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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Paetongtarn thanks supporters after topping NIDA poll
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her gratitude to the public for their support after topping a quarterly poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) yesterday, September 29. The 38 year old Thai premier garnered support from 31.35% of respondents, who commended her leadership and efforts in tackling the hardships faced by the nation. Jirayu Huangsab, an adviser…
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Finance ministry sees record revenue of 14.4 billion baht
The Ministry of Finance announced that the Treasury Department has achieved record-breaking revenue collection for the fiscal year 2024, amounting to 14.4 billion baht. This represents a 57.9% increase from the previous year and exceeds projections by 25.4%, marking the highest revenue since the department’s establishment on September 30, 1924. The Deputy Minister of Finance, Paophum Rojanasakul attributed this remarkable…
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EC dismisses complaints for party dissolution, insufficient evidence
The Election Commission (EC) has dismissed two of over ten complaints calling for the dissolution of certain political parties and the removal of the prime minister and some Cabinet members due to insufficient information. Sawaeng Boonmee, the EC Secretary-General, stated that the office received more than ten complaints since the new government was established but two have been rejected. He…
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Chiang Rai governor faces probe for absences during flood crisis
Thailand’s Interior Ministry has initiated a disciplinary investigation against the outgoing Chiang Rai governor, Puttipong Sirimart, after his repeated absences during critical flood-relief operations in the province. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the probe yesterday, September 29, just one day before Puttipong’s scheduled retirement. Anutin, who had previously ordered an investigation into Puttipong’s absences in late…
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Anti-spanking bill scrapped: Thai MPs rethink on child discipline
The controversial anti-spanking bill has been withdrawn for further review after a backlash from MPs during the recent parliamentary session. The proposed amendment to the Civil and Commercial Code aimed to prohibit corporal punishment of children but faced fierce opposition on Wednesday, September 25, highlighting serious concerns regarding its vagueness and alignment with fundamental principles. Nipon Khonkhayan, an MP from…
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Reel deal: Thai man is squids in with government digital wallet
Among the many recipients of the government’s digital wallet handout is a 66 year old Thai man who transformed his share into a thriving small business selling grilled squid. State welfare cardholder Suwit Inrat, also known as Uncle Ood, received the handout money via his Krungthai Bank account around 2am today, September 27, prompting Suwit to spring into action. With…
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Thailand’s 20-billion-baht airport expressway takes off in 2030
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is gearing up to launch public-private partnerships (PPPs) next year for the ambitious 20-billion-baht Srinakarin-Suvarnabhumi Airport expressway project. With an anticipated opening in 2030, this project is poised to streamline access to the bustling Suvarnabhumi Airport, enhancing the travel experience for both locals and tourists alike. EXAT Deputy Governor Katpachon Udomthampakdee, recently led the…
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Off-key: Ex-folk singer politician hits sour note in corruption scandal
A former Thai folk singer-turned-politician has been booted from his position as mayor of Khlong Luang district in Pathum Thani province after being entangled in a major corruption scandal. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) ruled that a case involving shady dealings during the Covid-19 pandemic had enough weight to warrant his immediate removal. The axe fell swiftly, with Interior Minister…
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Na Jomtien officials deliver relief bags to 126 households in need
Na Jomtien officials delivered essential relief bags to 126 households in need yesterday, September 26. Rapeephan Rattanaliem, Mayor of Na Jomtien Subdistrict Municipality, accompanied by the deputy mayor, the mayor’s secretary, the mayor’s advisors, department heads, and municipal officials, conducted a field visit at 9am to distribute the relief packages. The relief bags contained drinking water, rice, cooking oil, fish…
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NHRC urges Thailand to rethink Southern Land Bridge project
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is urging Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to reconsider the Southern Land Bridge megaproject, highlighting concerns about its environmental impact and implications for local communities. The NHRC supports its call with findings from various studies conducted by state agencies. Council member Sayamol Kaiyoorawongs stated that the prime minister should direct the Office of Transport and…
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Recipients can use 10,000-baht handout to clear debts: Deputy PM
Recipients of the 10,000-baht handout are free to use the money as they see fit, including paying off debts, according to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham addressed reports that many eligible individuals in the first phase of the scheme, which began yesterday, September 26, plan to use the funds to clear their debts. “They can use the money [to…
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400-baht minimum wage confirmed for October 1 despite delay
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed that the 400-baht daily minimum wage will take effect on October 1 as planned, despite the national wage committee’s failure to endorse it yet. Opposition People’s Party MP Sia Champhathong questioned the minister in the House yesterday, asking if the adjournments of two recent committee meetings were a governmental tactic to avoid addressing the issue.…
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PM Paetongtarn tops the polls whilst Thaksin falls to 7th
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has surged to the top of the charts in a LINE Today poll, placed first among Thailand’s political elite. The poll, conducted from September 10 to 20, revealed that the country’s 31st Prime Minister and second female leader outpaced her rivals by a wide margin. Leading the pack with an impressive 4,764 points, PM Paetongtarn…
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Thailand digital wallet handout falls short: Woman gets only 4,000
A Thai woman attempting to withdraw 10,000 baht for her father, as part of the Thai government’s digital wallet handout for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities, received only 4,000 baht, sparking suspicions of debt deductions by the bank. In Uthai Thani province, the government commenced disbursing 10,000 baht to vulnerable groups and those with disabilities. From early morning, recipients…
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Bangkok is ready for potential flooding: Deputy Interior Minister
Deputy Interior Minister Theerarat Samrejvanich assured the public that Bangkok is well-equipped to manage any potential flooding, drawing a clear distinction from the devastating floods of 2011. Theerarat shared insights from her recent discussion with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who confirmed the city’s proactive measures against potential floods. Local officials have been tasked with inspecting water pumps and ensuring all…
