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 PM’s new weapons procurement plan to boost national economy
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is moving forward with plans to overhaul Thailand’s armed forces, beginning with a significant shift in weapons procurement procedures, a military source has confirmed. The new leader had a meeting with the heads of the armed forces last week, where they discussed the new government’s intended course of action concerning military and security matters. During this…
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BREAKING NEWS: Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra granted royal pardon, sentence reduced to 1 year
Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted a royal pardon, effectively reducing his punishment to a one-year sentence. According to the announcement published in the Royal Gazette this afternoon, King Rama X extended royal clemency to the 74 year old Thaksin, slashing his previous sentence of seven years, eleven months, and 20 days down to one year. The royal…
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Power play: FTI cheers new government’s energy cost pledge
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) expressed its satisfaction with the newly elected government’s commitment to lowering energy costs and retail diesel prices. Newly inaugurated Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has prioritised energy price reductions as an early objective of his administration. An immediate cut in energy prices has been promised by the 61 year old Srettha and his Cabinet upon…
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Pardon the uproar: Thaksin’s plea adds a royal twist to political drama
A royal pardon application for Thaksin Shinawatra, former Prime Minister of Thailand, has been received, as confirmed by the outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam. Acting as the justice minister, Wissanu announced a press event at the Government House, though he refrained from disclosing whether the appeal was penned by Thaksin or his relatives. He clarified that the request was…
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Chapter closed: Thai politics bids farewell to General Prayut with final Cabinet snapshot
A significant chapter in Thai politics came to a close on Tuesday, as the outgoing administration convened for its last Cabinet meeting. Headed by caretaker Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, the meeting culminated in a group photograph featuring ministers and staff members. The former PM expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards every individual who had contributed towards the government’s work and…
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Architect’s ‘dirty’ pledge: Faeces target as Pheu Thai Party’s political coalition stirs surprise
Thai architect Duangrit Bunnag has turned an unusual promise into a reality, offering himself as a target for faeces-throwing after the Pheu Thai Party forged an unexpected coalition with the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). Duangrit is a member of Creative Action for Revival & People Empowerment (CARE), a group associated with the Pheu Thai Party led by Deputy Leader Phumtham…
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Thai fortune teller envisions political and economic upswing in Thailand
A shift in Thailand’s political and economic landscape is anticipated, with improvements expected from November to April, according to renowned fortune teller Navaracha Pinitlokakorn, also known as Mor Plai. Despite her failed prediction regarding the identity of Thailand’s new prime minister, she views this as a fortunate turn of events. She advised patience and granting the new PM the opportunity…
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Prayut reflects on PM term: Thailand’s journey to progress
Outgoing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha concluded his nine-year term, taking to Facebook to share his reflections and achievements. He described the tenure as the most significant and memorable of his life. Prayut highlighted Thailand’s considerable progress, attributing its development to nine specific areas. Under Prayut’s leadership, Thailand initiated an unprecedented 20-year national strategy, directing the country’s trajectory and ensuring the…
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Calls for CCTV footage to verify Thaksin Shinawatra’s health claims
Political activist Jatuporn Prompan called on the Department of Corrections (DoC) and the Police General Hospital to disclose CCTV footage to address public concerns surrounding the health condition of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Jatuporn, who has been imprisoned five times, pointed out that all inmates’ actions, including their medical treatments and transfers, are documented through CCTV. He stated on…
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Scowl Play: Trump’s mug shot sparks questions on jail time and future US President run
The mug shot of a scowling Donald Trump last night was a bewildering sight for both supporters and opponents of the former US President – but what does it mean, can he be jailed, and can he still run for office? The 77 year old former US President yesterday surrendered at Fulton County Jail in Atlanta on charges of illegally scheming…
