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’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Thai MP’s ‘carry-out’ leftovers kindness goes viral among netizens
An online discussion among netizens was prompted by an act of kindness by a member of Parliament for the Pheu Thai Party who hails from the province of Phrae. Following a session in the legislature, it was reported that MP Thossaporn Sereerak was spotted carrying bags stuffed with leftovers that he intended to give to people living on the streets.…
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Baht-ing for growth: Pheu Thai Party’s digital policy to boost Thai economy
The 10,000-baht digital currency policy handout by Pheu Thai is expected to inject an estimated 2 trillion baht into the country’s economy, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. This initiative aims to contribute to a growth of at least 5% in the GDP by 2024. Julapun Amornvivat stated that the economy would get a boost from the widespread use…
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Former Thai deputy speaker implicated in corruption scandal over educational project
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) declared yesterday that Charoen Jankomol, the previous first deputy House speaker, engaged in corrupt practices related to a parliamentary project’s misappropriation. The former Pheu Thai Party MP served from August 2, 2011, to December 9, 2013. The NACC’s investigation revealed that Charoen, along with six parliamentary officials, were indicted for corruption in the administration of…
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One Family, One Soft Power policy introduced to promote Thailand’s soft power
The new government of Thailand, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has introduced a policy known as One Family, One Soft Power (OFOS). This policy aims to promote Thailand’s soft power, starting by improving the skills of Thai people with free training programmes and workshops. The political campaigns of the Pheu Thai Party gained a lot of interest from the…
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Ex-Pattaya mayor faces arrest over decade-old condo scandal
The former Pattaya mayor and culture minister faces an arrest warrant after failing to appear for his arraignment over charges from a decade-old condo development scandal in Pattaya. Itthiphol Kunplome’s current location remains undisclosed. Neither his house nor his political faction’s office in the Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri saw any sign of him yesterday. The properties were markedly…
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Principled leadership: MFP chief Pita stresses substance over style for new Thai Cabinet
Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party, shared his views on the newly formed Thai Cabinet, asserting that his judgment of individuals will be based on principles rather than appearances. He extended his well wishes to the new Cabinet, expressing hope that they would successfully fulfil the promises made during the election campaign. Pita noted that during the…
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Bangkok’s multinational ambitions drive forward: BMA seeks government support
The drive to establish Bangkok as a multinational hub has gained momentum, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) expressing intent to garner government backing for the initiative. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, yesterday, announced the intent to align the BMA’s policy with that of the government to stimulate the city’s economy and job creation. In a press briefing, Chadchart illustrated the…
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Justice whispers: Thaksin’s sentence may shrink yet
Undisclosed sources within the Justice Ministry leaked news that the sentences handed to Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra could be reduced further. Thaksin’s return to Thailand on Tuesday, August 22 this year marked the initiation of legal proceedings against him, encompassing three charges that had been levied against him before he departed from the country in 2008. The 74…
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BREAKING NEWS: Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra granted royal pardon, sentence reduced to 1 year
Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted a royal pardon, effectively reducing his punishment to a one-year sentence. According to the announcement published in the Royal Gazette this afternoon, King Rama X extended royal clemency to the 74 year old Thaksin, slashing his previous sentence of seven years, eleven months, and 20 days down to one year. The royal…
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Power play: FTI cheers new government’s energy cost pledge
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) expressed its satisfaction with the newly elected government’s commitment to lowering energy costs and retail diesel prices. Newly inaugurated Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has prioritised energy price reductions as an early objective of his administration. An immediate cut in energy prices has been promised by the 61 year old Srettha and his Cabinet upon…
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Pardon the uproar: Thaksin’s plea adds a royal twist to political drama
A royal pardon application for Thaksin Shinawatra, former Prime Minister of Thailand, has been received, as confirmed by the outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam. Acting as the justice minister, Wissanu announced a press event at the Government House, though he refrained from disclosing whether the appeal was penned by Thaksin or his relatives. He clarified that the request was…
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Moving ahead: MFP urges new PM to keep charter referendum promise
The Move Forward Party (MFP) called on Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to address a charter to hold a referendum in his initial Cabinet meeting, as previously promised. This follows the House of Representatives rejecting MFP’s push to expedite a full constitution rewrite, currently the 33rd item on the House’s agenda. Highlighting the urgency, list-MP Parit Wacharasindhu acknowledged the House’s decision…
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Architect’s ‘dirty’ pledge: Faeces target as Pheu Thai Party’s political coalition stirs surprise
Thai architect Duangrit Bunnag has turned an unusual promise into a reality, offering himself as a target for faeces-throwing after the Pheu Thai Party forged an unexpected coalition with the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). Duangrit is a member of Creative Action for Revival & People Empowerment (CARE), a group associated with the Pheu Thai Party led by Deputy Leader Phumtham…
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Thai fortune teller envisions political and economic upswing in Thailand
A shift in Thailand’s political and economic landscape is anticipated, with improvements expected from November to April, according to renowned fortune teller Navaracha Pinitlokakorn, also known as Mor Plai. Despite her failed prediction regarding the identity of Thailand’s new prime minister, she views this as a fortunate turn of events. She advised patience and granting the new PM the opportunity…
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Prayut reflects on PM term: Thailand’s journey to progress
Outgoing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha concluded his nine-year term, taking to Facebook to share his reflections and achievements. He described the tenure as the most significant and memorable of his life. Prayut highlighted Thailand’s considerable progress, attributing its development to nine specific areas. Under Prayut’s leadership, Thailand initiated an unprecedented 20-year national strategy, directing the country’s trajectory and ensuring the…
