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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Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra among 150 selected for new NDC defence course
The National Defence College (NDC) announced a fresh intake of 150 students for its new defence curriculum. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of Thailand’s ruling Pheu Thai Party, is among the selected. Paetongtarn, along with other executives, is set to delve into this new curriculum which aims to broaden their perspectives and build strong networks. Over 500 individuals applied for the prestigious course,…
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Thailand’s household electricity tariffs remain unchanged
Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga affirmed that electricity tariffs for households in Thailand will remain unchanged from May to August, maintaining the current rate of 4.18 baht per unit. Pirapan, also serving as a deputy prime minister, explained that this decision has been made possible due to the continuation of gas production in the Gulf of Thailand by PTT Exploration and…
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10 regions of Thailand to use new minimum wage calculation
The tripartite Wage Committee has given the green light, by a close vote of 7 to 5, to a new method for setting minimum wages. Ten key regions, including the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, are set to pioneer this transformative change from April onwards. The freshly endorsed formula marks a paradigm shift, incorporating elements such as labour productivity, contribution to…
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Thailand and Cambodia in talks over disputed Gulf area
Negotiations are underway between Thailand and Cambodia concerning overlapping border regions in the Gulf of Thailand, according to Sutin Klungsang, Thailand’s Defence Minister. He addressed public concerns and queries from the press about the possible implications of a meeting held in Bangkok on February 21 between Hun Sen, former Prime Minister of Cambodia, and Thaksin Shinawatra, ex-Thai Prime Minister. Sutin…
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Over 147,000 sign up for debt relief programme worth billions
Some 147,714 individuals have registered for the Interior Ministry’s debt relief programme within the past three months, an initiative aimed at combating a staggering debt value of 10.74 billion baht, confirmed Permanent Secretary Suttipong Juljarern on Monday. With the registration window, which started on December 1, set to close tomorrow, Suttipong urged those grappling with debt woes to expedite their…
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Thailand’s State Audit Office to streamline large-scale govt projects
In a recent development, the State Audit Office (SAO) of Thailand announced the inauguration of a new section dedicated solely to auditing large-scale government projects. This new initiative will come into effect from April 1, as per the announcement made by the State Audit Commission in the Royal Gazette last month. The SAO Auditor-General, Prajuck Boonyoung, highlighted the necessity of…
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Thailand’s prime minister unfazed by triple prime minister’s scenario
Despite the growing public opinion of a potential triple prime ministers scenario, Thailand’s current Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin remains unfazed. He expressed confidence in his ability to execute his duties as the nation’s sole leader, regardless of differing perceptions. Speculation about the possible return of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to politics has been rife since his parole release two weeks…
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Thai government’s revenue collection could fall short in 2024
Deputy Finance Minister Krisada Chinavicharana expressed concerns that the government’s revenue collection for fiscal 2024 might not surpass the target, unlike the 174 billion baht (US$4.8 billion) surplus witnessed the previous year. This was announced at the Outstanding Revolving Fund Award event held yesterday. The government has projected an expenditure budget of 3.48 trillion baht (US$96 billion) for fiscal 2024,…
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Thai citizens question Department of Corrections’ parole powers
A NIDA opinion poll reveals that a significant percentage of Thai citizens are in disagreement with the Department of Corrections’ authority to sanction reductions in prison sentences and approve parole. The survey sought public opinion on the department’s power to either reduce convicts’ imprisonment tenure or grant them parole. The responses were varied, with 40% categorically opposing it, 19.47% in…
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Police Chief’s directive to protect Royal Thai Police’s reputation
National Police Chief Police General Torsak Sukvimol has issued a stern order to all police officers, commanding them to refrain from divulging any information to the press that could tarnish the image or operational integrity of the Royal Thai Police (RTP). Moreover, officers have been explicitly warned against actions that could potentially serve their personal interests, sparking a firestorm of…
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Universal Health Coverage expands to eight more provinces
The Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme is set to empower members with unprecedented healthcare options across eight additional provinces. Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, heading the National Health Security Board, announced the green light for expanding the UHC digital health platform. This expansion encompasses provinces such as Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Sing Buri, Phang Nga, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Amnat Charoen,…
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Thai Mental Health Department’s Hope Task Force tackles suicides
In a bid to combat the alarming surge in suicide attempts, the Department of Mental Health (DMH) leads an initiative to amplify its Hope Task Force network to a provincial scale. After a staggering 31,000-plus suicide attempts rocked the nation last year, the DMH is leaving no stone unturned in its mission to save lives. DMH Deputy Director-General, Sirisak Thitidilokrat,…
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Thai police chief denies involvement in online gambling scandal
Police General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, Deputy National Police Chief, yesterday refuted allegations of his involvement with online gambling networks. Despite the rumours that have been swirling since early this week, Big Joke clarified that no formal charges have been brought against him following the widely publicised house search conducted last year. Furthermore, he noted that only eight individuals, some…
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Thailand’s ex-PM Thaksin paroled raising legal questions
Convicted former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted parole in compliance with legal criteria, according to Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong, the Justice Minister. This comes following Thaskin’s return to Thailand last year, during which he did not serve any jail time. This development sparked questions from Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, a Bangkok MP for the Move Forward Party (MFP),…
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Thai export competitiveness declines with focus on rice market
The Bank of Thailand reports a significant decline in Thai export competitiveness, particularly in global rice markets. Over the last 20 years, the market share of rice shipments has dropped by over 50%. This reduction is a result of persistent structural issues in the export and manufacturing sectors, affecting the Thai economy at large. The bank’s recent report reveals that…
