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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Bangkok aims to reduce plastic use with more water refill stations
To combat plastic pollution, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s Bottle Free Seas project has proven to be a roaring success, with plans now underway to expand its reach by installing an additional 200 drinking water refill points across the city. Launched last August, this eco-initiative has already made a significant dent in plastic bottle consumption, slashing the usage of a…
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Xi Jinping’s bullet train gift sparks China-Thailand railway reality
A replica of China’s Fuxing bullet train, bedecked in Thailand’s national colours and gifted during the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok in November 2022, now finds itself at the epicentre of a transformative railway saga between China and Thailand. As the wheels of progress turn, the construction of the China-Thailand Railway, a flagship venture under the Belt and…
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Shinawatra saga: Yingluck’s comeback fuels legal limelight
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s potential return from exile sparks intrigue over her legal fate, mirroring her brother Thaksin’s tumultuous history, claims the Shinawatras’ lawyer. Pichit Chuenban, a figure linked to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s Cabinet due to his close allegiance to the Shinawatras, responded to speculation about Yingluck’s comeback. “I really don’t know. I’m only taking care of her…
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Thai PM’s Phuket visit focuses on traffic projects and foreign mafia
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to visit Phuket tomorrow, where he will be updated on the local police’s efforts to combat the so-called foreign mafia. Chai Watcharong, a spokesperson for the prime minister’s office, revealed the agenda for the prime minister’s Phuket visit yesterday, which will primarily revolve around progress reports on construction projects designed to ease traffic congestion…
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Thailand forges ‘Strategic Partnership’ with New Zealand
Thailand and New Zealand have vowed to embark on a historic “Strategic Partnership” journey by 2026, commemorating seven decades of diplomatic camaraderie, revealed government spokesman Chai Wacharonke yesterday. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin rolled out the red carpet for New Zealand’s Premier Christopher Luxon at Government House, overseeing the signing of two game-changing Memorandums of Understanding. The first pact is a…
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Oil prices surge amid Middle East tensions and Russia-Ukraine war
Tensions in the Middle East and ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine have elevated crude oil prices. Notwithstanding the fragile global economic climate, crude oil prices experienced a dip in the first quarter of the year, as the OPEC+ group of producers continued to restrict supply. Near the start of April 2024, the ICE Brent crude oil price has reached…
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Tourism sector divided over elected versus appointed governors
The debate over elected provincial governors versus appointed heads is intensifying, revealing a divide among tourism operators. This issue gained momentum during last year’s general election, when several political parties, including Pheu Thai, proposed allowing locals to elect their governors, a practice already in place in Bangkok and Pattaya. Pheu Thai’s coalition government, during its policy announcement, introduced a CEO-governor…
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Myanmar’s rebel groups seize border trade hub of Myawaddy
Ethnic armed groups in Myanmar, namely the Karen National Union (KNU) and People’s Defence Force (PDF), have successfully seized the significant border trade hub of Myawaddy. In response, approximately 100 soldiers loyal to the Myanmar junta have regrouped near the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, anticipating reinforcements for a counterattack. These soldiers, defying surrender to the rebel forces, retreated towards the…
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Myanmar’s military regime loses grip: Thailand on high alert
The military coup in Myanmar in 2021 has ignited ongoing resistance from armed rebel groups, causing the military regime to lose control over multiple strongholds. The recent aggressive rebel offensive in Myawaddy, a significant border town opposite Tak’s Mae Sot district in Thailand, led to the displacement of thousands of individuals and raised fears of a security and humanitarian crisis.…
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Thailand suspends TM 6 immigration forms to boost tourism
The Government of Thailand has put a halt to the obligatory TM 6 immigration forms for foreigners arriving in the country via land or sea, effective from April 15 to October 15. This resolution, approved by the Cabinet on April 9, is a response to a suggestion by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, according to ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul. This pause…
