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 How one hospital visit in Thailand could cost more than your whole trip
Thailand is a favourite spot for travellers who want to enjoy more while spending less. From cheap street food to low-cost hotels and fun attractions, it’s easy to stretch your budget here. But there’s one thing many people don’t think...
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Thai baht rally faces threats amid political drama and bank policy
Thailand’s recent baht rally faces a rocky road as the country dives into political chaos just before the central bank’s policy meeting this week. Since July, the baht has been a star performer, climbing up the ranks as tourism bounced back from a near two-year low against the US dollar in May. But this impressive upswing could be at risk…
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PPP scandal: Prawit defends reporter assault as a joke (video)
Palang Pracharath Party (PPP) leader Prawit Wongsuwan responded to critics demanding the politician be held accountable for assaulting a female reporter on Friday, August 16, saying he was only joking and teasing the reporter, with whom he was familiar. Multiple videos of the PPP leader, Prawit, striking the female Thai reporter on the head were shared on social media on…
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Paetongtarn’s pledge: No more Shinawatra slip-ups
Thailand’s youngest Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pledged to avoid the political disasters plaguing her father and aunt. Addressing the media for the first time after her royal endorsement yesterday, the 37 year old Thai premier made a bold promise to dodge the fate of Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra. The Bangkok-born Thai politician made known she is keen to avoid her…
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People’s Party to turn the electoral tide
New People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut demanded his party perform much better in the next General Election. The 37 year old was unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight as the new head of the freshly minted People’s Party (PP). This surprise appointment comes hot on the heels of the Constitutional Court’s bombshell decision to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP) and…
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Thaksin’s pardon: Royal flush for the former PM’s clean slate
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to be handed a certificate of innocence within the next 120 days. The Department of Corrections (DoC) revealed the stunning news following a massive royal pardon granted to tens of thousands of prisoners yesterday, August 18. The royal decree, unveiled on the Royal Gazette website yesterday, celebrates His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday…
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Pheu Thai to announce new Cabinet in three weeks
The ruling Pheu Thai Party has announced that the new Cabinet will be introduced within three weeks. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed this yesterday, following parliament’s vote for the new premier. Newly installed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will have the legal right and duty to make political decisions and hold discussions. Phumtham emphasised that the allocation of ministerial positions will…
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Prawit under fire for alleged reporter intimidation (video)
Palang Pracharath party leader General Prawit Wongsuwan finds himself in hot water after allegedly intimidating a Thai PBS reporter. The incident, which has sparked outrage, is now being condemned by both Thai PBS and the Thai Journalists’ Association (TJA). General Prawit, who harboured ambitions of becoming Thailand’s prime minister, was visibly agitated when the reporter questioned him about the live…
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Future of 10,000-baht digital wallet in doubt after PM dismissal
Srettha Thavisin’s dismissal as prime minister cast significant doubt over the future of the much-publicised digital wallet scheme, with the ruling Pheu Thai Party and the Cabinet providing conflicting messages about the flagship policy’s direction. Concerns are also mounting among the public regarding the potential misuse of personal information collected for the 10,000-baht handout. A constitutional court order on Wednesday…
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Paetongtarn makes history to become youngest PM of Thailand
In a stunning political shake-up, Paetongtarn “Aung Aing” Shinawatra is the new Prime Minister of Thailand, following in the illustrious footsteps of her father, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. Making waves as both the youngest and second female prime minister in Thai history, Paetongtarn is already grabbing headlines and stirring excitement across the nation. The House of Representatives held a special…
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Chaikasem cleared of involvement in Pichit bribery case decision
Chaikasem Nitisiri, a former Attorney-General and prime ministerial candidate of the Pheu Thai Party, has been cleared of involvement in a 2008 decision not to indict Pichit Chuenban on a court bribery charge, according to the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG). The OAG officials addressed the matter yesterday, August 15, in response to questions about Pichit’s cases. Pichit’s recent Cabinet…
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Tax breaks fall flat: Hoteliers sceptical of Thailand govt incentives
The hospitality industry in Thailand is abuzz as the government unveils a new policy aimed at boosting tourism in secondary provinces through tax benefits for hoteliers. But the response from hotel entrepreneurs has been lukewarm at best. According to the latest hospitality operators’ confidence index, a survey conducted by the Thai Hotels Association (THA) and the Bank of Thailand, 50%…
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Coalition politics: UTNP sets conditions for Pheu Thai support
The United Thai Nation Party (UTNP) announced its support for the Pheu Thai Party’s next prime minister candidate, with one major caveat: no touching the lese majeste law. This stance from UTNP, led by Pirapan Salirathavibhaga—Thailand’s caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister—could have significant implications for the political landscape. During a press conference today, Pirapan expressed the UTNP’s allegiance…
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Japan invited to supercharge Thailand’s Red Line railway network
In a strategic move to bolster Thailand’s railway infrastructure, the Ministry of Transport extended an invitation to Japanese companies to invest in the extension networks of the Red Line electric train system. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit welcomed the newly appointed Japanese ambassador, Otaka Masato, during a media briefing yesterday, August 14, highlighting the potential for enhanced transport cooperation between the…
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FTI rattled by PM Srettha’s ousting: Investors on edge
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) voiced alarm following the Thai Constitutional Court‘s shock decision to remove Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office yesterday. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, Chairman of the FTI, warned that the ruling could put a brake on both local and foreign investment as investors rethink their strategies amid the political turmoil. Thailand is already wrestling with major economic hurdles,…
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New Russian Consul General Ivanov meets with Phuket Governor
Egor Ivanov, the newly appointed Russian Consul General for Phuket, met with Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat yesterday to formally introduce himself after his credentials were accepted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the meeting, Ivanov expressed his gratitude to Governor Sophon and his team for their efforts in looking after Russian tourists. He also conveyed his readiness to support…
