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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Thailand is a favourite spot for travellers who want to enjoy more while spending less. From cheap street food to low-cost hotels and fun attractions, it’s easy to stretch your budget here. But there’s one thing many people don’t think...
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PM Srettha’s Pattaya Beach night out sparks economic buzz
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visited Pattaya Beach at the weekend to bolster tourism and jump-start economic recovery efforts. Alongside Chon Buri Governor Thawatchai Srithong, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, and Police Lieutenant General Somprasong Yenthuam, Region 2 Police Commander, the delegation’s arrival at 8pm on Saturday, June 22, heralded a lively evening on Pattaya’s famous Walking Street in South Pattaya, abuzz…
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PM Srettha races to transform Rayong and Chon Buri
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin led a delegation to Rayong and Chon Buri last Sunday, June 23, to inspect pivotal projects within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). At Rayong’s U-Tapao International Airport, PM Srettha scrutinised the progress of an ambitious project aimed at linking the airport with a high-speed rail network that will connect three major airports. “This network is set to…
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Budget battle: Defence minister stands his ground on expenditures
During the ongoing budget debate in Parliament, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang fiercely defended his military spending plans against a barrage of criticism from the opposition. The Move Forward Party (MFP)’s Wiroj Lakkanaadisorn launched a scathing attack on the defence budget last Friday, June 21, accusing it of prioritising troop salaries and benefits over the advanced weaponry necessary for modern warfare.…
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Big Joke vs Srettha: Deputy police chief vows to return
Deputy Police Chief Police General Surachate Hakparn, aka Big Joke, issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. He threatened to file a malfeasance complaint against the PM if he failed to revoke the order temporarily dismissing him from the force. Big Joke revealed he had already appealed to the Police Virtue Protection Committee and petitioned the prime minister, who…
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Senate election to proceed despite 333 complaints, fraud concerns
Despite the Election Commission (EC) fielding over 300 complaints, including 39 cases related to potential fraud, the Senate election results will proceed as scheduled. EC Secretary-General Sawang Boonmee revealed that a total of 333 complaints have been lodged, with 90 involving accusations of corruption. Investigations into these complaints are expected to take significant time. A large portion of the complaints…
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Civil group to submit climate bill targeting 2035 carbon neutrality
A civil society group is preparing to present a bill to Parliament, aiming to accelerate climate goals while safeguarding local communities’ rights to their natural resources. Coordinator of Thai Climate Justice for All, Kritsada Boonchai, announced that the draft law, the group’s first, intends to support the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “Currently, tackling climate change is a…
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Impending impacts of upcoming court rulings on Srettha and MFP
Thailand’s political landscape is set for a significant shift as the upcoming Constitutional Court ruling on the cases of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) leader next month. The outcomes, scheduled for July 3 for the MFP and July 10 for PM Srettha, have the business community on edge, worried about potential disruptions to the…
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PM Srettha crushes coalition crisis rumours
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has slammed rumours suggesting the Palang Pracharath Party might be ousted from the coalition government. Speaking to reporters at Parliament yesterday, June 21, Srettha decisively quashed the speculation. “I have never mentioned any changes, and these rumours did not come from me.” The 62 year old PM assured that the coalition’s internal communications remained harmonious.…
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Budget deficit: Government to unveil new economic measures
Amidst budget deficit concerns, the government will introduce new measures to boost the struggling economy next week, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced today. Discussions about economic stimuli and the stock market were held with Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira yesterday evening. “A significant announcement on short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures will be made tomorrow or the day after.” When asked if…
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Transport Ministry may delay Don Mueang toll hike
The Ministry of Transport is considering to postpone a planned toll rate increase on the Don Mueang Tollway and may even lower the current fees, according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. Initially, the toll rates were set to rise from 115 baht to 130 baht per trip this year. Suriya has tasked the Department of Highways, which granted the concession…
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Royal barges restored for King’s 72nd birthday celebration
Restoration of 52 royal barges will be completed in time for a royal kathin ceremony in October, as part of celebrations for the King’s 72nd birthday on July 28, according to the Culture Ministry. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol stated today that only minor details remain, with the work scheduled to finish by the end of this month. The Fine Arts…
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PM Srettha’s TV premier: Another propaganda show?
