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 Why traders in Thailand are choosing EC Markets for gold and forex trading
Gold and forex trading have long been favourites among investors in Thailand, but why are so many traders now turning to EC Markets? The answer lies in a combination of tight spreads, ultra-fast execution, Thai baht (THB) deposit support, and...
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Political unrest impacts Thailand’s stock market performance
Political turbulence, both on the domestic and international fronts, is tempering the growth prospects of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), despite the Thai index briefly surpassing the 1,500-point mark. Analysts note that the Election Commission’s (EC) recent decision to investigate Thaksin Shinawatra for potentially exerting undue influence over the ruling Pheu Thai Party is a significant factor. The political…
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PM Paetongtarn’s political shrug: Dodging EC probe bombshell
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra shrugged off the Election Commission’s (EC) bombshell probe into allegations that could see her Pheu Thai Party and five political allies dissolved. Accusations are flying that the parties let an outsider pull the strings, and that outsider is none other than former PM, and Paetongtarn’s kin, Thaksin Shinawatra. The drama kicked off when key figures from…
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Phew! Thai party faces petition peril over Thaksin ties
A dramatic political twist erupted as a petition emerged demanding the dissolution of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, with claims of undue influence from former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. The party itself has made the explosive allegations. The Election Commission (EC) confirmed it is merging four petitions against Pheu Thai, alleging that the party is under Thaksin’s sway, despite him not…
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Double tax deductions to boost northern Thailand tourism
The Ministry of Finance is planning to introduce measures under the Thai Travel Continues campaign to boost tourism in flood-affected areas in northern Thailand. The initiative will offer double tax deductions for two groups: individuals and companies holding seminars in the disaster-stricken regions. Finance Deputy Minister Julapun Amornwiwat announced that the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Ministry of…
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EC investigates Pheu Thai Party, dissolution probable
The Election Commission (EC) has commenced an investigation into the ruling Pheu Thai Party, which could potentially lead to its dissolution, as reported by multiple local media outlets yesterday, October 18. The EC has formed a committee to examine complaints alleging that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been exerting influence or directing party activities. This information was shared by…
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Deputy speaker shuts down House debate on amnesty bill
Tensions flared in Thailand’s House of Representatives yesterday as Deputy House Speaker Pichet Chuamuangphan unexpectedly slammed the gavel on a heated debate, abruptly closing the session before a vote on a controversial amnesty proposal could be held. The debate centred on a report led by Pheu Thai MP Chusak Sirinil, which explored ways to draft an amnesty bill aimed at…
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Phuket landslide victims to receive 9,000 baht compensation soon
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat assured that compensation from the central government to victims and survivors of the landslide in Kata will be delivered soon. The amount, 9,000 baht per person, will be paid directly into claimants’ bank accounts, Governor Sophon told reporters. He was speaking at the site of the landslide following a merit-making ceremony to support those who suffered…
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Thai worker’s body to be repatriated from Israel after fatal accident
The body of a Thai worker killed in Israel last week will be repatriated next Tuesday, October 22, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Israeli authorities have completed the autopsy on 42 year old Nisan Meeram from Buriram province. A death certificate has been issued, and the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv has informed Nisan’s family of the developments.…
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No putt-ing around: RTAF golf course revamp on hold for deeper study
The proposal to transform the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)’s Dhupatemiya golf course in Pathum Thani into a public park requires an in-depth study, as the location plays a critical role in the military’s strategic operations, stated Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham was addressing questions from the People’s Party (PP) MP for Pathum Thani, Chetawan Thuaprakhon, regarding the potential transfer…
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Thailand joins BRICS Plus Summit in Russia, aims to boost ties
Thailand will participate in the 4th BRICS Plus Summit in Russia, with Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa representing the country instead of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as announced yesterday, October 17. Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Nikorn Balankura confirmed that Thailand will join the meeting, scheduled from October 22 to 24 in Kazan, Tatarstan, upon the invitation of Russian President Vladimir…
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Chatuchak condo residents glue-d to growing homeless woes
Residents of a condominium in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, raised concerns about a growing number of homeless individuals who have taken up residence in front of their building, indulging in alcohol and glue sniffing, and leaving food waste scattered. Despite repeated reports to local government officials, the issue remains unresolved. A post on the Facebook page Drama-addict highlighted the problem, with…
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Jackpot: New Thai government lottery tickets now on sale, 20 baht
The new N3 three-digit lottery tickets are now on sale, offering a total prize pool of 2 million baht. Each ticket costs 20 baht, and the first draw is scheduled for November 1. The Government Lottery Office (GLO) announced the launch of N3 three-digit lottery tickets, available to the public today, October 17. The tickets, priced at 20 baht each,…
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Chadchart inspects footpath renovation in Bangkok Yai district
The capital’s streets are getting a makeover and Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt is leading the charge. The 58 year old city chief, accompanied by Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon, hit the streets on Tuesday, October 15 to inspect the ongoing footpath renovation project on Itsaraphap Road near the MRT Itsaraphap Station in Bangkok Yai district. This ambitious upgrade, launched in June,…
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Thailand and Laos spark cross-border renewable energy scheme
Thai officials are set to engage in discussions with the Laotian government to enhance the utilisation of renewable energy across borders, aiming to expedite the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. The plan involves encouraging Thai businesses to purchase renewable power from Laos through a cross-border energy attribute certificate scheme, according to an official from the Energy Ministry who requested anonymity.…
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Roll the dice: Casino bill feedback to be reviewed by Thai Cabinet
