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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
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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Thailand’s biometric system overloaded with 50 million records
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has hit a critical roadblock, with its biometric system reaching its maximum capacity of 50 million records, preventing new foreign arrivals from being automatically recorded. The bureau is now forced to manually document arrivals and rely on an online database for security checks until a new system is developed. Police Colonel Neti Khanboon, commander of the database…
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Phuket hosts Deep South youth for cultural exchange
Phuket is gearing up to host disadvantaged youth from Thailand’s Deep South as part of the San Jai Thai Su Jai Tai project, an initiative designed to bridge cultural gaps and provide life-changing experiences for young people from conflict-affected regions. Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Officer, Thiraphong Chuaychu, announced the initiative at a meeting held at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, February…
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Thai farmers demand rise in rice price to 10,000 baht per tonne
Farmers congregated at Government House in Bangkok, yesterday, February 19, urging the government to increase rice prices from the current 6,000 baht to 10,000 baht per tonne. Farmers from various provinces, including Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, and Suphan Buri, sought meetings with the prime minister, the agriculture minister, or the commerce minister to discuss solutions to declining rice prices. Deputy Commerce Minister…
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Scam horror: Ethiopian men reveal abuse in Myanmar compounds
In Thailand’s Fort Wachiraprakan military camp, four Ethiopian men revealed bruises and scars they acquired during their detention in Myanmar’s infamous scam compounds. Yotor, a 19 year old, spoke about daily electric shocks. These men are among 260 individuals, primarily human trafficking victims, transferred from Myanmar to Thailand as part of an ongoing international effort to dismantle scam centres along…
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Thai Union hosts PM in Songkhla to boost seafood industry
Executives from the Thai Union Group Public Company Limited, a global leader in the seafood industry, hosted Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her Cabinet yesterday, February 18. The visit took place at the Thai Union Seafood Company’s frozen seafood processing plant in Songkhla province. The aim was to understand challenges and explore strategies to enhance the competitiveness of Thailand’s fisheries…
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PM urges fast-track completion of Songkhla-Malaysia border road
Thailand’s long-delayed new border crossing in Songkhla is finally set to open, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra ordering urgent action to complete the missing road link to Malaysia. During a mobile Cabinet meeting in Songkhla yesterday, February 18, PM Paetongtarn inspected several development projects and was shocked to learn that the 2nd Sadao Border Checkpoint, built in 2019, remains closed…
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Thailand battles flu season as cases soar and fever pitch rises
Thailand is facing a major influenza outbreak, with 107,570 cases recorded this year and nine deaths, the Public Health Ministry confirmed yesterday, February 18. Flu infections are surging at 15,000 new cases per week, a sharp rise from the 10,000 per week reported in early 2024. Dr Jurai Wongsawat, spokesperson for the Department of Disease Control (DDC), stated that children…
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Lao PM visits Thailand to boost ties on 75th anniversary
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone will visit Thailand on Thursday, February 20, in a historic trip aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the neighbouring countries. The visit comes as Thailand and Laos celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations, marking a significant milestone in their partnership. According to Thailand’s Foreign Ministry, the trip follows an official invitation from Prime…
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Proposed Thai bill limits casinos to 10% of entertainment venues
The Office of the Council of State (OCS) has finalised amendments to the Entertainment Complex Bill, with an online public hearing scheduled until March 1, allowing stakeholders to voice concerns before its implementation. Atavit Suwanpakdee, chairman of an advisory board to the industry minister, noted that although the OCS has modified certain aspects of the bill, it has introduced technical…
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Thai durians remain China’s top choice amid safety upgrades
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has expressed confidence that Thai durians will continue to be the preferred choice in China, following enhancements to food safety and contamination screenings. Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat, after her recent visit to China, reported discussions with Sun Meijun, Minister of the General Administration of Customs of China, concerning Thai fruit imports. Thailand is the leading…
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Pheu Thai dismisses calls to dissolve House over charter clash
The ruling Pheu Thai Party has dismissed the opposition People’s Party’s call to dissolve the House, with Pheu Thai MP Sutin Klungsang clarifying that differing views on a proposed charter amendment do not signify a rift serious enough to destabilise the coalition. “This will not affect the coalition’s stability. Business continues as usual despite the impasse.” Joint sittings to discuss…
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PM Paetongtarn’s plans for ASEAN growth
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has emphasised the importance of fostering regional economic integration, and fortifying supply chains among ASEAN nations to contribute to global economic progress. In an interview, the 38 year old PM highlighted the potential for ASEAN, under Malaysia’s chairmanship, to expedite the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to stimulate regional growth. The Thai premier…
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Deputy PM denies family’s golf course encroaches on reform land
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has responded to allegations that a golf course owned by his family in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Pak Chong district might be encroaching on agricultural reform land. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives intends to examine the land title of the Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club, owned by the Bhumjaithai Party leader and current interior minister.…
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Political chaos: Charter debate stalls as Pheu Thai blocks vote
Thailand’s charter amendment debate descended into chaos as the joint sitting of MPs and senators was abruptly adjourned due to a lack of quorum. The Pheu Thai Party strategically withheld participation to prevent the bill’s rejection, while a senator pushed for a Constitutional Court ruling on the process. The session began at 9.30am today, February 13, but was called off…
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PM hosts first mobile Cabinet meeting in Songkhla to boost southern development
The Government of Thailand is set to conduct its inaugural mobile Cabinet meeting of the year in Songkhla next Tuesday, with discussions centred on developing the southern east coast region and the Sadao border trade gateway with Malaysia. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub stated yesterday, February 12, that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, accompanied by the Cabinet, will travel to Phatthalung and…
