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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Surge in Covid-19 infections and rising death toll in Thailand
According to the latest report from the Department of Disease Control (DDC), a staggering 718 patients were admitted to hospitals between January 14 and 20 in a skyrocketing surge in Covid-19 infections. The grim statistics reveal a grim reality, with the death toll soaring to 11, a stark contrast to the four reported just a week earlier. The average daily…
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Thai economy experts predict 3% growth despite digital wallet scheme delay
Leading economist Somchai Phakapaswiwat foresees a 3% economic growth despite the government’s 500-billion baht handout scheme‘s potential delay. Renowned economist Somchai Phakapaswiwat set tongues wagging yesterday, January 22, when he confidently declared that Thailand’s economic trajectory remains unscathed, poised for an impressive 3% growth, despite uncertainties surrounding the government’s 500-billion baht handout scheme. According to Somchai, the delay in the…
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Thai health minister unveils emergency airlift project to save tourists
In a move set to revolutionise emergency medical services, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew declared the expansion of Thailand’s Sky Doctor project during an emergency airlift rehearsal in Phang Nga. The rehearsal unfolded at Koh Yao Witthaya School, where the minister, accompanied by permanent secretary Opas Karnkawinpong, showcased their commitment to elevating the nation’s healthcare services to international standards. Addressing…
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Thai government officials inspect 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject amid environmental concerns
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit embarked on an official visit to the Andaman region, with Ranong, the site of the 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject, as their first stop. The project, expected to generate significant benefits across the southern region, is facing criticism due to its potential environmental impact. The officials inspected a…
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Narendra Modi to inaugurate Ram Temple in Ayodhya amid looming elections
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a place of birth believed by Hindus to be associated with Lord Rama. The construction of this temple represents a key fulfilment of a promise by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to the Hindu population, taking place just months before India’s upcoming elections, where Modi aims…
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Department of Consular Affairs goes digital with e-passports and more
The Department of Consular Affairs made a giant leap into the future, with its transformation into a digital department this year. This significant change involves the integration of advanced technology and artificial intelligence (AI) into its daily operations, demonstrated by the introduction of contemporary icons and an array of improved e-consular services. The cornerstone of this digital metamorphosis lies in…
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PM Srettha reassures public on Land Bridge megaproject amid concerns
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin voiced his administration’s commitment to addressing the concerns of groups opposing the Land Bridge megaproject. Today, PM Srettha is visiting the proposed construction site in Ranong, where a mobile cabinet meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. The 61 year old Thai prime minister acknowledged the government’s shortcomings in effectively communicating the project’s economic advantages to international investors.…
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PM Srettha: Digital wallet scheme will go ahead despite postponement
The eagerly anticipated 500 billion baht digital wallet handout scheme, publicised as the government’s economic lifeline, faces an unexpected delay. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced yesterday, January 19, that the launch of the 500-billion-baht initiative will be postponed pending an inquiry by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Brushing off rumours of incorporating the scheme into the 2025 budget, PM Srettha…
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Chiang Mai court demands PM2.5 emergency plan
The Administrative Court in Chiang Mai demanded Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the National Environment Board craft an emergency plan within the next 90 days. This decisive move comes as a response to the persistent threat of PM2.5 pollution plaguing northern provinces and signals a watershed moment for civil society in the region. The court’s verdict is a resounding call for…
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Thai PM pushes for minimum wage raise
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared yesterday that Thailand must abandon its reliance on low labour costs to entice foreign investments, pushing for a raise in the country’s minimum wage. Addressing a panel discussion titled Learning from ASEAN at the World Economic Forum in Davos, PM Srettha emphasised a paradigm shift in priorities. “Low labour cost should not be the attracting…
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Thai government tests new lottery system with tickets as low as 20 baht
The Government Lottery Office (GLO) plans to experiment with the sale of three-digit and two-digit lotteries within a sandbox system mid-year this year. The test will involve one million numbers, both direct and permutation, to combat underground lottery operations. The cost per ticket is expected to range between 20 to 50 baht. The director of GLO revealed that the initial…
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Thai health chief champions surrogacy for same-sex couples
In a move anticipating the impending legalisation of same-sex marriage in Thailand, the nation‘s Health Department Director-General Atchara Nithiapinyasakul is pushing for a revision of the Surrogacy Act. The aim is to open the doors for homosexual couples to adopt a baby through a surrogate mother, addressing not just personal desires but also a national crisis. As Thailand grapples with…
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Thai activist Arnon Nampa sentenced to four years in prison for royal defamation
Activist and lawyer Arnon Nampa has been given a four-year prison sentence by the Criminal Court. Arnon was charged with violating the lèse-majesté law under Section 112 of the Criminal Code and the Computer Crime Act. This decision comes after 39 year old Arnon was found guilty of defaming the monarchy, a crime carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years.…
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Thai PM tweets from the top: Srettha’s Swiss summit scoop at Davos World Economic Forum
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin took to his Twitter account to keep his compatriots in the loop about his diplomatic encounters in Davos, Switzerland at the World Economic Forum (WEF). The 61 year old Thai prime minister spared no detail in sharing snippets of his discussions with a constellation of influential figures at the WEF. From rubbing shoulders with executives of…
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Clean Air Bills passed in Thai Parliament
At the House of Representatives, lawmakers united across party lines to pass seven Clean Air bills after an exhilarating debate which concluded with an overwhelming 443 votes in favour and just one abstention. A coalition of government and opposition parties, alongside a civil society organisation, orchestrated this legislative symphony. To ensure meticulous examination, a formidable 39-member committee, comprising both government…
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Adani eyes Landbridge project for connecting India to Japan and Korea
