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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Party chief Suwat celebrates 69th birthday with prime minister
Chart Pattana Kla Party chief Suwat Liptapanlop celebrated his 69th birthday by hosting the prime minister and lending his backing to the government’s highly debated digital wallet policy. Despite facing opposition from the central bank and various government agencies, Suwat firmly believes that the controversial plan to distribute 10,000 baht to nearly every Thai aged 16 and above is crucial…
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Thailand-Cambodia border gate to boost trade despite landmine challenges
The Ban Nong Ian-Stung Bot border gate between Thailand and Cambodia is soon to be operational, aiming to stimulate trade and logistics between the two nations. This announcement was made by Parinya Potisat, the governor of Sa Kaeo province yesterday. The new frontier passage will ease the pressure on the Ban Khlong Luek-Poipet border by providing an additional route for…
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Australian governor-general to visit Thailand, strengthening ties
The longstanding ties between Thailand and Australia are set to be celebrated as Governor-General of Australia David John Hurley prepares for a visit to Thailand from February 13 to 17. The visit, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, promises to be a significant event in the annals of both nations. The itinerary of the visit includes a royal…
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Pita’s shocking family secrets exposed in IG post controversy
Former Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat came forward to address the controversies surrounding his alleged Cambodian ancestry. In a recent Instagram post that captivated his 2.7 million followers, Pita shed light on his maternal grandmother, Anusri, and the intriguing connections within his family tree. Setting the record straight, Pita affirmed his grandmother’s birthplace as Bangkok, vehemently dismissing any claims…
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Interior minister condemns student activist’s act of defiance towards Thai royal convoy
Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiseth strongly condemned the actions of student activist Tantawan Tuatulanon and her friend for their behaviour towards a royal motorcade in Bangkok. Chada expressed his disapproval, stating that the motorcade was not causing any traffic obstruction and that the pair could have chosen alternative lanes. The deputy interior minister emphasised that honking at the royal convoy…
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Less than 5% pay rise for Thai employees this year
According to Aon Plc’s latest survey, Thai employees are set to experience a modest 4.9% pay rise this year, trailing behind their regional counterparts. The forecast anticipates a slight uptick from 4.7% last year but still falls short of the salary growth expected in Indonesia (6.5%), the Philippines (5.5%), and Malaysia (5%). Meanwhile, Singapore is projected to witness a 4%…
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Supreme court weighs in on vote buying case against PPRP candidate
The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a vote buying case brought forth by the Election Commission (EC) against a candidate from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) from Nakhon Sawan. The candidate, Pornwisit Jaemsai, is accused of vote-buying, an illegal practice that infringes the Organic Act on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives (2018). This announcement was made…
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Pheu Thai Party dismisses corruption concerns on 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme
The Pheu Thai Party dismissed a warning by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) concerning the government’s proposed 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. Anusorn Iamsa-ard, a Pheu Thai list-MP, maintained that the government is open to feedback from all quarters and that the NACC’s concerns are premature as the scheme has not been implemented yet. “If the digital wallet scheme is delayed…
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Hong Kong ex-student leader clashes with court judge over political statements
A former student leader involved in the 2019 Hong Kong protests faced a dramatic courtroom clash with the judge as she attempted to make political statements during her trial for rioting. Althea Suen’s impassioned plea was repeatedly interrupted, leading to a tense showdown at the West Kowloon Law Courts Building, Hong Kong. Suen, former head of the University of Hong…
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China’s warning to students: Beware of foreign spies
China’s Ministry of State Security sounded the alarm amidst an extensive nationwide security initiative, bringing to light a distressing narrative involving a Chinese graduate who fell prey to the intricate web of foreign espionage. In a revelation shared on the ministry’s WeChat platform, an ominous case was detailed, chronicling the exploits of a Chinese student, identified solely by the surname…
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Thailand and Cambodia to discuss joint exploitation of hydrocarbon resources
Thailand and Cambodia consented to further dialogues concerning the mutual exploitation of the hydrocarbon resources in the Overlapping Claims Area (OCA), located in the Gulf of Thailand, a territory claimed by both nations. The matter was discussed during the recent meeting between Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Cambodian leader Hun Manet, as they aimed to enhance cooperation for the…
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Stop the pigeon! Chinese bird evades dastardly espionage suspicions, flies to freedom
In a plotline more fitting to the 1969 children’s cartoon series Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines attempting to “Catch the Pigeon,” a pigeon suspected of espionage for China was finally freed after eight months in captivity, thanks to the intervention of animal rights crusaders, PETA. The bird’s release from the clutches of Indian officials this week marks the climax…
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Cambodian PM hails Thai counterpart for preventing political interference
Gratitude was expressed by Cambodian PM Hun Manet towards Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister of Thailand, for his commitment to preventing Thailand from becoming a platform for interference in Cambodia’s internal affairs. The statement was made today, February 7, following the apprehension of two Cambodian human rights activists and a former political detainee by Thai officials. The arrests have engendered criticism from…
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Food for thought: Activist hospitalised after 11-day hunger strike
Political activist Netiporn Sanesangkhom, aka Bung, was transferred from prison to the Correctional Hospital yesterday, following a hunger strike lasting 11 days, as confirmed by her legal representatives. Suffering from symptoms including hepatitis and cystitis, Netiporn was too frail to walk, as stated by Thai Lawyers for Human Rights on their official account. Her confinement began at the Central Women’s…
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Thailand taps Chinese influencers to boost exports
The Thai government launched an initiative to boost the country’s exports to China, the world’s second-largest economy. The plan involves inviting 30 to 50 of China’s leading social media influencers to visit Thailand in May. During their stay, these influencers will livestream their Thai experiences, promoting local products from traditional elephant pants to native sweet treats to their followers back…
