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.
-
Sponsored Thailand health insurance that covers chronic conditions: What expats need to know
The Thaiger key takeaways Managing chronic conditions in Thailand requires health insurance that covers specialist visits, medications, tests, and hospital stays. Cigna offers high-coverage plans with access to top hospitals, direct billing, and telemedicine support for convenient long-term care. Expats...
-
BOI unleashes green revolution to fight PM2.5
The Board of Investment’s (BOI) board of directors has given the green light to a comprehensive plan to combat PM2.5 particulate pollution. According to BOI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi, a slew of measures has been approved to incentivise investments and drive positive change. The BOI’s strategy involves an expansive approach, extending support for community and social development through investment promotion. This…
-
ONWR invests 390 billion in water supply management in 2025
Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin revealed after chairing a meeting of the National Water Resources Committee that the meeting approved a water resource action plan for fiscal year 2025. More than 50,000 items from 24 agencies, eight ministries, 76 provinces, and more than 2,000 local government organisations from Bangkok and Pattaya, were discussed. An amount of 392,510 million baht is expected…
-
Job seekers look for quality jobs, not just income concerns
In the aftermath of the pandemic, Thai job seekers are demanding more than just a paycheque. Managing Director of Jobs DB (Thailand) Recruitment Company, Duangporn Phrom-on, has unveiled revelations from the expansive Global Talent Survey, a game-changer exploring Southeast Asia’s job market. This survey, casting its net over 97,324 participants across six Asian nations, unleashed significant insights. Thailand, a digital…
-
Thailand and Malaysia join forces to boost economy
Thailand and Malaysia have forged an alliance to supercharge development in the southern Thai region and the northern Malaysian peninsula. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reveals this game-changing commitment after a late-night summit with Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin in Phuket. Anwar took to Facebook to reveal the details. “A special joint committee at the highest level between the two countries will…
-
Yingluck Shinawatra’s shocking courtroom triumph: Acquitted and warrant revoked
Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has emerged victorious in the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division, shattering legal expectations and leaving political pundits in disbelief. Not only has she been acquitted of malfeasance, but a once-looming arrest warrant has also been revoked. The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions delivered a bombshell verdict yesterday, December 26, clearing former…
-
Thai workers fleeing conflict zones for lucrative jobs in South Korea: 7,000 positions up for grabs
The Korean-Thai Chamber of Commerce (KTCC) is set to revolutionise the South Korean job market, offering a glimmer of hope for thousands of Thai workers escaping the turmoil in Israel. The KTCC, having sealed the deal with the Thai government, is now gearing up to negotiate with South Korean local government officials, aiming to open the doors to Thai workers…
-
Bangkok free water refill plan to reduce plastic use
Central Pattana, alongside influential partners, spearheads the Bottle Free Seas campaign, urging Bangkokians to swap the bottle for reusable options. With a staggering 70 million plastic bottles drowning Bangkok monthly, the initiative aims to flood the city with free water dispensers, starting with the iconic Central World shopping mall. The campaign, a collaborative effort between Central Pattana, the Bangkok Metropolitan…
-
3.48 trillion budget approved by Cabinet for next year
Prime Minister Srettha, in a post-Cabinet meeting press conference declared that the budget bill, meticulously scrutinised by the Office of Council of State, will be delivered for approval. Typically, budget bills are sealed and delivered before the fiscal year kicks off in October. However, this year’s extravaganza faced a dramatic delay, thanks to the intricate dance of forming a coalition…
-
Pope’s plea for peace amidst global turmoil: Christmas celebrations overshadowed by war
In a world marred by conflict, Pope Francis ushered in Christmas with a heartfelt call for peace, acknowledging the grim shadows cast by Israel’s clash with Hamas and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The festive spirit, however, found a haven in the hearts of children globally, who tracked Santa and his reindeer on a 3-D interactive website. Revellers worldwide embraced holiday…
-
New Year gift baskets examined to ensure safety
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), alongside the Consumer Protection Board and other state agencies, was on a mission to expose potential dangers lurking in New Year gift baskets. Their crackdown involved a meticulous inspection of major shopping hubs, supermarkets, online retailers, and even alms-giving sets to ensure compliance with stringent Thai food safety regulations. BMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Wantanee Wattana,…