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to make his TV debut as the host of Talk with Srettha tomorrow, June 22, nearly 10 months after assuming office. This tradition of Thai leaders hosting TV shows to address the nation, dubbed “the prime minister meets the people,” has a storied history. But will Srettha’s show bring something new to the…
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Haulage operators in Thailand threaten strike over diesel prices
Road haulage operators have hiked their charges by an average of 9% today and are now gearing up for a nationwide strike unless the government addresses their demands to cap diesel prices at 30 baht per litre. Apichart Prairungruang, Land Transport Association of Thailand President, expressed frustration. “We’ve adjusted charges to cope with rising costs after four petitions to Prime…
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EC clarifies Senate election vote exchange, downplays complaints
After questions arose regarding candidate vote exchange in the Senate elections, the Election Commission (EC) no longer deems wooing or exchanging votes in the Senate election as a breach. A petition challenging the initial restrictions on candidates’ election campaigning led the Administrative Court to rule against these restrictions on May 24, resulting in their repeal. EC Secretary-General Sawang Boonme addressed…
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Progressive Movement urges party unity against dissolution law
The Progressive Movement (PM) called on the ruling Pheu Thai Party and the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) to unite against a controversial dissolution law, urging them to resist the legislation rather than attack each other. PM Secretary-General Piyabutr Saengkanokkul posted on Facebook today, June 21, advocating for the two largest parties to find common ground. He criticised the dissolution…
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MFP urges budget reform, reassures public with its scrutiny efforts
In a heated budget debate, the Move Forward Party (MFP) claims a significant victory in its relentless scrutiny of the 2025 budget. Party leaders assure the public that their meticulous examination has met expectations, confident that their efforts won’t disappoint. Natthapong Rueangpanyawut, a party-list MP from MFP, highlighted a pressing issue during the debate: the need for fundamental budgetary reform.…
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Defence ministry clarifies salary guidelines
To quell public outrage, the Defence Ministry unveiled comprehensive guidelines detailing what can and cannot be deducted from conscripts’ salaries. The move follows a recent scandal involving dubious salary deductions by the 22nd Logistics and Supports Battalion. The guidelines, released on the ministry’s website today, clarify the permissible deductions from the 11,000 baht monthly salary of conscripts. This announcement comes…
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Torsak Sukvimol reinstated as National Police Chief
Police General Torsak Sukvimol has resumed his role as National Police Chief following an investigation into a prominent internal conflict, as announced by Wissanu Krea-ngam, an advisor to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Wissanu disclosed the results of the investigation, which was initiated by the prime minister through a fact-finding committee led by Chatchai Promlert. The inquiry scrutinised the discord between…
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Thailand sobers up: Slams brakes on extended alcohol sales hours
The Government of Thailand dashed hopes of extended alcohol sales hours, citing alarming statistics on road casualties and accidents. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced the decision following a tense panel meeting at the ministry on Tuesday, asserting that public safety must take precedence. “The ministry’s alcoholic beverage control committee reviewed road accident statistics and related legal implications, recognising the…
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Malaysia and China join forces on billion-dollar rail project
China’s plans to extend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) into Thailand are set to transform Southeast Asian trade. Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced the initiative during his visit to Malaysia yesterday. The US$10 billion (approximately 366 billion baht) ECRL, a key project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aims to connect Malaysia’s east and west coasts by 2026. Initially…
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Thailand unveils 3.75 trillion baht budget bill to boost economy
As the House of Representatives kicked off a three-day debate, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin introduced a 3.75 trillion baht budget bill for the 2025 fiscal year, aimed at revitalising Thailand’s sluggish economy. Simultaneously, he remains focused on advancing the digital wallet scheme. The budget intends to stimulate economic growth, with forecasts suggesting an increase of 2.5% to 3.5% in 2025…
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Thailand’s big gamble: Mega casinos set to hit the jackpot
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced that Thailand is on the brink of legalising large-scale entertainment complexes with casinos. The final draft of this ambitious bill is set to be ready for Cabinet deliberations within the next three to four weeks. Julapun revealed that 16 government agencies have already weighed in on the plan. “Their insights will be included as…
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Progressive Movement’s senate bid: Triumph or tragedy?
In a last-ditch effort to reshape Thailand’s political landscape, the Progressive Movement’s campaign to secure one-third of Senate seats and amend the junta-drafted 2017 Constitution is faltering as the election reaches its climax. Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit kicked off the campaign in April with a bold goal: securing 70 People’s Senators in the 200-member upper house. However, the initial…
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PM Srettha’s review: Torsak may return as police chief
The results of an investigation into conflicts among senior police officials have been submitted to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, recommending that Torsak Sukwimol could return to his position as National Police Chief, while Surachate Hakparn aka Big Joke remains under review. PM Srettha received a report from the Fact-Finding and Legal Examination Committee, chaired by Chatchai Promlert, concerning publicised conflicts…
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BoT opposes cash handout scheme, urges help for those in need
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) firmly opposes the digital wallet cash handout initiative proposing a 500 billion baht cash distribution to nearly all adult citizens to boost consumption, emphasising that it would be more beneficial to directly assist those in need. Private consumption is expected to grow by about 4% this year following a record 7% increase last year. However,…
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PM Srettha unveils 3 trillion baht economic boost plan
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin rolled out a mammoth 3.753-trillion-baht economic revival blueprint aimed at turbocharging Thailand’s financial fortunes. As lawmakers embarked on a heated three-day debate, the Bangkok-born Thai PM pitched his vision to rejuvenate the sluggish economy, promising a surge in growth. In a bid to unleash Thailand’s economic potential, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin proposed a hefty 3.753 trillion baht…
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Court orders evidence in PM Srettha’s ethics case
The Constitutional Court has thrown the government into turmoil by demanding all parties in Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s ethics case submit evidence within 15 days. The court’s decision came yesterday, setting a new hearing date for July 10 but it remains uncertain whether a ruling will be issued then, leaving the government in a state of anxiety. The case revolves…
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PM Srettha scandal escalates: Court demands more evidence
The Constitutional Court has thrown a curveball in the case against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, demanding additional evidence within 15 days. This comes after allegations surfaced regarding his controversial Cabinet appointment, stirring up a storm of legal challenges and political intrigue. The court’s move sets the stage for a pivotal hearing on July 10, prompting a flurry of submissions from…
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Shock as top Senate candidates fail to advance
The provincial senator election at the weekend saw 3,000 candidates advance to the national stage but not without some unexpected snubs. The Election Commission (EC) office confirmed the results of the provincial senator election on Sunday, June 16, revealing that 3,000 hopefuls will move forward to the national level. Among these successful candidates are 2,164 men and 836 women. However,…
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Thaksin gets a bail-out: Ex-PM walks free on 500,000 baht bond
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra walked free today after the Criminal Court granted him bail of 500,000 baht, following his arraignment on lese-majeste and computer crime charges. Thaksin appeared before public prosecutors early this morning and was promptly taken to the Criminal Court for his arraignment, confirmed Prayut Phetcharakhun, spokesperson for the Office of the Attorney-General. The court accepted the…
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