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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Data breach of over 20,000 Senate applicants investigated
A major data breach involving personal information from over 20,000 applicants for the Senate election is under investigation by the Election Commission (EC) of Thailand. The leak occurred soon after the district-level voting on June 9. EC Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee confirmed that the data was compromised through file formats integrated into the system by an unidentified agency. The EC is…
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Bangkok rail fares capped at 20 baht by March 2026
The government is set to implement a 20-baht fare cap across all of Greater Bangkok’s rail network by March 2026, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced yesterday. Suriya confirmed the decision following a meeting with the Common Ticketing System Policy Committee. The committee approved the plan to impose a 20-baht limit on ticket prices throughout Bangkok’s rail network and has instructed…
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Thai court to review 2001 Thai-Cambodian MoU’s constitutionality
Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) Deputy Leader Paiboon Nititawan has taken his concerns about the 2001 Thai-Cambodian memorandum of understanding (MoU) on joint development in the Gulf of Thailand to the Constitutional Court, questioning its alignment with the Thai constitution. Paiboon had initially requested the Ombudsman to petition the court on April 10 but, after the Ombudsman failed to act within…
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Philippines intensifies illegal offshore gambling crackdown
The authorities in the Philippines have intensified efforts to shut down illegal offshore gambling operations amidst growing calls for a complete ban due to alleged connections to criminal syndicates. The country’s gaming regulator revealed approximately 250 to 300 offshore gambling firms are operating without a licence, a significant increase from the 46 legitimate operators. This information was disclosed by Alejandro…
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Diplomats unite to celebrate LGBTQI+ rights in Bangkok
In a display of unity and support, the European Union delegation, alongside the embassies of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, hosted a vibrant reception to celebrate Pride Month at the US Chief of Mission’s residence in Bangkok. Themed Pride, Rights, Thrive, the evening party yesterday marked a significant milestone in Thailand’s journey towards LGBTQI+ equality, highlighting the…
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Thaksin Shinawatra declares war on MFP in Nonthaburi
In a dramatic comeback, paroled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra pledged to reclaim all parliamentary seats in Nonthaburi Province from the Move Forward Party (MFP), setting the stage for a fierce political battle. Thaksin, without directly naming the MFP, made his intentions clear. “In the last General Election, all Parliament seats in Nonthaburi were taken from us, but we will…
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Pheu Thai in crisis: Will new strategies save the day?
Political analysts predict the ruling Pheu Thai Party will deploy fresh strategies to revive its sagging popularity after a lacklustre performance over the past nine months. Despite a government survey by the National Statistical Office showing 44.3% satisfaction with the administration, a NIDA Poll tells a grimmer story: only 25.19% of the public are content. A significant 34.35% of respondents…
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Thai court reviews PM and Move Forward Party dissolution
The Thai Constitutional Court convened to address significant political issues, including the alleged subversion by the Move Forward Party (MFP) and a petition questioning Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s qualifications following the appointment of Pichit Chuenban as Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office. The court reviewed a petition from the Election Commission (EC), filed by the political party registrar, that…
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PM Srettha plans to transform Lamphun into a museum hub
To revitalise Thailand’s tourism sector, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is championing the transformation of Lamphun into a City of Museums and accelerating efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for Nan. During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, PM Srettha highlighted these ambitious proposals following his recent visits to several provinces. He was particularly impressed by the innovative vision of Lamphun’s…
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EC ordered to present evidence against Move Forward Party
The Election Commission (EC) has been ordered by the Constitutional Court to present its list of witnesses and evidence in the high-stakes case against the Move Forward Party (MFP) before the next hearing on June 18. The nine judges of the Constitutional Court convened today to deliberate the EC’s petition to dissolve the MFP. The embattled party had already filed…
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Shock fare hike on MRT Blue Line: Pay up to 45 baht from July 3
The Thai Cabinet approved a fare increase for the MRT Blue Line, effective from July 3. This means passengers will soon be paying between 17 baht and 45 baht for their journeys, up from the current maximum of 43 baht. Deputy Government Spokesperson Kenika Anudit announced the decision yesterday, June 11, confirming that the Cabinet had greenlit the draft regulations…
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More than 99% of Thais back marriage equality
A recent poll reveals that over 99% of Thais are in favour of the Marriage Equality Bill, advocating for legal benefits for same-sex couples. This groundbreaking survey, conducted by content platform The Attraction between May 20 and June 9, indicates a powerful push towards equality in Thailand. An overwhelming 99.3% of respondents backed the bill, though the exact number of…
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Triple odds: Thai gamblers back new three-digit lottery system
The Thai government’s decision to introduce a three-digit lottery ticket system gained traction among gamblers, who believe it could reduce illegal gambling. However, lottery ticket vendors are concerned about the potential impact on their sales and are considering selling fewer traditional lottery tickets. Following the Cabinet’s approval of a draft ministerial regulation to introduce three-digit lottery tickets, the Government Lottery…
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Political turmoil sends Thai stock market plummeting
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin acknowledged that Thailand’s current political turmoil is likely behind the recent stock market plunge, which hit a four-year low on Monday. Analysts have pointed to three high-profile court cases shaking the nation’s political landscape as the primary cause of investor anxiety. “It is about stock market sentiment.” PM Srettha highlighted that he, among others involved in…
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Thai Cabinet approves 55 billion baht lifeline for SMEs and tourism
The Thai Cabinet approved a low-interest loan programme worth 5 billion baht and a substantial 50 billion baht credit guarantee fund under the Ignite Thailand vision, aimed at bolstering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul detailed the plan, highlighting that the low-interest loans would target tourism, wellness and medical, and agriculture and food sectors. Each borrower…
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NHRC demands justice for nine missing Thai activists