-
Pattaya: Free rabies vaccinations in January
Pattaya‘s Department of Public Health and Environment proposed free vaccinations to battle rabies in 2024. The crusade covers a wide stretch of neighbourhoods, from the trendy Naklua (Moo 1 to 7) to the vibrant Nong Prue (Moo 5, 6, 9 to 13) and the serene Huay Yai (Moo 4). This groundbreaking initiative is not just about jabs; it throws in…
-
Update: Progressive social security triumphs in historic election
In a groundbreaking victory, the Progressive Social Security group clinched triumph in the nation’s inaugural Social Security Board (SSB) election on December 24, as the final vote count approached completion. The election, a pivotal moment in shaping the future of social security, saw the selection of 14 new board members by members of the Social Security Fund (SSF). Half of…
-
PM’s festive fashion fiasco: Srettha Thavisin’s Christmas socks surprise
In a yuletide twist at Government House, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin turned heads yesterday, December 25, sporting eye-catching red and green Christmas socks that left reporters questioning their powers of observation. The festive saga unfolded when the prime minister breezed into the reporters’ room, bearing gifts of decadent Italian panettone, each weighing a generous 10 kilogrammes. The sweet and buttery…
-
Thailand’s social security fund prepares for inaugural board election
The Social Security Fund (SSF) in Thailand is preparing for its inaugural board member election, with over 800,000 members expected to participate in the vote tomorrow, December 24. This was disclosed by Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, the secretary-general of the Social Security Office (SSO), who also noted that the turnout figure is rather modest compared to the total SSF membership of 12…
-
Thai transport minister denies plans for petrol tax hike
Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has clarified that the proposed excise tax increase on petrol in Greater Bangkok is merely a proposal, and there are no current plans for its implementation. This statement came yesterday, December 22, following misunderstandings about the proposal’s intent and potential ramifications. Suriya apologised for any confusion, explaining that the idea of the tax increase was a…
-
Vietnam’s plan to import Laos wind power
Vietnam Electricity (EVN) has submitted a proposal to import wind power from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) to Quang Tri Province. EVN, not one to shy away from bold decisions, has urged the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) to review and present the proposition to the prime minister. The ambitious plan revolves around tapping into the potential…
-
Justice minister denies orchestrating Thaksin’s extended hospital stay
Justice Minister Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong has denied any involvement in the Department of Corrections’ (DoC) decision to grant former 74 year old Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra preferential medical treatment outside of prison. The controversial decision was brought to light during a parliamentary meeting yesterday by Move Forward Party MP, Chonthicha Jangrew, who criticised the DoC’s approval of Thaksin’s extended…
-
Thailand surges towards marriage equality for same-sex couples
In a landmark moment for equality, Thailand‘s lawmakers have taken a giant leap towards embracing same-sex unions, passing not one but four groundbreaking bills on marriage equality in their initial reading. With an overwhelming 360 to 10 majority and one abstention, the House of Representatives paved the way for Thailand to potentially become the first ASEAN nation to legally recognise…
-
Thai traditional dress set to be listed on UNESCO
The Ministry of Culture is gearing up to propose the inclusion of Thai traditional dress in UNESCO‘s prestigious intangible cultural heritage listings. The visionary behind this move is none other than Kowit Pakamart, the director-general of the Department of Cultural Promotion. To pave the way for this historic proposal, the department recently orchestrated a vibrant brainstorming session at the Thailand…
-
Climate crisis: Thailand promises to cut carbon emissions by 40%
Thailand has pledged a whopping 40% cut in carbon emissions, up from its initial 30%, following the resounding success of the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai. At a riveting COP28 debriefing event yesterday, December 20, Phirun Saiyasitpanich, Chief of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, declared that a serious study based on social, environmental, and…
-
Government to shoulder Covid-19 insurance claims as insurers buckle under 60 billion baht payouts
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has revealed that the Thai government may have to step in to assist with the hefty burden arising from Covid-19 insurance claims. The grim situation has seen total payouts skyrocket to almost 60 billion baht, leaving non-life insurance companies in shambles and prompting the closure of those unable to meet the financial demands. Julapun disclosed…
-
Will the 2024 fiscal year save the Thai economy?
