Politics News
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Sponsored Infinito helps hotels in Thailand with revenue management
Maximising revenue and profit–isn’t that the ultimate goal for every business in the hospitality industry? If you run a hotel, you might have heard that revenue management is an effective way to boost your top-line revenue. It involves using data...
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Thailand and Bangladesh pursue free trade agreement
PM Srettha confirmed that Thailand and Bangladesh are keen on pursuing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The two nations signed a letter of intent last week to speed up the negotiation process, marking a significant milestone in their collaborative efforts. Speaking at a press conference following his meeting with Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the 62 year old Thai PM…
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Thai-Lao friendship bridge to open in November
The fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, connecting Thailand’s Bueng Kan province and Laos’ Pakxan town, has been scheduled to open in November. The announcement was made by Deputy Transport Minister, Manaporn Charoensri. The bridge will span from Bueng Kan, Khai Si and Wisit subdistricts in the Mueang Bueng Kan district, situated across the river from Pakxan. The construction project features a…
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Elderly Thai man’s x-ray reveals 42 bullets from Vietnam War (video)
An elderly Thai man’s chest x-ray displaying 42 bullets lodged in his lung for 40 years dramatically reveals his survival from a near-fatal error during the Vietnam War. The x-ray, uploaded to TikTok by user @chanakan355 showcases the shrapnel-filled lungs of a man who was mistakenly shot and has lived with the remnants of the war inside him for four…
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Thailand’s EC investigates potential senator election manipulation
The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand is currently probing into claims of potential manipulation in the upcoming senator election process. The EC has cautioned potential candidates about registering with a questionable website. The EC indicated that the act of encouraging individuals to form groups for the Senate election competition could be a breach of election laws. Consequently, they have initiated…
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Phuket governor endorses special administrative status transition
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat openly endorsed the move for Phuket to acquire special administrative status. Governor Sophon conveyed his support during a speech at the 2024 Phuket Chamber of Commerce (PCC) Annual General Meeting, held at the Phuket Merlin Hotel. Sophon’s vision for the province’s future governance entails transitioning to a special administrative status, akin to those currently in place…
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Thai government delays wage hike: Minimum muddle continues
The Thai government has postponed the anticipated increase in minimum daily wage to 400 baht. The rise was initially set to take effect on Labour Day but the government will now await the outcome of a tripartite committee meeting on May 14. Karom Polpornklang, the deputy government spokesperson, confirmed yesterday that the wage increase would not start on May 1.…
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Supachai Phosu found guilty of serious ethical misconduct
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) of Thailand declared former Deputy Agriculture Minister Supachai Phosu, culpable of serious ethical misconduct. The charges stem from his unlawful occupation of a forest reserve in Nakhon Phanom province. Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, the NACC spokesman, declared that the case will be forwarded to the Supreme Court for political office holders to determine the final verdict. Investigations…
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Myanmar junta’s secret deal with China
Myanmar’s junta is stirring up a storm yet again, as their home minister jets off to China for clandestine security discussions with Beijing’s top brass. Myanmar’s Lieutenant-General Yar Pyae slipped under the radar, embarking on a covert voyage to China for what’s touted as a working visit with China’s Minister for Public Security, Wang Xiaohong. The rendezvous, scheduled from April…
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Thai MPs set to jump ship as PM Srettha prepares major reshuffle
Two Members of Parliament from the ruling Pheu Thai Party are on the brink of securing seats in the Cabinet, according to insider sources. Paopoom Rojanasakul, a party-list MP, and Jiraporn Sindhuprai, representing Roi Et, were reportedly spotted at Government House on Tuesday, fuelling speculation of their imminent ascent. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, despite dismissing rumours of a Cabinet reshuffle…
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Transport minister sets off for China for high-speed rail talks
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit will jet off to China next month for a meeting to discuss Thailand’s ambitious high-speed railway project and ignite the engines on the Land Bridge megaproject, worth a staggering 1 trillion baht. Suriya declared yesterday his forthcoming leadership at the 31st Thailand-China joint ministerial committee meeting scheduled for May 7 to 9. Topics on the agender…
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Myanmar’s 275th infantry battalion reclaims Pha Song Camp base
Nestled in the quaint township of Myawaddy, Myanmar, Pha Song Camp witnessed a significant event today as the soldiers from the 275th Infantry Battalion, who were previously scattered near the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, made a collective retreat back to their base. The retreat followed the withdrawal of the ethnic Karen resistance fighters, who had seized control of the base…
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Government promises relief from Rama II Road traffic nightmare
Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke assured the public that the torment of perpetual gridlock on Rama II Road would soon become a distant memory, with all construction projects scheduled for completion next year. Chai’s declaration came hot on the heels of a heated exchange on social media with Bangkok’s Move Forward MP, Rukchanok Srinork, who had raised concerns about the dire…
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Bank of Thailand warns government against digital wallet plan
Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, dismissed concerns about a confidential Bank of Thailand (BoT) document warning the government against the proposed digital wallet handout initiative. Phumtham, a prominent figure in the Cabinet, stated he was unaware of the document’s contents and questioned its credibility, insisting that if it were a real warning, it would have been officially…
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Thailand proposes ASEAN Troika to mediate Myanmar crisis
Thailand has proposed a collaboration between three or more ASEAN member nations to engage with Myanmar’s military junta, to mitigate the crisis and restore peace in the conflict-stricken country. The nation maintained its commitment to extend humanitarian assistance and foster peace amid the turmoil. Nikorndej Balankura, spokesman for the Foreign Affairs Ministry, announced yesterday that Thailand, through Laos, the current…
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Thai government changes funding approach for digital wallet project
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s coalition government has made a crucial change to its flagship scheme, a digital wallet project aiming to distribute 10,000 baht (US$270) to 50 million Thais. The government has switched from borrowing funds, which faced severe criticism and raised concerns about possible violations of financial and fiscal discipline regulations, to using money from the annual expenditure budget.…
