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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Israel boosts Thai worker quota to 21,000 amid labour shortages
Israel has decided to increase the number of Thai workers in its agriculture and construction sectors to 21,000 positions this year, as announced by Labour Minister Rabbi Yoav Ben Tzur. During an official visit to Thailand concluding today, Ben Tzur addressed the press at the Israeli Embassy. He, along with Thai Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, signed a memorandum of understanding…
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Election commission skips key meeting on Senate vote-fixing probe
The Election Commission (EC) refused to attend a key Department of Special Investigation (DSI) board meeting today, where officials were set to decide on launching an investigation into alleged collusion in last year’s Senate election. Instead, the EC opted to send a formal letter asserting its sole authority over the matter. The decision was made during an internal meeting on…
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Thailand to discuss Tri Muk Pavilion fire with Cambodia
Thai government officials are gearing up for urgent talks with Cambodia following a fire that tore through the Tri Muk Pavilion in the Emerald Triangle, a symbolic structure of unity between Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed the discussions will take place at the 17th Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) tomorrow,…
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Thailand makes biggest-ever showcase at ITB Berlin 2025
Thailand is making its biggest-ever splash at ITB Berlin 2025, the world’s largest travel trade show, with an expanded exhibition space and a record-breaking delegation of 160 Thai tourism operators. The event, running from March 4 to 6 in Berlin, Germany, will mark Thailand’s strongest push yet to capture the European travel market. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced…
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Thailand allegedly snubbed US, Canada, Oz, Uyghur asylum offers
Thailand snubbed asylum offers, from the US, Canada, and Australia, and deported 48 ethnic Uyghurs to China, according to Reuters. The move comes despite a decade-long detention limbo and impassioned calls from UN human rights experts for the Uyghurs’ safety. The Government of Thailand staunchly defended the deportation, asserting it was carried out in line with their legal and human…
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Thai social security office vows check-ups on clinics for better care
The Social Security Office clarified its commitment to stringent checks on medical facilities under the Social Security system, aiming to enhance the insured’s quality of life. Niyada Saneemanomai, a government spokesperson, yesterday, March 4, addressed a case where an insured person died of heart failure after receiving treatment at a hospital under the social security system. The patient was initially…
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Qatar aids Thailand in locating last Thai hostage in Gaza
Qatar has committed to locating the last remaining Thai hostage held by Hamas in Gaza and assisting with the repatriation of two dead Thai workers, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is currently visiting Qatar, where he met with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani on Monday, March 3. Maris thanked Qatar…
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Prawit to lead no-confidence debate against PM Paetongtarn
Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader General Prawit Wongsuwan is set to lead party members of Parliament in a no-confidence debate against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on March 24, according to PPRP Secretary-General Paiboon Nititawan. Paiboon stated that the PPRP will have a two-hour slot to scrutinise the prime minister, with General Prawit actively participating in the proceedings. The debate will address several…
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Thai hotels fear Songkran impact from Uyghur controversy
The Thai Hotels Association expressed concerns over potential impacts on the upcoming Songkran festival due to Thailand’s decision to repatriate Uyghurs to China. The decision by the Government of Thailand action has drawn warnings from Japan and the United States, while Australia has issued a strong disapproval statement. The European Union has also expressed regret, citing violations of the non-refoulement…
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Pattaya cracks down on shady grabs and sinking streets
Pattaya officials are cracking down on illegal land grabs and worsening flood woes, with urgent measures underway to reclaim public property and overhaul drainage systems. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet and Bang Lamung District Chief Patcharaphat Sritanyanon chaired an emergency meeting to address these pressing concerns, focusing on two major crises: illegal encroachment at Sukhawadee House and persistent flooding in the city’s…
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Thailand upholds alcohol ban on Buddhist holidays with exceptions
Thailand’s Alcoholic Beverage Board has upheld the ban on alcohol sales during five major Buddhist holy days, with limited exceptions for specific locations. The decision, aimed at balancing religious observance with tourism promotion, is expected to take effect before Visakha Bucha Day on May 11. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Chantararuangthong, chaired the National…
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Thai man blames social security delay for brother’s death
A Thai man blamed delayed treatment under the Social Security Office (SSO) for his brother’s death while others came forward to express their disappointment over the poor quality of medical care provided under the SSO. Facebook user Chatpat Chuthichok shared the story of his brother yesterday, March 2. His brother died in hospital on February 28 after a lengthy wait…
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Thailand sees record 1.13 trillion baht foreign investment boost
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed optimism about Thailand’s economic prospects, highlighting significant foreign investment, which reached over 1.13 trillion baht last year, the highest in a decade. In a monthly Empowering Thais TV segment aired by the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand, the premier shares her optimism in regards to economic trajectory, despite last year’s 2.5% growth. “We will work…
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Tiktok to invest 300bn baht in Thai tech hub development
TikTok plans to invest approximately 300 billion baht in Thailand over the next five years to transform the country into an ASEAN technology hub. The decision emerged from discussions yesterday, February 28, between Helena Lersch, TikTok’s vice-president of public policy, and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok, as reported by Government Spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub. Lersch expressed appreciation for the Thai…
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Deputy PM calls for fair censure debate, no Thaksin targeting
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai called for the opposition to engage in a constructive debate without involving former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is not part of the Cabinet. The no-confidence motion is directed at Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, raising speculation that the opposition may criticise Thaksin, her politically active father. Paetongtarn faces accusations of lacking leadership skills, knowledge, and…