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Northern Thailand: Electricity bills scrapped in disaster zones
To ease the burden on flood-ravaged communities, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that electricity bills for this month will be waived for those living in the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand. After chairing a crucial Cabinet meeting at Government House, the 38 year old PM confirmed, “We are suspending the collection of electricity fees for this month. It’s a…
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Thailand starts 10,000-baht handout to 3 million needy individuals
Three million needy and disabled individuals in Thailand will receive the 10,000-baht handout under the government’s digital wallet programme today, announced Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. This initial rollout is part of a larger initiative aimed at aiding 14.5 million recipients in total. Due to limitations with the PromptPay payment system, only 3 million recipients can be processed initially. These funds…
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Thailand’s universal healthcare won’t ‘break the bank’ says minister
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health remains confident that the universal healthcare programme will not face financial difficulties, according to Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin. The government has allocated a central budget of 5.9 billion baht for the scheme for the fiscal year ending September 30. Somsak provided this update following a National Health Security Board meeting, where participants discussed plans for…
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93 countries including Singapore will require ETA for Thai entry
Soon, Singaporeans and travellers from 92 other visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before their trip to the Land of Smiles. Reports suggest a pilot programme might kick off in December, with full implementation expected by June 2025. However, The Straits Times has learned that the exact launch date is still up in the…
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New alert system to be rolled out for natural disasters in Thailand
The Government of Thailand is set to roll out SMS alerts for natural disasters, ensuring the public is warned of impending danger, Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Chanthararuangthong revealed today. Prasert, who also serves as deputy PM, announced that the decision was made during a high-stakes meeting yesterday, September 23, attended by key players such as the Disaster Prevention…
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Thai government to tighten grip on online scammers
The Government of Thailand is set to unleash new laws in its war against online scams, with a toughened stance on cyber criminals. Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Economy (MDES) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, vowed to not only protect consumers but also tackle the soaring number of fraud cases that threaten the nation’s economic security. Responding to concerns raised by Senator…
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Commerce Ministry says pork prices are ‘bringing home the bacon’
The Thai Ministry of Commerce has addressed concerns raised by Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan regarding the high cost of pork in Thailand compared to imported pork. This issue has led to significant expenses for consumers. Consequently, the ministry has instructed the Internal Trade Department to collaborate with relevant agencies to find solutions that balance and make the entire pricing chain fairer.…
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Thailand promotes products with Piccadilly Circus campaign
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has launched the Think Thailand Next Level branding campaign to promote Thai products and services. The event, led by Pichai Naripthaphan, took place at Piccadilly Circus in London, aiming to elevate Thailand’s image globally. The campaign’s launch featured a gigantic digital billboard at Piccadilly Circus, a prominent public space and a central hub in London. This…
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Thailand delays minimum wage hike to 400 baht by two weeks
Thailand’s decision to delay the planned increase in the minimum wage to 400 baht per day will extend the wait by about two weeks, according to a senior labour official. This postponement, initially set for October 1, is due to the committee responsible for the hike not meeting quorum requirements in its recent sessions. The committee, comprising representatives from employers,…
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Thai MP’s car catches fire after inspecting Lampang floods
People’s Party MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn experienced a frightening moment when the car transporting him caught fire after returning from inspecting flood conditions in Lampang, en route to Chiang Mai Airport. A Good Samaritan helped extinguish the fire, revealing they suddenly smelled something burning and saw smoke before flames erupted. Wiroj, a list MP from the People’s Party, shared his alarming…
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Activist questions Paetongtarn’s resignation from family firms
Political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has pressed the Election Commission (EC) to investigate whether Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra properly resigned from executive positions in 20 family-owned companies before her election. Ruangkrai questioned if Paetongtarn adhered to the Department of Business Development’s procedures when stepping down from roles in firms associated with her family. Failure to resign appropriately would violate Section 187…
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Freelancers in the frame: Thailand mulls welfare for all, even in the sex trade
The government is contemplating extending welfare protections to freelance workers, including those in the sex industry, akin to those available to employees registered with the Social Security Fund (SSF), contingent on their payment of income taxes. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong revealed that discussions are underway with multiple agencies to establish a welfare system to safeguard freelance workers, including…
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Pheu Thai Party bets on casino plan to cash in on tax revenue
The ruling Pheu Thai Party defended its proposed casino-entertainment complex project, asserting that it will legalise underground gambling activities and enable the government to collect tax revenue. A statement on Pheu Thai’s webpage released yesterday, September 22, indicated that legalising underground gambling and taxing the project could contribute more than 50% of GDP, thereby boosting the economy and funding education…
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Pheu Thai Party defends ethics in political face-off
The Pheu Thai Party has firmly denied accusations of undermining ethical standards for political figures as outlined in the constitution. They claim they aim to clarify what constitutes grounds for prosecuting those in public office. Critics are raising alarms that the party’s push for a constitutional amendment to relax ethical conduct standards could pave the way for a power grab.…
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Pattaya vows to fast-track construction in Chon Buri: Public outcry
Fed-up locals and tourists have finally had enough. Complaints have been pouring in over the ongoing roadworks near Wat Mai Samraan and Tawaen Beach Pier, prompting city officials to spring into action. With mounting frustration, city bosses have now cracked the whip on the sluggish construction project, demanding faster progress. Officials have ordered contractors to ramp up their workforce and…
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