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Health Ministry greenlights medical opium and magic mushrooms
The Public Health Ministry authorised the utilisation of opium and magic mushrooms for medical treatment and research purposes. This groundbreaking decision, disclosed in a directive published in the Royal Gazette yesterday, signifies a significant shift in drug policy. Signed by Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, the directive came into effect today. It categorises opium and psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as…
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Phuket gets new Australian Consul-General
Following an announcement made by Penny Wong, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kirsten Fletcher was named the new Australian Consul-General for Phuket and its nearby provinces. Fletcher’s appointment was confirmed yesterday. Fletcher, known for her active involvement in sustainability and tourism, was recently seen at an event in Phuket last month, where locals shared ideas on reducing plastic waste. Angela…
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Thaksin hospital release: Justice Minister denies misconduct
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong remained resolute, shrugging off the latest petition urging the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to delve into the ministry’s alleged misconduct surrounding Thaksin Shinawatra’s hospital release and parole. Police Colonel Tawee reiterated the ministry’s adherence to regulations governing prisoner treatment outside confinement and parole eligibility. However, he acknowledged citizens’ rights to petition the NACC if they perceive…
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Phuket model: Thai govt’s innovative approach to tourist safety
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the acting Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Police, Police General Kittirat Panphet, convened with local consuls to discuss the Phuket Model – an innovative approach to law enforcement. The meeting took place yesterday at the Banyan Tree Hotel in Phuket. The Phuket Model, a comprehensive strategy aimed at safeguarding the interests of tourists, was unveiled…
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Big Joke withdraws PM Srettha acting illegally complaint
The former Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, accused Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of malfeasance and interfering in the RTP before withdrawing the complaint a day later. Big Joke and the RTP Commander Torsak “Big Tor” Sukvimol were transferred to work at the Office of The Prime Minister in March over some alleged…
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Thai Cabinet approves UNESCO Heritage Status for Songkhla
Thailand has set its sights on securing UNESCO World Heritage status for four ancient towns nestled within the southern province of Songkhla. The Cabinet’s resounding approval on April 9, marks a pivotal step towards immortalising the rich cultural tapestry of this southern gem. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has been tasked with crafting a proposal that was scheduled…
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PM highlights enhanced ASEAN connectivity for regional growth
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin affirmed yesterday the critical role of enhanced ASEAN connectivity in unlocking the region’s full potential and boosting its collective competitiveness. The 62 year old Thai PM revealed this perspective during a virtual gathering for the ASEAN Future Forum 2024, which focused on the theme Towards Fast and Sustainable Growth of a People-Centred ASEAN Community. “Our emphasis…
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Thailand addresses refugee crisis amid Thai-Myanmar conflict
Responding to the escalating conflict along the Thai-Myanmar border, Thailand’s government committee convened its inaugural meeting yesterday to address the refugee crisis and bolster security measures. The committee, led by Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, strategised ahead of an inspection tour of Tak’s Mae Sot district, which lies opposite the Myanmar town of Myawaddy. The latter recently witnessed a surge…
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Former officials to face charges for 2004 Tak Bai massacre
Criminal charges are set to be filed against nine former security officials involved in the 2004 Tak Bai massacre. Lawyers representing the victims’ families are spearheading this legal action. This move comes months before the expiration of the 20-year statute of limitations on the case, which is due to conclude in October this year. The charges will be filed at…
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PM Srettha discusses interest rate cuts with bank chiefs
Prime Minister Srettha Thavasin convened a meeting with top executives from four major banks to discuss potential interest rate reductions aimed at aiding vulnerable groups within the country. The discussions took place at the Government House at 9am today just before the weekly Cabinet meeting. PM Srettha, who also serves as Finance Minister, sought cooperation from the leaders of both…
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Thailand government plans to raise minimum wage to 400 baht
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn unveiled yesterday that the Government of Thailand has assembled a series of fresh employment benefits set to be introduced on May 1, International Workers’ Day. The most notable of these is a proposal to elevate the minimum wage to 400 baht across the nation. The new minimum wage rate of 400 baht has already received the…
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Government launches utility cost subsidy for welfare cardholders
A new government initiative has been launched to alleviate the burden of utility costs for households in Thailand. The programme, aimed at state welfare cardholders, offers a single electricity and water subsidy per household, linked to one household registration code. Eligible participants must confirm their identity and register for the subsidy, which applies to either electricity or water services, not…
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Deputy police chief charges Thai prime minister with malfeasance
Thailand Deputy National Police Chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn charged Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin with malfeasance, claiming that the prime minister’s actions led to his suspension and thwarted his path to becoming the next national police chief. Big Joke took his complaint to the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and addressed it to its secretary-general, Niwatchai Kasemmongkol. He…
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Thai Labour Minister aims to boost Social Security Fund
Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the Labour Minister, announced plans to improve the profitability of the Social Security Fund by investing in international private firms, including some in Japan. The effort is aimed at increasing the fund’s revenue to 2.7 trillion baht and achieving a growth rate of 5% in the coming year. During a trip from April 5 to April 13, ministry…
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Senators’ lavish overseas jaunts spark outrage
Former Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi has launched a scathing attack on a cohort of senators set to embark on overseas study trips, labelling their plans a disgrace to their dignity. In a fiery Facebook post today, Plodprasop condemned the European excursions planned by several Senate committees, whose terms are set to conclude on May 10, citing the hefty 81…
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