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 aims to be global hub for skilled foreign workers
Thailand is aiming to enhance its global competitiveness by becoming a hub for skilled foreign workers, as part of a long-term strategy to drive and sustain economic growth. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is spearheading this initiative by introducing a range of new visa types designed to attract international talent, according to government spokesman Chai Wacharonke. This announcement was made yesterday,…
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Thailand to tax residents’ foreign income irrespective of remittance
The Revenue Department of Thailand will amend a law to tax individuals with foreign income, even if that income is not brought into Thailand. Director-General of the Revenue Department, Kulaya Tantitemit stated that the current tax law mandates individuals residing in Thailand for over 180 days per year to pay taxes on foreign income if it is brought into the…
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MFP submits defence to court in dissolution case
The Move Forward Party (MFP) submitted its written defence to the Constitutional Court regarding the dissolution case initiated by the Election Commission (EC), according to a source. The EC called for the dissolution of the MFP following a Constitutional Court ruling on January 31, which stated that the party’s efforts to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as…
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Wissanu returns to review PM’s defence in Pichit appointment case
Prime Minister Srettha Thaivisin’s newly appointed advisor Wissanu Krea-ngam faces the first challenge of scrutinising the PM’s defence in the contentious case of appointing Pichit Chuenban as a PM’s Office minister. This role marks Wissanu’s return to Government House, where he has over three decades of experience. Wissanu attended the Cabinet meeting yesterday, confirming his task to review the PM’s…
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Pita says he is prepared to replace Srettha as PM
Former prime minister candidate Pita Limjaroenrat has stated he is ready to lead the country if the law permits and current PM Srettha Thavisin is ousted by a court verdict. Pita, a prominent figure in the Move Forward Party (MFP), expressed his readiness to take the reins amid growing political uncertainty. At the Bangkok Pride Parade held at the National…
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Srettha seeks legal counsel from Wissanu amid Pichit controversy
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has sought legal advice from his newly-appointed adviser, Wissanu Krea-ngam, to prepare his defence in court over the contentious appointment of Pichit Chuenban as a PM’s Office minister. Srettha disclosed yesterday that a defence has already been drafted but requires further refinement before its submission to the Constitutional Court by June 10. “He is one of…
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Over 50% of Bangkok residents give Chadchart a thumbs up
Bangkok’s bustling streets are abuzz with approval for Governor Chadchart Sittipunt’s performance, as a recent NIDA Poll reveals. After two years at the helm of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Chadchart has garnered widespread satisfaction among residents. In an extensive survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), 2,000 Bangkok residents aged 18 and over shared their views…
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Chadchart signs MOU on renewable energy projects in Bangkok
Bangkok has taken a significant step towards becoming a smart city, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) Governor Wilas Chaloeysat. The agreement, formalised yesterday, aims to advance smart city development and renewable energy projects in Thailand’s bustling capital. Chadchart stressed the importance of sustainable energy and efficiency,…
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MFP minister faces tough questions on foreign policy
Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Chulapong Yukate demanded that Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa reveal his vision for Thailand’s foreign policy. The call came during a House Committee on Foreign Affairs meeting, leaving the nation eager for answers. Chulapong, who serves as the deputy chairperson of the committee stated that the public wants to know in which direction the foreign minister…
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Would you eat 10 year old rice? Activist demands court intervention
Prominent solo activist Srisuwan Janya approached the Central Administrative Court, seeking an urgent suspension of the Commerce Ministry’s plan to auction off approximately 15,000 tonnes of rice from the scandal-tainted rice pledging scheme of the Yingluck Shinawatra government. In his court petition, Srisuwan highlighted the concerns of numerous rice experts who oppose the auction. They argue that rice stored for…
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BMA gives out the signature font ‘Swing Pole’ to the public for free download
Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, BMA spokesperson and Assistant Secretary to the Governor of Bangkok has revealed the origin of the font used in new message stickers posted on the rail beams. In the middle of the Pathumwan intersection, “กรุงเทพฯ – Bangkok” is said to be a new font that was created under the BMA CI (Corporate Identity) and the font Swing Pole…
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Thailand strikes new submarine deal with China
Thailand and China finally wrapped up negotiations on the Royal Thai Navy’s (RTN) much-anticipated purchase of a Chinese-made S26T Yuan-class submarine. RTN Commander-in-Chief Admiral Adoong Pan-iam announced today that the agreement is now awaiting the final nod from the Thai Cabinet. “If approved, we will promptly amend the deal with the Chinese manufacturer.” Admiral Adoong expects the submarine to be…
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Thailand to amend VAT laws for imported goods under 1,500 baht
A proposal to amend laws regarding the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) on imported goods valued at less than 1,500 baht was announced today by Chulaphan Amornvivat, Deputy Minister of Finance. The proposed amendment, approved by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, aims to establish a fairer system for public and private sector importers, international manufacturers, and small and medium-sized enterprises…
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Thailand hosts key ASEAN-Canada trade talks in Bangkok
Thailand has taken significant steps forward in trade relations by hosting the eighth round of ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) negotiations in Bangkok between yesterday and today. The meeting aimed to expedite various aspects of the agreement, to conclude discussions by 2025. Chotima Iamsawatigul, Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations, appointed Ratchawit Piyapramote, Deputy Director-General of the same department,…
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Over 2,000 applicants disqualified in senatorial election
The Election Commission (EC) has thrown over 2,000 hopefuls out of the senatorial race, leaving just over 46,000 contenders to vie for seats across the nation. The EC’s announcement of qualified candidates yesterday sent shockwaves through the political arena, with disqualified applicants given until Saturday to plead their case before the Supreme Court or provincial courts. Reasons for disqualification range…
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Foreign affairs minister sails to settle seas of dispute in Koh Kood
Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is set to visit Cambodia to negotiate an overlapping claims area (OCA) in Koh Kood, situated in Trat, a border province. This visit aims to bolster bilateral relations and address pressing issues, including the controversial Cambodian construction of a breakwater near the 73rd border demarcation post adjacent to the Klong Yai border checkpoint. The breakwater,…
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Land and building tax revenue to hit 43 billion baht this year
The Finance Ministry anticipates the land and building tax collection to reach 43 billion baht this year, marking an increase of 8 billion from the previous year due to the discontinuation of the tax discount. Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit, speaking at a property seminar on the fifth anniversary of the tax’s implementation, revealed that the ministry is currently reviewing…
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PM Srettha to announce huge tech investment at AWS Summit
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will grace the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Summit in Bangkok tomorrow. The highly anticipated event at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre will see AWS, Amazon’s cloud computing powerhouse, unveil its grand vision for Thailand. “Thailand is poised for a digital transformation.” Prime Minister Srettha will co-chair the summit’s opening ceremony, according to government spokesman…
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Myanmar couple makes history at Thai Pride parade
Denied the chance to celebrate their union in their homeland, where LGBTQ individuals face persecution and imprisonment, a Burmese same-sex couple sought peace and happiness in the more tolerant kingdom next door. The couple, Nyan and Mae, tied the knot in front of thousands at the annual Pride parade in Chiang Mai. The late-night ceremony on Sunday was only symbolic…
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Thaksin’s shadow over Pheu Thai and election scandal rejected
The Constitutional Court unanimously rejected a high-profile petition accusing the Pheu Thai Party of being dominated by paroled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The petition alleged that Thaksin’s influence and the controversial digital wallet scheme used in their election campaign violated section 49 of the Constitution. Decha Chairat, the petitioner, didn’t stop there. He also accused Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin…
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Thailand’s new visa rules for tourists and expats from June 1
Thailand is planning to extend its visa-free policy to 60 days for nationals from 93 countries, including the UK, EU nations, the US, and Australia. This means tourists can now enjoy double the time in the Land of Smiles without paying a single baht. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke announced the change but kept the details under wraps. However, it appears…
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Weed demand justice: Cannabis advocates’ reclassification rally in Bangkok
Cannabis entrepreneurs, farmers, and activists gathered in Bangkok to protest the government’s plan to reclassify marijuana as a narcotic, only two years after its decriminalisation. The rally, held yesterday in front of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific headquarters, saw nearly 2,000 signatures collected to support a legal petition aimed at halting the government’s…
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Making cents: Thai PM showers BoT governor with praise
During the Council of Economic Ministers’ meeting yesterday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin showered praise on Central Bank Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput for his constructive opinions on economic measures. This commendation comes hot on the heels of criticism from the PM’s adviser, Pichai Naripathaphan, who had lambasted the central bank for its inaction in supporting the government’s efforts to spur economic growth.…
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Thaksin postpones lese majeste hearing, citing Covid infection
Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra postponed his court hearing on allegedly violating Section 112 of the Criminal Law, also known as the lese majeste law, scheduled for today, citing a Covid-19 infection. The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) rescheduled the hearing for June 18. The 74 year old former politician was accused of violating Section 112 during an interview with…
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Thailand seeks BRICS membership for global influence
Thailand set its sights on joining the intergovernmental organisation BRICS, which is expanding beyond its original membership of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The Thai Cabinet approved a draft of the official letter indicating Thailand’s intention to join the group, according to government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates became official members of…
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EC to comply with court ruling on Senate candidate profiles
The Election Commission (EC) has opted not to challenge a Central Administrative Court decision regarding a regulation that prevents Senate election candidates from sharing their profiles publicly. Sawang Boonmee, EC Secretary-General, confirmed yesterday, May 27, that the commission will not use the 30-day window to appeal the court’s decision. The Senate election regulations have been updated to align with the…
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Move Forward Party MP jailed for 2 years for royal defamation
Thanya Buri Provincial Court sentenced Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Chonthicha Jangrew to two years in prison for royal defamation under Section 112 of the Criminal Code. The verdict, delivered today, originally imposed a three-year sentence but was subsequently reduced to two years with no suspension. Another charge against Chonthicha for violating the emergency decree on public gatherings was dismissed…
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Election chaos: Senate vote to proceed despite district drama
In a dramatic twist leading up to the senatorial election, Election Commission (EC) Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee announced yesterday that the upcoming senate vote will go ahead as scheduled, despite significant issues in some districts. Sawaeng confirmed that two districts had no applicants, while seven districts saw candidates emerging from just one of the 20 eligible occupational groups. Nevertheless, he reassured…
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Thaksin voices support for Srettha amid court case
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra voiced his unwavering support for Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin amidst a Constitutional Court case that threatens to unseat him. “I want the prime minister to stay in office as long as possible.” Thaksin praised the Bangkok-born Srettha’s performance since taking office last August. In a rare interview with Thai media, the ex-PM dismissed concerns that…
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Thailand to launch cyber-command unit for digital defence
Thailand is poised to bolster its cyber warfare capabilities with the establishment of a dedicated cyber-command unit by October. This initiative, revealed by Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman for Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang, aims to strengthen the country’s defence against emerging digital threats. General Songwit Noonphakdi, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF), has been tasked with creating the unit following…
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