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Move Forward Party set to announce PPAO presidential candidate
Pita Limjaroenrat, a key figure in Thai politics, is poised to make an important announcement in Phuket this weekend. The Move Forward Party (MFP), under his leadership on Saturday, February 24, will be introducing its presidential candidate for the upcoming Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) election. Pita’s arrival in Phuket was confirmed via a Facebook post by Chalermpong Saengdee, a…
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Thai Cabinet rejects gender recognition bill, citing crime concerns
The Thai Cabinet yesterday rejected the proposed Act on Gender Recognition, Title, and Protection of Gender Diversity, citing concerns about false identities if people are allowed to use preferred titles. The titles of people in the LGBTQA+ community have been trending on Thai social media since a transgender model, Phacharanat “Mimi” Nobantao, questioned why Thai citizens were unable to choose their…
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Social security ministry launches measures for vulnerable groups
The Social Development and Human Security Ministry has unveiled a series of measures aimed at enhancing the well-being of society’s most vulnerable groups. Spearheaded by Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, these initiatives promise to usher in a new era of support for newborns, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. During a recent meeting, the ministry’s subcommittee…
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MFP proposes revolutionary gender recognition bill for Thailand
In a landmark move to champion transgender rights, the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) is set to unveil a revolutionary legal proposition aiming to overhaul Thailand’s binary gender recognition system. According to party MP Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, the proposed bill, due for its maiden reading in Parliament, has sparked fervent debate surrounding the rights of transgender individuals to select their official…
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Myanmar junta sentences generals to death for town surrender
Myanmar’s military regime delivered a staggering blow, sentencing three high-ranking officers to death for overseeing the handover of a crucial town on the Chinese border to ethnic minority insurgents just last month. The move, which saw hundreds of troops laying down their arms and relinquishing control of Laukkai in Shan state to the Three Brotherhood Alliance, marked a significant setback…
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Thailand govenment raises sugar cane price, stirs industry buzz
The government yesterday sanctioned a definitive sugar cane price for the 2022/2023 season at 1,197 baht (US$33) per tonne, marking a substantial increase of 117 baht from the preliminary price of 1,080 baht per tonne. In parallel, the initial price for the 2023/2024 season was ratified by the cabinet, standing at 1,420 baht per tonne. Government spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke, indicated…
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Cholnan Srikaew proposes new meth limit for small drug dealers
Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew unveils a groundbreaking limit on methamphetamine possession, aimed at crippling small-time drug dealers once and for all. “I insist the law will be effective right after it’s issued.” Under the new policy, individuals found in possession of more than five methamphetamine pills will face criminal charges, while those with lesser quantities will be treated as…
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Cambodia’s ex-PM Hun Sen visits Thaksin at home in Bangkok
The former Prime Minister of Cambodia, Samdech Hun Sen, arrived at Chan Song La in Bangkok at 10.50am today to meet his friend, the former PM of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra. The 74 year old former PM had been at his Chan Song La residence for the fourth consecutive day since his release on parole on February 18. Several Thai politicians…
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UK and Thailand unveil 15.3 billion baht science fund
In a historic move announced in Bangkok, the British Embassy and Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) have joined forces to roll out the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF). This jaw-dropping 337-million-British-pound (15.3 billion baht) venture, set to be fully operational by the year’s end, is poised to revolutionise the realms of science and innovation on a global scale. Prompted…
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PM Srettha inspects ’30-Baht Plus’ healthcare policy
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin spearheaded the inspection of the Phra Ajarn Mun Bhuridatto Hospital’s construction progress and closely monitored the implementation of the 30-baht Plus healthcare policy in Sakon Nakhon Province. The Phra Ajarn Mun Bhuridatto Hospital stands as a beacon of hope, catering to a vast population, including residents from neighbouring provinces. The relentless pursuit of excellence has driven…
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Thailand PM calls for cut in interest rates amid economic crisis
The Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, urgently called upon the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to organise an unscheduled meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The objective of this meeting is to consider a cut in interest rates, as recent data suggests that the nation’s economy is in crisis. PM Srettha’s plea for this urgent meeting…
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Thaksin denies lese majeste law violation, secures 500,000 baht bail
After being released on parole for only a day, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra turned himself into authorities again, yesterday, February 19, in connection with a lese majeste case. He successfully secured bail of 500,000 baht. The 74 year old former PM was released on parole after a six-month detention at Police General Hospital. On February 18, he returned…
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Myanmar conflict may drive surge of workers to Thailand
The ongoing conflict in Myanmar is predicted to drive its citizens towards Thailand in search of work, according to the Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai). Following the 2021 military coup and the government’s urgent need to bolster its forces through conscription, Myanmar residents eager to avoid the draft may seek refuge in Thailand, potentially entering the labour…
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Chaos outside passport office claims lives in Myanmar
In Myanmar’s Mandalay, a rush for escape turned fatal as two lives were lost in a stampede outside a passport office yesterday. According to an AFP report, the victims, two women aged 52 and 39, succumbed to the overwhelming surge of hundreds clamouring to secure their passage out of the country, amplifying the harrowing toll of Myanmar’s societal upheaval. A…
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Thaksin sparks online debates for being released on parole
Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, was released on parole following six months in hospital. He returned to his home, Ban Chan Song La, in the Bang Phlat district of Bangkok yesterday, February 18. His parole sparked an online debate regarding his privilege and issues of inequality. Thaksin arrived in Thailand on August 22 last year after 15 years…
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