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Thai party quashes Cabinet reshuffle rumours
A wave of rumours surrounding a potential Cabinet reshuffle in Thailand was quashed yesterday by the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party. The party’s Deputy Leader and list MP, Wittaya Kaewparadai, stated that despite talks circulating for over a month, no indications of an imminent reshuffle have been communicated by the prime minister. Wittaya, referring to UTN leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, pointed…
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Thailand and Vietnam strategic partnership for mutual growth
Thailand and Vietnam have forged a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a relationship focusing on meeting bilateral trade objectives, implementing sustainable development plans, strengthening political-diplomatic and defence security collaboration, and enhancing benefits in people-to-people areas. The announcement was made during the 5th Joint Commission on Thailand-Vietnam Bilateral Cooperation held in Bangkok, co-chaired by Thailand’s Foreign Minister, Parnpree Bahiddhanukara, and Vietnam’s Foreign Minister,…
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PM Srettha’s blessings for Songkran festival at Government House
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin graced a religious ceremony at Government House in Bangkok, marking Thailand’s Songkran Festival, the nation’s traditional new year. As dawn broke over the capital, the PM led the observance, honouring customs deeply rooted in Thai culture. The ceremony commenced with the Thai PM paying homage to the Brahma shrine at 8.30am, nestled before the majestic Thai…
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Paetongtarn criticised for holiday plans during Songkran
The holiday plans of Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra have ignited a fiery debate as she opts to fly to Hong Kong during the Songkran festival, leaving tongues wagging and eyebrows raised. Amid preparations for a grand celebration of Songkran, Thailand’s New Year and a UNESCO-recognised cultural treasure, questions loom over Paetongtarn’s decision to venture abroad instead of staying put.…
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Myanmar military retreat from border town following rebel attacks
Myawaddy, a border town that connects to Thailand, today witnessed the withdrawal of approximately 200 Myanmar military personnel. This retreat follows a prolonged attack by anti-junta rebels, as reported by a spokesman for an ethnic armed group and local news outlets. The military-led government of Myanmar is grappling with armed rebel groups across multiple fronts and has experienced a series…
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Thailand revolutionises agriculture with nine policies
Thailand is gearing up for an agricultural revolution with nine bold policies aimed at transforming its farming sector into a global powerhouse. Thailand’s Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thamanat Prompow, unveiled these game-changing strategies during a seminar geared towards positioning Thailand as a premier destination for agriculture and food. Backed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s visionary Ignite Thailand agenda, these…
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Thai-Cambodian MoU under scrutiny for constitutional violation
The Thai-Cambodian Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on joint development in the Gulf of Thailand, signed in 2001, is now under scrutiny for potential violation of the Thai constitution. Paiboon Nititawan, Palang Pracharath Party’s (PPRP) deputy leader, has requested the Office of the Ombudsman to petition the Constitutional Court to examine the MoU’s legality. Paiboon’s petition argues that the MoU was…
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Thaksin Shinawatra’s ‘secret’ health scandal
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra‘s health condition has sparked controversy, with conflicting reports emerging about his fitness. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong claims Thaksin’s health is dire, but questions arise after photos surfaced of him lifting weights. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s health has become the centre of a heated debate after Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong asserted his deteriorating condition. Tawee’s…
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Move Forward Party’s fate hangs in balance
The Constitutional Court is set to discuss extending the deadline for the Move Forward Party (MFP) to submit its defence in a crucial dissolution case. Sources revealed that President Nakharin Mektrairat announced that the court will convene next Tuesday, April 16, to mull over the pivotal decision of granting a 15-day extension. Nakharin hinted at the likelihood of the court…
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Thai govt plans huge digital wallet handout to boost economy
The Pheu Thai Party government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, is set to roll out a massive digital wallet handout scheme worth 500 billion baht (US$13.75 billion) in the fourth quarter of this year. The scheme, which is designed to stimulate economic activity, involves transferring a sum of 10,000 baht (US$275) to 50 million Thai citizens, intended to be…
