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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Anutin denies Bhumjaithai influenced Senate’s double majority vote
Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, firmly denied allegations yesterday, October 1, that his party influenced the Senate’s decision to maintain the double majority requirement for passing a referendum on a new constitution. “We had nothing to do with it,” stated Anutin, responding to comments by Senator Nantana Nantavaropas, who suggested that the vote might have been manipulated. Anutin,…
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Thailand to withdraw military from southern provinces by 2027
Thailand plans to withdraw military forces from the nation’s southernmost provinces by 2027, with a focus on bolstering volunteer forces in the region. The Ministry of Interior and the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly train these volunteer forces. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Army Commander Charoenchai Hintao were present at the ceremony.…
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Paetongtarn’s anti-graft lawsuit over 30% stake rocks government
In a fresh scandal targeting Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, political firebrand Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC), accusing her of violating anti-graft laws by holding a significant company stake post-election. Ruangkrai claimed that Paetongtarn retained a 30% stake in Alpine Golf and Sports Club after being appointed PM in August. According to Ruangkrai, the…
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Thailand’s life-saving Pink ID Card for Myanmar migrants
Thailand is set to transform the lives of thousands of undocumented migrant workers from Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. As of September 24, the Thai government confirmed plans to issue official Pink Cards —identification cards typically reserved for legal workers—to those who entered the country illegally, according to sources supporting Myanmar migrant workers. U Moe Kyaw, spokesperson for the Yaung…
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Pattaya’s wastewater treatment project delayed again
Pattaya City Hospital is asking for a major budget extension to tackle its long-delayed wastewater treatment project. The hospital, under the Health and Environment Bureau, has requested an additional period for the disbursement of 23.8 million baht—part of a total 25.3 million baht budget—to continue its vital environmental initiative. Deputy Mayor Wuthisak Rermkijakarn presented the proposal at a Pattaya City…
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Paetongtarn thanks supporters after topping NIDA poll
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her gratitude to the public for their support after topping a quarterly poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) yesterday, September 29. The 38 year old Thai premier garnered support from 31.35% of respondents, who commended her leadership and efforts in tackling the hardships faced by the nation. Jirayu Huangsab, an adviser…
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Finance ministry sees record revenue of 14.4 billion baht
The Ministry of Finance announced that the Treasury Department has achieved record-breaking revenue collection for the fiscal year 2024, amounting to 14.4 billion baht. This represents a 57.9% increase from the previous year and exceeds projections by 25.4%, marking the highest revenue since the department’s establishment on September 30, 1924. The Deputy Minister of Finance, Paophum Rojanasakul attributed this remarkable…
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EC dismisses complaints for party dissolution, insufficient evidence
The Election Commission (EC) has dismissed two of over ten complaints calling for the dissolution of certain political parties and the removal of the prime minister and some Cabinet members due to insufficient information. Sawaeng Boonmee, the EC Secretary-General, stated that the office received more than ten complaints since the new government was established but two have been rejected. He…
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Thai tax riddle: Elite Visa holders off the hook?
Whispers on Facebook’s Elite/Privilege Group suggest that holders of the controversial five to 20 years visa could dodge the Thai Revenue Department’s (TRD) new tax ruling. Starting January 1 this year, assessable income sent from abroad by Thais or foreigners residing in Thailand for at least 180 days will be subject to personal income tax. A group member claimed, after…
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Anti-spanking bill scrapped: Thai MPs rethink on child discipline
The controversial anti-spanking bill has been withdrawn for further review after a backlash from MPs during the recent parliamentary session. The proposed amendment to the Civil and Commercial Code aimed to prohibit corporal punishment of children but faced fierce opposition on Wednesday, September 25, highlighting serious concerns regarding its vagueness and alignment with fundamental principles. Nipon Khonkhayan, an MP from…
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Reel deal: Thai man is squids in with government digital wallet
Among the many recipients of the government’s digital wallet handout is a 66 year old Thai man who transformed his share into a thriving small business selling grilled squid. State welfare cardholder Suwit Inrat, also known as Uncle Ood, received the handout money via his Krungthai Bank account around 2am today, September 27, prompting Suwit to spring into action. With…
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Thailand’s 20-billion-baht airport expressway takes off in 2030
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is gearing up to launch public-private partnerships (PPPs) next year for the ambitious 20-billion-baht Srinakarin-Suvarnabhumi Airport expressway project. With an anticipated opening in 2030, this project is poised to streamline access to the bustling Suvarnabhumi Airport, enhancing the travel experience for both locals and tourists alike. EXAT Deputy Governor Katpachon Udomthampakdee, recently led the…
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Gypsy cash dash: Phuket locals swarm ATMs for 10k baht handout
Hundreds of sea gypsies in Phuket flocked to ATMs at Laem Tukkae, Koh Sirey, Ratsada subdistrict on Wednesday, September 25, as part of the Thai government’s 10,000 baht handout scheme for vulnerable citizens. The scheme, aimed at state welfare cardholders and disabled individuals, is part of a broader economic stimulus programme. A national report noted that the sea gypsies, still…
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Na Jomtien officials deliver relief bags to 126 households in need
Na Jomtien officials delivered essential relief bags to 126 households in need yesterday, September 26. Rapeephan Rattanaliem, Mayor of Na Jomtien Subdistrict Municipality, accompanied by the deputy mayor, the mayor’s secretary, the mayor’s advisors, department heads, and municipal officials, conducted a field visit at 9am to distribute the relief packages. The relief bags contained drinking water, rice, cooking oil, fish…
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NHRC urges Thailand to rethink Southern Land Bridge project
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is urging Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to reconsider the Southern Land Bridge megaproject, highlighting concerns about its environmental impact and implications for local communities. The NHRC supports its call with findings from various studies conducted by state agencies. Council member Sayamol Kaiyoorawongs stated that the prime minister should direct the Office of Transport and…
