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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Suspicion clouds Thai political scene with doubts over senatorial election
The air is thick with suspicion in Thailand’s political arena as experts cast doubts on the upcoming senatorial election. Associate Professor Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, a voice from Thammasat University’s Faculty of Law, raised concerns about potential manipulation and delays in the voting results during a panel discussion organised by the Thai Journalists Association. “The Election Commission’s deadline for announcing results on…
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Thailand’s biometric scheme for Myanmar nationals
Thailand’s latest move has sent shockwaves through the region as the government unveils a plan to gather biometric data from Myanmar nationals. But behind the guise of healthcare efficiency lies a shadow of suspicion and fear. To streamline healthcare for its transient population, Thailand has launched a controversial programme, gathering iris and face biometrics from Myanmar nationals. But as concerns…
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Military’s risky rice plan revealed
Thailand’s Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang unveiled a bold plan regarding the nation’s rice surplus, promising to purchase rice stored under a contentious scheme. Responding to the alleged disclosure by Deputy PM and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Sutin confirms that a portion of the 15,000-tonne rice stockpile could be destined for the bellies of military personnel. Sutin addressed concerns about oversupply.…
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High stakes: Thai PM leads talks on weed reclassification
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin spearheaded a meeting yesterday to discuss the country’s narcotics issues and the potential reclassification of cannabis as a type 5 narcotic drug. The conference saw the involvement of key officials such as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, the newly appointed Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin and the Minister of Justice,…
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Suphan Buri’s Mae Buay Salay restaurant preprares for PM’s visit
Suphan Buri’s Mae Buay Salay restaurant, a renowned culinary landmark with over 80 years of history, is bustling with preparations to welcome the prime minister and Cabinet members on their upcoming visit. The restaurant, famed for its delectable river prawns and enduring tradition, is set to showcase its signature dishes to high-profile guests. Mae Buay Salay, located in the Bang…
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Deputy PM to discuss government strategies with military chiefs
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced plans to engage in discussions with the heads of the armed forces in Thailand. These meetings, scheduled to take place at the military chiefs’ workplaces, aim to brief them about the government’s strategies and protocols. Following his recent appointment to oversee the Ministry of Defence, Phumtham expressed his intent to maintain…
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Thai deputy finance minister’s shock resignation
Thailand Deputy Minister of Finance Kritsada Jinavijarana sent shockwaves through the political corridors with his offer of resignation. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin intervened, urging Kritsada to reconsider his decision. Expressing discontent with task allocation, Kritsada tendered his resignation from the Cabinet. But the 62 year old Thai prime minister, not ready to lose a key figure, stepped in swiftly to…
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Thai govt’s digital wallet project: A cash splash on the horizon
The Government of Thailand is still finalising its digital wallet project, a financial aid initiative which promises a 10,000 baht disbursement to eligible citizens. The specific criteria for eligibility include an age threshold, and a deposit cap to ensure the aid reaches those intended. Citizens who are 16 years old as of September 30 of this year, or born before…
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Secret talks with rebels: Ex-PM Thaksin’s shadow diplomacy
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s clandestine discussions with Myanmar’s resistance groups have ignited a storm of controversy. As the international community watches with bated breath, the House Committee on National Security and Border Affairs gears up for a probing investigation into this explosive development. The House Committee on National Security and Border Affairs announced a thorough investigation into the reports…
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Ricegate scandal: 10 year old rice stockpile unsafe for consumption
The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) demanded rigorous quality and safety checks for a colossal 15,000 tonnes of jasmine rice, stockpiled since 2014 under the controversial rice-pledging scheme. The council, joined by an academic from Chiang Mai University, fears the rice may be laced with harmful chemicals, rendering it unfit for human or animal consumption. Deputy Chief of the TCC’s policies…
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Ex-MP takes legal action against Thai comedian Udom
Another complaint has been filed against Thai comedian Udom Taepanich. Parina Kraikupt, former Ratchaburi MP, initiated legal proceedings under Section 112 at the Po Tharam Police Station. The news of the incident was shared by the journalist Sarayuth Sutthasanachinda on his page. Parina posted following the uproar surrounding Udom, accompanied by the message: “Really can’t sleep, really want to rest,…
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New Finance Minister Pichai pledges to boost Thailand’s economy
Newly appointed Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira pledged to accelerate initiatives aimed at addressing household debt, stimulating the economy, and raising personal income. Pichai, who previously held the chairman position at the Stock Exchange of Thailand and served as the prime minister’s advisor, observed a consistent decline in the country’s economic growth rate over the past two decades during his inaugural…
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Thai government sets plans for King Rama X’s upcoming birthday
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin issued a directive to all government departments to come up with proposals for events to mark the forthcoming sixth-cycle birthday of His Majesty King Rama X, scheduled for July 28. The announcement came in the wake of a Cabinet meeting yesterday. The 62 year old Thai prime minister requested that the plans be presented to the…
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Thai Finance Minister set to discuss policies with BOT
The freshly appointed Finance Minister today expressed his readiness to engage in discussions with the governor of the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to align fiscal and monetary policies. Pichai Chunhavajira, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, stated to journalists that collaborating with the BoT on policy coordination is part of his job responsibilities. Pichai expressed confidence that he…
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Grain gamble: Decade-old rice from Surin warehouses still fresh
Stored for over a decade, rice from the warehouses in Surin, dating back to Yingluck Shinawatra‘s term in office, has been confirmed to be in good condition. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, gave an assurance of the rice’s quality and announced that a bidding process for it is scheduled for next week. Phumtham, along with representatives from the private and public…