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Srettha Thavisin endorsed by US, EU, and Singapore
Srettha Thavisin, recently elected as Thailand’s 30th prime minister, received a warm welcome and expression of support from the United States, the European Union, and Singapore. The allies are enthusiastic about further strengthening their strategic alliances with Thailand under the new leadership. Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, emphasized the shared values between the two nations and their joint…
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Digital wallet pioneering: Prime Minister’s blueprint for national advancement
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed his readiness to manage the country’s development and drive full-fledged policies. The concept of a digital wallet is at the top of his agenda. PM Srettha emphasised that the current coalition government, comprising various political parties, needs to respect each other’s policies. The formation of the Cabinet is still in progress, with negotiations and discussions…
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Srettha Thavisin urged to address economic challenges swiftly
Thailand’s political stalemate came to a close yesterday as property tycoon Srettha Thavisin was elected as the country’s 30th prime minister following a majority vote in both houses of Parliament. Now, the nation’s business community is urging the newly appointed leader to hasten the process of organising his government. The aim is to promptly address a sequence of pressing challenges…
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Unconscious decision: MFP MP faints during Thailand’s PM selection
Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Arnuparp Likhitamnuaychai stunned yesterday’s Parliament meeting to select Thailand’s new prime minister after he lost consciousness during the voting process. The MP is reportedly in stable condition but remains in hospital. The incident occurred when during the alphabetical process to vote for the new PM. A group of MPs sitting in the MFP area requested an…
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New Thai PM, Srettha, vows to elevate Thai well-being, royal PM appointment postponed
The newly elected Prime Minister of Thailand promised to elevate the well-being of the Thai people after yesterday’s Parliament meeting to select a new PM. However, the scheduled royal ceremony for the installation of the new PM at 8pm encountered a delay. During the Parliament meeting to select a new PM, the Pheu Thai Party’s candidate, Srettha Tavisin, managed to…
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New era in Thailand: Srettha Tavisin voted 30th Prime Minister of Thailand
Thailand can finally hail a new leader after Pheu Thai Party candidate Srettha Tavisin secured enough votes from members of the National Assembly of Thailand to become the kingdom’s 30th prime minister. Today, August 22, marked a day of significance for Thailand, as the nation witnessed two important events. Leading the headlines was the return of a former Thai PM,…
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Political change, Thai PM appointment poised to boost stocks
The anticipated appointment of Thailand‘s 30th prime minister this week is predicted to bolster stocks likely to benefit from political change and the policies and stimulus measures proposed by the Pheu Thai Party, reported Bangkok Post. Brokerage firm Asia Plus Securities (ASPS) projects the 11-party coalition, which declared on Monday its possession of 314 MP seats, will secure enough senatorial…
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NIDA survey says: Pheu Thai Party’s unique political partnership faces public disapproval
A recent telephone survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) revealed significant disapproval of the Pheu Thai Party‘s plan to form a special government in collaboration with its political adversaries, Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation (UTN) parties. This survey, also known as the NIDA poll, was conducted from August 15 through August 17 and involved a detailed…
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Awaiting arrest, ex-Prime Minister Thaksin returns to Thailand amidst political unrest
As Thailand anticipates the arrival of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, fresh from a self-imposed exile, arrest warrants are ready for viewing and inevitable jail time awaits him. His expected return is scheduled for tomorrow, incidentally, coinciding with parliamentary proceedings to elect the country’s 30th leader. His daughter, Paetongtarn “Ung Ing” Shinawatra, a former prime ministerial candidate for the Pheu…
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Thai MP has beef with beef restaurant that calls him scum
In an unusual incident, a Member of Parliament found himself on the receiving end of a vulgar slur. The slur was scribed on a delivery package from a renowned beef restaurant, which was ordered by the MP himself, creating a whirlwind of controversy. Piyarat Chongthep, the offended MP in question, represents the Phra Khanong Bangna area of Bangkok. He is…
