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 is fast becoming a global LGBTQIA+ hub
Thailand is on the brink of becoming the ultimate destination for the LGBTQIA+ community, thanks to its welcoming environment, progressive policies, and the recent launch of the Pink Plus Economy initiative. This revolutionary move, announced on Sunday by Borderless.lgbt, aims to create a supportive ecosystem for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Thailand, encompassing living, family planning, and retirement. The initiative is backed…
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Thaksin scandal: Justice minister refuses to weigh in on charges
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong remained tight-lipped regarding the controversial lese majeste charge against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The case, which has captivated the nation, saw Tawee insist the Justice Ministry would remain hands-off, stating it was the purview of the attorney general, while Thaksin retained the right to petition for fair treatment. Reporters sought Tawee’s reaction following the revelation…
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Court to review senate election law challenges
The Constitutional Court decided by an 8-1 vote to consider two petitions challenging the legality of key provisions in the law governing the election of the nation’s 200 new senators. The decision has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, raising questions about the upcoming senatorial elections. Despite agreeing to review the petitions, the court unanimously dismissed the petitioners’ call for…
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Thailand’s child labour crisis: Migrant children left unprotected
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are sounding the alarm: Thailand will miss its goal of ending child labour by 2025 unless it extends its efforts to include migrant children. Cross-Cultural Foundation President Surapong Kongchantuk stated that an estimated 100,000 child migrants have arrived in Thailand since late last year alone. “But our country has no measures to take care of them.” The…
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Thailand scraps controversial tourist tax scheme
In a dramatic U-turn, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the cancellation of the highly debated tourist tax. Initially proposed as a post-pandemic measure, the 300 baht tax at airports and 150 baht tax by land or sea, caused a storm of opposition from the travel industry due to its ambiguity and potential for confusion. The National Tourism Policy Committee…
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Bangkok probes corruption in exercise equipment procurement
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is intensifying its investigation into allegations of corruption related to the procurement of exercise equipment for public parks in Bangkok. Evidence pointing toward potential irregularities has emerged during an initial probe, prompting a more extensive inquiry. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and BMA Deputy Permanent Secretary Nathapong Disayabutra revealed the expansion plans following a board meeting.…
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Sneaky senators: Hired votes spotted in upcoming election
As the upcoming Senate election round approaches, caretaker senator Somchai Swangkarn anticipates the revelation that certain individuals have been recruited solely to vote for candidates endorsed by specific political parties or interest groups. Somchai, who has consistently pointed out attempts to manipulate the Senate election outcomes, stated that a review of Sunday’s district-level voting results showed many applicants receiving no…
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Domestic violence makes up 70% of recent cases in Thailand
Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa intensified efforts to curb domestic violence, highlighting the issue as a major concern in recent months. Domestic violence constituted almost 70% of all reported violence cases in the past two months. Varawut announced yesterday, June 10, following a meeting with senior ministry officials, that the Human Security Emergency Management Centre is ramping…
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Chicken vendors ‘squawk’ over soaring prices in South Thailand
Vendors in Nakhon Si Thammarat raised concerns about the sudden and unreasonable surge in chicken prices, questioning the silence and inaction of the Ministry of Commerce. The price hike has led to a ripple effect, impacting various sectors and consumers alike and mirrors a trend of rising prices nationwide. The recent spike in prices of fresh food products and raw…
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Thai cannabis advocates ‘weed’ out opposition in Bangkok
Cannabis advocates are rallying to protect the future of the plant in Thailand. Led by Prasitchai Nunual, the Secretary-General of the Network for Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis, over 300 people are set to gather in front of the UN Office on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, aiming to march to the Government House. Their protest, scheduled for yesterday at 1pm, coincides…
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Move Forward Party eyes 3 new leaders amid possible dissolution
On the brink of potential dissolution by the Constitutional Court, the Move Forward Party (MFP) is preparing contingency plans, including identifying three potential leaders for a new party. This comes as the party defends itself against accusations of attempting to undermine the constitutional monarchy through its efforts to amend the lese majeste law. Party insiders reveal that the MFP’s core…
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Thaksin Shinawatra to face monarchy insult charges in Thailand
Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, announced his readiness to confront charges of insulting the monarchy. The announcement came yesterday, with Thaksin expressing confidence about facing the allegations head-on. The former Thai PM confirmed his intention to meet with prosecutors tomorrow and stated to reporters that he was prepared to fight the case. “It’s nothing. The case is…
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Thai condo market faces turbulence with Myanmar buyers blocked
The Thai condominium market is bracing for a storm as Myanmar’s crackdown on property purchases by its citizens threatens to halt a major influx of foreign investment. According to the Thai Condominium Association, the clampdown could significantly impact condo transfers during the second and third quarters of this year. Prasert Taedullayasatit, president of the association, revealed that Thai condo units…
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Thailand’s Pacific-to-Indian Ocean Land Bridge project
Thailand’s anticipated land bridge project, aiming to connect the Pacific and Indian Oceans, is set to become reality, with bidding anticipated by late next year, the Transport Ministry confirmed. The colossal 1-trillion-baht project will construct deep-sea ports in Chumphon on the Gulf of Thailand and Ranong on the Andaman coast, linked by a state-of-the-art transport route. This ambitious infrastructure aims…
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Pheu Thai rethinks lese majeste inclusion in amnesty bill
Pheu Thai Party has reconsidered its earlier statement regarding the inclusion of Section 112, or the lese majeste law, in the amnesty bill. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that the matter is complex and requires public consensus to prevent future disorder. Phumtham, the deputy leader of Pheu Thai, mentioned that the party has not reached a…
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Election Commission unanimously agrees on senator selection