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Thailand ready to host 100,000 Myanmar refugees amid conflict
Thailand’s readiness to accommodate an influx of 100,000 refugees from Myanmar, due to escalating conflicts, was recently confirmed by Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara. The announcement came in the wake of rebel forces capturing Myawaddy, a border town adjacent to Tak’s Mae Sot district. The minister’s statement followed a meeting held yesterday to discuss the evolving situation in Myanmar. The…
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New Zealand PM to make official visit to Thailand
Christopher Luxon, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, is set for an official visit to Thailand between April 16 and 18, hosted by Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Luxon’s delegation includes Simon Watts, Minister for Climate Change, Paulo Garcia, Member of Parliament, and a host of officials from various New Zealand government departments, along with influential business leaders. PM Luxon…
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Bangkok Council joins in exchanging opinions on planning and creating the Bangkok City Plan
Wirat Meenchainunt, Chairman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) attended the meeting with a delegation from the Office of Urban Planning and Development to jointly determine guidelines for improving the regulations and recommending other appropriate city planning measures in planning and creating the Bangkok City Plan at the Bangkok Council meeting room, Bangkok City Hall 2 (Din Daeng). The president…
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Myanmar requests Thai clearance for evacuation flights
The Government of Myanmar recently filed a request with the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeking clearance for evacuation flights to land in the Mae Sot district of Tak. The motive behind this request is the evacuation of 617 military officers and their dependents, who are expected to flee Myawaddy, a city now under the control of rebel ethnic forces.…
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Political inferno: Move Forward Party risks dissolution
In a fiery political clash spanning over 36 hours, the fate of Thailand’s Move Forward Party (MFP) hangs by a thread, as the government mulls over dissolution. Amidst gripping revelations and bold declarations, former leader Pita Limjaroenrat takes a stand, challenging the very essence of democracy. Former MFP chief Pita Limjaroenrat delivered a resounding message, affirming his unwavering stance against…
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Thai government launches 300,000 baht loans for self-employed
In a significant move to support the workforce, the Thai government has unveiled a loan programme aimed at self-employed individuals, providing funds up to 300,000 baht for those in need of financial assistance. This initiative, which offers zero-interest loans for a two-year period, is available until April 30, as announced by Deputy Government spokesperson Karam Phonprakong. The policy, orchestrated under…
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Thai government’s 500 billion baht digital wallet under scrutiny
The funding sources for the government’s flagship 500 billion baht handout scheme, better known as the digital wallet, will undergo careful consideration, ensuring that public debt remains manageable, a senior government official stated today. This scheme is a crucial campaign pledge of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, intending to distribute 10,000 baht to 50 million Thai citizens to stimulate local…
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Thai PM to seal multi-billion deal with Microsoft
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is poised to welcome Microsoft titan Satya Nadella at the Government House next month, fuelling anticipation for a high-stakes dialogue on technological advancement. Reports suggest the rendezvous will delve into investments spanning a cutting-edge data centre, the Cloud First platform, and pioneering strides in artificial intelligence (AI) within Thailand’s borders. Nadella’s eagerly anticipated appearance is scheduled…
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Thai government accused of ignoring call centre gangs problem
The Thai government came under fire from the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), who accused them of reneging on their commitment to eradicate call centre gangs. These criminal outfits, operating from across the Thai-Myanmar border, are becoming an escalating menace to Thailand and beyond. List-MP of the MFP, Rangsiman Rome, suggested that the government’s seeming indifference to the widespread issue…
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MFP alleges govt embezzlement in RTN frigate procurement
Thailand’s leading opposition group the Move Forward Party (MFP) has levelled charges at the government for alleged embezzlement about the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) planned acquisition of a new frigate. The controversy, now infamously dubbed as the “change money” scandal, was brought into the limelight by Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, an MP from the MFP, on the final day of a general…
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