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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Release of sensitive CCTV footage of Netiporn delayed
The Department of Corrections has clarified its position regarding a lawyer’s request for CCTV footage taken while medical personnel were treating Netiporn Sanesangkhom, also known as Bung Taluwang, who later died during her hunder strike. The department stated that they could not yet provide the footage from the correctional hospital as it must be reviewed to ensure legal accuracy and…
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Panel to auction 15,000 tonnes of rice from Yingluck era
A dedicated panel has been established to manage the auction of 15,000 tonnes of rice remaining from the contentious rice-pledging scheme initiated during former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s tenure. This announcement came from Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The panel is set to draft the terms of reference (ToR) for the auction, with completion expected by the end of this month.…
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Cannabis crackdown: Only buds back on the blacklist
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin revealed that only cannabis buds will be reclassified as Category 5 narcotics, while the rest of the marijuana plant remains legal. This dramatic shift is set to clarify the murky waters of Thailand’s cannabis regulations, following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s controversial pledge to recriminalise marijuana. “The new directive will specify that leaves, branches, roots, stems,…
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Big Joke leads petition to oust NACC over corruption claims
Thailand’s suspended Deputy National Police Chief, Police General Surachet Hakparn, known as Big Joke, initiated a campaign in Pattaya to gather signatures for the removal of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The event, held yesterday at the J A Plus Hotel, aimed to address accusations of corruption, unexplained wealth, and severe ethical breaches against the NACC. Big Joke highlighted the…
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70% of Thais clueless about upcoming senatorial elections
A new poll revealed that nearly a quarter of Thais are unaware of the upcoming senatorial elections, while a whopping 70% do not understand how the new election system works. This startling revelation comes as the nation prepares for elections from June 9 to 26, where thousands of candidates will vote among themselves to elect 200 senators. The poll, conducted…
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Thai trade envoy spices up talks with Shanghai to stir-fry ties
In a significant move to bolster economic ties, Thai trade representative Narumon Pinyosinwat met with Zhao Zhuping, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai municipal government yesterday. The discussion centred on expanding trade and investment between Thailand and Shanghai. “Chinese investors sought the highest number of investment privileges from the Thai government last year.” Narumon noted that 430 projects valued at 160…
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Thai minister reveals groundbreaking health initiative with China
Thailand’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation unveiled a pioneering research programme in collaboration with China’s leading genome research powerhouse, BGI. This initiative, aimed at transforming healthcare in Thailand, promises to elevate the quality of life for locals while slashing healthcare costs tied to late-stage diseases. The ambitious project, spearheaded by Thailand’s National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology…
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Jewish independent to challenge Keir Starmer in UK election (video)
Sir Keir Starmer yesterday declared the July 4 General Election announcement by United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was the “moment the country” had been waiting for. While the opposition leader believes it’s a foregone conclusion that the Labour Party will triumph, this may not necessarily be the case. Andrew Feinstein, a former Member of the National Assembly of South…
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Pichit exit rocks premiership boat amid legal storm
Pichit Chuenban, the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, has resigned after a legal complaint from senators that threatens the premiership of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Pichit’s resignation follows a bombshell petition from 40 senators, urging the Constitutional Court to scrutinise the qualifications of both Prime Minister Srettha and Minister Pichit, alleging they fall short under Article 160 of…
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PM Srettha cooks up plan to boost food quality with Barilla partnership
In a high-stakes meeting that could reshape Thailand’s food industry, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin sat down with top executives from Barilla G.e.R. Fratelli S.p.A., the world’s leading pasta producer. With ambitions running high, the discussions centred on enhancing food production quality and expanding pasta distribution networks throughout Thailand. Among the Italian delegation were Federico Vescovi, Barilla’s Partnership Development President, and…
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US imposes major tariffs on Chinese EVs and semiconductors
The United States recently imposed substantial tariffs on Chinese products, focusing particularly on electric vehicles (EVs) and semiconductors. This move is expected to push China to expand its EV manufacturing within Asia, with Thailand emerging as a significant export hub, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). President Joe Biden’s administration cited Beijing’s unfair trade practices as the reason for…
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Thai lawyers seek bail for political prisoners under lese majeste law
Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) is working to secure bail for 19 political prisoners, predominantly those charged under Section 112, commonly known as the lese majeste law, to uphold their human rights. TLHR announced yesterday, May 22, that the number of political prisoners, especially those detained under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, has surged since last year. Many…
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Thailand and Bhutan start free trade talks to boost trade by 2025
Thailand and Bhutan yesterday officially began negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA), aiming to finalise the deal by next year. Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang confirmed that Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has signed the terms of reference to initiate the FTA discussions. Both nations see this agreement as a crucial step to enhance bilateral trade and investment, dismantle…
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Defence minister considers law review after southern violence
Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang intends to reassess the special laws currently enforced in Thailand’s Deep South, aiming to address the surge in violence in the region. Sutin revealed his plan to visit the southernmost provinces soon, following recent outbreaks of violence. This announcement came after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin shared on his social media channels that he would also be…
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Court shakes up Senate race: Judge advises removal of EC regs
A judge at the Administrative Court has advised the removal of certain Election Commission (EC) regulations that govern how Senate election candidates introduce themselves, following complaints from petitioners. Activists and candidates filed a petition against the EC regulations, arguing that they overly restrict candidates’ use of social media and mass media to introduce themselves to the public. The court held…