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Recipients can use 10,000-baht handout to clear debts: Deputy PM
Recipients of the 10,000-baht handout are free to use the money as they see fit, including paying off debts, according to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham addressed reports that many eligible individuals in the first phase of the scheme, which began yesterday, September 26, plan to use the funds to clear their debts. “They can use the money [to…
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Thailand aims to eradicate poverty in two years
Thailand aims to eradicate poverty and build a prosperous economy within the remainder of its term, an adviser to PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed. With just over two years left in office, the 38 year old prime minister is determined to ensure that Thais can rise above poverty, stated Surapong Suebwonglee, deputy chairman of the five-member advisory panel appointed by PM Paetongtarn.…
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PM Paetongtarn tops the polls whilst Thaksin falls to 7th
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has surged to the top of the charts in a LINE Today poll, placed first among Thailand’s political elite. The poll, conducted from September 10 to 20, revealed that the country’s 31st Prime Minister and second female leader outpaced her rivals by a wide margin. Leading the pack with an impressive 4,764 points, PM Paetongtarn…
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Thailand digital wallet handout falls short: Woman gets only 4,000
A Thai woman attempting to withdraw 10,000 baht for her father, as part of the Thai government’s digital wallet handout for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities, received only 4,000 baht, sparking suspicions of debt deductions by the bank. In Uthai Thani province, the government commenced disbursing 10,000 baht to vulnerable groups and those with disabilities. From early morning, recipients…
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Bangkok is ready for potential flooding: Deputy Interior Minister
Deputy Interior Minister Theerarat Samrejvanich assured the public that Bangkok is well-equipped to manage any potential flooding, drawing a clear distinction from the devastating floods of 2011. Theerarat shared insights from her recent discussion with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who confirmed the city’s proactive measures against potential floods. Local officials have been tasked with inspecting water pumps and ensuring all…
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Bangkok’s Red Line to extend 20-baht fare after ridership surge
The Red Line operator aims to extend its popular 20-baht flat-rate fare for another year following a significant increase in ridership during the current trial period, which expires in November. Passenger numbers on the Red Line surged by approximately 50% since the 20-baht fare was implemented in October last year, according to Suthep Punthupeng, CEO of SRT Electrified Train Co,…
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Thailand starts 10,000-baht handout to 3 million needy individuals
Three million needy and disabled individuals in Thailand will receive the 10,000-baht handout under the government’s digital wallet programme today, announced Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. This initial rollout is part of a larger initiative aimed at aiding 14.5 million recipients in total. Due to limitations with the PromptPay payment system, only 3 million recipients can be processed initially. These funds…
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Thailand’s universal healthcare won’t ‘break the bank’ says minister
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health remains confident that the universal healthcare programme will not face financial difficulties, according to Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin. The government has allocated a central budget of 5.9 billion baht for the scheme for the fiscal year ending September 30. Somsak provided this update following a National Health Security Board meeting, where participants discussed plans for…
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93 countries including Singapore will require ETA for Thai entry
Soon, Singaporeans and travellers from 92 other visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before their trip to the Land of Smiles. Reports suggest a pilot programme might kick off in December, with full implementation expected by June 2025. However, The Straits Times has learned that the exact launch date is still up in the…
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Thai PM’s Office hits back at ethics amendment critics
Political storms are brewing over Thailand’s controversial charter amendment proposal but the Prime Minister’s Office is pushing back, insisting the revisions won’t weaken the fight against corruption. Yesterday, September 23, PM Office Minister Chousak Sirinil dismissed concerns surrounding the Pheu Thai Party’s charter amendment plan, which includes revising ethical standards for political officeholders. Critics claim it could undermine the constitution’s core…
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Thai government to tighten grip on online scammers
The Government of Thailand is set to unleash new laws in its war against online scams, with a toughened stance on cyber criminals. Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Economy (MDES) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, vowed to not only protect consumers but also tackle the soaring number of fraud cases that threaten the nation’s economic security. Responding to concerns raised by Senator…
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Commerce Ministry says pork prices are ‘bringing home the bacon’
The Thai Ministry of Commerce has addressed concerns raised by Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan regarding the high cost of pork in Thailand compared to imported pork. This issue has led to significant expenses for consumers. Consequently, the ministry has instructed the Internal Trade Department to collaborate with relevant agencies to find solutions that balance and make the entire pricing chain fairer.…
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Thailand promotes products with Piccadilly Circus campaign
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has launched the Think Thailand Next Level branding campaign to promote Thai products and services. The event, led by Pichai Naripthaphan, took place at Piccadilly Circus in London, aiming to elevate Thailand’s image globally. The campaign’s launch featured a gigantic digital billboard at Piccadilly Circus, a prominent public space and a central hub in London. This…
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Monk neglected by hospital in Prachuap Khiri Khan
A group of monks and disciples confronted medical staff at Thap Sakae Hospital in Prachuap Khiri Khan, claiming negligence in treating an ailing senior monk, forcing him to seek care elsewhere after waiting for two hours without assistance. A lawyer named Prapatpong Phumchai and disciples of Phra Khru Phasuk Wiharakan, also known as Luang Por Sompong, the abbot of Wat Ang…
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Thai MP’s car catches fire after inspecting Lampang floods
People’s Party MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn experienced a frightening moment when the car transporting him caught fire after returning from inspecting flood conditions in Lampang, en route to Chiang Mai Airport. A Good Samaritan helped extinguish the fire, revealing they suddenly smelled something burning and saw smoke before flames erupted. Wiroj, a list MP from the People’s Party, shared his alarming…
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