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) called on the Ministry of Justice to take decisive action regarding the disappearance of nine Thai political activists who vanished after seeking asylum in neighbouring countries. Sayamol Kaiyoorawong of the NHRC disclosed that she recently handed over an investigative report on these disappearances to Somboon Muangklam, adviser to Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong and chairman…
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Thailand is fast becoming a global LGBTQIA+ hub
Thailand is on the brink of becoming the ultimate destination for the LGBTQIA+ community, thanks to its welcoming environment, progressive policies, and the recent launch of the Pink Plus Economy initiative. This revolutionary move, announced on Sunday by Borderless.lgbt, aims to create a supportive ecosystem for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Thailand, encompassing living, family planning, and retirement. The initiative is backed…
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Thaksin scandal: Justice minister refuses to weigh in on charges
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong remained tight-lipped regarding the controversial lese majeste charge against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The case, which has captivated the nation, saw Tawee insist the Justice Ministry would remain hands-off, stating it was the purview of the attorney general, while Thaksin retained the right to petition for fair treatment. Reporters sought Tawee’s reaction following the revelation…
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Court to review senate election law challenges
The Constitutional Court decided by an 8-1 vote to consider two petitions challenging the legality of key provisions in the law governing the election of the nation’s 200 new senators. The decision has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, raising questions about the upcoming senatorial elections. Despite agreeing to review the petitions, the court unanimously dismissed the petitioners’ call for…
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Thailand’s child labour crisis: Migrant children left unprotected
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are sounding the alarm: Thailand will miss its goal of ending child labour by 2025 unless it extends its efforts to include migrant children. Cross-Cultural Foundation President Surapong Kongchantuk stated that an estimated 100,000 child migrants have arrived in Thailand since late last year alone. “But our country has no measures to take care of them.” The…
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Thailand scraps controversial tourist tax scheme
In a dramatic U-turn, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the cancellation of the highly debated tourist tax. Initially proposed as a post-pandemic measure, the 300 baht tax at airports and 150 baht tax by land or sea, caused a storm of opposition from the travel industry due to its ambiguity and potential for confusion. The National Tourism Policy Committee…
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Bangkok probes corruption in exercise equipment procurement
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is intensifying its investigation into allegations of corruption related to the procurement of exercise equipment for public parks in Bangkok. Evidence pointing toward potential irregularities has emerged during an initial probe, prompting a more extensive inquiry. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and BMA Deputy Permanent Secretary Nathapong Disayabutra revealed the expansion plans following a board meeting.…
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Sneaky senators: Hired votes spotted in upcoming election
As the upcoming Senate election round approaches, caretaker senator Somchai Swangkarn anticipates the revelation that certain individuals have been recruited solely to vote for candidates endorsed by specific political parties or interest groups. Somchai, who has consistently pointed out attempts to manipulate the Senate election outcomes, stated that a review of Sunday’s district-level voting results showed many applicants receiving no…
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Domestic violence makes up 70% of recent cases in Thailand
Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa intensified efforts to curb domestic violence, highlighting the issue as a major concern in recent months. Domestic violence constituted almost 70% of all reported violence cases in the past two months. Varawut announced yesterday, June 10, following a meeting with senior ministry officials, that the Human Security Emergency Management Centre is ramping…
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Chicken vendors ‘squawk’ over soaring prices in South Thailand
Vendors in Nakhon Si Thammarat raised concerns about the sudden and unreasonable surge in chicken prices, questioning the silence and inaction of the Ministry of Commerce. The price hike has led to a ripple effect, impacting various sectors and consumers alike and mirrors a trend of rising prices nationwide. The recent spike in prices of fresh food products and raw…
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Thai cannabis advocates ‘weed’ out opposition in Bangkok
Cannabis advocates are rallying to protect the future of the plant in Thailand. Led by Prasitchai Nunual, the Secretary-General of the Network for Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis, over 300 people are set to gather in front of the UN Office on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, aiming to march to the Government House. Their protest, scheduled for yesterday at 1pm, coincides…
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Move Forward Party eyes 3 new leaders amid possible dissolution
On the brink of potential dissolution by the Constitutional Court, the Move Forward Party (MFP) is preparing contingency plans, including identifying three potential leaders for a new party. This comes as the party defends itself against accusations of attempting to undermine the constitutional monarchy through its efforts to amend the lese majeste law. Party insiders reveal that the MFP’s core…
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Thaksin Shinawatra to face monarchy insult charges in Thailand
Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, announced his readiness to confront charges of insulting the monarchy. The announcement came yesterday, with Thaksin expressing confidence about facing the allegations head-on. The former Thai PM confirmed his intention to meet with prosecutors tomorrow and stated to reporters that he was prepared to fight the case. “It’s nothing. The case is…
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Thai condo market faces turbulence with Myanmar buyers blocked
The Thai condominium market is bracing for a storm as Myanmar’s crackdown on property purchases by its citizens threatens to halt a major influx of foreign investment. According to the Thai Condominium Association, the clampdown could significantly impact condo transfers during the second and third quarters of this year. Prasert Taedullayasatit, president of the association, revealed that Thai condo units…
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Thailand’s Pacific-to-Indian Ocean Land Bridge project
Thailand’s anticipated land bridge project, aiming to connect the Pacific and Indian Oceans, is set to become reality, with bidding anticipated by late next year, the Transport Ministry confirmed. The colossal 1-trillion-baht project will construct deep-sea ports in Chumphon on the Gulf of Thailand and Ranong on the Andaman coast, linked by a state-of-the-art transport route. This ambitious infrastructure aims…
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