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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Pattaya’s party problem: Festivals fuel chaos, neglect locals
Pattaya’s dazzling festivals and flashy events may light up the city, but not everyone is cheering. Long-term visitor Alan French has fired a stark warning to Pattaya’s mayor, claiming the city is losing its soul by prioritising spectacle over substance. In a blunt letter titled simply “Dear Sir,” French calls out Mayor Poramet Ngampichet for focusing too much on high-profile…
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Thai lawyer jailed for lese majeste wins global human rights award
A Thai lawyer imprisoned for speaking out against the monarchy has been honoured with a prestigious international human rights prize, spotlighting his courageous fight for free expression and democracy. Arnon Nampa, 40, was named the Asia-Pacific winner of the 2024 Front Line Defenders Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk — becoming the first Thai ever to receive this recognition.…
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Thai defence minister warns of potential future coup
Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has not dismissed the potential for a future coup in Thailand, urging all sides to reflect on past events to bolster democratic institutions. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the 2014 coup by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), he emphasised the need for patience and adherence to democratic processes, warning against…
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Yingluck hit with 10 billion baht rice scandal payout
Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has been ordered to pay a staggering 10.028 billion baht in damages over her role in the infamous rice pledging scheme, following a dramatic ruling by the Supreme Administrative Court today. The court overturned a previous lower court decision that had cleared Yingluck of financial liability, instead holding her personally accountable for failing to…
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Thailand mandates medical certificates for cannabis use
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced that cannabis users in Thailand will soon need medical certificates to ensure the plant is used for medical purposes only. This decision marks another step in the ongoing process of regulating cannabis use since its decriminalisation nearly three years ago. Somsak stated his intention to refine cannabis regulations in Thailand, highlighting that both foreign…
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Thailand education fund aims to return 55,000 dropouts to school
The Equitable Education Fund (EEF) is intensifying its efforts to reintegrate at least 55,000 school dropouts back into the educational system through flexible learning models by the 2025 academic year. EEF assistant manager Pattanapong Sukmadan explained that the initiative seeks to make education accessible “anywhere, with income and accreditation,” offering customised learning experiences tailored to individual needs and local contexts.…
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Thailand and Maldives seal health boost pact in Geneva
Thailand and the Maldives have sealed a landmark deal to boost public health collaboration, with bold plans to strengthen the Maldives’ primary healthcare and regulatory systems — all signed and sealed during a high-profile global summit in Switzerland. The agreement was inked today, May 21, at the World Health Assembly in Geneva. Thailand’s Deputy Minister of Public Health, Dej-is Khaothong,…
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Prawit takes a tumble at Bangkok’s Wat Pho (video)
General Prawit Wongsuwan, better known as “Big Pom,” took a dramatic tumble down the stairs at Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s most iconic temples, during a royal blessing ceremony on Monday evening. But despite the fall, party officials insist the political heavyweight is in fighting form. The incident occurred on Monday, May 19, just after 7pm, as General Prawit, leader…
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Vietjet transfers 50 Boeing planes to Thai arm in regional shake-up
Vietjet and Boeing have inked a landmark agreement to transfer up to 50 Boeing 737 aircraft to Vietjet Thailand, boosting Thailand’s presence on the regional air travel map. The signing took place with plenty of diplomatic fanfare, witnessed by Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was in Hanoi for her first official visit to Vietnam in over a decade. “This agreement…
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PM Paetongtarn explores UK, Monaco for Thai market expansion
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will visit the UK and Monaco tomorrow until Sunday, May 25, aiming to explore new market opportunities in food, sports, and tourism. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub announced yesterday that the prime minister, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and other agencies, will leave for London this evening, with…
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Thailand postpones digital wallet scheme indefinitely
The Thai government indefinitely postponed the digital wallet programme, citing world economic issues and a new US tax policy as the reasons for the delay. The digital wallet scheme was a flagship campaign of the Pheu Thai Party and has been promoted since the General Election. The initiative is reported to be of the former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The…
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Petition planned to halt Senate’s appointment powers amid election probe
A Thai Senator plans to petition the Constitutional Court for a temporary suspension of the Senate’s authority to approve appointments to independent state agencies. Finalisation of the petition is expected by today, May 19, amid ongoing investigations into the legitimacy of senatorial elections. The petition, once complete, will be presented to Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja for submission to the Constitutional…
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Trapped in Thailand: US professor caught in royal law limbo
An American academic is stranded in Thailand despite prosecutors dropping serious royal defamation charges, sparking diplomatic concerns and fears of legal limbo. Paul Chambers, a 58 year old political science lecturer, was arrested last month under Thailand’s strict lese majeste law—a rarely enforced statute against foreigners that carries up to 15 years in prison. Though the state prosecutor recently dropped…
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Thai government’s G-token gamble sparks legal, public backlash
The government’s plan to introduce the digital Government Token (G-Token) as a new fundraising strategy has been met with criticism from economic experts. They caution that this move could breach existing legislation and mislead the public. The Cabinet approved the digital token initiative on Tuesday, May 13, aiming to provide an alternative to traditional bonds for retail investors. G-Tokens are…
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Flight club: Thailand plots new routes to Vietnam to boost tourism
Thailand is gearing up to launch new direct flights linking its northeastern provinces to Vietnam to supercharge tourism and deepen regional ties. The plan, revealed during Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s official visit to Vietnam, aims to make travel easier between the neighbouring countries while tapping into their growing tourism markets. Speaking during her two-day visit, which concludes today, May 16, the…
