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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Myanmar civil war boosts maritime trade at Thailand’s Ranong Port
Myanmar’s shift to maritime transport for exports due to its civil war is increasing activity at Ranong Port in Thailand, potentially boosting the government’s Land Bridge project. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri indicated that the civil war in Myanmar has disrupted cross-border trade with Thailand, prompting entrepreneurs to use Ranong Port instead of land routes through Tak’s Mae Sot district.…
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Thai Finance Ministry pledges market confidence amid scandal
Thailand’s Finance Ministry vows to restore confidence in the Thai capital market following allegations of fraud involving former executives of Energy Absolute (EA), a company listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit expressed optimism that actions by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in collaboration with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the…
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Fertiliser fiasco: Thailand halts farmers’ subsidy scheme
Trouble is brewing for Thailand’s farmers as the much-anticipated fertiliser subsidy faces suspension until next year, according to Agriculture Minister Thamanat Prompow. Thamanat announced plans to discuss the troubled fertiliser subsidy policy with economic ministers, following revelations that the scheme could be on hold until 2024. Initially, the government had approved subsidies of 500 baht per rai, capped at 10,000…
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Power play: Thailand’s coalition leaders unite over dinner
Emerging from a high-profile dinner meeting at the Nai Lert Park Heritage Home, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confidently asserted that the coalition now commands the unwavering support of over 314 MPs. The informal dinner, attended by core leaders of the 11 coalition parties, underscored the unity among the partners. The 62 year old Thai premier highlighted the solidarity within…
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Thai Education Ministry advances tablet initiative despite budget cut
Thailand’s Education Ministry continues to advance its tablet distribution initiative, despite a budget reduction from 16 billion to 13 billion baht. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, an assistant to the Education Minister, confirmed the ministry’s commitment to the project yesterday. Education Minister Police General Permpoon Chidchob is spearheading the One District, One Quality School project. This initiative aims to consolidate educational resources, both…
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Former Bangkok MP exits Pheu Thai after election controversy
A former Bangkok MP resigned from the ruling Pheu Thai Party following criticism for showing sympathy to a party opponent during a recent local election in Pathum Thani. Wan Ubumrung submitted his resignation at the Election Commission (EC) and announced it was effective immediately. Wan explained that his decision came after being summoned by the party to clarify his presence…
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Bangkok to speed up removal of illegal canal structures
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) pledged to accelerate the removal of illegal structures built over the city’s extensive network of canals. Bangkok hosts over 1,980 canals and other waterways, with 233 under the Department of Drainage’s jurisdiction, while local district offices under the BMA manage the remainder. A 2021 survey by the Department of Drainage and Sewerage identified approximately 11,035 illegal…
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Thai PM announces 10,000 baht digital wallet registration date
Registration for the 10,000-baht digital wallet handout starts on August 1, as announced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. This initiative aims to stimulate the economy through significant government spending. The Bangkok-born PM shared the date on X (Twitter) yesterday, July 15, coinciding with the Digital Wallet Policy Committee’s meeting to finalise preparations for registering eligible recipients and vendors. He emphasised…
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Thailand senator under fire for questionable PhD certificate
A Thai senator is facing criticism over her educational background after many academics and Thai netizens pointed out that her doctorate from California University was allegedly obtained for 8,600 baht. The newly elected senator, Associate Professor Doctor Keskamol Pleansamai, garnered the highest number of votes (79) in the recent selection of the Thai Senator election. The top score and her…
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Thaksin to be officially released with innocence certificate in August
The Department of Corrections is preparing to issue a certificate of innocence to former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, marking the official and legal release of the former politician after the completion of his sentences. The legal proceedings began after the 74 year old ex-PM arrived in Thailand in August of last year. He initially faced eight years in prison…
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King Vajiralongkorn supports sustainable farming and welfare
King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the agricultural sector, recognising its vital role in the national economy since his days as Crown Prince. His Majesty has undertaken numerous initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of farmers throughout the country. These initiatives have not only strengthened the bond between farmers and the monarch but also frequently…
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New Thailand senators promise change and optimism in politics
Newly appointed Senators in Thailand are expected to bring a wave of change and optimism to the political landscape, asserts Angkhana Neelapaijit. Rumours suggest a significant number of the new Senators have affiliations with the Bhumjaithai Party. However, Angkhana maintains that Senators can still operate independently and prioritise the public’s interests. Angkhana, in an interview, acknowledged her minority status within…
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PM Srettha wishes Trump speedy recovery amid assassination attempt
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin addressed the shocking incident involving former United States President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who was shot in his right ear in an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania yesterday, July 14. The FBI has now labelled the event an assassination attempt. Reports from the US indicate that the Secret Service responded…
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Red yeast rice scare: Thai FDA ensures public protection
Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reassured the public that red yeast rice supplements linked to a shocking number of deaths in Japan have not entered the Thai market. This announcement follows Japan’s Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co’s revelation that it is investigating an additional 76 deaths potentially connected to its benikoji (red rice tablets). The health scare began in March when…
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Foreign minister: China’s banking giant to boost tech investment
Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa met with Ge Haijiao, Chairman of the Bank of China, on Wednesday, July 10, during his official visit to China. The meeting, held to bolster Thai-Chinese economic ties, saw the presence of Pongsarun Assawachaisophon, Deputy Secretary-General to the prime minister. In a strategic pitch, Maris extended an invitation to the Bank of China to…
