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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Thailand’s 3.78 trillion baht budget faces US tariff concerns
The Thai Parliament will hold a special session next month to debate the government’s proposed 3.78-trillion-baht budget for the 2026 fiscal year, as concerns over a potential trade war with the United States loom large. With Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government seeking to minimise the economic impact of looming US tariffs, the upcoming session promises to be a pivotal moment…
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Thai PM urged by Human Rights Watch on Cambodia repression
As Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepares for her visit to Phnom Penh today, April 23, and tomorrow, April 24, Human Rights Watch is calling on her to raise pressing human rights concerns with Cambodian leaders. The visit, which marks the 75th anniversary of Thai-Cambodian diplomatic relations, will see the 38 year old PM meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun…
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Thaksin’s hospitalisation defended amid ombudsman review
Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong has downplayed concerns surrounding the Ombudsman’s review of Thaksin Shinawatra’s hospitalisation, calling it legally justified. The former prime minister’s six-month stay at Police General Hospital (PGH) sparked controversy, with critics questioning whether it constituted privileged treatment. However, the justice minister remains unfazed, stating the arrangement complied with legal standards. In a statement yesterday, April…
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Bangkok’s new law: Register and microchip pets by January 2026
From January 10 next year, Bangkok residents will be required to register and microchip their cats and dogs under a new city law aimed at tackling the growing problem of stray animals. The bold new regulation, announced by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), will impose strict requirements on pet ownership, including limits on the number of pets allowed in certain living…
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Phuket urges residents to save water as dry season drags on
As Phuket approaches the final leg of the dry season, the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) is ramping up calls for water conservation across the island. Marking Earth Day yesterday, April 22, the PWA issued a public plea urging residents to adopt mindful water-use habits and report any burst pipes immediately, reinforcing that every drop counts in the battle against dwindling…
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Vacuum cleaners and air purifiers controlled to combat PM2.5
To combat the dangers of PM2.5 pollution and protect consumers from inflated prices, the Thai Cabinet has officially classified vacuum cleaners and air purifiers as controlled goods. This new regulation follows a recommendation by the Ministry of Commerce, which highlighted the essential role these devices play in mitigating the effects of harmful air pollution in homes. According to Commerce Minister…
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Thailand to honour Pope Francis with 3 days of mourning
In a heartfelt gesture of respect and mourning, the Thai government ordered all government agencies and state enterprises to fly their flags at half-mast for three days in tribute to Pope Francis. The mourning period began today, April 23, and runs through to Friday, April 25, following the death of the beloved pontiff at the age of 88. Prime Minister…
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Thailand urges stores to keep pork prices stable amid shortage
The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) urges retail and wholesale stores to maintain stable pork prices despite recent supply-driven increases. Wittayakorn Maneenetr, DIT Director General, stated that consultations with the Department of Livestock Development and the Swine Raisers Association of Thailand have highlighted a reduced availability of pigs. Approximately 60,000 pigs are supplied daily, sufficient for domestic needs. The recent…
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Chiang Mai aims for UNESCO World Heritage status by 2026
The Thai government plans to nominate Chiang Mai as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by 2026, coinciding with the northern city’s 730th anniversary. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol revealed that a government committee has prepared a nomination dossier since Chiang Mai was added to UNESCO’s tentative list this year. The nomination dossier, aimed at promoting the city as a World Heritage…
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Thai Cabinet approves e-renewals for driving licences without tests
In a move set to save drivers time and money, the Cabinet has approved a new draft ministerial directive that will allow eligible drivers to renew their driving licences electronically, without the hassle of physical tests. The new system, which is expected to roll out in the coming months, will make the process quicker and more efficient, marking a significant…
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Thailand defends 900 million baht expo pavilion amid backlash
The Ministry of Public Health has defended its decision to spend 900 million baht on the Thailand Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka. The pavilion, which runs from April 13 to October 13, has garnered both praise and criticism, with some claiming it falls short of expectations for such a prestigious global event. Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, permanent secretary…
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Thailand slashes 2025 tourism forecast amid global concerns
In a surprising move, Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry has revised its tourism revenue forecast for 2025 down to 3 trillion baht, citing a mix of domestic and international factors that could affect the country’s tourism industry. The new target is a significant reduction from the previous projection of 3.5 trillion baht. Permanent Secretary Nattareeya Thaweewong confirmed the updated forecast…
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Rolling the dice: Pheu Thai MPs bet on casino and amnesty bills
Pheu Thai lawmakers have been directed to advocate for the casino-entertainment complex and political amnesty bills within their constituencies during the Parliamentary recess. This effort aims to facilitate the smooth passage of these bills. Pheu Thai spokesperson and Member of Parliament Danuporn Punnakanta stated that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra advised party MPs to assess public opinion on several issues, including…
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Thai royals to enhance ties with Bhutan in April state visit
King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana will embark on a state visit to Bhutan from April 25 to 28, as announced by the Royal Household Bureau. The journey follows an invitation from King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan and aims to enhance the friendship and cooperation between Thailand and Bhutan, which are rooted in shared cultural…
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Thai PM’s visit to Cambodia sparks criticism
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is scheduled for an official visit to Cambodia on April 23 and 24. The visit will include bilateral discussions and a ceremony to unveil the logo commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Cambodia, as announced by government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub. During the visit, significant agreements will be signed and courtesy visits will…
