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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National police chief probes Thaksin’s hospital treatment amid special privilege claims
National Police Chief General Torsak Sukvimol requested a report from the Police General Hospital (PGH) regarding the medical treatment provided to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who is currently incarcerated. This request was prompted by a photograph circulating on social media that depicted Thaksin, donned in a patient’s gown and mask, presumably heading for CT and MRI scans. The image, which…
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Thai PM adviser urges police to improve criminal record updating system
Pichai Naripthaphan, previously holding the position of energy minister and presently advising Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has urged the Royal Thai Police (RTP) to enhance their criminal record database updating system. The need for this improvement was highlighted when Pichai found his name still listed on the national police database during background checks, despite being cleared of all criminal offences.…
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Thai human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa bail hopes derailed again on less majeste charge
Arnon Nampa, a prominent human rights lawyer, faced a second denial for his bail request, as informed by Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR). The appeal court’s decision came yesterday, October 16, justifying it with the severity of the royal defamation charges against Arnon and the potential risk of him absconding if set free. Consequently, the court found no grounds…
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Chinese investment in Thailand gains speed amidst economic slowdown
Chinese firms have significantly increased their investment in Thailand this year, despite China’s economic slowdown, providing a much-needed boost for the Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin. The increase in investment comes as a welcome relief amid concerns about the impacts of the world’s second-largest economy’s sluggish recovery on global growth. However, Thailand continues to appeal as a crucial investment hub…
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Submarine snag: Thai prime minister dives into talks with China
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set for talks with the Chinese government regarding the delay in the delivery of a commissioned Chinese submarine to Thailand. The submarine in question, an S26T Yuan-class model, was initially planned to reach Thailand last month. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, the delivery has been postponed until April of the coming year. China…
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Thai prime minister zaps to police meeting in eco-style – EV-entful ride
The Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Srettha Thavisin, attended a National Police Office meeting today in an electric vehicle (EV) to reduce pollution. The meeting with Police Lieutenant General Torsak Sukvimol, the National Police Chief, was held in a white Tesla with Bangkok licence plates 2KHP5171. The 61 year old Thai prime minister personally stated that he chose a Tesla…
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Thai democracy forum echoes concerns over capitalism in politics
The struggle for democracy in Thailand remains a long and arduous one, as highlighted by a recent public forum. Held in memory of the brave students and pro-democracy protesters who perished during the military dictatorship five decades ago, the forum emphasised how little progress has been achieved since the historic October 14, 1973 uprising. The commemorative event, organised by the…
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MFP MP clarifies sexual harassment accusation, second MP faces same claim
After a Move Forward Party (MFP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Prachin Buri province was accused of sexual harassment, another MP faced the same allegation. Details of his identity have not yet been released. The Facebook page What MFP Lying About Today (วันนี้ก้าวไกลโกหกอะไร) recently accused Prachin Buri MP, Wuttipong “Jae” Thonglao, of sexually harassing a member of the MFP’s volunteer…
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Thai government defends 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme amid economic criticism
Economic experts’ criticism of the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme was rebuffed yesterday by its supporters, who asserted that the cash handout would alleviate disparity and provide a crucial financial boost to the disadvantaged. Jutipong Phummul headed the faction, which handed a plea to the government, encouraging the implementation of the digital wallet initiative. Presented in Parliament as an economic strategy…
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Thailand and Brunei forge deeper ties to boost bilateral trade
Thailand and Brunei have embraced greater bilateral cooperation, expanding into new sectors of trade and investment. The move comes as part of their collective commitment towards achieving economic integration within the ASEAN region. While on an official visit to Brunei, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met with His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, ASEAN’s most senior leader. The two…
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Thai PM assures Hong Kong investors of streamlined business process
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday extended a warm welcome to potential investors in Hong Kong, assuring them of Thailand’s readiness to encourage and facilitate investment. While serving as the finance minister, PM Srettha travelled to Hong Kong to meet with significant private entities and explore investment opportunities in Thailand. This visit to Hong Kong marked the beginning of a five-day…
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Israel-Hamas conflict stirs concern in Thai business sector over trade disruption
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has stirred unease within Thailand’s business sector, due to worries about its potential impact on Thai-Israeli trade, valued at around 40 billion baht. Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, advised Thai businesses to closely monitor the situation and manage any potential risk. Those trading with the Middle East have been particularly urged to…
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Democrat demands probe into Thaksin’s hospital stay amid preferential treatment claims
Watchara Phetthong, a veteran Democrat and former Member of Parliament, urged the House panel overseeing police affairs to investigate the circumstances surrounding the hospitalisation of the ex-prime minister, 74 years old Thaksin Shinawatra. Accusations of preferential treatment have been fuelled by an undisclosed photograph of Thaksin seen enjoying pool time with his grandchild. At a press conference to highlight his…
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Thai Cabinet approves assembly for constitutional referendum, amid MFP exit
The assembly to draft a referendum on revising the constitution is set to convene on Tuesday, following the Cabinet’s recent approval of its 35 members, reveals Chusak Sirinil, a member of the assembly. The assembly, under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai, will deliberate on modifications to the committee after the exit of the…
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Internal feud rocks Pheu Thai Party: Chalerm Ubumrung severs ties with Thaksin Shinawatra
An internal feud within the ruling Pheu Thai Party is causing ripples in Thailand’s political circles, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin calling for dialogue to resolve the conflict. The dispute involves long-standing party member Chalerm Ubumrung and the party’s executives, including the influential Thaksin Shinawatra, a respected figure within the party and the former prime minister, currently residing in the…
