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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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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Chaos outside passport office claims lives in Myanmar
In Myanmar’s Mandalay, a rush for escape turned fatal as two lives were lost in a stampede outside a passport office yesterday. According to an AFP report, the victims, two women aged 52 and 39, succumbed to the overwhelming surge of hundreds clamouring to secure their passage out of the country, amplifying the harrowing toll of Myanmar’s societal upheaval. A…
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Thaksin sparks online debates for being released on parole
Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, was released on parole following six months in hospital. He returned to his home, Ban Chan Song La, in the Bang Phlat district of Bangkok yesterday, February 18. His parole sparked an online debate regarding his privilege and issues of inequality. Thaksin arrived in Thailand on August 22 last year after 15 years…
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Thailand’s democracy index ranking drops due to unelected govt
The yearly Democracy Index compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has seen Thailand’s ranking fall by eight places, a change largely ascribed to the latest government formation by unelected senators rather than voters. The EIU placed Thailand in the 63rd position among 167 countries and territories in 2023, a drop from its 55th position in 2022. The country’s score…
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Thai security academic calls for transparency in government assets
An independent security academic, Panitan Wattanayagorn, recently suggested a closer examination of the assets of military and government agencies in Thailand. His proposal aims to enhance transparency through regulated financial accounts and the disclosure of expenditures. Panitan, who specialises in security and foreign affairs, expressed his concerns, highlighting the ministries of Education, Higher Education Science Research and Innovation, and Finance…
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Fresh water supply solution for Pattaya’s Koh Larn
In a bid to tackle the parched plight of Koh Larn amidst soaring tourist numbers, Pattaya is eyeing a collaboration with a new water supplier to bolster freshwater production. Deputy Mayor Manote Nongyai revealed plans for a potential alliance with a novel water supply venture, projecting a surge in production capacity to a substantial 1,000 cubic metres per day, catering…
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Surrogacy to be covered by health insurance in Thailand
The Health Service Support Department is joining forces with the Office of Insurance Commission and insurance providers to integrate surrogacy into the health insurance scheme. This move comes in response to Thailand’s plummeting birth rates and the looming spectre of an ageing population. According to Dr Sura Wisedsak, the department’s director-general, a whopping 114 hospitals and clinics across Thailand are…
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Update: Srettha confirms Thaksin’s release tomorrow
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s release from hospital detention, confirmed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, marks the end of a dramatic chapter in Thai politics. Thaksin, who returned to Thailand after 15 years in self-imposed exile, will step out of confinement on Sunday, according to Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. The 74 year old ex-PM, serving a commuted one-year sentence for…
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Myanmar nationals flee to Thailand to evade military conscription
In Thailand’s border province of Tak, young Myanmar nationals, now including women, attempt to evade compulsory military conscription. Soldiers from the Ratchamanu Taskforce, stationed in Tak’s Mae Sot district, made a startling discovery on Friday, apprehending 27 youths comprising 13 men and 14 women near a stream in Phop Phra district. These young individuals revealed they had embarked on their…
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Thai military chief disclaims use of Thailand arsenals in Myanmar
Thailand’s military chief denied that the Thai military arsenal was supplied to Myanmar rebel forces. In a bid to clarify the situation, General Jaroenchai Hintao firmly refutes allegations tying Thailand’s military to the arsenal fuelling rebel fighters across the Myanmar border. Insisting on the integrity of Thailand’s defence, General Jaroenchai outlines rigorous measures in place to safeguard against illicit weapon…
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Royal purple wave: Officials rally behind Princess Sirindhorn after motorcade incident
In a display of solidarity, officials from various ministries donned vibrant purple T-shirts yesterday, standing united in support of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The gesture came in response to a recent alarming incident on a bustling Bangkok expressway, where two individuals from the Taluwang group recklessly honked and attempted to chase the princess’s motorcade. Leading the charge at the…
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Cabinet meeting to discuss constitutional amendment referendum parameters
Phumtham Wechayachai, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, announced that next month’s Cabinet meeting will focus on the parameters required for a constitutional amendment referendum. Phumtham, who is also the head of a panel examining the referendum requirements for the charter amendment, has stated that the report will be submitted to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the Cabinet for…
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Royal Rainmaking Department struggles to control Bangkok PM2.5 levels
The Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department admits its efforts to tackle sky-high PM2.5 levels in Bangkok are being thwarted by the haze drifting from Myanmar. The department’s Director-General, Supit Pithaktham, sprung into action after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s directive to combat PM2.5 air pollution actively. Supit revealed that despite their daily endeavours since December to produce artificial rain, the intensified…
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Thaksin’s parole won’t alter Thailand’s politics, says Pheu Thai
Pheu Thai Party Deputy Leader Chusak Sirinil recently threw light on the potential impact of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra‘s impending parole, stating that it won’t significantly alter the political landscape of the nation. He expressed confidence in the current government’s performance and the prime minister’s full functionality, dismissing the speculations of major changes anticipated by many political observers. Chusak…
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Activist Surachai declared missing by Thai court after fleeing to exile
A court in Nakhon Si Thammarat officially declared activist Surachai Danwattananusorn missing, igniting concerns over his fate after years of silence since his exile in Laos in 2018. The ruling, delivered on Monday, grants his wife, Pranee Danwattananusorn, the authority to handle his assets, shedding light on the ordeal endured by his family in the absence of any trace of…
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Thailand tourists to get medical coverage of up to 500,000 baht
The Thai government pledged unprecedented medical insurance and compensation packages, promising travellers a worry-free experience. Under the scheme, tourists will receive medical coverage of up to 500,000 baht in case of accidents, along with compensation of up to 1 million baht in the unfortunate event of death. At the campaign launch, Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol declared the initiative,…
