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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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City Hall city sweeps streets, leaves residents puzzled: 200 abandoned cars vanish
City Hall successfully wiped over 200 abandoned cars off the streets of Bangkok, leaving residents baffled. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) disclosed their battle against 1,399 derelict vehicles from 2019 to last year. However, the real jaw-dropper is the 203 abandoned cars that mysteriously disappeared after no owners claimed them. Bangkok Deputy Governor Chakkraphan Phiewngam took charge on January 2,…
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Government’s budget blunder: MFP MP slams 3.5 trillion baht bill
In a fiery critique that rocked the House of Representatives, Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Sirikanya Tansakun aimed at the government‘s 3.48-trillion-baht budget for 2024, labelling it a masterpiece of unprofessional blunders. On the opening day of the budget bill’s inaugural reading, Sirikanya, the deputy leader of MFP, unleashed scathing criticism, claiming that the government had failed to craft a…
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Students and activists set to storm Government House over Thaksin’s VIP treatment
Students and activists from the People’s Network for Thailand Reform (STR) are set to storm Government House next Friday, January 12, demanding answers over the controversial treatment of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin, convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison, has spent nearly five months receiving special privileges outside the confines of incarceration, sparking suspicions of preferential treatment.…
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Thailand urged to enhance maritime security amid escalating geopolitics
Thailand has been advised to bolster its maritime security amid escalating global geopolitics, notably in Asia and the South China Sea, according to Kunihiko Miyake, president of the Foreign Policy Institute Japan. Miyake, a former Japanese diplomat, emphasised the strategic location of Thailand and its crucial role in maintaining regional stability during a recent visit to the Japanese embassy in…
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Thai government to stimulate economy with digital wallet scheme
The Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to launch the digital wallet scheme in May, a key policy of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. The scheme, financed by a 500 billion baht (US$14,518,005,000) loan, aims to inject 10,000 baht (US$290) into the digital wallet of every Thai citizen aged 16 and above as a means to stimulate the economy. The government…
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Thailand PM urges cautious monetary policy amid economic recovery
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin urges the Bank of Thailand to consider the potential risks to the country’s delicate economic recovery when making decisions regarding monetary policy. He expressed concern that the decade-high borrowing costs, currently standing at 2.5%, could potentially impede the nation’s economic revival and affect the populace adversely. During a parliamentary budget debate, PM Srettha revealed that the…
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PM’s plush pad revealed: Exclusive peek into Srettha Thavisin’s swanky Government House makeover
Exclusive images of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin‘s revamped residence at Government House have just hit the headlines, giving us a sneak peek into the luxurious second-floor haven. In a move echoing historical significance, the 61 year old prime minister is set to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, aka Marshal P. The swanky abode, set…
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Thailand’s delayed 2024 budget bill presented in Parliament
The delayed budget bill for this year, amounting to 3.48 trillion baht (US$101.52 billion), was presented today by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin in the House of Representatives. This event marked the start of a three-day debate among lawmakers. PM Srettha emphasised the importance of the budget to Parliament. “The budget is crucial in moving the economy forward.”…
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Thai PM gives ultimatum on Mor Chit 2 bus terminal
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin issued a stern warning to a Transport Company chief, threatening dire consequences if the Mor Chit 2 interprovincial bus terminal isn’t swiftly improved. The ultimatum comes on the heels of public outrage and scathing remarks from Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Suphanat Minchaiynunt, who exposed the terminal’s grim conditions. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke declared yesterday, January…
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Tying the knot with change: Thailand raises marriage age to 18 in human rights stride
The Thailand Cabinet has embraced a proposal to elevate the minimum age of marriage from 17 to 18, aligning with global human rights standards. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is spearheading this change, aiming to bring the country in line with international principles. Deputy government spokesperson Rudklao Suwankiri disclosed that amendments to the Civil and Commercial Code, along with…
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House committee to inspect Land Bridge project impact on local
An investigative committee from the House is set to make a field visit to Chumphon and Ranong, the designated development areas for the much-anticipated Land Bridge megaproject. The committee’s objective is to garner insights into the project’s potential repercussions on local communities, according to an anonymous source. Presided over by Pheu Thai MP for Phayao, Wisut Chainaroon, the committee has…
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South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung survives stabbing attack in Busan
South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was stabbed while making a public announcement in Busan. Following the incident, authorities immediately apprehended the attacker. Lee, who lost the presidential election in 2022, was transported to the hospital approximately 20 minutes post-assault and is currently conscious. Lee Jae-myung, who suffered a defeat in the 2022 presidential polls, was stabbed on the left…
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PM Srettha extends new year wishes, discusses govt’s plans
On the advent of the new year, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, in company with Supreme Patriarch and House Speaker and Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, extended heartfelt wishes to the nation and its inhabitants. PM Srettha started his year with a visit to Wat Ratchabophit, accompanied by his wife, Pakpilai Thavisin. They expressed their reverence to the Supreme…
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MFP accused of backing anti-government activities in Cambodia
The Move Forward Party (MFP) finds itself embroiled in a political storm as the Cambodian Khmer Unity Great National Party (KUGNP) accuses it of supporting activities against the Phnom Penh government from the sanctuary of Thailand. The opposition MFP vehemently denies these allegations, sparking a cross-border political spat. The KUGNP, an alliance of seven political parties and six civil society…
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Court orders 300K baht compensation for protesters from Thai police
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) have been slapped with a hefty bill of 300,000 baht over a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy Ratsadon, or People’s Party, protesters. While the court’s decision may have came as a shock to many, the details of the ruling reveal a deeper, contentious battle between the authorities and the people. The Civil Court ruled on December…