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Thai Defence Ministry prioritises flood response in annual fiscal policy
The Ministry of Defence in Thailand recently put forth a directive highlighting the urgency of flood response preparations by military units. This announcement followed a Defense Council gathering that outlined the yearly fiscal policy under the jurisdiction of the Defense Ministry. The goal is to bolster administration efficiency and smooth functioning within the ministry. A crucial aspect of this policy…
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Rise in Thai gun ownership raises alarm after Siam Paragon murders
The tragic shooting which claimed the lives of two women at the Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok sparked public concern over how a young man could obtain firearms. More startling was the discovery of a trove of guns and ammunition at the young man’s residence, along with videos of him expertly demonstrating gun use. This incident has raised questions…
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Thai Cabinet approves panel to draft charter amendment referendum
The Thai Cabinet greenlighted the formation of a 35-member panel yesterday, tasked with drafting a prospective charter amendment referendum, as disclosed by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Serving as the chair of the committee, Phumtham revealed that the panel will comprise representatives from both the government and opposition parties, as well as legal experts, scholars, social activists,…
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Chilli reception: Thai senators to spice things up with complaint after Icelandic restaurant row
Thai senators are preparing to lodge a complaint with the Icelandic government following an incident where Doctor Porntip Rojanasunan was thrown out of a Thai restaurant in Iceland by its Thai proprietor. Last week, a video went viral on Thai social media depicting a Thai man, who identified himself as the owner of a restaurant in Iceland, expelling Porntip from…
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Thai high-flyer: PM Srettha aims to lift Thailand to upper-income status in four-year soar
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced ambitious plans to elevate Thailand to an upper-income nation within the next four years. The 61 year old prime minister unveiled the government’s fiscal strategy for 2024, targeting an average economic growth of 5% per annum and a minimum daily wage of 600 baht by 2027. The initial proposal includes a raise of the minimum…
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Thailand’s ‘influential figures’ list: Shedding light on dark influence
The Deputy Interior Minister of Thailand confirmed the completion of a list containing 600-700 individuals deemed as “influential figures” known for their dark influence across the nation. This list is set to be discussed at a committee meeting on Tuesday. In this register, less than a hundred individuals are classified as hardcore, falling under the Red group. The remaining majority are…
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Patongtharn Shinawatra tipped as new Pheu Thai Party leader
Anusorn Iamsa-ard, a list MP of the Pheu Thai Party, believes that Patongtharn Shinawatra is suitable to take over as the new head of the Pheu Thai Party. He sees her as capable of leading the party to become a dependable political institution for the people. On the matter of the Pheu Thai Party’s general meeting on September 27, Anusorn…
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Thai senator sparks outrage for disrespecting protected moss in Iceland and facing public rebuke
A video that went viral on social media depicted a Thai gentleman displaying rather impolite behaviour towards a woman bearing a striking resemblance to Senator Dr Porntip Rojanasunan, during her overseas travels. This gentleman employed a series of unkind words in both the Thai and English languages, thereby eliciting a broad spectrum of criticism on various social media platforms. Opinions…
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MFP faces corruption probe over contentious Deputy House Speaker expulsion
The Move Forward Party (MFP) has come under scrutiny in a corruption probe following the contentious expulsion of Deputy House Speaker Padipat Santipada. Known activist Srisuwan Janya announced his intention to petition the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate the incident. The MFP’s move was viewed with suspicion, with Srisuwan and several political observers deeming it a tactic to simultaneously…
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Thailand and Cambodia to boost bilateral trade
Thailand’s commitment to deepen ties with Cambodia has been firmly established, with both nations aiming to boost bilateral trade volume to US$15 billion (551 billion baht) by 2025. This was confirmed by government spokesman, Chai Wacharonke, following a significant meeting between Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, and his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Manet. The meeting, which took place in Phnom Penh,…
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Torsak Sukvimol approved as Thailand’s new national police chief
The Police Commission officially approved the appointment of Deputy National Police Chief General Torsak Sukvimol to the position of national police chief. Torsak will take over from Police General Damrongsak Kittiprapas, who is set to retire on Saturday, September 30. The decision was made during a meeting of the Police Commission, chaired by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, at the Royal…
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Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, gives all salary to charity
Prime Minister of Thailand Srettha Thavisin today declared that he will not accept his 125,590 baht monthly PM salary while he is in office, adding he will donate it to charity. PM Office spokesperson Chai Watcharong said PM Srettha stressed to officials that charity is a good thing and everyone can do good according to their ability. To extend the…
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Border Banter: Thai and Cambodian PMs tackle disputes and scams in talks
The discussion between Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister of Thailand, and his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Manet, will primarily revolve around the issues of Thai-Cambodia border disputes and call centre scams. The meeting is regarded as a significant move towards strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations, as this is the Thai PM’s first visit to an Association of Southeast…
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Royal rumble: Four years behind bars for outspoken lawyer and Thai activist
A prominent Thai activist and lawyer, known for his brazen calls for reforms in Thailand’s monarchy, received a four-year prison sentence today over charges of royal insults, a verdict confirmed by both the judge and his legal counsel. Arnon Nampa emerged as a notable figure during the pro-democracy demonstrations in 2020, where the Thai activist publicly advocated for a discourse…
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Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra to be eligible for parole next year
Former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra will be eligible for parole in February next year, 2024. The ex-PM will not have to wear the Electronic Monitoring (EM) bracelet and will be able to express his views on Thai politics. The Committee on Human Rights, Freedom and Consumer Protection of the Thai Senate invited the Department of Corrections and Police…
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