state budget office was instructed to investigate possible penalties for the contractors involved. Patricia Mongkhonvanit, director-general of the Comptroller General’s Department, was called to meet with the prime…
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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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Thai committee urges Pheu Thai to expedite political amnesty
The Committee of Relatives of the 1992 Black May Heroes, led by Adul Khiewboriboon, publicly requested the ruling Pheu Thai Party to expedite the process of granting amnesty for all political offenders, a promise made by the party. The group believes that political conflicts pose a significant risk to both economic and national security and could potentially impede Thailand’s progress.…
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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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Transport Co warns against taxi surcharge at bus terminus
Amidst a surge of complaints, Transport Co Ltd, a state enterprise under the Transport Ministry, took swift action against taxi drivers fleecing passengers with a hefty 50-baht surcharge at the terminus, better known as Mo Chit 2, servicing provinces in the North and Northeast. As of Friday, Transport Co has put the brakes on the arrival area, redirecting all interprovincial…
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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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