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Thailand tightens regulations on short courses for foreign students
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has implemented new regulations to curb the misuse of short courses by foreign students as a means to engage in illegal work in Thailand. Effective immediately, all educational institutions are required to submit their short course curricula for evaluation. Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi announced yesterday, May 15, that the guidelines are…
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Chon Buri transgender MP seeks expulsion from People’s Party
A Member of Parliament (MP) from Chon Buri urged the People’s Party (PP) leader to expel him so he can join a new party, citing a lack of support for his work and experiences of sexism. Krit Chevathamanon, a transgender MP from the PP, held a press conference at the Parliament building yesterday, May 13, to announce his desire to…
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BMW crash scandal fails to put brakes on election victory
Despite a lingering BMW crash scandal and outstanding compensation to victims, a politician and his mother clinched victory in the Thanya Buri Municipal Mayor and Council Members election yesterday. Kritsada Leenawarat, the former Thanya Buri Municipality, stepped aside this year, endorsing his wife, Yupayao Leenawarat, as the mayoral candidate for the Thanya Kaona Party. Their son, Smiththipat “Peach” Leenawarat, also…
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Corrections Department denies plan to challenge Thai doctors’ disciplinary action
The Department of Corrections refuted claims yesterday, May 11, that it intended to seek a court order to overturn a decision by the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) regarding disciplinary action against three doctors linked to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s contentious hospitalisation. The department clarified that it had only become aware of the MCT’s decision through media outlets and…
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Bhumjaithai Party backs 2026 budget amid coalition tensions
Members of the Bhumjaithai Party have affirmed they will support the upcoming 2026 fiscal year budget bill, expected to be presented to the Cabinet and the House of Representatives later this month. Bhumjaithai, a government coalition member with significant ministry positions in the budget drafting process, sees no reason for its MPs to oppose the bill, according to party spokesperson…
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Thai green curry pizza takes Finland by storm
In an unexpected culinary twist, Finnish pizza lovers are diving into a flavour fusion that’s leaving taste buds tingling: the Thai Green Curry Pizza. Launched by Kotipizza, the largest pizza chain in the Nordic region, this exotic offering blends the creamy, spicy kick of Thai green curry with the beloved Italian classic, and it’s already creating quite a buzz. This…
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Phuket braces for polls as political heavyweights clash
Phuket is heading to the polls tomorrow in a high-stakes round of municipal elections set to reshape local leadership across the island — and voters are being urged to turn out in force. In a rally dubbed the “Big Day”, Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat led an event at Saphan Hin’s 4,000-seat gymnasium on Thursday, May 8, to stir civic spirit…
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Architect slams ‘botched’ Thai Parliament revamp
Thailand’s leading architect has launched a scathing attack on plans to renovate the country’s new Parliament complex, branding them “destructive” and “irreversible.” National Artist Chatree Ladalalitsakul, the chief designer of the grand riverside structure, broke a decade-long silence to condemn the proposed modifications, which he says would compromise both its artistic integrity and structural safety. “For 10 years, we have…
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Thai public slams 450m baht social security calendar
Thailand’s Social Security Office (SSO) is under fire after a public survey revealed that the majority of people don’t want its pricey annual calendar — a project that’s quietly burned through over 450 million baht in just eight years. In a growing backlash, more than 60% of respondents in a recent nationwide survey said the calendar, intended to promote awareness…
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Cheers allowed: Buddhist holiday booze ban eased
Just after Phuket had announced a 30-hour alcohol sales ban this weekend for its upcoming municipal elections and the Visakha Bucha holiday, the Thai government officially relaxed its alcohol ban on sacred Buddhist holidays — but only under strict conditions. The Royal Gazette announced today, May 9, that the Prime Minister’s Office has revised its previous order on alcohol sales,…
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Thailand to classify gas canisters as controlled products
Thailand’s Ministry of Industry proposes categorising gas canisters as a controlled product amid rising incidents of explosions at barbecue restaurants. Minister Ekanat Prompan highlighted the increasing popularity of barbecue eateries, which often use gas canisters for grills, and noted the risks of reusing canisters, which are designed for single use only. Despite existing safety standards, consumers are urged to adhere strictly…
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Royal Ploughing Ceremony kicks off Thailand’s rice planting season
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, held at Sanam Luang today, marked the beginning of the rice planting season in Thailand. King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida presided over the annual event. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, members of the Cabinet, and diplomatic representatives were also in attendance. The ceremony, a traditional ritual promoting good fortune and agricultural prosperity, coincides with the sixth…
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Labour minister vows to slash work deaths by 2030
Thailand’s labour boss is declaring war on deadly workplaces—\promising to cut fatalities in half within five years. At the National Occupational Safety Day 2025 opening ceremony, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn unveiled his ambitious “Safety Thailand” vision to drastically reduce serious workplace injuries and deaths. The aim is to bring down severe injury rates from 2.13 to one per 1,000 workers,…
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Thailand’s bold ‘3 Cuts’ plan cripples border call centres
Criminal call centres in Myanmar are running out of juice thanks to Thailand’s tough new crackdown strategy. Three months after launching its “3 Cuts” campaign, the Thai government claims a major victory against cybercrime networks exploiting the border. The operation began on February 5 and aimed to sever the power supply, fuel delivery, and Internet access to five notorious scam…
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Doctors disciplined over Thaksin’s hospital stay amid ethics probe
Three doctors involved in former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s controversial stay on the 14th floor of the Police General Hospital have been disciplined by the Medical Council of Thailand. The disciplinary actions stem from the findings of an investigation into Thaksin’s treatment, which has raised ethical concerns about the standard of care provided. Today, May 8, Professor Doctor Prasit Watanapa,…
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