All seven election commissioners have unanimously agreed to proceed with the district-level selection of senators tomorrow, despite looming legal uncertainties. Election Commission (EC) Secretary General Sawaeng Boonmee announced yesterday afternoon that the commissioners have collectively decided against postponing the selection, which had been suggested by the EC Office. “There is no reason to delay.” The proposed delay was rooted in…
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70% of Thais support methamphetamine threshold for legal action
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry revealed that 70% of Thai citizens agree with the regulation of having a minimum threshold of one methamphetamine pill for legal proceedings, while 30% prefer zero tolerance. The Ministry insists the threshold is necessary for effective law enforcement. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin chaired the opening ceremony of the new Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Centre…
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Power move: Energy Ministry to introduce National Energy Plan
The Energy Ministry announced yesterday that it is gearing up to unveil the National Energy Plan 2024 in September. This comprehensive strategy promises to revolutionise Thailand’s energy landscape with the introduction of nuclear plants and a pledge to cap electricity costs at under 4 baht per unit. The Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) revealed that this master plan will…
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Election bombshell: Call for senator vote delay amid legal storm
Former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn urged the Election Commission (EC) to halt the district-level selection of senators slated for this Sunday. Somchai insists it’s “better to be late than to rush ahead” before the Constitutional Court’s impending ruling. The Constitutional Court has accepted two petitions challenging the constitutionality of three provisions in the election law, and a decision date has…
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Srettha joins meeting at Thaksin’s mansion for Thai goverment talk
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to host a critical meeting at his lavish Chan Song La Mansion in Bangkok’s Bang Phlat district today. The gathering, featuring political heavyweights and key family members, promises to tackle pressing issues that could reshape the Thai political landscape. The high-stakes meeting will see the attendance of the Shinawatra clan and Potjaman Na…
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Thai leaders dodge meeting with UN human rights commissioner
Thailand’s leaders, including the prime minister and foreign minister, sidestepped a meeting with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, during his Bangkok visit on June 5 and 6. Instead of rolling out the red carpet, Thailand’s leaders turned a blind eye, reducing Türk’s visit to a mere stopover, unlike his official engagements in Malaysia where he…
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Thailand addresses labour shortage and illegal workers
Thailand’s National Committee on Migrant Workers Management approved three strategic guidelines to address the country’s labour shortage and tackle the issue of illegal workers. A proposal for these new guidelines is expected to be forwarded to the cabinet for approval soon. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced after a committee meeting this Wednesday, commenting that the ongoing political conflict in Myanmar…
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Thailand to lower meth possession threshold to one tablet
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health is pushing for regulatory changes that will classify anyone caught with more than one methamphetamine tablet as an offender, a shift from the current threshold of five tablets. This proposal aims to close a controversial loophole that has allowed individuals found with up to four tablets to be treated as addicts requiring rehabilitation instead of…
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EC to clarify court ruling impact before Sunday Senate elections
The Election Commission (EC) is set to clarify the implications of a Constitutional Court ruling, which agreed to examine a petition challenging four contentious provisions in the Senate election law. This comes just before district-level voting is scheduled nationwide for Sunday. The court declined to issue an injunction, indicating no severe consequences were anticipated if the Senate election proceeded. The…
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SET unveils plan to boost foreign and family business investments
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) unveiled a strategic business plan targeting foreign industries operating in Thailand and family businesses, aiming to boost market capitalisation. SET executives highlighted the shift in investment trends, particularly post-pandemic, with technology stocks rising as traditional businesses adapt to the digital age. SET officials noted that the Thai market has faced trust and confidence issues…
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Thailand proposes retirement savings lottery to combat poverty
Thailand faces a growing issue of an ageing population entering retirement without sufficient savings. This problem is exacerbated by the country’s rapid transition into an aged society, and cannot be resolved merely through increased budget allocations for elderly allowances. Deputy Finance Minister Paophum Rojanasakul announced that the Ministry of Finance is considering a new policy called the Retirement Savings Lottery.…
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Italy’s Republic Day celebrated in Bangkok marks 156 years of ties
Italy’s Republic Day celebration saw a gathering of ministers, authorities, VIPs, ambassadors, celebrities, and other dignitaries at the Four Seasons in Bangkok yesterday, in an event showcasing the longstanding ties between Italy and Thailand. Highlighting the significance of the occasion, Paolo Dionisi, the Ambassador of Italy, reflected on the historic referendum of June 2, 1946, when Italians chose to form…
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PM Srettha sees a revenue-boosting recipe for Q4
Thailand’s government is exploring strategies to enhance state revenue, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressing optimism about economic improvement in the fourth quarter. The Bangkok-born PM convened a meeting yesterday with Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, and representatives from key revenue collection agencies, including the Excise Department, the Customs Department, and the Revenue Department, to discuss…
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Political uncertainty may drag SET index lower, say analysts
Political uncertainty is poised to weigh heavily on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) throughout June, with three legal proceedings involving Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, and the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) expected to push the index lower than anticipated, analysts report. CGS International (Thailand), a subsidiary of China Galaxy Securities, revised its year-end SET index…
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VAT on all imports over 1 baht gets Cabinet approval
A proposal by the Ministry of Finance to impose value-added tax (VAT) on all imported goods valued at over 1 baht has received approval in principle from the Cabinet. This measure aims to curb the influx of inexpensive imported goods, particularly from China, that are saturating the domestic market. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke announced that the new threshold will be…
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