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met with the chairman of the Indian company Adani Group during the World Economic Forum (WEF), held in Davos, Switzerland. Adani Group, known for their extensive investments in developing ports and airports, expressed a strong interest in the Landbridge project, aimed at connecting India’s transportation to Japan and Korea, said the Thai PM. “Adani Group’s investment…
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Thailand vows to support Myanmar with humanitarian aid at Davos
Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, declared the nation’s commitment to supporting troubled Myanmar through humanitarian aid during the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The meeting, which included international representatives, also featured Vice Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. Parnpree emphasised Thailand’s proactive and innovative efforts to foster peace, stability, and unity in…
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Former Transport Minister Saksayam found guilty in shares concealment case
The Constitutional Court has declared former Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob guilty of concealing his shares and ownership in a construction company that scored numerous projects from his own ministry, with the ruling of a 7-1 vote. According to the court, Saksayam’s ownership of Buricharoen Construction Co Ltd was confirmed, as alleged by 54 opposition MPs. One judge, Wiroon Saengthian, was notably…
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Electricity bills set to stay steady despite global turmoil
In an exclusive update from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), consumers can breathe a sigh of relief as Secretary-General Komkrit Tantravanich guarantees minimal disruption to household electricity bills. Komkrit reassures the public that from May through August, electricity rates will hover between 4.20 to 4.25 baht per unit. Moreover, this promising price stability is linked to a surge in natural…
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Thailand’s major negotiation tool to be AI at World Economic Forum
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to unleash Thailand’s secret weapon, artificial intelligence (AI), at the 54th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. This year, the WEF is not just a meeting, it’s a battleground for global leaders navigating a world torn apart by geopolitics and AI advancements. Thailand’s 12th year at the WEF is more critical than ever, with…
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Thailand opposes Israel photo campaign on Bangkok tuk tuks
The Deputy Prime Minister (PM) of Thailand and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pranpree Bahiddhanukon, reported that Thailand locked horns with the Embassy of Israel in Thailand over its campaign of putting photos of hostages on the back of the capital’s tuk tuks. The Embassy of Israel in Thailand launched a campaign calling for the immediate release of the hostages held in…
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Bank of Thailand maintains policy rate for economic revival
The existing policy rate of the Bank of Thailand is deemed suitable for the nation’s economic revival, while inflation is anticipated to remain within its target range, according to the central bank. This decision, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the central bank states, is based on a comprehensive analysis of various scenarios. Piti Disyatat, Assistant Governor and MPC Secretary…
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Thailand and Palestine to join forces to free Thai hostages
Thailand and Palestine promised to take their 12-year relationship to new heights with discussions on tourism and trade between Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara and Walid Abu Ali, Ambassador of the State of Palestine. Both sides conveyed their pleasure at the strong Thai-Palestinian relations that have flourished since August 1, 2012. With the Thai embassy in Amman, Jordan, assuming control of…
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Thai government spends 185 billion baht in 123 days met with criticism
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s coalition government unleashed a whopping 185 billion baht assault on Thailand’s economic and social quagmires, thansettakij.com on January 13. The audacious measures by the 61 year old PM include a multifaceted approach to lighten the burden on citizens, with reductions in fuel and electricity prices, financial lifelines for struggling small to medium-sized businesses, debt relief for…
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Migration education: Thai vice minister urges deep understanding to tackle illegal migration roots
Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasised the necessity for a profound understanding of illegal migration among lawmakers and the general public to address the root causes of the issue. He voiced these comments during a recent seminar, Shaping Public Perception Towards Migrants, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Organisation for Migration. Sihasak pointed out…
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Thai Prime Minister to woo global giants at World Economic Forum
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to meet with several leading global private companies, confident that these interactions will attract further trade and investment from abroad. These meetings will take place during the World Economic Forum (WEF) of 2024 and are expected to significantly benefit the Thai economy. Chai Watcharong, Prime Minister Office spokesperson, revealed that during the WEF…
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PM Srettha to pitch Land Bridge megaproject at WEF
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to entice foreign investors towards the 1 trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject during the World Economic Forum (WEF) which starts on Monday and concludes on Friday in Davos, Switzerland. PM Srettha will be accompanied by a team of cabinet ministers including Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, the Foreign Affairs Minister, and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, following an invitation…
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Former labour minister seeks legal advice over alleged Thailand-Finland trafficking scandal
Former Labour Minister of Thailand Suchart Chomklin is seeking legal advice following allegations of involvement in a human trafficking and bribery scandal. The case in question pertains to the deployment of Thai workers to Finland for berry picking. Suchart vehemently denied receiving payments or engaging in any human trafficking activities related to this employment scheme. An ongoing investigation into the case…
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Democrat Party leader denies ties with billion-baht pork smuggling suspect
Democrat Party leader Chalermchai Sri-on yesterday refuted whispers of familial connections with the primary suspect in a billion-baht pork smuggling saga. Li Sheng Jiao, also known as Hia Kao (Brother Kao), is among four individuals sought by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on multiple charges including money laundering, customs act infringements and tax evasion. Earlier this week, arrest warrants were…
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House Committee denied access to hospitalised ex-PM Thaksin
A visit to the Police General Hospital by members of the House Committee on police affairs was met with resistance yesterday, as they were denied access to the hospitalised former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The committee’s objective was to verify if Thaksin was indeed under treatment at the hospital, following approval for the visit granted on Monday. The committee, led…
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