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Paetongtarn urges stronger regional ties to tackle shared troubles
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra called for urgent cross-border cooperation to tackle the world’s shared challenges, from climate change to geopolitical tensions, during the 81st session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Speaking in the capital today, April 21, the Bangkok-born PM addressed ministers from across Asia and the Pacific, stressing that regional unity…
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Cabinet reshuffle expected by July, economic affairs focus
A Cabinet reshuffle is anticipated before July, with political analysts predicting changes within the economic affairs ministerial positions. Despite anticipated adjustments, the Bhumjaithai Party is expected to remain in the ruling coalition, which is vital for the government’s stability. Yutthaporn Issarachai, a political science lecturer at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, indicated to the Bangkok Post that this reshuffle would likely…
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Bhumjaithai denies rift with Pheu Thai amid reshuffle rumours
Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, has refuted rumours of discord with Pheu Thai, affirming strong relations and ongoing collaboration with the ruling party. Legal expert Paisal Puechmongkol shared on Facebook that Anutin, who holds the positions of interior minister and deputy prime minister, had invited him for lunch at the Interior Ministry office. Paisal mentioned Anutin assured him…
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Escalators in Thailand to follow new earthquake safety standards
The Office of Industrial Product Standards is set to classify escalators and moving walkways as controlled products, ensuring they meet safety standards, including earthquake resistance. This new regulation is expected to take effect in October 2025, with non-compliance resulting in legal consequences. Escalators and moving walkways, commonly found in public spaces such as shopping malls, airports, and train stations, are…
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Bangkok tests mobile alert system for emergency warnings
Telecom operators and regulators successfully tested a comprehensive virtual cell broadcast entity (CBE) mobile emergency alert system in Bangkok. The test involved Advanced Info Service (AIS), True Corp, and the state-owned National Telecom, alongside staff from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). It confirmed that alerts could be sent to both Android and iOS smartphones, following Apple’s inclusion of…
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Thailand prepares final strategy for Deep South peace
Is peace finally within reach for Thailand’s conflict-hit Deep South? A high-stakes mission next week may mark the turning point in ending decades of unrest in the southern border provinces. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has announced plans to visit Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat on April 26 and 27, in what could be the final round of consultations before a formal…
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Bangkok set for major law shake-up after 40 years
Is Bangkok finally getting the makeover it desperately needs? The capital is set for a long-overdue shake-up, as officials prepare to modernise the decades-old law that governs the city, and it could change how Bangkok is run for generations to come. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced plans to revise the BMA Act 1985, a 40 year old law that…
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Malaysian PM meets Myanmar junta boss in Bangkok hotel
In a move shaking up Southeast Asian diplomacy, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has become the first ASEAN chair to meet face-to-face with Myanmar’s military leader — and he did it in a Bangkok hotel. The unannounced one-hour sit-down between Anwar and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing took place yesterday, April 17, during Anwar’s two-day working visit to Thailand. Also…
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Bangkok handshake: PM duo set to strengthen Thai-Anwar ties
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will welcome Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Bangkok tomorrow, April 17, for talks focused on strengthening bilateral relations and boosting regional cooperation between the two Southeast Asian nations. The visit marks a continuation of diplomatic dialogue between the two leaders, who first met during Paetongtarn’s official visit to Kuala Lumpur on December 16. They also…
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Thailand to negotiate US trade policies, avoid pork imports
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Pichet Choonhavan, outlined five strategies to address the issue of the so-called Trump tariffs, emphasising that Thailand will not import pork due to concerns about the impact on domestic producers. Following a meeting on Thailand’s approach to US trade policies, Pichet revealed that while no specific date has been set for negotiations with the…
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Songkran safety warning: Drowning risks surge during festival
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has issued a warning for increased caution during the Songkran holidays due to the annual surge in drowning incidents associated with the water festival. Statistics reveal a significant increase in drowning fatalities in April, particularly during Songkran. Data from the ministry’s permanent secretary’s office indicates that an average of 327 drownings occur each April, with…
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Thaksin hospitalisation ethics probe to conclude by May
An ethics investigation into the doctors involved in the hospitalisation of Thaksin Shinawatra at Police General Hospital is progressing on schedule, according to the Medical Council of Thailand. Professor Doctor Prasit Watanapa, Vice President of the Medical Council, addressed the media yesterday, April 11, clarifying that there has been no delay in the proceedings. He noted that a subcommittee is…
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Pattaya mayor vows transparency in stadium project
During a recent site inspection, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet assured residents that the city is working closely with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to ensure transparency and accountability in government-led projects. At the centre of this renewed focus is the long-delayed Eastern Sports Stadium, which has faced criticism for missed deadlines and management hiccups. Mayor Poramet explained that delays in…
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American in Thailand admits threatening US senator
A 53 year old American living in Thailand is facing up to 10 years in prison after reportedly admitting to threatening to murder a US senator and his staff, all because of too many political emails. Eric Charles Welton, an American expat residing in Thailand, allegedly pleaded guilty on Wednesday, April 9, to making death threats against US Senator Thom…
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Pheu Thai pushes bill to repeal 23 NCPO orders
Pheu Thai Party list member of Parliament Chaturon Chaisang advocates for a bill to revoke 23 orders issued by the disbanded National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). This proposed legislation is set to be introduced in the forthcoming Parliamentary session. As the chairperson of the Parliamentary committee responsible for reviewing outdated NCPO directives, Chaturon provided an update on the…
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