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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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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Trillion-baht gamble: Deputy minister defends Land Bridge project
In a heated defence yesterday, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri championed the government’s ambitious 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge project, which she claims has sparked considerable interest from foreign investors. Her statement came in response to sharp criticisms from former Democrat leader Samart Ratchapolsitte, who cast doubt on the project’s cost-effectiveness and feasibility. Despite his scepticism, Manaporn insists the initiative is attracting…
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Thai govt plans to ‘rice’ to the occasion with decade-old grain auction
The Thai government expressed a strong intent to auction off the last remaining stocks of decade-old rice. This move is in line to replenish the state coffers, as made clear by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, in a recent Facebook post. The aged rice in question is part of the controversial rice-pledging scheme initiated during the administration…
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Thai widow criticises government’s lack of aid after Hamas attack
A Thai widow, lamenting the loss of her husband in the Hamas attack in Israel on October 7, voiced concerns over the lack of financial aid from the Thai government. The Thai woman, 30 year old Narisara Malee, is mourning the loss of her 34 year old husband, Tianchai Yotthongdee, who was among the Thai agricultural workers who lost their…
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Thai labour minister embroiled in minimum wage dispute
The labour minister found himself in the midst of a heated debate today as employee and employer representatives presented their contrasting views on a proposed minimum wage increase. The conflicting opinions were expressed ahead of a crucial tripartite committee meeting scheduled for tomorrow, May 14. The Thai Labour Solidarity Confederation and the State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation were the first…
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PM pledges commitment to forest conservation on 4-province tour
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday visited Ratchaburi where he pledged his commitment to forest conservation in Thailand during his four-province tour. The 62 year old Thai prime minister urged relevant agencies to meticulously review public requests for the utilisation of forested areas. PM Srettha emphasised the significance of land rights in improving the living conditions of the populace. However, he…
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Nearly 2,000 acquire Senate election application forms on first day
The Election Commission (EC) reported yesterday that nearly 2,000 individuals acquired application forms for the Senate election on the first day of distribution, which was on May 10. The documents and forms can be collected daily from district offices and provincial registration centres nationwide, between the hours of 8.30am and 4.30pm. Completed forms and necessary documents can be submitted at…
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Over 30,000 Thai workers want to work in Israel despite unrest
The Department of Employment (DoE) announced that over 30,000 Thai workers have shown an interest in seeking employment in Israel, despite the recent upheavals in the region. This follows the news that Thailand has been granted a quota of 5,000 positions in Israel’s agricultural sector for the latter half of this year. Director-General of the DoE, Somchai Morakotsriwan, highlighted that Israel…
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Deadly heatwave strikes Thailand: 61 lives lost
The Ministry of Public Health announced a staggering toll: the heatwave has claimed the lives of 61 individuals in Thailand this year, a sharp rise from the 37 casualties recorded last year. Dr Apichart Vachiraphan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control (DDC) disclosed that Most of the heatwave fatalities, a harrowing 33, have devastated families in Thailand’s northeastern…
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Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier project disaster
Initiated with grand aspirations back in November 2017, the Bali Hai Pier project was supposed to breathe new life into Pattaya’s tourism scene. With a whopping budget of 95 million baht approved by the city council, hopes were sky-high. Plans boasted extensive renovations and lush landscaping, including the show-stopping Dancing Fountain Plaza destined to dazzle tourists. Fast forward to today,…
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Thailand’s deputy finance minister resigns
Kritsada Jinavijarana, former deputy finance minister, officially stepped down from his position, as confirmed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in an exclusive revelation to reporters. PM Srettha made the declaration moments before embarking on an official trip upcountry, slated to span multiple provinces. Kritsada’s abrupt resignation came hot on the heels of a reported dissatisfaction stemming from a perceived reduction…
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Thailand initiates senatorial election process
Thailand’s senatorial election has begun, appointing a new group of 200 senators following the end of the five-year term of the current 250 senators who were appointed by the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). The Election Commission (EC) announced that candidates can now obtain application forms and necessary documents from district offices in Thailand’s capital and provincial registration…
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Thailand to revise Child Protection Act
The Social Development and Human Security Ministry, under the leadership of Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, is set to propose an amendment to Thailand’s Child Protection Act within the month for Cabinet approval. The updated act will emphasise the significant role of families and local communities in ensuring the safety of children. Following the National Child Protection Committee meeting yesterday, Varawut unveiled…
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Phuket power play: Deputy PM aims to dismantle influential figures
A campaign to dismantle the influence of Thai and foreign powerful figures in Phuket has been launched by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul. The initiative was announced before an assembly of 550 officers yesterday at the Phuket Provincial Police Station, aiming to disrupt any criminal networks promoted by said figures. As the campaign’s primary aim…
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Minimum wage increase pledge sparks hotel industry crisis
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s promise to boost the minimum wage to 400 baht by October 1 has set off alarms in the private sector, particularly among hoteliers. Concerns abound as businesses foresee a hefty 15 to 20% surge in costs across goods and services, presenting a formidable hurdle for the hospitality sector. The impending wage revision marks the third adjustment…
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Thailand aims to host 2025 InterPride World Conference
Thailand is setting its sights on becoming the inaugural Asian host of the InterPride World Conference in 2025. This intention was announced by the Director of the Mega Events and Festival Department under the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Harisuda Boonyawat. The InterPride World Conference is a yearly congregation of Pride organisers worldwide. It serves as a platform for…
