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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EC defends actions amid criticism over MFP Pita Limjaroenrat’s eligibility debacle
Engulfed in the turmoil stirred by criticism over the eligibility of Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat, the Election Commission (EC) staunchly defends its actions. Critics, including Pita, have insinuated that he was not given the rightful opportunity to counter the allegations before the case saw its day in court. The EC, in a strong-worded statement, clarified that the…
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Pheu Thai may replace MFP in Thai political shakeup
A shift in the political dynamic of Thailand might be on the horizon, according to predictions by a distinguished political science academic. He believes the Pheu Thai Party could rise as the new coalition’s head if Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), fails to secure victory in the Parliamentary selection for Thailand’s Prime Minister. Burapha University’s…
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Thai Senator to sue cyberbullies after Prime minister bid fallout
In the face of escalating online threats against him and his kin, Senator Somchai Sawaengkan announced he is preparing litigation against the cyber-bullies responsible. The threats transpired after the failed bid of Pita Limjaroenrat, head of the Move Forward Party (MFP), for the position of prime minister. Somchai yesterday revealed that he, alongside other senators, is in the process of…
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Stepping forward: MFP aims to rewrite Senate’s role in selecting Thai Prime Minister
The Move Forward Party (MFP) today proposed a revision to Section 272 of the Constitution in order to reduce the power of the Thai Senate and the role of its senators in selecting the Prime Minister of Thailand. Under Section 272 of the Constitution, senators appointed by the last military-led government have the privilege to sway the PM vote. Section…
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The ‘forward’ march: Devoted MFP supporters unite in Phuket to back Pita Limjaroenrat’s PM bid
About 30 Move Forward Party (MFP) supporters yesterday gathered at the iconic Mingmongkol Statue in Queen Sirikit Park to offer their unwavering support for MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat and the prime ministerial candidate. The event transpired following Pita’s unfortunate denial of the coveted prime ministerial position in a combined voting session involving both the House of Representatives and Senate. Despite…
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ASEAN discussions: Ministers struggle to find Myanmar crisis resolution, Thailand charts own course
In the pursuit of calming the chaos ensuing in Myanmar, yesterday foreign ministers of the ASEAN nations carried on their discussions. These continued ASEAN discussions follow the conclusion of the bloc’s ministerial summit held previously. Myanmar has been subjected to detrimental turbulence since the military coup took control of the government that was previously led by Aung San Suu Kyi,…
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Election letdown: MFP leader falls short of prime ministerial votes in Thai race
Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP) and the top vote-getter in the General Election 2023, fell short of securing enough votes from the members of Parliament and senators to become the Thai Prime Minister. Despite obtaining 323 votes, Pita failed to reach the required threshold of 375 votes. The newly elected President of Parliament, Wan Muhamad…
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Racket restriction: Thai senators and EC officers ‘served’ ban from Thailand badminton court
A badminton court in northern Thailand announced on its official Facebook page that Thai senators and Election Commission (EC) officers and their family members are banned from visiting or playing on the premises. The Panda Arena badminton centre, in the northern province of Uttaradit, announced on Facebook… “Our badminton court does not allow senators and EC authorities, along with their…
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Thai stock market fluctuates amid MFP leader’s shareholding controversy
The Move Forward Party (MFP) leader’s shareholding case prompts fluctuations in the Thai stock market. The Exchange Commission (EC) yesterday referred Pita Limjaroenrat’s iTV shareholding case to the Constitutional Court for resolution, sending ripples through the stock market. Suspicions regarding Pita’s iTV shareholding led the EC to propose he ceases all MP duties immediately, pending court deliberation in the following…
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Protest called today amid EC’s action in termination of future Thailand PM Pita
A human rights lawyer and political activist today took to social media to invite people to the protest outside the Bangkok Art & Cultural Centre (BAC) in Bangkok. Arnon Nampha’s call to action comes in the wake of the Election Commission of Thailand (EC) seeking the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the termination of the potential future Prime Minister Pita Limjaroenrat,…
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Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha resigns from party and exits politics
The Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayut Chan-o-cha, yesterday announced that he is resigning from the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party and stepping out of the political arena for good. The official Facebook account of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, also known as the United Thai Nation Party, posted the resignation announcement of PM Prayut at about 4pm yesterday. In…
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BRT improvements: Bangkok’s bus service to continue with 455 million baht funding boost
In a bid to enhance the current quality of public transportation in the capital, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced BRT improvement plans to continue the city’s bus service after the concession held by the Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) expires on the last day of August. The BMA’s commitment to maintaining and improving the BRT service was affirmed…
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Deputy PM Prawit denies nap claims, insists he was just grounded
Lt. Gen. Patchasak Patirupanon, assistant spokesperson to the Deputy Prime Minister, denied General Prawit Wongsuwan was asleep during the House of Representatives meeting yesterday. Lt. Gen. Patchasak reckons the 77 year old was looking down at the ground and looking up, not sleeping. The picture of the deputy PM allegedly snoozing caused much mirth and merriment on Thai social media…
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MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s wealth disclosure unveils assets of 85 million baht
The Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) today revealed details of the financial standing of Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat. The details, intriguing as they are, highlight the scale and spread of his assets and liabilities, which total 85 million baht (US$2.4 million) and 20 million baht (US$573,000) respectively, Sanook reported. Pita’s assets consist of cash totalling…
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Missile hits Ukraine town: 43 injured, claims of Russian war crime rise
In an incident that shook the town of Pervomaisky in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, at least 43 individuals, of which 12 were children, sustained injuries. This tragedy was the result of a missile, believed to be of Russian origin, hitting a car park situated within a residential building, BBC reported. Ukrainian officials reported that this incident took place yesterday at around 1.30pm…
