Politics News
Keep up-to-date with the most important Politics News in Thailand, offering comprehensive coverage of government decisions, policy changes, and electoral developments. We closely follow domestic and international political events, providing reliable news analysis, impartial opinions, and thought-provoking commentaries. Stay informed about the political landscape in Thailand, key players, and the impact of their decisions on citizens’ everyday lives.
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Wondering if you can drink the tap water in Thailand? From brushing your teeth to filling up a bottle, it’s helpful to understand a few basics. Tap water safety in Thailand varies by location, and while some people use it...
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People’s Party confirmed legal despite petition threat
The People’s Party (PP), emerging from the recently disbanded Move Forward Party (MFP), has been confirmed by the Election Commission (EC) as having established the necessary party branches legally. The announcement followed a statement by Warong Dechgitvigrom, leader of the Thai Pakdee Party, who indicated his intention to file a petition against the PP. His contention revolves around the predecessor,…
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MPs demand answers from PM over delayed financial bills
The House Committee on Political Development, Mass Communications, and Public Participation is seeking answers from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin after his delayed endorsement of 16 financial legislation bills. The committee, led by People’s Party (PP) list-MP Parit Wacharasindhu, has called on the Thai premier, his Secretary-General Prommin Lertsuridej, and Acting Pol. Sub. Lt. Arphat Sukanan, the House of Representatives Secretary-General,…
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Student activists campaign against judges at Thai universities
Student activists at Thammasat and Chulalongkorn universities launched campaigns targeting two Constitutional Court judges who also serve as guest lecturers at their institutions. This action follows the court’s recent ruling that led to the disbandment of the Move Forward Party (MFP). Thammasat University Student Council Rangsit Campus and the committee of students from the Faculty of Law posted an open…
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Thailand to introduce bill for informal workers’ welfare
The Government of Thailand is set to introduce a bill aimed at enhancing the quality of life and providing welfare protection for the country’s 20 million informal workers, including Internet influencers and farmers who currently lack access to a social safety net. Labour Ministry spokesperson Phumiphat Mueanchan announced that the ministry is advancing the bill to the Cabinet for approval…
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House to select new deputy speaker after Padipat loses MP status
The House of Representatives is set to select a new first deputy House speaker next Wednesday following Padipat Suntiphada’s loss of MP status, a result of the constitutional court’s dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP), according to chief government whip Wisut Chainaroon. A Pheu Thai Party MP, Wisut, emphasised that the position must be filled by a member of…
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MFP dissolution leads to new political outfit: The People’s Party
Members of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP) today launched their new political outfit, the People’s Party. Natthaphong “Teng” Ruengpanyawut, the former MFP Deputy Secretary-General, has been named the new leader of the rebranded party. The Constitutional Court ordered the dissolution of the MFP on Wednesday, August 7, accusing the party of posing a threat to both the monarchy and…
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Thai ministry tackles substandard imports threatening SMEs
The Commerce Ministry has partnered with ten government agencies to implement measures aimed at reducing the influx of low-priced, substandard imported goods, which pose safety risks to consumers purchasing from both online and offline vendors. The Commerce Permanent Secretary, Vuttikrai Leewiraphan, highlighted that the rise of Chinese e-commerce platforms using a direct-to-customer model allows buyers direct access to inexpensive products…
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Thailand probes ex-MFP MPs over lese majeste law support
An ethical investigation into 44 former members of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP) has been initiated by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). These politicians are under scrutiny for their support of a bill intended to revise the lese majeste law, as confirmed by the NACC yesterday, August 8. NACC Secretary-General Niwatchai Kasemmongkol revealed that the commission has found sufficient…
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UK Thai embassy issues warning amid anti-immigration protests
The Thai Embassy in London issued a stern warning for all Thais living in or travelling to the UK: steer clear of crowded places and protests. This urgent advice comes as thousands of anti-immigration protesters take to the streets in towns and cities nationwide. Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool, and Belfast have been pinpointed as high-risk areas. The embassy strongly advises…
