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 8 Atelier Residence is poised for growth: Phuket’s investment hotspot in the making
Phuket’s residential real estate market is no longer defined only by beachfront villas and short-stay resort condominiums. The island is now seeing sustained interest from international investors targeting long-term yields, capital stability, and access to full-scale lifestyle infrastructure. Looking at...
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Ex-Finance Minister Kittirat to head Bank of Thailand amid backlash
Former Finance Minister Kittirat Na-Ranong has been selected as chairperson of the Bank of Thailand (BOT), sparking fierce debate over his potential influence on the nation’s economic policies. In a closed-door meeting that lasted five hours yesterday, November 11, the selection committee decided to appoint Kittirat to replace Poramethi Vimolsiri, whose term ended in September. The committee also appointed two…
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Minister defends ‘controversial’ land title decision in Buriram
Deputy Interior Minister Songsak Thongsri recently stepped into the spotlight by defending a contentious decision made by a land committee regarding land title documents for plots in Buriram’s Khao Kradong area. This decision comes despite a 2021 Supreme Court ruling that the land is owned by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). The crux of the issue lies in the…
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Thailand denies Thaksin-Cambodia secret deal on Gulf territory
The Government of Thailand firmly denied allegations that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra orchestrated a clandestine agreement with Cambodia’s previous leader, Hun Sen, concerning contested maritime territories in the Gulf of Thailand. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai dismissed these claims, emphasising that no such deal could occur without official involvement. “There is no such deal whatsoever. How can anyone who has…
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Bangkok plans cycling lanes to ease congestion in key districts
The capital’s bustling streets may soon see a transformation as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Thailand Walking and Cycling Institute Foundation (TWCIF) are set to introduce a walking and cycling lane project in four heavily congested areas. A feasibility study for this initiative is scheduled to conclude next month, setting the stage for a city-wide shift in transportation…
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Thailand to spotlight climate change at COP29 in Azerbaijan
Thailand unveils its plans to spotlight climate change initiatives at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Azerbaijan. The Thailand Pavilion will be a central feature, offering a platform to display the nation’s strategies and actions against climate change. Among the highlights are activities revolving around Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippo, which will draw attention at the international…
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Thai-Cambodia skirmish rumours on Koh Kut debunked
Reports of alleged confrontations between Thai and Cambodian soldiers on Koh Kut have been dismissed by the government as fake news. Despite the rumours, government agencies maintain that the tourism situation on the island remains positive, with visitor numbers surpassing those of previous years, according to Jirayu Houngsub, an adviser to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Koh Kut, located in Trat…
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PM on dual-purpose trip to US west coast and APEC summit
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra departed Bangkok yesterday for a diplomatic mission combining stops in Los Angeles and Lima, Peru. Accompanied by Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and other officials, the delegation touched down in Los Angeles at 7.30pm local time, yesterday, November 10. The Thai premier’s Los Angeles agenda includes chairing a strategic meeting with diplomatic representatives from across the Americas…
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Tak Bai massacre impacts Pheu Thai ahead of Thai election
The unresolved issue of the 2004 Tak Bai massacre in Thailand’s deep south is perceived by many locals as a potential detriment to the Pheu Thai Party, as revealed by a recent opinion poll. Meanwhile, the People’s Party emerges as the preferred choice for the upcoming General Election. This survey, conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), gathered…
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Thailand grants citizenship to 483,000 migrants
The Thai government’s recent decision to grant citizenship to a significant number of migrants and ethnic minorities has received a warm welcome from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The move, announced by the Cabinet yesterday, aims to provide Thai citizenship to over 483,000 individuals who have either been residing in Thailand for an extended period or were born within…
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Pattaya mayor wins big for Thai-Chinese diplomacy
In a glittering ceremony that brought together stars and statesmen, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet proudly took home the prestigious Political News award at the Thailand Headlines Person of the Year Awards 2024. Celebrating leaders who champion Thai-Chinese relations, this high-profile event highlighted Thailand’s diplomatic soft power and the approach of a landmark year – the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese ties…
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UNICEF Thailand launches campaign for children’s brighter future
UNICEF Thailand has launched an ambitious campaign titled A Better Tomorrow, Today, urging collective action for a brighter future for children. Faced with global challenges like conflicts, health crises, poverty, and climate change, UNICEF is pressing for immediate measures to safeguard children’s rights and potential. The campaign, which will include public events, social media initiatives, and celebrity participation, is designed…
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Thailand nears referendum compromise with one and a half layer proposal
A potential compromise is emerging between Thailand’s House of Representatives and the Senate regarding the criteria for a referendum to amend the constitution. Discussions gained momentum yesterday following a meeting of the joint House-Senate committee tasked with reviewing the charter referendum bill. The House advocated for a simple majority of participating voters to approve the government’s constitutional rewrite plan. Conversely,…
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Trump victory prompts Thai stock market strategy reevaluation
Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election, coupled with a comprehensive Republican majority in Congress, has prompted a reevaluation of investment strategies in the Thai stock market. Natchat Mekmasin, assistant managing director of securities analysis at Trinity Securities, suggests that the Thai stock market is likely to align with the broader trend observed in emerging markets. However, he points…
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Ancient artefacts to return to Thailand for cultural preservation
Artefacts from the ancient Ban Chiang World Heritage Site, which dates back 3,000 years, are set to return to Thailand next week to commemorate the International Day against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property. The return of these artefacts signifies a significant step toward preserving Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. The US Embassy in Bangkok, in collaboration with the regional office of…
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Thailand migrant workers lose legal status amid new permit hurdles