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Thai opposition in disarray as Move Forward Party rejects leadership role
Chaos has engulfed the Democrat Party, as the top opposition role remains unclear. This comes after the Move Forward Party (MFP), the largest opposing party, expressed disinterest in the role, likely to keep their Deputy House Speaker seat. The Democrat Party spokesperson, Ramet Rattanachaweng, stated that technically, the right to assume the opposition leader role falls to Pita Limjaroenrat, the…
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Scowl Play: Trump’s mug shot sparks questions on jail time and future US President run
The mug shot of a scowling Donald Trump last night was a bewildering sight for both supporters and opponents of the former US President – but what does it mean, can he be jailed, and can he still run for office? The 77 year old former US President yesterday surrendered at Fulton County Jail in Atlanta on charges of illegally scheming…
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Srettha Thavisin endorsed by US, EU, and Singapore
Srettha Thavisin, recently elected as Thailand’s 30th prime minister, received a warm welcome and expression of support from the United States, the European Union, and Singapore. The allies are enthusiastic about further strengthening their strategic alliances with Thailand under the new leadership. Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, emphasized the shared values between the two nations and their joint…
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Digital wallet pioneering: Prime Minister’s blueprint for national advancement
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed his readiness to manage the country’s development and drive full-fledged policies. The concept of a digital wallet is at the top of his agenda. PM Srettha emphasised that the current coalition government, comprising various political parties, needs to respect each other’s policies. The formation of the Cabinet is still in progress, with negotiations and discussions…
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Ex-PM Thaksin begins 8-year prison term in medical ward
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, 74 years old, is currently housed in a private room in the medical ward of the Bangkok Remand Prison due to his four underlying health conditions, including heart and lung problems. The head of the Department of Corrections, Aryut Sinthoppan, revealed this information to journalists yesterday. The news follows the Supreme Court’s decision to sentence…
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Unconscious decision: MFP MP faints during Thailand’s PM selection
Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Arnuparp Likhitamnuaychai stunned yesterday’s Parliament meeting to select Thailand’s new prime minister after he lost consciousness during the voting process. The MP is reportedly in stable condition but remains in hospital. The incident occurred when during the alphabetical process to vote for the new PM. A group of MPs sitting in the MFP area requested an…
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New Thai PM, Srettha, vows to elevate Thai well-being, royal PM appointment postponed
The newly elected Prime Minister of Thailand promised to elevate the well-being of the Thai people after yesterday’s Parliament meeting to select a new PM. However, the scheduled royal ceremony for the installation of the new PM at 8pm encountered a delay. During the Parliament meeting to select a new PM, the Pheu Thai Party’s candidate, Srettha Tavisin, managed to…
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New era in Thailand: Srettha Tavisin voted 30th Prime Minister of Thailand
Thailand can finally hail a new leader after Pheu Thai Party candidate Srettha Tavisin secured enough votes from members of the National Assembly of Thailand to become the kingdom’s 30th prime minister. Today, August 22, marked a day of significance for Thailand, as the nation witnessed two important events. Leading the headlines was the return of a former Thai PM,…
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Thaksin Shinawatra’s 15-year exile ends with immediate jail term upon return (video)
Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was jailed this morning only hours after his aeroplane touched the tarmac at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok – ending his 15-year self-imposed exile. The 74 year old ex PM’s aircraft landed at 9am today and he was immediately escorted to the Supreme Court to acknowledge and begin an eight-year prison sentence. Despite…
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NIDA survey says: Pheu Thai Party’s unique political partnership faces public disapproval
A recent telephone survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) revealed significant disapproval of the Pheu Thai Party‘s plan to form a special government in collaboration with its political adversaries, Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation (UTN) parties. This survey, also known as the NIDA poll, was conducted from August 15 through August 17 and involved a detailed…
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Awaiting arrest, ex-Prime Minister Thaksin returns to Thailand amidst political unrest
As Thailand anticipates the arrival of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, fresh from a self-imposed exile, arrest warrants are ready for viewing and inevitable jail time awaits him. His expected return is scheduled for tomorrow, incidentally, coinciding with parliamentary proceedings to elect the country’s 30th leader. His daughter, Paetongtarn “Ung Ing” Shinawatra, a former prime ministerial candidate for the Pheu…
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Thai MP has beef with beef restaurant that calls him scum
In an unusual incident, a Member of Parliament found himself on the receiving end of a vulgar slur. The slur was scribed on a delivery package from a renowned beef restaurant, which was ordered by the MP himself, creating a whirlwind of controversy. Piyarat Chongthep, the offended MP in question, represents the Phra Khanong Bangna area of Bangkok. He is…
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Chuwit urges Big Joke probe into Pheu Thai PM candidate’s tax scheme accusation
A former Thai politician urged the Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Tha Police (RTP) to initiate an investigation into allegations levelled against the Pheu Thai Party’s prime ministerial candidate. After the Pheu Thai Party announced that they would propose Srettha Thavisin as their PM candidate, former politician and soapy king Chuwit Kamolvisit announced that he had evidence which could prove…
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Ethics probe: Thai Deputy House Speaker under fire for beer post
“With which candidate would you rather have a beer?” That question has become a standard litmus test for likeability and authenticity in American politics. But in Thai politics, having a beer can land you in a massive political scandal. Padipat Suntiphada, the Deputy House speaker, was recently shown on video on social media indulging in a craft beer, stirring a…
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Pheu Thai Party solidifies coalition agreement with PPRP and UTN
In a significant political development, the Pheu Thai Party has successfully solidified a coalition agreement with the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) and the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party. According to a reliable source, this pact involves a reciprocal arrangement where both the PPRP and UTN have committed to supporting Srettha Thavisin, a prominent figure within Pheu Thai, and the anticipated…
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