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Amnesty Thailand urges government to free activist Arnon Nampa
Amnesty International Thailand urged the Pheu Thai-led administration to immediately free political activist Arnon Nampa, who stands accused of insulting the monarchy. Despite facing serious threats from Thai conservative groups, the pressure mounts for his release. Amnesty, alongside numerous political activists, gathered near the government house, some donning wizard costumes akin to Arnon’s attire at previous protests. The NGO submitted…
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Green sanctuaries: Exploring Suan Suk Jai Park in Bangkok
Suan Suk Jai Park is part of over 100 community green spaces established under the 15-minute Pocket Park campaign helmed by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. The 15-Minute Pocket Park initiative, introduced in 2022, is among Chadchart’s strategies to address environmental issues by increasing green public spaces throughout the city. A 49 year old local, Kantika Kongglom, frequents Suan Suk Jai,…
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Thailand to merge ID and disability cards for streamlined support
Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), announced plans to merge identification (ID) and disability cards as part of an effort to streamline support for disabled individuals. The disability allowance includes those who are incarcerated. The minister’s declaration was in response to the story of Monthon Phetsang, a 48 year old disabled man who embarked on a…
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Corruption potential in the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme
Despite potential warnings from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the government has confirmed plans to proceed with the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat agreed to let the digital wallet policy committee begin work next week. The focus of the forthcoming meeting will be on the potential for corruption during the handout…
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Royal rumble: Thaksin Shinawatra faces charges under section 112
A significant legal case involving Thaksin Shinawatra, concerning Section 112 of the Criminal Code for alleged offences against the monarchy, came into the public eye on February 6. Prayut Phetkhun, spokesperson for the Office of the Attorney General, shared the details of the case, which originated from an event that took place in Seoul, South Korea, on May 21, 2015.…
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Thai government and BRN to commence peace talks in Malaysia
The upcoming dialogue between the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani (BRN) and the Thai government’s peace team is set to start today in Malaysia, as disclosed by a source from the National Security Council (NSC). The two-day negotiation session will be steered by Chatchai Bangchuad, NSC deputy secretary-general, representing the NSC team, and Anas Abdulrahman, a high-ranking BRN official, leading the…
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Cambodian PM’s visit to Thailand aims to resolve maritime dispute
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet is set to visit Thailand for a one-day official discussion on Wednesday, with a crucial focus on the protracted joint development of natural resources within the disputed maritime boundary shared by both nations. This was announced on Monday by both the Foreign Ministry and Government House. The visit, which is anticipated to include a meeting with…
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Bangkok court fines activists 11,200 baht issues suspended
The Pathumwan District Court in Bangkok handed down a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, to prominent political figures Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, Pannika Wanich, Pita Limjaroenrat and Pairatthachot Chanthakachorn along with four others, in connection with their involvement in a flash mob protest in December 2019. Each defendant was also fined 11,200 baht for violating public assembly laws and using…
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China and Thailand’s visa exemption scheme promises tourism boost
The Chinese ambassador to Thailand and the Thai-Chinese Cultural Relationship Council (TCCRC) have expressed optimism that the visa exemption scheme for nationals of both countries will boost outbound tourism and reinforce bilateral relations. Pinit Jarusombat, President of TCCRC, highlighted the special significance of this Chinese New Year as it signifies the onset of a new epoch in Sino-Thai relations. The…
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Thai tourism makes big sales on livestream event for Chinese visitors
A livestreaming event on February 1, titled Super World Tour BOSS LIVE, orchestrated by Trip.com Group, headquartered in Shanghai, raked in a jaw-dropping 100 million baht in sales within a single day. Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol declared the event a resounding success. “It was successful. Sales surpassed 100 million baht in a day, with more than 20 million…
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Protesters demand jail for Thaksin
Protesters rallied outside the Government House, demanding the return of convicted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to prison grounds. Allegedly basking in the comforts of the Police General Hospital for over five months, Thaksin’s extended stay has ignited a firestorm of discontent. Protesters from the Network of Students and Citizens for Thailand’s Reform rallied outside Rajamangala University, determined to scrutinise Thaksin’s…
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Srettha aims to crush rubber smuggling ring in West Thailand
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has unleashed a collaboration to tackle the escalating crisis of para rubber smuggling in Kanchanaburi province. The PM’s decisive action involves a high-stakes order to key agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the Royal Thai Army, to urgently confront the illicit trade. Acknowledging the recent surge in smuggling activities, the prime minister left…
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Fashion subcommittee’s shocking resignation rocks national soft power strategy committee
The entire fashion subcommittee of the prestigious National Soft Power Strategy Committee (NSPSC) handed in their resignations last night, leaving the committee in turmoil. The fashion moguls, including sustainable fashion activist and subcommittee president Kamonnart Ongwandee, cited insurmountable challenges in meeting the policy goals set by the ruling Pheu Thai Party, compelling them to prioritise their businesses. The bombshell resignation…
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Thai PM Srettha and Cambodian PM engage in talks over air pollution crisis
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared his intention to engage in a crucial dialogue with Cambodian leader Hun Manet to tackle the alarming surge of transboundary air pollution. PM Srettha, expressing concern, revealed that a look at the satellite map shows that most of the relevant hotspots are in Cambodia, and the wind is blowing from the east. The MODIS satellite,…
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Political turmoil: Activists demand lifetime ban for 44 MFP MPs for lese majeste law reform attempt
Thai lawyer Teerayut Suwannakaesorn and political activist Sonthiya Sawatdee demanded that 44 Move Forward Party (MFP) MPs be permanently banned from politics after violating political ethics for supporting the reform of lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Law. Teerayut previously accused the MFP, along with its former leader Pita Limjaroenrat, of attempting to overthrow the…
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