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Thai chamber opposes proposed minimum wage increase
The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) is in dispute with the government over its proposal to increase the minimum daily wage to 400 baht for workers all over the country. The proposed wage increment is expected to take effect in October. Speaking on the issue, Poj Aramwattananont, Vice-President of the TCC and the Board of Trade of Thailand, painted the…
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Thai government boosts welfare benefits for workers
Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke indicated that the Thai government is committed to improving welfare benefits to enhance the quality of life for all workers in the country. This commitment follows a recent roll-out of new regulations aimed at supporting the needs of the informal workforce, a significant demographic in Thailand. “The government is determined to push for regulations that will…
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Thaksin Shinawatra’s leisure trip to Phuket sparks controversy
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra stirred controversy following his recent visit to Phuket, which was initially presented as a casual leisure trip. The trip has come under scrutiny as Thaksin was observed mingling with various business figures and local administrative authorities on the island. Local reports stated that this incident prompted speculation about the actual intention behind Thaksin’s trip…
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Thailand’s Move Forward Party faces possible dissolution
The Move Forward Party (MFP), one of Thailand’s major opposition parties, is currently battling a case against its dissolution in court. The case was triggered by the Election Commission’s (EC) proposal, based on Section 92 of the Political Parties Act, after the MFP was found to be advocating for amendments to Section 112 of the Criminal Code, or the lese…
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Thai renewable energy industry urges govt to revise trade system
The Federation of Thai Industries’ Renewable Energy Industry Club urged the government to revise the country’s electricity trade system from the longstanding enhanced single buyer (ESB) model, arguing it hampers the growth of renewable energy. The ESB structure, which designates the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) as the sole entity that sells electricity to the public, is seen as…
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South Africa and Thailand boosts agricultural ties
The agricultural sector has become a significant beneficiary of the thriving bilateral relationship between Thailand and South Africa, revealed South Africa’s Ambassador to Thailand, Darkey Africa in a recent interview. This conversation was held to commemorate three decades of South African democracy and the bilateral relationship between the two nations including a strengthening of agricultural ties. Africa underscored the positive…
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SET extends deadline due to few presidential applicants
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has delayed the application deadline for its presidential role until May 15, following a lack of applicants. The present president, Pakorn Peetathawatchai, is due to step down in September. The SET chairman role also remains unfilled after Pichai Chunhavajira’s recent resignation. The exchange is seeking candidates who can support its vision of making the…
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Salary surge: Thai civil servants set for pay raise starting May 1
The Thai government announced a significant salary increase for civil servants, effective from tomorrow, May 1, this year. This adjustment aims to ensure that those with a bachelor’s degree will earn no less than 18,000 baht per month, and those with a vocational certificate will receive no less than 11,000 baht per month within two years. This recent decision, made…
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Yala deputy governor accused of adultery with adopted son (video)
The deputy governor of Yala province in southern Thailand allegedly committed adultery with his adopted son who reportedly physically assaulted his adopted mother, the governor’s legal wife. Local Facebook page Esor News reported on April 28 that a deputy governor in southern Thailand had been transferred from his post due to allegations of adultery, as he was still living with…
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Seasoned diplomat poised to replace Thai foreign minister
Seasoned diplomat Maris Sangiampongsa is reportedly the primary candidate to replace Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara as Thailand’s foreign minister following the latter’s sudden resignation. Maris, having served as a diplomatic advisor to Parnpree and ambassador to various nations, including Australia, Nepal, and Canada, is widely anticipated to take up the mantle. Maris’ diplomatic career spans over two decades, during which he worked…
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Pheu Thai Party highlights achievements, outlines future vision
The Pheu Thai Party organised a significant event on Friday to shed light on the party’s accomplishments over the past 10 months and to share the vision of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The event is aptly named 10 Months Without Waiting, Moving Forward to Achieve 10 out of 10, as revealed by Pheu Thai’s secretary-general,…
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Pichai Chunhavajira announced as new Thai Finance Minister
The former Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) chairman has been appointed as the new finance minister, a move that has garnered a positive reception from stock market analysts. They believe Pichai Chunhavajira will play an active role in managing the capital market and advancing economic stimulus, now that the 2024 fiscal budget is prepared for allocation. Expressing his view on…
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Cabinet shake-up plants seeds for cannabis reform in Thailand
The Thai Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin could spark high-stakes changes to the cannabis bill after former Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin replaced Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew. Cholnan, who led the charge in the cannabis debate, faced a blaze of controversy over the plant’s legalisation in 2022 by Anutin Charnvirakul, the former Public Health Minister, now doubling as…
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Thai PM’s frozen durian order: A fruitful venture worth millions
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday publicised the country’s recent acquisition of a 300-million-baht (US$8.1 million) frozen durian order on social media. The announcement came in the aftermath of his trip to Chanthaburi, which further emphasised the global appetite for Thai durians. “Post my visit, an order was placed. Business tycoons have expressed interest in placing an annual order worth 300…
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Laos considers Thailand’s proposal for ASEAN troika meetings
The Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Nikorndej Balankura, confirmed that Laos has received and is considering Thailand’s proposal for ASEAN Troika and Troika plus meetings, which aim to alleviate the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. The proposal is Thailand’s attempt to engage with Myanmar’s military junta to resolve the situation while simultaneously advocating for humanitarian aid and peace. Thailand put forth this…
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