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Pita Limjaroenrat crowned ‘Politician of the Year’ in Isaan poll
Pita Limjaroenrat, the former helm of the Move Forward Party (MFP), has clinched the coveted title of Politician of the Year in a high-octane survey conducted by Isaan Poll. The political battleground witnessed Pita soaring ahead with a formidable 34% of support from the 2,156 respondents aged 18 years or more across the 20 provinces of the Northeast. Associcate Professor…
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Thai politics 2023 in review: Challenges and changes
The landscape of Thai politics in 2023 was filled with suspense, surprises, and setbacks. The Move Forward Party, despite winning the most seats in the May election, couldn’t form a government. Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, a significant figure in the country’s political sphere, decided to retire. A potential reconciliation between the red and yellow shirts was on the horizon. Thaksin Shinawatra,…
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End of an era: Hong Kong’s Civic Party dissolves, leaving behind only six lapel pins
In a poignant finale to a political chapter, veteran Hong Kong politician Alan Leong clings to the remnants of the Civic Party, preserving six lapel pins marked with the party’s founding date 19.03.06. The demise of the opposition group, once hailed as the barristers’ party, unfolded in the face of China’s national security law, silencing dissent and reshaping the political…
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Huge deficit in 2025 fiscal year
The government has laid bare its plans for the 2025 fiscal year, unveiling a colossal budget deficit of 713 billion baht. This unprecedented move comes hand in hand with a staggering increase in spending, soaring to 3.6 trillion baht, leaving citizens and experts alike scratching their heads. The ambitious forecast also includes a predicted gross domestic product (GDP) growth of…
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Thai PM in talks at Mekong-Lancang video conference
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin catapulted Thailand into the heart of Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) during the 4th Leaders’ Meeting on December 25, seizing the virtual stage with an unprecedented proposal for a shared future of peace and prosperity. Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharonke set the tone, declaring the event under the theme, Join Hands on the Building of a Community of Shared…
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ONWR invests 390 billion in water supply management in 2025
Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin revealed after chairing a meeting of the National Water Resources Committee that the meeting approved a water resource action plan for fiscal year 2025. More than 50,000 items from 24 agencies, eight ministries, 76 provinces, and more than 2,000 local government organisations from Bangkok and Pattaya, were discussed. An amount of 392,510 million baht is expected…
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Job seekers look for quality jobs, not just income concerns
In the aftermath of the pandemic, Thai job seekers are demanding more than just a paycheque. Managing Director of Jobs DB (Thailand) Recruitment Company, Duangporn Phrom-on, has unveiled revelations from the expansive Global Talent Survey, a game-changer exploring Southeast Asia’s job market. This survey, casting its net over 97,324 participants across six Asian nations, unleashed significant insights. Thailand, a digital…
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Thailand and Malaysia join forces to boost economy
Thailand and Malaysia have forged an alliance to supercharge development in the southern Thai region and the northern Malaysian peninsula. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reveals this game-changing commitment after a late-night summit with Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin in Phuket. Anwar took to Facebook to reveal the details. “A special joint committee at the highest level between the two countries will…
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Mental health crisis: NHSO petitions Thai health minister for urgent treatment reforms
Thailand‘s National Health Security Office (NHSO) has taken a bold step by submitting a compelling petition to Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew. Faced with an alarming surge in patients struggling to access timely treatment and medication, the NHSO is demanding a radical policy change to save lives. The petition implores Thai Health Minister Cholnan to address the dire shortage of…
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Thai workers fleeing conflict zones for lucrative jobs in South Korea: 7,000 positions up for grabs
The Korean-Thai Chamber of Commerce (KTCC) is set to revolutionise the South Korean job market, offering a glimmer of hope for thousands of Thai workers escaping the turmoil in Israel. The KTCC, having sealed the deal with the Thai government, is now gearing up to negotiate with South Korean local government officials, aiming to open the doors to Thai workers…
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Bangkok free water refill plan to reduce plastic use
Central Pattana, alongside influential partners, spearheads the Bottle Free Seas campaign, urging Bangkokians to swap the bottle for reusable options. With a staggering 70 million plastic bottles drowning Bangkok monthly, the initiative aims to flood the city with free water dispensers, starting with the iconic Central World shopping mall. The campaign, a collaborative effort between Central Pattana, the Bangkok Metropolitan…
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3.48 trillion budget approved by Cabinet for next year
Prime Minister Srettha, in a post-Cabinet meeting press conference declared that the budget bill, meticulously scrutinised by the Office of Council of State, will be delivered for approval. Typically, budget bills are sealed and delivered before the fiscal year kicks off in October. However, this year’s extravaganza faced a dramatic delay, thanks to the intricate dance of forming a coalition…
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Thai elderly seek help from ThaiHealth for palliative care
Speaking at a pivotal seminar on palliative care, Dr Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, the director of ThaiHealth’s healthcare development division, laid bare the heartbreaking reality. “The statistics for 2021 are staggering – 12.5 million elderly people in Thailand, with nearly 47,000 bedridden and suffering. We need your assistance to provide the specialised care they deserve.” These vulnerable patients are at risk of…
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New Year gift baskets examined to ensure safety
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), alongside the Consumer Protection Board and other state agencies, was on a mission to expose potential dangers lurking in New Year gift baskets. Their crackdown involved a meticulous inspection of major shopping hubs, supermarkets, online retailers, and even alms-giving sets to ensure compliance with stringent Thai food safety regulations. BMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Wantanee Wattana,…
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Pattaya: Free rabies vaccinations in January
Pattaya‘s Department of Public Health and Environment proposed free vaccinations to battle rabies in 2024. The crusade covers a wide stretch of neighbourhoods, from the trendy Naklua (Moo 1 to 7) to the vibrant Nong Prue (Moo 5, 6, 9 to 13) and the serene Huay Yai (Moo 4). This groundbreaking initiative is not just about jabs; it throws in…
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