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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Sponsored Infinito helps hotels in Thailand with revenue management
Maximising revenue and profit–isn’t that the ultimate goal for every business in the hospitality industry? If you run a hotel, you might have heard that revenue management is an effective way to boost your top-line revenue. It involves using data...
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Thai-US relations: Strengthening trade ties with Estonian E-Government expertise
The Prime Minister of Thailand announced that he has plans to bolster trade relations with the United States. This comes as the two nations observe their 190th anniversary of diplomatic ties. The announcement was made following a meeting between Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, and US President Joe Biden during a gala dinner, organised by the US-ASEAN Business Council and…
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Thai Prime Minister Srettha rolls up changes: Strict revisions ahead for cannabis laws
The Prime Minister of Thailand announced plans to revise the nation’s cannabis law and put an end to the free use of cannabis. PM Srettha Thavisin emphasized that cannabis should be used only for medical purposes. As Thailand was the first country in Asia to remove cannabis from its list of illegal narcotics last year, Bloomberg interviewed Thai PM Srettha about…
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Former Thai PM Thaksin’s parole could be as early as February
Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to be granted parole as early as the latter part of February next year, following a reduction of his original eight-year prison term to a single year. This update was provided by a high-ranking official from the Department of Corrections. The 74 year old former prime minister made his way back to Thailand…
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Former FFP MP, Pannika Wanich, banned for life for disrespecting Thai monarchy
The Supreme Court issued an official notice, permanently banning former Future Forward Party (FFP) MP Pannika “Chor” Wanich from participating in elections and holding political positions for life, following her display of disrespect towards the monarchy. This action stems from a 2019 Facebook post by Chor, which prompted the secretary-general of the Association for the Protection of the Thai Constitution,…
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Malaysian Economy Minister roasted over ‘eating out’ remark amid global financial turmoil
Malaysians are expressing their frustration towards their Economy Minister, following an interview where he claimed the public’s financial struggles are due to their preference for eating out, rather than being economical. This criticism comes as various countries worldwide are grappling with economic issues, particularly income disparity and poverty. Malaysia is among those nations facing these issues, with most of its…
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Thailand reviews taxes and launches digital wallet to tackle income disparity
The Finance Ministry of Thailand is set to review the new land and building tax and the inheritance tax and launch the digital wallet following an order from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The move aims to mitigate income disparity in the nation. PM Srettha, who also holds the Finance Minister post, gave the directive subsequent to the appointment of a new…
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Trading doubts for trust: Thai Trade representative addresses past controversy
The newly designated Thai trade representative recently responded to lingering media scepticism regarding her background and qualifications. Nalinee Taveesin insisted that any past misunderstandings had been resolved. This was a reference to her blacklisting by the United States Department of the Treasury approximately ten years ago. This was due to her alleged business connections with the then-sanctioned regime of Zimbabwean president, Robert…
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Thai citizens suspect state officials’ collusion with mafia-style figures, survey shows
A significant proportion of Thai citizens suspect some state officials, including the police, of colluding with mafia-style influential figures, according to a recent survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). The survey, carried out from September 12 to 14, involved telephone interviews with 1,310 participants over the age of 18, representing a diverse range of educational backgrounds,…
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Critical condition: Thai activist’s battle against stomach tumour prompts urgent hospital transfer
Thai political activist Ekachai Hongkangwan remains in a critical condition due to a stomach tumour, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. The lawyers requested the Department of Corrections to urgently transfer Ekachai to Thammasat University Hospital for treatment. The tumour, as revealed by tests, measures 11 centimetres in length and 8cm in width. The 48 year old Thai activist was…
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Thai consumer confidence surges as new government takes charge, but high living costs cast a shadow
Last month saw a rise in consumer confidence following the swift establishment of a new government, although concerns about the high cost of living and the sluggish global economy remain. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) revealed that the consumer confidence index rose to 56.9 from 55.6 in July. This uplift was attributed to the easing of…
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Charter changes referendum has MFP concerned about government’s procrastination
The potential referendum concerning changes to the charter sparked concerns as the Move Forward Party (MFP) suggests the government is procrastinating. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai tasked with forming a panel to study the referendum plans, stated that discussions about the referendum’s necessity are still ongoing. This announcement came after the Cabinet’s first meeting this week. The focus of the Cabinet’s…
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Thai PM’s digital wallet pick: Pao Tang app unlocks blockchain integration
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced yesterday that the government has chosen the Pao Tang app, operated by Krungthai Bank, for its digital wallet initiative. The integration of the app with blockchain technology was confirmed by Srettha during a policy meeting with executives from the Finance Ministry. The government is prepared with a sufficient budget to roll out a 10,000 baht…
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Bangkok Special Prison seeks ‘checkup’ on ex-PM Thaksin at police hospital
Bangkok Special Prison is set to send an inquiry to the medical team at the Police Hospital about the condition of former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been receiving treatment there. Thaksin has been in the hospital for almost a month, and the prison officials, led by Nasathi Thongplod, insist on following doctors’ orders above all else. Even…
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Scandal unearthed: Thai minister’s wife faces corruption charges over 20 million baht construction project
Rodjana Kantinan, the spouse of Kriang Kantinan, Deputy Interior Minister and a member of the Pheu Thai Party, is currently under investigation for allegations of malfeasance surrounding a construction project. The project in question unfolded in 2012 during Rodjana’s tenure as the Mayor of Nakhon Ubon Ratchathani Municipality, situated within the Ubon Ratchathani province. Isranews Agency reported on Monday that…
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Thai government to revoke redundant NCPO directives, streamlining functions
The Government of Thailand has initiated plans to consult the Council of State, its legal advisory body, on revoking certain directives and proclamations issued by the now-disbanded National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, announced this move, citing that some of the NCPO’s orders are currently redundant or seen as hindrances to the smooth operation of government…