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Thailand and Australia consider mutual visa exemption
In a bid to foster seamless travel and boost business ties, Thailand and Australia are contemplating a mutual visa exemption scheme. The proposition was tabled during a high-profile meeting between Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and David Hurley, the Governor-General of Australia, at Government House yesterday. Amidst a visit to Thailand, Governor-General Hurley, accompanied by his spouse Linda, is set to…
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PM Srettha urges citizens to dress yellow on Mondays in homage to Thai King
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ignited a national fervour, urging Thai citizens to pay homage to His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday. Addressing the nation post-Tuesday’s Cabinet summit, the 61 year old Thai PM, clad in golden hues, disclosed plans for a weekly ritual. “In jubilant celebration of His Majesty’s sixth-cycle milestone on July 28. I’ve directed civil servants to don…
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Red-shirt leader Nattawut Saikua urges lawmakers to pass bills for 2010 crackdown victims
Nattawut Saikua, a key figure in the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), intensified his campaign for justice by urging Pheu Thai Party executives to throw their weight behind two pivotal bills. These bills, spearheaded by ruling party Deputy Leader Chousak Sirinil, are poised to revolutionise the quest for accountability. The proposed legislation encompasses an organic act targeting the…
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Thai Airways’ turbulence at Suvarnabhumi: Transport minister threatens contract termination
Transport Minister Suriya Jungroongreangkit issued a warning to Thai Airways International (THAI) following a series of complaints about subpar ground services at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Speaking after a pivotal meeting with airport service operators, Suriya unveiled a roadmap for dramatic improvements or contractual consequences. “The ministry has been inundated with grievances regarding the dismal quality of ground services provided by…
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Thai government announces five-day weekend for Songkran holiday
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared Friday, April 12 a special government holiday, amplifying the Songkran celebrations with a five-day weekend. The decision made a full two months ahead of the festival, aims to provide ample time for both individuals and businesses to prepare for the festivities. The 61 year old Thai PM-cum-finance minister expressed his desire for the Ministry of Tourism…
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Activist Tantawan arrested for challenging royal motorcades
A 22 year old activist attracted attention when she found herself in the news for honking her car horn at a royal motorcade on February 4. Following this incident, Tantawan Tuatulanon conducted an opinion poll on February 10, questioning if royal motorcades were a cause of traffic issues. This action led to charges being filed against her for causing a…
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Ed Sheeran concert uproar prompts Paetongtarn to deny VIP noise
Concertgoers at Ed Sheeran’s recent performance in Bangkok were met with an unexpected disturbance emanating from the VIP section, leading to a heated debate across social media platforms. Amidst the furore, the leader of the Pheu Thai Party, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, addressed the issue today, staunchly denying involvement in the disruptive noise that prompted some audience members to leave the venue.…
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Former PM Thaksin granted parole, walks free this weekend
It has been confirmed that Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister of Thailand, will walk free from prison this weekend. A source from Government House made the following announcement. “Convicted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to be released on parole this weekend, following confirmation from Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong on Tuesday (February 13).” Tawee disclosed that Thaksin was among…
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Thailand govt cuts informal debts by 670 million baht in two months
The Government of Thailand has slashed the nation’s informal debts by 670 million baht (US$18.69 million) in a span of two months, successfully resolving 102,000 out of the 140,000 reported cases. This significant reduction is part of an initiative to alleviate the household debt burden. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who also holds the position of Finance Minister, attributed this progress…
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Royal Thai Air Force relinquishes Kantarat golf course for public projects
A recent decision by the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) opened up new prospects for public project development. The RTAF consented to relinquish its Kantarat Golf Course, situated between the runways of Don Mueang Airport, for state project development, as revealed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. In a social media post, the prime minister expressed gratitude towards the RTAFforce’s initiative…
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Pheu Thai’s Paetongtarn hopeful for Thaksin’s release on parole
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, expressed wishes for the release of her father, convicted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, on parole. With the possibility of his release looming, Paetongtarn remains uncertain if her father’s name will be included in the Department of Corrections’ (DoC) list of eligible inmates for parole and special parole. Special parole is typically…
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Thailand takes lead in Myanmar crisis: Calls for active role in finding peaceful solution
Thailand’s plan to provide humanitarian aid to displaced persons within Myanmar has earned praise from the chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Noppadon Pattama. Speaking exclusively to Thai PBS World, Noppadon emphasised the urgency for the current Srettha Thavisin government to step up its efforts in resolving the conflict in Myanmar. Dubbing it a good starting point, Noppadon…
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Party chief Suwat celebrates 69th birthday with prime minister
Chart Pattana Kla Party chief Suwat Liptapanlop celebrated his 69th birthday by hosting the prime minister and lending his backing to the government’s highly debated digital wallet policy. Despite facing opposition from the central bank and various government agencies, Suwat firmly believes that the controversial plan to distribute 10,000 baht to nearly every Thai aged 16 and above is crucial…
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Australian governor-general to visit Thailand, strengthening ties
The longstanding ties between Thailand and Australia are set to be celebrated as Governor-General of Australia David John Hurley prepares for a visit to Thailand from February 13 to 17. The visit, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, promises to be a significant event in the annals of both nations. The itinerary of the visit includes a royal…
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Pita’s shocking family secrets exposed in IG post controversy
Former Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat came forward to address the controversies surrounding his alleged Cambodian ancestry. In a recent Instagram post that captivated his 2.7 million followers, Pita shed light on his maternal grandmother, Anusri, and the intriguing connections within his family tree. Setting the record straight, Pita affirmed his grandmother’s birthplace as Bangkok, vehemently dismissing any claims…
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