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat revealed that Thailand‘s eagerly awaited 3.48 trillion baht budget for the 2024 fiscal year won’t see the light until early May. Originally set to kick off on October 1, the budget got tangled in the web of politics, with May’s election and the lengthy government formation process pushing the official start to September 5. According…
-
Bangladesh on the brink: Opposition calls for general election boycott amidst political turmoil
Bangladesh‘s political landscape is teetering on the edge as the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), intensifies its calls for a boycott of the upcoming January 7 general election. The stakes are high, with the BNP warning of a one-sided dummy election unless Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina steps down. Struggling with key leaders either imprisoned or in exile,…
-
Survey reveals half of Thai workers unprepared for retirement
In a startling revelation, a recent survey conducted by the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy at Chulalongkorn University has unveiled a concerning truth – a staggering 50% of working-age Thais are not financially equipped for retirement. The implications are dire, as experts warn of the impending challenges faced by the nation’s ageing population. The survey, involving 2,400 participants nationwide, disclosed…
-
Thai wage committee upholds 2.37% minimum wage increase
Yesterday, a senior government official announced that the tripartite wage committee has decided to uphold their previously agreed-upon plan to increase the average daily minimum wage by 2.37%. The committee, consisting of representatives from the government, employers, and employees, has agreed to uplift the pay threshold range to 330 to 370 baht, starting in January. This was confirmed by Pairoj…
-
Thai government ditches 300-baht fee for tourists: Massive insurance plan
In a bold move to restore tourist trust, Thailand‘s Tourism and Sports Ministry has abandoned the long-delayed 300-baht tourism fee and is now looking for another type of insurance for tourists. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is spearheading a grand plan to offer a whopping 500,000 baht coverage for injuries and a jaw-dropping 1 million baht in the event of a…
-
Marriage equality bill final draft to be submitted to Parliament
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared yesterday, December 19, that the Cabinet is set to propose the Marriage Equality Bill final draft to Parliament tomorrow, December 21. Expressing unwavering confidence in the bill’s potential, Srettha envisions a future where same-sex couples bask in the same marital rights as their heterosexual counterparts, pending parliamentary consideration. The final draft of the bill, an…
-
Thai prime minister’s holiday escape revelation sparks controversy
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has stepped up to shield Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin amid a storm of criticism over his unannounced four-day holiday break to be with family. Phumtham, doubling as the commerce minister, staunchly defended the PM’s right to take a breather, asserting that a holiday is perfectly normal. Striking back at detractors, he revealed that the 61…
-
EEC water miracle: Government’s plan ensures businesses swim through summer
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) can breathe a sigh of relief as the government swoops in to address concerns over looming water shortages, promising a well-hydrated future until the summer of next year. The EEC, a flagship special economic zone spanning Rayong, Chon Buri, and Chachoengsao, faced imminent water crises, raising alarms within the community. Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin…
-
Freedom fighter or foe? Trial of Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai
Media tycoon Jimmy Lai, the fearless founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily, is set to face the music in a high-stakes trial that could see him behind bars for life. The United States and British governments are sounding the alarm, calling for Lai’s release as he stands accused of collusion with foreign forces under Beijing’s controversial national security law. Lai,…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.