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Thai PM ‘splits’ salary option sparks debate among civil servants
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday responded to criticisms surrounding the recent Cabinet resolution, which offers civil servants the option of receiving their monthly salary in two instalments instead of the usual single payment. The resolution, primarily aimed at stimulating the economy, was unveiled during the first Cabinet meeting of his administration on Wednesday and is tentatively set to start in January.…
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Energizing savings: Government’s cost-cutting shock eases financial pressure
The Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai) expressed approval for the Thai government’s latest move to slash both electricity and diesel costs. This initiative is aimed at alleviating the financial pressure on households and businesses. The reduction in power tariff was confirmed yesterday, following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin‘s policy statement announcement in parliament, reports Bangkok Post. The new…
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Firearm amnesty: Illegal Thai gun owners given 30 days to ‘trigger’ compliance
In an attempt to crackdown on illegal firearm possession, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin drafted a 30-day amnesty for gun owners without permits. They now have a month to turn in these firearms at any police station before stricter enforcement measures are applied. This initiative was implemented yesterday, September 13, following a raid where a team of 100 officials targeted 21…
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Time to shine: MFP leader Pita makes it to Time100 Next list
Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat has been included in the TIME100 Next list unveiled by the American news magazine, Time. Time magazine recently released its annual TIME100 Next list, which aims to recognise individuals who have excelled in their respective fields and have had a significant impact on and served as an inspiration to others in their communities.…
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Ex-PM Thaksin’s special treatment risks unrest, warns senator
A cautionary note has been sounded by a senator who has advised the government to exercise equal treatment for all prisoners. The senator has expressed concerns that the special treatment accorded to Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister who has been convicted, could potentially invite future complications for the government. The warning was issued on Tuesday during the second day…
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Thai transport minister proposes 20-baht flat fare for MRT and SRT lines
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced a pilot for a 20-baht flat fare on the MRT Purple Line and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Red Line. The pilot, expected to roll out within the next three months, is described as a “New Year’s present” for the public. Suriya clarified this initiative in Parliament, affirming its practicality, after it was queried…
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New government policy statement urged to focus on escalating costs, tourism
Public expectations are high as the government prepares to present its policy statement in Parliament today, with the populace eager for it to fulfil commitments to resolve daily-life issues and rejuvenate the economy. Leaders in various sectors have made their pleas, requesting the new government to pay attention to its policy to the needs of their industry. Thaniwan Koonmongkon, head…
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Retiring Phuket Governor Narong participates in traditional merit-making walk
Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew is set to retire by the end of this month. The governor took part in a 2.5-kilometre merit-making walk in Old Phuket Town earlier today. The walk involved 15 monks, including Governor Narong. Narong recently undertook a 15-day ordainment as a monk at Wat Pa Phutthaphot Hariphunchai in Lamphun province on August 26 under the religious…
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Pheu Thai’s Chai Watcharong set to become new government spokesperson
Chai Watcharong, a 64 year old veterinarian and party-list member of Pheu Thai is set to take up the mantle as the new government spokesperson. Positioned 91st on the party list, Chai has confirmed he is prepared to face the challenges of the role. The cabinet is set to officially instate Chai as the government spokesperson this Wednesday. Previously, Chai…
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Thai government’s rainy day plan: Combating drought and El Nino
Confronted with the detrimental impacts of the El Nino weather phenomenon, the Thai government is mobilising to tackle the decreasing rainfall and drought plaguing the nation’s agricultural sector, according to Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Following a special Cabinet meeting yesterday, PM Srettha highlighted the government’s commitment to the welfare of the agricultural community and the nation at large. The…
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Commerce captain charts cost of living course: Cost-cutting and export-boosting ahoy
New Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai aims to address the cost of living and align product prices with production costs. He plans to expedite efforts to discover new export markets and enhance Thai shipping opportunities through increased trade negotiations. On his first day, Wechayachai emphasized his commitment to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin‘s policies and assured prompt attention to public concerns, especially…
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Thai Parliament’s policy showdown: Two-day debate unveiled
Parliament President and House speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha announced a rigorous two-day debate on the government’s policy statement, scheduled to kick off on Monday. This decision came about following a meeting with the government, Senate and opposition whips, where the debate’s timeline was discussed. Wan stated that the debate would kick off on Monday, running from 9am to midnight. The…
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Thailand and Cambodia unite to combat transnational crime and bolster security
Sweeping strides have been made in the fight against transnational crime, and Thailand and Cambodia recently pledged to enhance their joint efforts in this area. The collaboration aims to bolster the stability and security of both nations through increased cooperation. This commitment was solidified during a meeting between the Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn,…
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Baht-ing for growth: Pheu Thai Party’s digital policy to boost Thai economy
The 10,000-baht digital currency policy handout by Pheu Thai is expected to inject an estimated 2 trillion baht into the country’s economy, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. This initiative aims to contribute to a growth of at least 5% in the GDP by 2024. Julapun Amornvivat stated that the economy would get a boost from the widespread use…
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Former Thai deputy speaker implicated in corruption scandal over educational project
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) declared yesterday that Charoen Jankomol, the previous first deputy House speaker, engaged in corrupt practices related to a parliamentary project’s misappropriation. The former Pheu Thai Party MP served from August 2, 2011, to December 9, 2013. The NACC’s investigation revealed that Charoen, along with six parliamentary officials, were indicted for corruption in the administration of…
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