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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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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Bangkok waste disposal crisis: Garbage trucks queue for kilometres (video)
A long line of garbage trucks has formed across Bangkok, with drivers waiting from morning until afternoon yesterday, August 2, to dispose of waste. Authorities are being urged to address the issue promptly. A video clip shared on social media yesterday shows a queue of numerous garbage trucks waiting to offload their waste. The social media page “อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part…
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Pattaya minivan owner in despair after drain cover damages vehicle
A 39 year old minivan owner has been left in dire straits after a dislodged drain cover severely damaged his vehicle in Pattaya. On the evening of July 13, near the entrance of Soi Phothisarn on Sukhumvit Road, Kosol’s white Toyota van encountered the rogue cover, which flew up and wreaked havoc on the undercarriage, damaging the fuel tank and power…
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New facilitator boosts Thai-BRN peace talk optimism
Peace talks between the Thai government and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) separatist movement are expected to yield positive outcomes with the appointment of a new talks facilitator. This optimism stems from the recent designation of Datuk Mohd Rabin Bin Basir, former Director-General of Malaysia’s National Security Council, as the new mediator by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. He replaces…
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Thai PM urged to sign Cannabis Act amid legislative delays
A letter urging the prompt signing of the Cannabis Act has been submitted to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis network, led by spokesperson Chokwan Chopaka, delivered the letter, which was received by mass communication expert Pansak Charoen. The letter stressed the Thai premier’s previous commitment to regulating cannabis through specific legislation, particularly the…
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US ambassador to join PM’s drug mission in Thailand
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is considering inviting US Ambassador Robert F Godec to the northern region later this month to observe the progress in anti-drug operations. The Thai premier yesterday revealed that he and Godec discussed the country’s drug problems on Wednesday, July 31. While the US anti-narcotics agency collaborates with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, there have…
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Thai senators pledge better welfare for media professionals
Senators from professional group No.18, specialising in mass communication and literature, have committed to enhancing the status and quality of life for media professionals. One of the leading senators in this group, Chaiyong Maneerungsakul, revealed that the recently elected Senate candidates come from diverse media backgrounds, including roles such as public relations officers in hospitals. As the most senior senator…
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MFP MPs to join lesser-known TKCV if court dissolves party
All MPs from the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) will transition to the lesser-known Thinkakhao Chaovilai Party (TKCV) if the Constitutional Court rules to dissolve the MFP next week. The court is set to decide whether the MFP should be dissolved for violating Section 92 of the organic law on political parties, following a complaint filed by the Election Commission…
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Power play: Prawit Wongsuwan’s desperate bid for PM backfires
Palang Pracharath (PPRP)’s political manoeuvres seem to have backfired, with internal rifts threatening to tear the party apart. Samart Jenchaijitwanich’s attempts to bolster Prawit Wongsuwan’s chances of becoming prime minister by luring politicians from rival parties have caused an uproar. The latest recruit, Wan Yubamrung, was presented alongside Prawit on July 23, following his exit from the Pheu Thai Party.…
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