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Cracks in 300-year-old Buddha statue in Samut Sakhon reveal core
A centuries-old Buddha statue in Samut Sakhon has cracked, revealing an ancient laterite core. The Fine Arts Department confirmed it is the work of ancient craftsmen, showing distinct differences between the outer and inner statues. The Buddha statue, over 300 years old, located at Wat Khok Kham in Samut Sakhon, shows significant cracks exposing an inner statue made of laterite.…
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Thailand to introduce more effective and affordable HPV vaccine
Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO) plans to replace its two-dose human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine with a more affordable and effective single-dose alternative in the next fiscal year, according to Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin. The current two-dose vaccine has a 60% effectiveness rate against two strains of the virus, HPV16 and HPV18, whereas the proposed single-dose vaccine boasts a…
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US Embassy concerned over dissolution of Move Forward Party
The United States of America Embassy issued an official statement of concern on Facebook after the Constitutional Court yesterday dissolved the Move Forward Party (MFP) over their attempts to alter the lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Law. After five months of consideration, the Constitutional Court yesterday, August 7, deemed the MFP‘s campaign to reform…
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EU denounces Thailand’s opposition party dissolution
The European Union (EU) voiced serious concerns about the dissolution of Thailand’s opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) by the Constitutional Court, highlighting its potential negative impact on the country’s democratic progress. The EU labelled the court ruling as a setback for political pluralism in Thailand, noting that the MFP garnered 14 million votes out of 39 million in the 2023…
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Thailand to revise EEC high-speed rail contract by next month
Government officials anticipate finalising the revised contract for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) high-speed rail system by next month, paving the way for the project’s next phase. This high-speed rail system, a cornerstone project for the EEC, aims to connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Asia Era One, a consortium led by…
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PM Srettha denies rumoured bribes to MFP MPs
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin vehemently denies knowing anything about the explosive rumours circulating about attempts to bribe Move Forward Party (MFP) MPs to switch allegiances. Insiders claim that rival political factions have allegedly dangled a staggering 30 million baht in front of some MFP MPs to lure them away. These tantalising whispers come as the MFP, the leading opposition…
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Move Forward Party dissolved, leaders banned for 10 years (video)
The Constitutional Court of Thailand today announced a verdict to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP) over their efforts to reform the lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Law, and ban the managing executives of the party for 10 years. In April, the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) requested that the Constitutional Court consider dissolving…
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Thailand Parliament rejects pornography and sex toy legalisation
Parliament today rejected the Move Forward Party’s (MFP) proposal to legalise professions related to pornography and the sex toy industry. The decision was based on concerns about explicit advertising and potential violations of Muslim religious principles. MFP MP Taopiphop Limjittakorn submitted a draft to revise Section 287 of the Criminal Law to legalise professions related to pornography and the sex…
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Three insurgents killed in Pattani clash with security forces
Security forces in Thailand’s southern province of Pattani engaged in a fierce clash with a group of insurgents in the Khlong Chang area, resulting in three insurgents being killed. This incident follows a sequence of violent events linked to the insurgents over several years. The confrontation occurred during a law enforcement operation in Khlong Chang, Naket subdistrict, Khok Pho district,…
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Red Shirt leader sentenced to five years for disclosing state secrets
The Criminal Court sentenced Red Shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan to five years in prison without probation for disclosing confidential state documents regarding Thai-Cambodian relations. His lawyer has filed for bail with collateral amounting to 250,000 baht. The Criminal Court convened yesterday, August 6, to deliver its verdict on the undecided case number 2540/2565. The public prosecutor had charged Thai politician…
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Pattaya City honours Queen Sirikit ahead of 92nd birthday
Pattaya City hosted an event to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother in anticipation of her 92nd birthday on August 12, which is Thailand’s Mother’s Day. The ceremony, held at 10.30am today, August 7, in the Thappraya Room at Pattaya City Hall, reflected the city’s deep respect and gratitude towards the Queen Mother. Mayor Poramese Ngampichet led the…