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PM Srettha scrambles to address economic woes
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has called an urgent meeting with his economic ministers next Monday in a bid to tackle Thailand’s sluggish economic growth. This move comes after a dismal first-quarter GDP report, which has sent shockwaves through the government and the public alike. In a Twitter post last night, the 62 year old Thai prime minister announced that…
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Philippines aims to be Asia’s next logistics hub with US support
According to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the Philippines is positioning itself as Asia’s next manufacturing and logistics hub, leveraging its strengthening relationship with the United States. Under the leadership of Marcos, the Philippines has bolstered its defence and economic cooperation with Washington, which recently committed to accelerating investments in the nation’s transport infrastructure, clean energy, and semiconductor supply chains through the…
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Thailand seeks new stimulus after Q1 growth falls short
Following Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira’s announcement yesterday, Thailand needs additional stimulus measures to unlock its economic potential after experiencing lower-than-expected growth in the first quarter. The country’s economy expanded by only 1.5% year-on-year in the first quarter. This performance, while surpassing analysts’ forecasts, fell short of the 1.7% growth recorded in the previous quarter, said Pichai. “There was still growth…
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Corrupt BMA official busted: Bangkok bribery scandal exposed
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) launched a disciplinary committee to investigate a shocking corruption case involving a high-ranking Public Works Department official. Anti-corruption police and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission made headlines yesterday with the arrest of Peempong, a key suspect in a major bribery scandal. Three other suspects were apprehended in coordinated raids. During the dramatic raid on Peempong’s…
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Former PM Somchai Wongsawat stuns with senate bid
Former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat made a surprise appearance at the Chiang Mai district office at 9am, marking the opening of senatorial candidate registrations. Eyewitnesses report that Somchai, whose brief tenure as prime minister lasted from September 18 to December 2, 2008, did not address the media, slipping quietly into the registration process. Somchai’s short-lived stint as prime minister was…
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Scandal rocks PM Srettha: Ethics violation accusation
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin remains resolute amid an ethics complaint that could see him suspended. While on an official visit to Italy on Sunday, PM Srettha addressed the brewing controversy. A group of acting senators filed a complaint with the Constitutional Court, accusing him of violating the code of ethics in his recent appointment of PM’s Office Minister Pichit…
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PM Srettha’s Milan move: F1 races, and airport overhauls
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met with Intesa Sanpaolo, a leading international financial institution in Milan to discuss funding for Thailand’s Land Bridge project. The bank is aware of the Thai government’s plans to expand Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, and Chiang Mai airports and showed keen interest, hinting at future detailed discussions. The prime minister also revealed that Intesa Sanpaolo is enthusiastic…
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Bangkok holds five-day Pride fest to boost LGBTQ+ tourism
Thailand is gearing up to host a five-day Pride event in Bangkok, aiming to establish itself as Asia’s rainbow capital. This event, organised by the government alongside private and civil sectors, will feature a series of activities running from May 31 to June 4 under the theme Celebration of Love. Ann Chumaporn, founder and president of the Bangkok Pride Parade,…
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900-year-old statue returned to Thailand
A 900-year-old statue, smuggled out of Thailand by a notorious art dealer in 1975, has finally been returned to its homeland after spending over three decades in the possession of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The 129-centimetre bronze statue, known as the Golden Boy and believed to depict the Hindu god Shiva, along with a smaller statue…
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Thai PM explores potential projects with Italian investors in Milan
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin embarked on a visit to Milan, Italy, where discussions with prominent investors from financial institution Intesa Sanpaolo highlighted potential avenues for collaboration on key infrastructure projects in Thailand. During his meetings, the 62 year old Thai prime minister disclosed plans regarding the Land Bridge project and the possibility of hosting a Formula One race in Thailand.…
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Govt to boost 2024 budget by 122 billion baht for handout scheme
According to the Budget Bureau Chief, the Thai government plans to increase the 2024 fiscal budget by 122 billion baht to support its primary handout initiative. This announcement follows the recent approval of a delayed 3.48 trillion baht budget. The government is continuing to push forward with fiscal stimulus plans, aiming to distribute 500 billion baht by the fourth quarter…
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Corrupt former DSI chief faces 44 million baht asset seizure
Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) concluded investigations into two cases involving the corrupt former Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), resulting in significant asset seizures totalling over 44 million baht (US$10 million). In the initial case, the court ordered the forfeiture of the former DSI’s Director-General Tharit Pengdit’s assets worth 341.80 million baht to the state. A subsequent…
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Bomb attack injures six security officers in Narathiwat patrol
A bomb attack injured six members of a local security unit in Cho Airong District, Narathiwat Province, while they were on patrol to protect teachers. The assailants fled after a brief exchange of gunfire with the authorities. Reports indicate that the incident occurred when the security team, riding motorcycles, was patrolling to ensure the safety of teachers, only 400 metres…
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Iranian president’s helicopter drama: Hard landing sparks alarm
Iranian state media reported a tragic incident involving a helicopter transporting President Ebrahim Raisi, detailing a hard landing on Sunday. The aircraft, reportedly carrying Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian as well, encountered challenging weather conditions, hampering rescue efforts, as conveyed by the Interior Minister. The status of those aboard the helicopter remains uncertain, with no contact established as of now.…
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Thailand faces cannabis reclassification deadline
The Government of Thailand faces a rapidly approaching reclassification deadline set by cannabis advocacy groups. Cannabis Future Network, a prominent pro-cannabis group, stated last week that whether the Public Health Ministry intends to fully or partially reclassify cannabis, the decision must be backed by scientific evidence. The group has given the government 15 days to substantiate its stance. Reclassifying cannabis…
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