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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What is the 5 year visa for the digital nomad in Thailand?
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a great option for digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers who want to stay in Thailand for a long time. This multiple-entry visa is valid for five years, allowing stays of up to 180...
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Thai banks deny funding Myanmar junta’s weapon purchases
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa issued a strong rebuttal to accusations from Move Forward Party (MFP)-list MP Rangsiman Rome, categorically denying that Thai banks or the government are involved in supporting weapons procurement for the Myanmar junta. These remarks follow a report from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in late June, which claimed Thai banks…
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Thai athletes’ Olympic uniform looks like waiter’s outfit
The grand reveal of Thailand‘s Olympic uniform for the Paris Games has set social media ablaze, with critics slamming the design as outdated and unfit for the global stage. Unveiled yesterday, July 17, on Stadium TH’s Facebook page, the uniform, modelled by national badminton star Sapsiree Taerattanachai, sparked a storm of controversy. The design, inspired by the Phraratchathan (Royally Bestowed)…
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Former Thai MP faces charges over film fiasco
Former Thai Civilised Party MP Mongkolkit Suksintharanon faces charges for allegedly breaching the code of ethics by skipping a crucial House meeting to catch a film. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) voted 6:1 to charge Mongkolkit, now a Democrat Party member, for missing a House session on December 15, 2021. The NACC plans to take the case to the Supreme…
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MFP leader asserts party will not be dissolved
Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Chaithawat Tulathon stands firm, confidently asserting that his party will not be dissolved by the Constitutional Court next month. However, not everyone shares his optimism. MP Rangsiman Rome has voiced serious doubts about their chances. Chaithawat appeared upbeat despite the looming court decision on August 7. In stark contrast, party-list MP Rangsiman Rome expressed deep…
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Deputy PM Anutin opposes PM Srettha’s cannabis reclassification
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, declared his opposition to Prime Minister (PM) Srettha Thavisin‘s policy to reclassify cannabis as a Narcotics Category 5 drug. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) agreed last week to reclassify cannabis, which has been permitted for health-related purposes for over two years. This new policy is expected…
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Stateless elderly in Chiang Rai die waiting for Thai citizenship
Numerous stateless elderly individuals in Chiang Rai have tragically passed away before receiving Thai citizenship due to prolonged bureaucratic processes. A Chiang Mai teacher, Daeng, called upon Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to visit the area and witness the situation firsthand. Teacher Daeng, whose full name is Tuenjai Deetes, along with Pienporn Deetes, Secretary-General of the Foundation for Community…
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Thailand’s 60-day visa exemption unleashes unlimited entry by land
Three days into Thailand’s 60-day entry visa exemption, a tourist discovered there are no restrictions on the number of entries by land in a calendar year. Tod Daniels, ASEAN NOW‘s visa expert reported that the tourist did two free stamp land entries this year, left Thailand then entered the country again, and got a new 60-day entry with no issues.…
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Thailand’s digital wallet disaster: MFP oppose budget
Opposition parties have taken a firm stand against the supplementary budget bill, targeting the controversial digital wallet scheme. Estimated at a staggering 450 billion baht, the scheme is criticised for its alleged inefficacy in boosting the GDP and potential legal issues, which could set a detrimental precedent for future national budgeting and fiscal policies. Sirikanya Tansakul, Deputy Leader of the…
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Court snubs Move Forward Party’s plea: Verdict moved to August 7
The Constitutional Court has thrown out the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP)‘s request for an inquiry, claiming it has ample evidence to make a ruling. The Election Commission (EC) has been pushing for the party’s dissolution and a 10-year political ban on its executive committee, due to their election campaign advocating for the amendment of the lèse majesté law. Despite…
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Thailand’s industrial sentiment hits two-year low amid political strife
Thailand’s industrial sentiment index experienced a decline for the third consecutive month in June, reaching its lowest point in two years, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The drop is attributed to a sluggish economy, weak demand, and increasing bad debt problems. The FTI reported that the industrial sentiment index fell to 87.2 in June, down from 88.5…
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Thailand undecided between Swedish Gripen and US F-16 jets
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed the government remains undecided on whether to select the Swedish-made Gripen or the US-made F-16 for the Royal Thai Air Force‘s (RTAF) new fighter jet procurement project. Details of the required offset policy from Saab AB and Lockheed Martin, manufacturers of the Gripen E/F and the F-16 Block 70/72 respectively, are still pending, according to…
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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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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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Thailand approves genome editing to boost agricultural yields
Thailand officially sanctioned Genome Editing (GEd) technology for advanced plant breeding, aiming to boost yields while reducing chemical use in agriculture, according to the Department of Agriculture (DoA). DoA Chief Rapeepat Chansriwong announced the approval of the GEd technique under a ministerial regulation. This decision was endorsed by the agriculture minister and subsequently published in the Royal Gazette. Typically, new…
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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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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 excludes groups from digital wallet project
The Government of Thailand decided to exclude two specific groups from participating in the 10,000-baht digital wallet project. This announcement comes as they prepare to release the registration timeline for the project tomorrow. The Deputy Minister of Finance, Chulaphan Amornvivat, disclosed the decision following a meeting at the Government House. The meeting also addressed the sources of funding for the…
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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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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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Mekong power play sparks concerns: Dam contract makes waves
Conservationists and residents of the Mekong Basin are urging the Thai government to reconsider signing a contract to purchase electricity from the Pak Beng Hydropower Dam in Laos, citing potential economic and territorial losses. An open letter addressed to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga captured the concerns, with signatures from Thongsuk Inthawong, former headman of Bann…
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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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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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Tourists from 93 countries can now come to Thailand visa-free
Thailand is set to become the ultimate tourist hotspot as the Ministry of Interior rolls out a sweeping visa waiver, allowing travellers from 93 countries to enter visa-free starting next Monday, July 15. This move, designed to boost tourism and simplify travel, marks a significant increase from the current 57 visa-exempt nations. Traisulee Traisoranakul, secretary to Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul,…
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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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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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