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Fate of digital wallet scheme unclear after Srettha’s departure
The future of the 10,000 baht digital wallet scheme has become unclear after the departure of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The Pheu Thai Party secretary-general insisted that it would continue, while the former deputy finance minister expressed doubts. The Constitutional Court, yesterday, August 14, removed former PM Srettha from office following a serious violation of political ethics. The former…
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Thailand’s Pheu Thai pushes casino legalisation despite resistance
Pheu Thai, the governing party in Thailand, remains confident in its ability to persuade its coalition partner, Bhumjaithai Party, to support the legalisation of casinos, despite Bhumjaithai’s recent opposition. The bill, championed by Pheu Thai, aims to legalise casinos as part of a larger initiative to create regional entertainment complexes to attract investment. Hours before his removal as prime minister…
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Thai politics in Cabinet fever as PM race heats up, 7 candidates
Following the removal of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, several media outlets are closely watching the selection of the next PM and the formation of the new Cabinet with seven potential candidates from five coalition government parties. According to Section 159 of the Constitution, the appointment of the PM of Thailand involves five conditions: The House of Representatives must appoint…
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Thai PM Srettha removed over serious political ethic violation
The Constitutional Court of Thailand today removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office after ruling that he seriously violated political ethics by appointing a former criminal as a minister. The now-former PM Srettha appointed Pichit Chuenban, a renowned lawyer associated with the Shinawatra family, as the Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office. This decision raised concerns among 40 Senators, as…
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Thailand PM Srettha axed over shady Cabinet appointment
In a dramatic turn of events, Thailand’s Constitutional Court delivered a bombshell ruling today, August 14, declaring that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had breached ethics rules by appointing a convicted lawyer to his Cabinet. The shocking verdict, delivered amid heightened tensions, has put the Bangkok-born PM’s political future in jeopardy, with the nation holding its breath to see if he…
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Thai PM orders swift action on Chinese goods influx
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin tasked Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai with fast-tracking measures this month to tackle the surge of Chinese goods into Thailand. Following the weekly Cabinet meeting held yesterday, August 13, PM Srettha announced that the Commerce Ministry would spearhead efforts to prevent substandard goods from entering the country. This initiative will be a collaborative effort with the Finance…
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Thailand govt addresses TEMU’s impact on local SMEs
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce raised concerns over the impact of the global e-commerce platform TEMU on Thai SMEs. Immediate protective measures are being discussed with eight agencies to curb the influx of online goods into the country. Phumtham Wechayachai shared his views on Facebook, stating that while international e-commerce platforms bring opportunities, they also present significant…
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People’s Party confirmed legal despite petition threat
The People’s Party (PP), emerging from the recently disbanded Move Forward Party (MFP), has been confirmed by the Election Commission (EC) as having established the necessary party branches legally. The announcement followed a statement by Warong Dechgitvigrom, leader of the Thai Pakdee Party, who indicated his intention to file a petition against the PP. His contention revolves around the predecessor,…
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MPs demand answers from PM over delayed financial bills
The House Committee on Political Development, Mass Communications, and Public Participation is seeking answers from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin after his delayed endorsement of 16 financial legislation bills. The committee, led by People’s Party (PP) list-MP Parit Wacharasindhu, has called on the Thai premier, his Secretary-General Prommin Lertsuridej, and Acting Pol. Sub. Lt. Arphat Sukanan, the House of Representatives Secretary-General,…
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Thailand to introduce bill for informal workers’ welfare
The Government of Thailand is set to introduce a bill aimed at enhancing the quality of life and providing welfare protection for the country’s 20 million informal workers, including Internet influencers and farmers who currently lack access to a social safety net. Labour Ministry spokesperson Phumiphat Mueanchan announced that the ministry is advancing the bill to the Cabinet for approval…
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Bang Lamung district chief marks 41st birthday with leaders
A grand celebration took place at the home of Wikit Manarojkit on Pattaya-Naklua Road, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province marking his 41st birthday. The event, held yesterday, August 8, drew a significant crowd of notable figures from various sectors. Wikit Manarojkit, known endearingly as Amphoe Ton, and Ratchadaporn Tharasombat, President of the Banglamung Red Cross, warmly welcomed guests into…
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House to select new deputy speaker after Padipat loses MP status
The House of Representatives is set to select a new first deputy House speaker next Wednesday following Padipat Suntiphada’s loss of MP status, a result of the constitutional court’s dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP), according to chief government whip Wisut Chainaroon. A Pheu Thai Party MP, Wisut, emphasised that the position must be filled by a member of…
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MFP dissolution leads to new political outfit: The People’s Party
Members of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP) today launched their new political outfit, the People’s Party. Natthaphong “Teng” Ruengpanyawut, the former MFP Deputy Secretary-General, has been named the new leader of the rebranded party. The Constitutional Court ordered the dissolution of the MFP on Wednesday, August 7, accusing the party of posing a threat to both the monarchy and…
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Thailand probes ex-MFP MPs over lese majeste law support
An ethical investigation into 44 former members of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP) has been initiated by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). These politicians are under scrutiny for their support of a bill intended to revise the lese majeste law, as confirmed by the NACC yesterday, August 8. NACC Secretary-General Niwatchai Kasemmongkol revealed that the commission has found sufficient…
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Ex-Move Forward MPs to unveil new party after court ban (video)
Following the shock dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP), former MPs are set to rise from the ashes with a brand-new political entity. The MFP, which clinched victory in the 2023 General Election, was abruptly disbanded by the Constitutional Court yesterday, August 7, accused of attempting to undermine the constitutional monarchy by pushing to amend the lese majeste law…
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