Employers and migrant workers are expressing significant frustration over new registration and work permit renewal requirements in Thailand, which have led to many migrant workers losing their legal status. These requirements, introduced recently, have been criticised for their complexity and the obstacles they pose to both employers and employees. Nilubol Pongpayom, a representative from the employer group Nai Chang Si…
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UN unveils toolkit to improve chemsex healthcare access
UN agencies have unveiled a novel toolkit aimed at enhancing healthcare access for those engaging in chemical sex, or chemsex, while minimising stigma. This initiative was launched during a two-day symposium in Bangkok, underscoring a commitment to improving health services for individuals involved in chemsex, a practice involving drug use to intensify or extend sexual experiences. The Joint United Nations…
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Thaksin to fire up Pheu Thai campaign in Udon Thani province
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is back in the political spotlight as he gears up to boost the Pheu Thai Party’s campaign in a major way. Thaksin is expected to make his return to the stage in Udon Thani next week, marking his first public address since ending his self-imposed exile in August last year. The 74 year old’s…
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PM Paetongtarn launches ‘no gift policy’ to curb ISCOC corruption
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has initiated a bold new measure with the introduction of the No Gift Policy for the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), aiming to prevent officers from accepting gifts in exchange for their services. PM Paetongtarn, acting as ISCOC director, has formalised this policy through a declaration of intent signed on October 30. The document sets…
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Thailand appetite for exports, food security at key China summits
Promoting Thailand’s exports and tackling food security issues have taken centre stage at two significant regional meetings in China, as declared by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra yesterday, November 6. The 38 year old Thai PM is participating in the 8th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Economic Cooperation Summit and the 10th Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) summit, both held in…
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Thailand-US ties remain strong despite US election outcome
Thailand maintains a robust diplomatic relationship with the United States, a bond that Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa believes will endure regardless of Donald Trump’s US presidential election victory. Speaking yesterday at Wing 6’s Military Terminal 2 in Bangkok’s Don Mueang district, Maris conveyed confidence in the continuity of bilateral ties, highlighting their historical strength and mutual goals. “Our relationship…
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Thailand coalition agrees on constitutional drafting assembly
The coalition parties in Thailand have reached a consensus on the need to establish a constitutional drafting assembly (CDA) to oversee the proposed amendments to the constitution. The Bhumjaithai Party emphasised that any changes put forth by the CDA must genuinely serve the interests of the people. Chaichanok Chidchob, Secretary-General of the Bhumjaithai Party, highlighted that discussions on charter amendments…
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PM Paetongtarn pledges no interference in Thaksin detention probe
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed concerns regarding her involvement in an investigation into allegations that her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, received preferential treatment during his detention at the Police General Hospital. She reassured the public and officials that she would not interfere with the ongoing probe. The 38 year old Thai premier confirmed the government’s commitment to adhering…
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Enlist now, reap rewards: PM hails modern Ministry of Defence
The Ministry of Defence is shaking up Thailand’s military recruitment strategy, swapping the conscription model for a voluntary one packed with incentives and young Thais are taking note. In a recent visit to Infantry Division 6 in Roi Et province, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai lauded the successful transformation, highlighting that voluntary enlistment has surged significantly.…
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Thailand introduces new inspection system for fuel measurement
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has initiated a new registration system for private entities to become certified inspection units, aiming to enhance the reliability of fuel measurement at service stations. The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) announced the criteria for this registration process. Starting July 26, they have been promoting this initiative and welcoming applications since August. This move is part…
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PM ‘fund-amentally’ speeds up investment for 2025 economy
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra directed government entities to hasten the allocation of the investment budget for fiscal year 2025 to invigorate the nation’s economy. During a meeting with senior officials at the Finance Ministry yesterday, November 4, Paetongtarn highlighted that Thailand is grappling with longstanding issues compounded by new challenges. The 38 year old prime minister emphasised the necessity for…
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Indian tourists get visa-free entry with extended stays in Thailand
In a major move sure to excite Indian travellers, Thailand has indefinitely extended visa-free entry for Indian tourists, allowing them to stay for up to 60 days. Previously set to expire on November 11, the visa-free policy will now remain a permanent feature, making Thailand’s stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and rich cultural attractions more accessible than ever, reported India Today,…
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Thai PM asserts Koh Kut’s sovereignty amid Cambodia MoU concerns
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra unequivocally reaffirmed Koh Kut’s status as a Thai sovereign territory, despite increasing anxiety over the island’s reference in a 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia. This MoU concerns resource management in overlapping claim areas between the two nations. The 38 year old Thai prime minister maintained that while there is no question about Koh Kut’s…
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Moo Deng picks Trump: Baby hippo makes US election prediction (video)
In a bizarre twist of international fanfare, Thailand’s beloved baby pygmy hippo, Moo Deng, has waded into the 2024 US presidential race with her vote—and it’s got social media roaring. Just one day before the American Election Day, this Internet-famous hippo from Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri made her pick clear in a delightfully fruity showdown. In a…
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Finance Ministry to sell 50% stake shares for 30 to 40 billion baht
The State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO) is set to divest shares held by the Finance Ministry, where stakes are below 50%, over the next four to five years. The sale will utilise a mark-to-market pricing method to ensure fair market value is considered. Tibordee Wattanakul, SEPO Director-General, highlighted the challenges faced in previous attempts to offload these shares. A lack…
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Pheu Thai seeks easier referendum rules amid legislative clash
The Pheu Thai Party is making moves to amend the constitutional referendum requirements, aiming to ease the passage of such referendums by reducing the size of the majority needed. Prayut Siripanich, a member of the ruling party and deputy chairman of the joint House-Senate committee on the referendum bill, announced that discussions will take place tomorrow, November 5, to address…
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