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Thai minister refutes 92 billion baht foreign healthcare cost claim
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin addressed public concerns after the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) reported that healthcare costs for foreign workers reached 92 billion baht last year. He clarified that the actual figure was closer to 2 billion baht. Somsak acknowledged that healthcare spending increased during 2021 and 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that the…
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Thailand Anti-Discrimination Bill set for Cabinet approval by April
The Department of Rights and Liberties Protection has announced that the government’s version of the Anti-Discrimination Bill is anticipated to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval by April. Somdech Poonnampao, head of the department’s legal division, stated that the bill’s drafting originated from a 2019 proposal by civil society groups. These organisations encouraged the Ministry of Justice to prepare…
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Labour Ministry backs export of Muay Thai coaches to Hong Kong
The Labour Ministry has committed to fully supporting the export of Muay Thai boxing coaches to Hong Kong, where there is a significant demand for their expertise. This commitment was highlighted during Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn’s recent visit to the territory. During his visit, Phiphat, accompanied by senior ministry officials, toured a fitness centre on Fa Yuen Street in Mong…
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Senate votes to ban small mesh nets for night fishing
The Senate has voted to prohibit the use of purse seine nets with mesh sizes smaller than 2.5cm for night fishing, leading to the return of the Lower House’s fisheries bill to MPs for further discussion. The Upper House reviewed the amendment bill for the Royal Ordinance on Fisheries 2015 on Tuesday, following the Senate committee’s evaluation. The bill comprises…
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New entertainment complex law to shake up Thailand’s nightlife
A controversial new law that could revolutionise Thailand’s entertainment industry is set to be reviewed by the Cabinet on March 11, sparking curiosity and speculation about the future of nightlife in the country. The Entertainment Complex Business Act aims to regulate entertainment venues more strictly, impacting nightclubs, bars, and other entertainment establishments nationwide. The Council of State recently returned the…
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Thailand deports 40 Uyghurs to China amid global outrage
Thailand has secretly deported 40 Uyghur detainees to China after nearly 11 years in detention, sparking international outrage and accusations of human rights violations. The deportation was confirmed by Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who stated that the transfer was conducted under international standards and after receiving assurances from China regarding the detainees’ welfare. The operation began in the early hours…
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Thailand to introduce 300-baht tourism tax
Thailand is set to introduce a 300-baht tourism tax for foreign visitors by the end of this year, sparking debate over its potential impact on the travel industry. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong confirmed that the fee is expected to take effect during Thailand’s High Season, provided it is approved and published in the Royal Gazette by March. The…
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No-confidence motion targets PM Paetongtarn
Opposition Leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has launched a political firestorm by filing a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, accusing her of incompetence and corruption. The motion, submitted under Section 151 of the Constitution at Parliament today, February 27, aims to unseat Paetongtarn amid claims of poor governance and political manipulation. Natthaphong, head of the People’s Party, announced that while…
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DSI investigates potential rigging in last year’s Senate election
The Department of Special Investigation’s (DSI) special cases board will address complaints related to the Senate election held last year with transparency, according to Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. Yesterday, February 26, the minister met with unsuccessful candidates and those on the reserve list of senators who supported him amid rising tensions between the DSI and the Senate. Some senators have…
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Over 7,000 foreign nationals rescued from Myanmar scam centres
More than 7,000 foreign nationals trapped in scam call centres in Myanmar’s Myawaddy region have been freed and are awaiting repatriation, according to the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF). The victims, totalling 7,141 people from 28 nationalities, were rescued from the notorious Shwe Kokko and KK Park complexes, areas known for human trafficking and cybercrime activities. The BGF, led by…
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U-Tapao Airport expansion cut as high-speed rail delays continue
The ambitious U-Tapao Airport expansion is being drastically scaled back as the Bangkok-Rayong high-speed rail project faces ongoing delays and uncertainty. The airport, a key component of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development, was initially designed to handle 12 million passengers annually. However, with the high-speed rail link stalled for nearly five years, those plans are being significantly downsized. U-Tapao…
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Social Security Fund board rejects pension formula
The Social Security Fund (SSF) Board recently declined a proposed pension formula, citing its complexity as the reason for rejection. Board member Associate Professor Sustarum Thammaboosadee, who coordinates the Progressive Social Security Team, expressed regret over his inability to persuade the SSF Board to adopt the proposal. Despite this setback, he plans to continue advocating for the formula at the…
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Free Internet for disabled Thais under new government initiative
In a groundbreaking move to bridge the digital divide, a new initiative will provide free Internet access to over 1.1 million disabled people across Thailand. The programme, launched through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), and Bangkok Tellink, aims to empower disabled people by giving…
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200 Myanmar migrants sent home in Thai repatriation drive
In a significant crackdown on illegal immigration, 200 Myanmar migrants were deported from Ranong province yesterday, February 24 as part of Thailand’s ongoing efforts to address the influx of undocumented workers. The group, consisting of 198 men and two women, were repatriated after undergoing legal proceedings and voluntarily joining the government’s repatriation programme. The migrants were transported to the customs…
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Kothon and 8 charged in murder of PAO member
In a chilling conclusion to a high-profile murder case, the Crime Suppression Division has officially indicted Sunthon Wilawan, known as Kothon, and eight accomplices for the brutal killing of Chaimes Sitthisanitphong, also known as S.J. Tong, a member of the Provincial Administrative Organisation in Prachin Buri. The case files were submitted to prosecutors today, February 25, marking a major development…
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