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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Military’s risky rice plan revealed
Thailand’s Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang unveiled a bold plan regarding the nation’s rice surplus, promising to purchase rice stored under a contentious scheme. Responding to the alleged disclosure by Deputy PM and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Sutin confirms that a portion of the 15,000-tonne rice stockpile could be destined for the bellies of military personnel. Sutin addressed concerns about oversupply.…
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High stakes: Thai PM leads talks on weed reclassification
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin spearheaded a meeting yesterday to discuss the country’s narcotics issues and the potential reclassification of cannabis as a type 5 narcotic drug. The conference saw the involvement of key officials such as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, the newly appointed Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin and the Minister of Justice,…
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Phuket governor and British ambassador discuss tourist safety
Sophon Suwannarat, the Governor of Phuket, hosted Mark Gooding, the British Ambassador to Thailand, in a meeting on May 7, focusing on the safety of tourists. The meeting, which took place at the Phuket Provincial Hall, aimed to foster relations between Phuket and the British Government. Governor Sophon emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety of tourists, particularly by reducing…
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Suphan Buri’s Mae Buay Salay restaurant preprares for PM’s visit
Suphan Buri’s Mae Buay Salay restaurant, a renowned culinary landmark with over 80 years of history, is bustling with preparations to welcome the prime minister and Cabinet members on their upcoming visit. The restaurant, famed for its delectable river prawns and enduring tradition, is set to showcase its signature dishes to high-profile guests. Mae Buay Salay, located in the Bang…
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Thai deputy finance minister’s shock resignation
Thailand Deputy Minister of Finance Kritsada Jinavijarana sent shockwaves through the political corridors with his offer of resignation. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin intervened, urging Kritsada to reconsider his decision. Expressing discontent with task allocation, Kritsada tendered his resignation from the Cabinet. But the 62 year old Thai prime minister, not ready to lose a key figure, stepped in swiftly to…
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Thai govt’s digital wallet project: A cash splash on the horizon
The Government of Thailand is still finalising its digital wallet project, a financial aid initiative which promises a 10,000 baht disbursement to eligible citizens. The specific criteria for eligibility include an age threshold, and a deposit cap to ensure the aid reaches those intended. Citizens who are 16 years old as of September 30 of this year, or born before…
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Thailand and China to continue submarine purchase negotiations
Negotiations are set to resume next Wednesday between Thailand and China, as they seek to resolve the protracted issue surrounding a submarine purchase agreement. A 13-person delegation from China, encompassing military officials and representatives of the S26T Yuan-class submarine manufacturers, is due to meet their Thai counterparts. The submarine was part of a procurement deal agreed upon by the Royal…
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Secret talks with rebels: Ex-PM Thaksin’s shadow diplomacy
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s clandestine discussions with Myanmar’s resistance groups have ignited a storm of controversy. As the international community watches with bated breath, the House Committee on National Security and Border Affairs gears up for a probing investigation into this explosive development. The House Committee on National Security and Border Affairs announced a thorough investigation into the reports…
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Ex-MP takes legal action against Thai comedian Udom
Another complaint has been filed against Thai comedian Udom Taepanich. Parina Kraikupt, former Ratchaburi MP, initiated legal proceedings under Section 112 at the Po Tharam Police Station. The news of the incident was shared by the journalist Sarayuth Sutthasanachinda on his page. Parina posted following the uproar surrounding Udom, accompanied by the message: “Really can’t sleep, really want to rest,…
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New Finance Minister Pichai pledges to boost Thailand’s economy
Newly appointed Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira pledged to accelerate initiatives aimed at addressing household debt, stimulating the economy, and raising personal income. Pichai, who previously held the chairman position at the Stock Exchange of Thailand and served as the prime minister’s advisor, observed a consistent decline in the country’s economic growth rate over the past two decades during his inaugural…
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Thai government greenlights energy subsidies and price caps
Subsidies on electricity bills for vulnerable groups and caps on cooking gas and diesel prices have received the green light from the Thai government. The move aimed to alleviate the burden of burgeoning energy costs on the population. Deputy government spokesperson Rudklao Intawong Suwankiri disclosed that diesel prices will now be fixed at 33 baht per litre, from April 20…
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Thai government sets plans for King Rama X’s upcoming birthday
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin issued a directive to all government departments to come up with proposals for events to mark the forthcoming sixth-cycle birthday of His Majesty King Rama X, scheduled for July 28. The announcement came in the wake of a Cabinet meeting yesterday. The 62 year old Thai prime minister requested that the plans be presented to the…
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Grain gamble: Decade-old rice from Surin warehouses still fresh
Stored for over a decade, rice from the warehouses in Surin, dating back to Yingluck Shinawatra‘s term in office, has been confirmed to be in good condition. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, gave an assurance of the rice’s quality and announced that a bidding process for it is scheduled for next week. Phumtham, along with representatives from the private and public…
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Thai chamber opposes proposed minimum wage increase
The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) is in dispute with the government over its proposal to increase the minimum daily wage to 400 baht for workers all over the country. The proposed wage increment is expected to take effect in October. Speaking on the issue, Poj Aramwattananont, Vice-President of the TCC and the Board of Trade of Thailand, painted the…
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Thai PM denies plans to limit Bank of Thailand governor’s powers
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin dismissed any intention of modifying the law to restrict the authority of the Bank of Thailand’s (BoT) governor amidst a disagreement over the central bank’s interest rate policy. Responding to queries about potential amendments to the Bank of Thailand Act to limit the governor’s powers, the 62 year old Thai prime minister assured that such…
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Thai government boosts welfare benefits for workers
Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke indicated that the Thai government is committed to improving welfare benefits to enhance the quality of life for all workers in the country. This commitment follows a recent roll-out of new regulations aimed at supporting the needs of the informal workforce, a significant demographic in Thailand. “The government is determined to push for regulations that will…
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Thailand’s Move Forward Party faces possible dissolution
The Move Forward Party (MFP), one of Thailand’s major opposition parties, is currently battling a case against its dissolution in court. The case was triggered by the Election Commission’s (EC) proposal, based on Section 92 of the Political Parties Act, after the MFP was found to be advocating for amendments to Section 112 of the Criminal Code, or the lese…
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Thai renewable energy industry urges govt to revise trade system
The Federation of Thai Industries’ Renewable Energy Industry Club urged the government to revise the country’s electricity trade system from the longstanding enhanced single buyer (ESB) model, arguing it hampers the growth of renewable energy. The ESB structure, which designates the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) as the sole entity that sells electricity to the public, is seen as…
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Bangkok Council signs MOU with Kunming City Council to enhance cooperation in various fields
Wirat Meenchainunt, Chairman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, Chayada Vipattipumiprates, The First Vice-Chairman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, along with members of the Bangkok Council and relevant government officials paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of the Kunming City People’s Council and attended the signing ceremony of the revised Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Cooperation and Friendly Relations (MOU)…
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South Africa and Thailand boosts agricultural ties
The agricultural sector has become a significant beneficiary of the thriving bilateral relationship between Thailand and South Africa, revealed South Africa’s Ambassador to Thailand, Darkey Africa in a recent interview. This conversation was held to commemorate three decades of South African democracy and the bilateral relationship between the two nations including a strengthening of agricultural ties. Africa underscored the positive…
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Salary surge: Thai civil servants set for pay raise starting May 1
The Thai government announced a significant salary increase for civil servants, effective from tomorrow, May 1, this year. This adjustment aims to ensure that those with a bachelor’s degree will earn no less than 18,000 baht per month, and those with a vocational certificate will receive no less than 11,000 baht per month within two years. This recent decision, made…
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Yala deputy governor accused of adultery with adopted son (video)
The deputy governor of Yala province in southern Thailand allegedly committed adultery with his adopted son who reportedly physically assaulted his adopted mother, the governor’s legal wife. Local Facebook page Esor News reported on April 28 that a deputy governor in southern Thailand had been transferred from his post due to allegations of adultery, as he was still living with…
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RTN ready to evacuate Thais in escalating Myanmar conflict
The escalating civil conflict in Myanmar prompted the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to keep four ships on standby in the Andaman Sea, prepared to evacuate Thai citizens if required. Admiral Adung Pan-Iam, the RTN chief, has commanded the Region 3 commander, who oversees the Andaman coast, to ready two frigates, HTMS Saiburi and HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan, along with two landing…
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Seasoned diplomat poised to replace Thai foreign minister
Seasoned diplomat Maris Sangiampongsa is reportedly the primary candidate to replace Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara as Thailand’s foreign minister following the latter’s sudden resignation. Maris, having served as a diplomatic advisor to Parnpree and ambassador to various nations, including Australia, Nepal, and Canada, is widely anticipated to take up the mantle. Maris’ diplomatic career spans over two decades, during which he worked…
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Pichai Chunhavajira announced as new Thai Finance Minister
The former Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) chairman has been appointed as the new finance minister, a move that has garnered a positive reception from stock market analysts. They believe Pichai Chunhavajira will play an active role in managing the capital market and advancing economic stimulus, now that the 2024 fiscal budget is prepared for allocation. Expressing his view on…
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Cabinet shake-up plants seeds for cannabis reform in Thailand
The Thai Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin could spark high-stakes changes to the cannabis bill after former Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin replaced Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew. Cholnan, who led the charge in the cannabis debate, faced a blaze of controversy over the plant’s legalisation in 2022 by Anutin Charnvirakul, the former Public Health Minister, now doubling as…
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SEC warns digital asset exchanges on special privileges
The Deputy Secretary-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a stern warning to digital asset exchange operators. The caution comes in light of recent findings by the SEC, which reveal that these exchanges often entice the public to invest by offering special privileges, thereby encouraging trades on their platforms. Anek Yooyuen emphasised that the operations of digital asset…
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Thai PM’s frozen durian order: A fruitful venture worth millions
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday publicised the country’s recent acquisition of a 300-million-baht (US$8.1 million) frozen durian order on social media. The announcement came in the aftermath of his trip to Chanthaburi, which further emphasised the global appetite for Thai durians. “Post my visit, an order was placed. Business tycoons have expressed interest in placing an annual order worth 300…
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Pheu Thai people’s charter still unfulfilled seven months in
The Pheu Thai Party’s promise to craft a people’s charter that would engage an elected assembly and a public referendum while honouring Thailand’s constitutional monarchy remains unfulfilled after seven months in power. The 2017 charter, considered by some as a leftover from the 2014 coup, has yet to see any amendments. The initial months of the Pheu Thai government were…
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PM Srettha urges local authorities to monitor Covid-19
PM Srettha issued a directive to local authorities to closely monitor the Covid-19 situation following a surge in cases during the Songkran festival. This came after the prime minister and public health officials voiced concerns about a potential increase in Covid-19 cases. Kenika Ounjit, a spokeswoman for the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, announced yesterday that local authorities have been instructed…
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