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PM Srettha vows no interference in MFP court ruling
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced that the government will refrain from interfering with the judicial process regarding the potential dissolution of the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP). The Constitutional Court is scheduled to rule on the matter today, August 7. “The executive branch is in no position to interfere with the justice process. We will not allow other countries…
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New interior permanent secretary appointed, effective October 1
The Cabinet appointed Ansit Samphantharat as the new permanent secretary of the Ministry of Interior, effective from October 1. He will succeed Suttipong Juljarern, who will retire at the end of this month. Ansit currently serves as the director of the Department of Provincial Administration within the ministry. His appointment came alongside the approval of Supachai Pathumnakul as the Permanent…
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Minister clarifies tax concerns for digital wallet programme
Deputy Minister of Finance Julapun Amornvivat insists that sales data from stores participating in the digital wallet programme will not be submitted to the Revenue Department, but stores must file taxes if their sales increase significantly. Julapun addressed concerns yesterday from merchants about joining the digital wallet programme due to tax issues. He assured that the Ministry of Finance would…
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MFP leader slams government over court case remarks
The Move Forward Party (MFP) launched a scathing attack on the Thai government, accusing them of jeopardising a high-profile court case with the publication of a personal opinion from Deputy Government spokesperson Karom Phonphonklang. The contentious article, which was briefly posted on the Government House website before being removed, sparked fears it could sway the court’s decision on the looming…
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Thai PM considers Cabinet reshuffle amid court ruling uncertainty
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed willingness to consider a Cabinet reshuffle if he remains in office following an impending Constitutional Court decision. This statement comes after the leader of the coalition United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, suggested the reshuffle to appoint the party’s Secretary-General, Akanat Promphan, to a vacant ministerial post. “There are several issues involving the justice…
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Ban-tastic wins: Political dynasties dominate PAO elections
Candidates from influential Ban Yai political families emerged victorious in the Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) chair elections across three provinces. The PAO elections, held yesterday in Ayutthaya, Chai Nat, and Phayao, saw unofficial winners linked to the Bhumjaithai Party, the United Thai Nation Party, and the Pheu Thai Party. In Ayutthaya, Somsong Phancharoenworakul, a five-time chairwoman of the Ayutthaya PAO,…
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Rayong residents call for construction permit verification
Residents of Ban Khai district in Rayong are urging government officials to verify whether the owner of a local construction project possesses the necessary permits. Concerns were sparked after a Chinese language poster was seen at a construction site for a factory within their community. Adul Akkaraphetpaisarn, an assistant village head, expressed that the village had not been informed of…
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PPRP’s internal clash: Coalition ‘parties’ divided
The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) faces an internal conflict, highlighting clear divisions within the government coalition partner, according to a political analyst. Phichai Ratnatilaka Na Bhuket, a political science lecturer at the National Institute of Development Administration, identified two factions within the PPRP: one led by party leader Prawit Wongsuwan and another by party secretary-general Thamanat Prompow. Prawit, who has…
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PM Srettha orders Temu to comply with Thai tax laws
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed the Revenue Department and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) to ensure the new Chinese online retailer Temu adheres to Thai regulations and meets tax obligations. The directive aims to address concerns from local industries about the potential influx of inexpensive Chinese products affecting Thai manufacturers. The introduction of Temu, a Chinese e-commerce…
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Government officer drives recklessly in Phetchabun: Sleeping pills
A local government officer caused multiple vehicle accidents while driving what appeared to be a government vehicle in Phetchabun, leading to speculation about his sobriety. The officer claimed drowsiness due to sleeping pills as the reason for his erratic driving. A local news page in Phetchabun posted about a man, seemingly intoxicated, driving a four-door pickup truck marked “For Official…
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