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Thai government: King’s birthday to bring 72,000 rai land allocation
In honour of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, the Thai government has earmarked 10 initiatives, one of which includes the allocation of 72,000 rai of military-owned land for public use. These projects were unveiled yesterday during the second meeting of the celebratory committee, presided over by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is the leader of the ruling…
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Thailand’s biometric scheme for Myanmar nationals
Thailand’s latest move has sent shockwaves through the region as the government unveils a plan to gather biometric data from Myanmar nationals. But behind the guise of healthcare efficiency lies a shadow of suspicion and fear. To streamline healthcare for its transient population, Thailand has launched a controversial programme, gathering iris and face biometrics from Myanmar nationals. But as concerns…
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Military’s risky rice plan revealed
Thailand’s Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang unveiled a bold plan regarding the nation’s rice surplus, promising to purchase rice stored under a contentious scheme. Responding to the alleged disclosure by Deputy PM and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Sutin confirms that a portion of the 15,000-tonne rice stockpile could be destined for the bellies of military personnel. Sutin addressed concerns about oversupply.…
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High stakes: Thai PM leads talks on weed reclassification
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin spearheaded a meeting yesterday to discuss the country’s narcotics issues and the potential reclassification of cannabis as a type 5 narcotic drug. The conference saw the involvement of key officials such as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, the newly appointed Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin and the Minister of Justice,…
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Phuket governor and British ambassador discuss tourist safety
Sophon Suwannarat, the Governor of Phuket, hosted Mark Gooding, the British Ambassador to Thailand, in a meeting on May 7, focusing on the safety of tourists. The meeting, which took place at the Phuket Provincial Hall, aimed to foster relations between Phuket and the British Government. Governor Sophon emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety of tourists, particularly by reducing…
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Deputy PM to discuss government strategies with military chiefs
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced plans to engage in discussions with the heads of the armed forces in Thailand. These meetings, scheduled to take place at the military chiefs’ workplaces, aim to brief them about the government’s strategies and protocols. Following his recent appointment to oversee the Ministry of Defence, Phumtham expressed his intent to maintain…
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Thai deputy finance minister’s shock resignation
Thailand Deputy Minister of Finance Kritsada Jinavijarana sent shockwaves through the political corridors with his offer of resignation. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin intervened, urging Kritsada to reconsider his decision. Expressing discontent with task allocation, Kritsada tendered his resignation from the Cabinet. But the 62 year old Thai prime minister, not ready to lose a key figure, stepped in swiftly to…
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Thai govt’s digital wallet project: A cash splash on the horizon
The Government of Thailand is still finalising its digital wallet project, a financial aid initiative which promises a 10,000 baht disbursement to eligible citizens. The specific criteria for eligibility include an age threshold, and a deposit cap to ensure the aid reaches those intended. Citizens who are 16 years old as of September 30 of this year, or born before…
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Thailand and China to continue submarine purchase negotiations
Negotiations are set to resume next Wednesday between Thailand and China, as they seek to resolve the protracted issue surrounding a submarine purchase agreement. A 13-person delegation from China, encompassing military officials and representatives of the S26T Yuan-class submarine manufacturers, is due to meet their Thai counterparts. The submarine was part of a procurement deal agreed upon by the Royal…
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Ricegate scandal: 10 year old rice stockpile unsafe for consumption
The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) demanded rigorous quality and safety checks for a colossal 15,000 tonnes of jasmine rice, stockpiled since 2014 under the controversial rice-pledging scheme. The council, joined by an academic from Chiang Mai University, fears the rice may be laced with harmful chemicals, rendering it unfit for human or animal consumption. Deputy Chief of the TCC’s policies…
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Ex-MP takes legal action against Thai comedian Udom
Another complaint has been filed against Thai comedian Udom Taepanich. Parina Kraikupt, former Ratchaburi MP, initiated legal proceedings under Section 112 at the Po Tharam Police Station. The news of the incident was shared by the journalist Sarayuth Sutthasanachinda on his page. Parina posted following the uproar surrounding Udom, accompanied by the message: “Really can’t sleep, really want to rest,…
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New Finance Minister Pichai pledges to boost Thailand’s economy
Newly appointed Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira pledged to accelerate initiatives aimed at addressing household debt, stimulating the economy, and raising personal income. Pichai, who previously held the chairman position at the Stock Exchange of Thailand and served as the prime minister’s advisor, observed a consistent decline in the country’s economic growth rate over the past two decades during his inaugural…
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Thai government greenlights energy subsidies and price caps
Subsidies on electricity bills for vulnerable groups and caps on cooking gas and diesel prices have received the green light from the Thai government. The move aimed to alleviate the burden of burgeoning energy costs on the population. Deputy government spokesperson Rudklao Intawong Suwankiri disclosed that diesel prices will now be fixed at 33 baht per litre, from April 20…
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Thai Finance Minister set to discuss policies with BOT
The freshly appointed Finance Minister today expressed his readiness to engage in discussions with the governor of the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to align fiscal and monetary policies. Pichai Chunhavajira, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, stated to journalists that collaborating with the BoT on policy coordination is part of his job responsibilities. Pichai expressed confidence that he…
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Grain gamble: Decade-old rice from Surin warehouses still fresh
Stored for over a decade, rice from the warehouses in Surin, dating back to Yingluck Shinawatra‘s term in office, has been confirmed to be in good condition. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, gave an assurance of the rice’s quality and announced that a bidding process for it is scheduled for next week. Phumtham, along with representatives from the private and public…
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