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Urgent healthcare support needed in Thai refugee shelters
The Ministry of Public Health has been advised to enhance healthcare support in temporary shelters, incorporating permanent healthcare facilities and refugee health volunteers. Former chairperson of the subcommittee on ethnic human rights, Surapong Kongchantuk, emphasised the urgency of the situation following the US government’s withdrawal of support. Surapong, who has worked with stateless individuals, migrant workers, and displaced persons, advised…
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Iran seeks to boost tourism ties with Thailand
Iran aims to enhance tourism exchanges with Thailand, as stated by its ambassador during an event celebrating Iran’s National Day in Bangkok on Tuesday, February 11. Nassereddin Heidari, the Iranian envoy in Bangkok, highlighted that over 50,000 Iranians visited Thailand as tourists last year, establishing it as a favoured destination. Iran hopes to see this figure rise. Tehran is eager…
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FDA allows colour in tea but urges caution with additives
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that adding colour to tea is permissible, advising consumers to check for FDA approval on labels. They recommend against consuming multiple cups daily and suggest choosing teas with a natural appearance. Yesterday, February 10, Doctor Surachoke Tangwiwat, Secretary General of the FDA, addressed concerns about the use of Yellow No. 6 or Sunset…
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PM mulls lifting alcohol restrictions for tourists on Buddhist holidays
Thailand’s strict alcohol sales restrictions could soon be scrapped as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra orders a review of outdated laws limiting alcohol sales on Buddhist holidays and between 2pm and 5pm. The move aims to boost tourism, with concerns that foreign visitors are unaware of these restrictions and find them inconvenient. Following a Cabinet meeting, the 38 year old prime…
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Thailand govt eases spending rules for 10000 baht digital wallet
The Thai government plans to relax conditions for spending under the third phase of the 10,000 baht digital wallet programme, ensuring access for those without smartphones. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed that the funds would be disbursed in the second quarter of this year. The Economic Stimulus Subcommittee has shown readiness and confidence in the blockchain system, with banks…
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Naomi Campbell discusses Thai fashion industry boost with PM
Former supermodel Naomi Campbell engaged in discussions with Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra yesterday, February 10, aiming to elevate Thailand’s presence in the global fashion industry by fostering the development of supermodels and fashion. Campbell’s meeting with the prime minister at the Government House focused on strategies to position Thailand as a leading nation for supermodels and a hub for…
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Digital wallet scheme’s third phase to start in second quarter
The third phase of the 10,000 baht digital wallet distribution initiative is set to start in the second quarter of the year, according to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. Pichai, who also serves as the Deputy Prime Minister, mentioned that the system for fund distribution is undergoing testing this month and is expected to be fully operational in time for the…
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Abhisit warns Thai casino legalisation risks social harm
Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva directed criticism towards the Thai government’s plan to legalise casinos and online gambling, warning that it could exacerbate existing social issues. During a seminar focused on the drive to legalise gambling in Thailand, Abhisit described gambling as a significant social concern that has inflicted damage not only on individuals but also on their families. He…
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Yingluck Shinawatra’s return to Thailand faces unresolved issues
Efforts to facilitate the return of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to Thailand continue, as her brother, Thaksin, indicates that several considerations must still be addressed before her possible return. Thaksin initially committed to her return during an interview last November, suggesting it could occur around this year’s Songkran festival. The 75 year old former PM expressed optimism regarding the…
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Thailand’s capital relocation proposal faces opposition
A proposal by a lawmaker from the Pheu Thai Party for the relocation of Thailand’s capital to Nakhon Ratchasima has been met with opposition from a House study. The study suggests that such a move would require a significant budget and a referendum for decision-making. The Interior Ministry, tasked with forming a House committee to examine the proposal, indicated that the…
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Thaksin tasked with cryptocurrency proposal by Malaysian PM
Thaksin Shinawatra has been tasked with proposing and recommending that ASEAN consider adopting a cryptocurrency. He will undertake this role as a personal adviser to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently chairs ASEAN. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin was given this responsibility by the ASEAN chair due to his interest in cryptocurrencies. He emphasised the importance of the regional…
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Thailand unveils third phase of 10000 baht stimulus project
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed plans to proceed with the third phase of the 10,000 baht economic stimulus project yesterday, Feburary 7. The initiative, aimed at injecting approximately 150 billion baht into the economy, is expected to start in the second quarter of the year. Discussions took place during a subcommittee meeting on economic stimulation projects, with further meetings…
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Thai MP with history of sexual assaults accused of raping Taiwanese woman
Police issued an arrest warrant for a Thai Progress Party MP for allegedly raping a Taiwanese woman at a hotel in Chiang Mai province on January 9. The Taiwanese woman filed a complaint against MP Chaiyamphawan “Puaut” Munpianjit at Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station following the incident, which took place at 2am on January 9. The alleged assault occurred at…
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Anti-corruption body probes Khao Kradong land dispute
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has reported ongoing progress in its investigation into the land dispute between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the Department of Lands (DoL) involving approximately 5,000 rai in Buriram. However, the completion date for the investigation remains uncertain. Mongkol Srisawang, director of investigations for environment and natural resource-related cases at the NACC, stated that…
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Thai and mighty: President Xi praises Thai PM for scam crack down
In a warm gesture of appreciation, Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for Thailand’s tough stance against scammers preying on Chinese nationals across the region. As the Land of Smiles seeks to revive its tourism industry post-Covid-19, China stands as a vital partner. Yet, new threats have emerged, with reports indicating that Chinese tourists are being…
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