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Forward march halted: Constitutional Court blocks MFP’s leadership ambitions
The Move Forward Party (MFP) and its leader today suffered a substantial setback in their aspirations to lead the country after the Thai Constitutional Court rejected a plea to reevaluate a Parliamentary verdict that obstructed the renomination of their prime ministerial candidate. This turn of events deals a fatal blow to any lingering hopes the MFP harboured of steering the…
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Ethics probe: Thai Deputy House Speaker under fire for beer post
“With which candidate would you rather have a beer?” That question has become a standard litmus test for likeability and authenticity in American politics. But in Thai politics, having a beer can land you in a massive political scandal. Padipat Suntiphada, the Deputy House speaker, was recently shown on video on social media indulging in a craft beer, stirring a…
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Pheu Thai Party solidifies coalition agreement with PPRP and UTN
In a significant political development, the Pheu Thai Party has successfully solidified a coalition agreement with the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) and the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party. According to a reliable source, this pact involves a reciprocal arrangement where both the PPRP and UTN have committed to supporting Srettha Thavisin, a prominent figure within Pheu Thai, and the anticipated…
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Pheu Thai Party urges caretaker government to halt civil servants relocation
The Pheu Thai Party is calling for the caretaker government, under PM Prayut Chan-o-cha’s leadership, to heed the national constitution by not relocating leading civil servants, particularly permanent secretaries, whilst the new administration is being formed. Phumtham Wechayachai, the party’s deputy leader, voiced these calls recently. Phumtham issued a statement in which he admonished the transitional approach of Prayut’s government, reminding…
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Prescription for trouble: Hospital director’s defamation verdict
In a recent ruling, the Criminal Court handed down a sentence to the director of Mongkutwattana Hospital, Major General Doctor Rianthong Nanna, convicting him of defamation offences against Sira Jenjaka, a former Bangkok MP for the Palang Pracharath Party. The judgement includes a prison sentence of five years and a penalty fine amounting to 100,000 baht. However, due to his…
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Cannabis clash to coalition: Bhumjaithai’s olive branch to Pheu Thai Party PM candidate
The fickle nature of Thai politics once again reared its ugly head when the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party extended an olive branch to the Pheu Thai Party prime ministerial candidate who levied against their cannabis legalisation policy during the General Election campaign. Pheu Thai Party leader Chonlanarn Srikaew yesterday invited Anutin Charvirakul and the Bhumjaithai Party to a press…
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Pheu Thai Party confides challenges in forming new Thai coalition government
In an evolving political landscape where the constitution, power structures and group conflicts have become major challenges, the Pheu Thai Party acknowledged that manoeuvring the formation of a new coalition government is far from simple. According to Pheu Thai’s Deputy Leader, Phumtham Wechayachai, the party has to remain committed and steadfast in its approach to lead the nation out of…
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Thaksin Shinawatra delays Thailand return sourcing health check as deciding factor
Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister of Thailand, announced yesterday that he would be delaying his return to his homeland from his current location of self-exile. Shinawatra, whose background lies in telecommunications, took to the popular social media platform Twitter to inform followers of his upcoming health checkup, which resulted in the need for him to reschedule his original plan to…
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Thaksin Shinawatra’s return to Thailand delayed amid prime ministerial vote postponement
The return of Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister of Thailand and reputed de facto head of the Pheu Thai Party, has been delayed. The strategy appears aimed at facilitating his smooth return, once a government led by his party comes into play, disclosed an unnamed source within Pheu Thai yesterday. The initial return plan for Thaksin was for Thursday, August…
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Parliament’s prime delay: PM selection meeting postponed as Constitution Court weighs Pita renomination
Parliament President Wan Muhamad Nor Matha (Wan Nor) officially announced today that the prime minister selection meeting, scheduled for tomorrow, is postponed until further notice. The delay is a result of the postponement of the Constitution Court to decide on the renomination of Pita Limjaroenrat as a PM candidate. The Thai Ombudsman last week requested the Constitution Court to determine…
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