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Thai political truce sparks hopeful business and economic recovery prospects
Thailand‘s business leaders anticipate a more positive path for the Move Forward Party (MFP) and its seven ally political parties to constitute a government and address economic challenges, following the agreement on a House speaker. The MFP had earlier been engaged in disputes with the Pheu Thai Party over this significant role in the House of Representatives. The conflict was resolved…
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Russian defence ministry’s flight schedules “drone-ed” due to Ukraine attack
The Russian defence ministry announced that it faced a drone attack originating from Ukraine, causing a temporary disruption in flight schedules at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow. The attack took place yesterday, involving about five drones and extended to surrounding territories as well. The defence authorities have clarified that all involved drones were shot down successfully, causing no harm to civilians…
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Dozy deputy: Prawit, once again, caught napping on the job in Parliament
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan has been caught at it again, snoozing on the job, during a Parliament meeting. It’s not the first time Prawit, affectionately known as “Uncle Pom,” has been caught nodding off at work. The 77 year old politician has always defended himself against the accusations saying he was only “resting his eyes,” just like Sleeping Beauty.…
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King inaugurates new Thai Parliament, urges officials to serve national interest
His Majesty the King yesterday marked the official commencement of the new Thai Parliament. Delivering a call to duty, the King asked parliamentarians to perform with the nation’s best interests in mind. The high-profile event took place for the first time at the Sappaya Sapasathan, the new seat of Parliament located in the Dusit district’s Kiakkai vicinity. Arriving at the…
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Move Forward Party MP admits to violent incident
A notable incident involving an MP from the Move Forward Party (MFP) in Bangkok raised eyebrows. The MP, Sirin Sanguansin, confirmed he was responsible for an act of violence against a woman when he was travelling between Pattaya and Sri Racha. On Thursday, Sirin wrote in a Facebook post… “I am very sorry for the incident. First, I was late…
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Pheu Thai Party reviews one-year performance, addressing overdue Bangkok transit fees
Thailand’s Pheu Thai party passed satisfactory judgment on its Bangkok councillors’ performance following a one year tenure, despite a less than stellar display in the General Election held on May 14 last year. The party members, celebrating the anniversary of their councillors’ induction into office, were determined in expressing the successful implementation of several campaign promises. Pheu Thai managed to…
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Defamation case rejected by Thai court against Thai Pakdee Party leader
Today, the Criminal Court discarded a case of defamation that had been lodged by the Move Forward Party (MFP), targeting Warong Dechgitvigrom, the leader of the Thai Pakdee Party. The ruling from the court was based on the assertion that the defendant had acted within his rights, making a critique that was deemed honest and secured by the Constitution. Accusations…
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Thaipocrisy: United States deny meddling in Thailand political affairs
Unsurprisingly, and not for the first time, the United States has been accused of meddling in another country’s political affairs, surprisingly, this time it’s Thailand’s turn. The US has a long history of interfering in foreign affairs, as Cuba, China, Russia, Iran, Vietnam, and most South American nations can testify. It appears to be endemic in US politics. US Ambassador…
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Prawit and seek: Deputy PM shuts down Thaksin meeting rumours in UK
In response to recent speculation, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon denied meeting with exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during a visit to England. The deputy PM, a list MP and leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), stated that he hadn’t been in contact with the fugitive politician in almost two decades. The 77 year old’s recent journey to…
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Fresh complaint to target key players in Thailand’s ‘Patani state’ referendum
Another complaint will be lodged against figures involved in championing a ‘Patani state’ independence referendum. This declaration was made by Lieutenant General Santi Sakuntanak, the commander of the Fourth Region Army and the director of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) Region 4. Lieutenant General Santi yesterday reported that security personnel are in the process of collecting evidence before submitting…
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Thailand No.1 in ASEAN according to UN’s 2023 Sustainable Development ranking
Thailand‘s recent economic, social, and green development has been reflected in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Report for 2023. In a statement relayed by Trisulee Trisoranakul, the Deputy Government spokesperson, it is reported that Thailand’s Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense, Prayut Chan-o-cha, is pleased. Thailand has now improved its standing to the 43rd position among 166 countries from…
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Change Party leader launches revived digital lottery platform
Change Party leader Not Phanthawat Nakvisut yesterday made an assertive move in the digital lottery business arena by re-launching a platform called ‘Lottery Plus.’ Not emphasised the revival of his digital lottery business, changing the name from ‘Prizedraw Plus’ to ‘Lottery Plus.’ This move seemingly signals his determination to re-establish his mark in the lottery world, after a temporary standstill.…
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Picture perfect scandal: Bangkok governor addresses leaked intimate photos
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt addressed intimate pictures of him with an unnamed woman that were circulated on social media. These pictures showed the 57 year old Bangkok chief kissing a blonde woman in a restaurant. Chadchart today admitted that the photographs were taken in a private setting and unrelated to his role as Governor of Bangkok in any way. He…
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Amnesty bill proposed in Parliament by Pheu Thai MP for political offenders
Recently elected Pheu Thai Party MP Thossaporn Serirak expressed his determination to introduce a draft amnesty bill in Parliament for political offenders at the earliest opportunity. Thossaporn received his MP endorsement papers from the Election Commission (EC), stating that the proposed amnesty should be given top priority by lawmakers. Thossaporn is well-known for his participation in anti-government protests and has drafted…
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EC officially certifies 500 MPs and plans to investigate corruption later
The Election Commission (EC) officially certified 500 Members of Parliament (MPs) today. The commission will investigate the corruption complaints against some MPs later, and the MPs who are found guilty will be dismissed from their position. At 3pm today, June 19, the Secretary-General of the EC, Sawaeng Boonmee, announced during the press conference that the EC had officially approved the…
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