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Thailand’s 30 baht healthcare policy gets public approval
Thailand’s 30 Baht Treatment Anywhere policy has received widespread approval from the public, providing accessible health services for minor illnesses through community pharmacies in 45 provinces. The 30 Baht Treatment Anywhere policy, which allows citizens to receive healthcare services for minor ailments at designated quality pharmacies, has been warmly received by the public. This initiative, part of the National Health…
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Former Justice Minister leads probe into Stark share scandal
Former Justice Minister Pongthep Thepkanjana has been appointed as the new head of the government’s working group investigating the multi-billion-baht Stark share scandal. Pongthep replaces Pichai Nilthongkham, who resigned, according to the Ministry of Justice. Pongthep’s appointment is accompanied by the inclusion of the Secretary-General of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), the President of the Thailand Federation of Accounting…
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Digital wallet woes: PM Srettha quizzed in Parliament by MFP
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin faced intense scrutiny in Parliament yesterday over the government’s digital wallet handout scheme, marking his first significant confrontation with the opposition since taking office. Deputy leader of the main opposition Move Forward Party, Sirikanya Tansakul, challenged the 62 year old PM on the digital wallet programme and the government’s economic strategy. She acknowledged the PM’s presence…
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Public health vice minister’s sudden exit from Pheu Thai Party
Wan Yubamrung, the vice minister attached to the public health minister, announced his resignation today. He is set to leave the Pheu Thai Party next week. Wan, the son of outspoken veteran Pheu Thai Party member Chalerm Yubamrung, revealed his decision in an emotional Facebook Live post. “I had never thought about leaving the Pheu Thai Party, as long as…
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Public Health Minister ramps up mental health hotline services
To combat the intertwined issues of mental health and narcotics abuse, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has directed agencies to ramp up hotline services for greater efficiency. During his visit to the Department of Mental Health today, Somsak emphasised the urgent need for improvement. “Around 40% of psychiatric patients suffer due to narcotics.” The health minister highlighted the critical overlap…
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Thai investors flee Myanmar chaos, pulling out 253 billion baht
Thai companies are fleeing Myanmar amid escalating conflict and economic instability. The ongoing clash between Myanmar’s military government and opposition forces shows no signs of easing, prompting Thai firms to withdraw a staggering US$7 billion (around 253 billion baht) in investments. Once the third-largest investors in Myanmar, Thai companies are now ranked 5th, with investments plummeting from US$11.6 billion in…
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Chinese foreign minister calls for ASEAN regional cooperation
During a meeting between the Thai and Chinese foreign ministers to discuss the consultation mechanisms between the two nations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasised the importance of upholding the ASEAN-centered East Asian regional cooperation framework and rejecting exclusive small circles. Wang and Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa co-chaired the second meeting between the foreign ministers. This two-day visit marked…
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New senate sworn in: Election results ‘seal’ the deal on fresh faces
The new Senate was inaugurated yesterday, July 10, following the Election Commission’s certification of the 2024 Senate election results. The ceremony saw 200 elected senators and a reserve list of 100 approved, though controversy struck early when Senator-elect Kordiyah Song-ngam was temporarily suspended due to her advisory role to the president of the Ang Thong Provincial Administration Organisation. The newly…
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Thailand slashes digital wallet budget amid corruption fears
The Thai government has decided to slash the budget for its digital wallet scheme from 500 billion baht to 450 billion, scrapping plans to borrow 170 billion baht from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced the decision yesterday, July 10, citing corruption concerns raised by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Julapun revealed…
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Thailand restricts 10,000-baht handout use for phones, electronics
Recipients of the government’s 10,000-baht handout will be restricted from using the digital cash to purchase mobile phones, electrical appliances, or electronic devices. This decision was announced by officials yesterday. A government sub-committee, led by Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, placed these items on a negative list to ensure the funds are spent at small shops rather than large department…
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Election Commission seals deal: Senatorial results get green light
The Election Commission (EC) finally endorsed the results of the senatorial election. Despite initial delays and mounting complaints, the EC confirmed the election’s integrity and backed all 200 winners. The EC convened today, July 10, meeting from 9am to 2.30pm, to resolve the matter. Initially slated for an announcement on July 3, the endorsement was repeatedly postponed due to a…
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Early retirement scheme slashes Thai Defence senior ranks
The Cabinet approved an early retirement scheme for senior Defence Ministry officials, effective this October. According to insider sources, the initiative is set to revolutionise the armed forces by offering retirement packages to over 700 top brass. The ambitious three-year campaign aims to retire 732 high-ranking officials, approximately 244 each year, slashing the defence budget by an impressive 4.47 billion…
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Thailand govt defends Buriram graduates amid cheating claims
The Thai government fiercely defended 40 Buriram Rajabhat University graduates against allegations of cheating in their competitive exams for assistant teaching positions. Rumours have been swirling that the graduates were aided by leaked exam papers, a suspicion magnified by the fact that the Minister of Education, Permpoon Chidchob, is from Buriram province. Addressing the controversy, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime…
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Thai MP aims to ‘stimulate’ economy with sex industry legalisation
A Move Forward Party (MFP) MP today announced plans on social media to legalise professions related to the pornography and sex toy industries in Thailand by revising the Criminal Law of Thailand. The revision draft is expected to be proposed during Parliament today, July 10. The MFP MP, Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, shared his plan to legalise professions related to porn and…
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PM Srettha to meet Malaysian PM for peace talks
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced a high-stakes meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in a southern border province on August 3, though the exact location remains undecided. The Thai premier hinted that Yala, Pattani, or Narathiwat could be the chosen venue. “My team is making arrangements.” While the specifics of the agenda are under wraps, the Bangkok-born PM…
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