A public hearing on the proposed casino-entertainment complex bill wrapped up with feedback set to be submitted to the Cabinet, announced the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) at the Ministry of Finance. The FPO, alongside the Digital Government Development Agency, collected public opinions on the bill via their websites over two weeks. The bill aims to establish entertainment complexes with legally…
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Thailand invites China to build satellite launch base
Thailand extended an invitation to China to build a satellite launch base to provide 6G technology, marking a significant step in enhancing economic cooperation as both nations gear up to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations next year. In addition to technological collaboration, China plans to send a new pair of giant pandas to Thailand as goodwill ambassadors for the…
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Climate activists rally in Bangkok: No more ‘carbon’ copies of injustice
More than 200 climate activists descended on the United Nations Headquarters in Bangkok yesterday passionately demanding an end to climate change laws and carbon credit systems that favour corporate giants. The rally, titled “System Change Not Climate Crisis,” aimed to pressure the Thai government ahead of the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), taking place in Azerbaijan from November…
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Fugitive general resigns amid Tak Bai scandal
Retired General Pisan Wattanawongkiri, once the chief of Thailand’s 4th Army Region, has abruptly quit the ruling Pheu Thai Party and resigned from his MP position amidst a cloud of controversy. Wanted for his role in the brutal 2004 Tak Bai crackdown in Narathiwat, Pisan faces mounting pressure to return and face charges before the statute of limitations expires. The…
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Thailand extends TM6 form suspension to boost tourism
Thailand has extended the suspension of its TM6 immigration forms until April 30 next year, a move that promises to ease cross-border tourism while a new electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system is being developed. Officials say the ETA could also streamline the collection of tourism fees. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong revealed that the Cabinet approved the decision, which…
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Where’s Prawit? General skips out on Parliament again
General Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, has sparked fresh controversy with his fleeting visit to Parliament today, October 16. Arriving at 7.40am, the 78 year old MP made a swift stop at the House of Representatives. Flanked by his security team, he signed in at the second-floor entrance to confirm his presence before the 9am session—then promptly…
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EEC high-speed rail contract revisions to Cabinet in two weeks
Proposed revisions to the contract for the high-speed rail project connecting three major airports are expected to be submitted to the Cabinet within two weeks, according to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. Pichai, who also chairs the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee, announced that the committee had approved changes to five critical points in the contract. The committee is currently…
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Petition calls for PM Paetongtarn’s removal: Adviser appointment
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is embroiled in controversy once again, with a new petition demanding her removal from office over her appointment of Nattawut Saikua as an adviser. Nattawut, a former director of the Pheu Thai family, has a contentious past, leading to the latest challenge against the 38 year old PM’s judgement. Activist Nopparut Worachitwutthikul, formerly a leader of…
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Charting new waters: Pheu Thai seeks to ‘amend’ fences with coalition partners
In a political drama unfolding at the heart of Thailand, the ruling Pheu Thai Party admitted it must mend fences with coalition allies to forge ahead with its ambitious blueprint for rewriting the nation’s charter. This revelation came courtesy of PM’s right-hand man, Somkid Chueakong, during the poignant commemoration of the October 14, 1973, uprising on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue. Somkid,…
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Amnesty or agony: Lese majeste debate set to spark fireworks in Parliament
In a political powder keg ready to ignite, the long-awaited report on offering amnesty for those charged under the contentious lese majeste law is finally set to hit the parliamentary floor this Thursday, after being kicked down the road twice. It’s all eyes on the House panel bringing the heat, with Sasinan Thammanithinan, the outspoken People’s Party MP and committee…
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PM Paetongtarn under fire for media freedom feud
Prolific petitioner Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has once again targeted Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra with a fresh complaint, charging her with an alleged assault on media freedom—a move he claims could topple her from power. Today, October 15, Ruangkrai announced that he’s officially lodged a request with the Election Commission (EC), urging a probe into PM Paetongtarn’s supposedly controversial chat with a…
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Pheu Thai confident on referendum despite double-majority dispute
The Pheu Thai Party remains optimistic that the referendum on constitutional amendments will proceed early next year, despite disagreements regarding the double-majority requirement in the referendum bill. Sorawong Thienthong, Pheu Thai Party Secretary-General, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to holding the referendum in early 2025. The initial step involves ensuring that the amended bill successfully passes through Parliament in the coming…
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Pheu Thai dismisses petition alleging monarchy undermining
The Pheu Thai Party dismissed the recent petition against it which accused the party of undermining Thailand’s constitutional monarchy. Pheu Thai asserted that it can address all raised concerns and emphasising that some claims lack merit. Chousak Sirinil, the party’s legal adviser, said yesterday, October 11, that the six accusations against Pheu Thai do not have sufficient grounds to be…
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Thailand boosts economy with overseas workers
Thailand has seen a significant boost in its economy, with over 55,000 workers sent abroad during the 2024 fiscal year, resulting in more than 270 billion baht added to their families’ incomes. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn visited 364 Thai workers yesterday, October 11, who were undergoing pre-departure training before heading to Taiwan, Israel, and Japan. Among these workers, 321 are…
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Thailand’s workplaces in crisis: Mental health support falls short
Thailand’s workplaces are failing to provide vital psychological help for employees grappling with stress, depression, and other mental health issues, campaigners warn. As the world marked Mental Health Day 2024 yesterday, October 10, Thai advocates are raising alarms over the country’s mental health crisis in offices, where employees struggle with burnout, fear, and stigma. The World Health Organisation (WHO)’s theme,…
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Bets on: Royal nod to 23 gambles, from bull races to mahjong chases
The Royal Gazette has published a ministerial regulation allowing 23 types of gambling activities within specific time frames, such as human-bull racing, boxing, wrestling, ring tossing, and mahjong. The report from today, October 11, details that the Royal Gazette has released Ministerial Regulation No. 46, permitting the following gambling activities within designated hours: human-bull racing from 7am to 7pm, boxing…
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