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 warns travellers as Oropouche fever spreads in Brazil
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health is closely monitoring the spread of Oropouche fever in Brazil, where two fatalities have already been reported. The disease, transmitted by midges, has not yet been detected in Asia, prompting vigilance and travel advisories for those heading to Central and South America. The Brazilian Ministry of Health reported on July 25 that two women under…
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Activist Parit Chiwarak sentenced to two years for lese majeste
The criminal court of Thailand sentenced political activist Parit Chiwarak, also known as Penguin, to three years in prison for lese majeste, later reduced to two years without suspension. An arrest warrant has been issued for him to serve the sentence within a 10-year statute of limitations. The verdict was delivered today, July 31, at 10am at Criminal Court Room…
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MFP faces potential dissolution amid court ruling
Move Forward Party (MFP) remains resolute in its mission to promote progressive policies, regardless of the impending Constitutional Court ruling that could lead to its dissolution next week, according to spokesperson Parit Wacharasindhu. Parit announced that party leader Chaithawat Tulathon and chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat will present statements on Friday summarising the legal arguments submitted to the court. The court…
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US urges Thailand to release Vietnamese activist facing extradition
US Congress members have formally requested that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin release Vietnamese activist Y Quynh Bdap and assist in his resettlement to a third country rather than deporting him. This appeal was based on a letter signed by Michelle Steel, Luis Correa, John Moolenaar, and Chris Smith dated Friday, July 26. Activist 32 year old Bdap, who founded Montagnards…
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Senators call for PM Srettha’s exit after ex-con Cabinet pick
Forty former senators are pushing for the dismissal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin over his decision to appoint Pichit Chuenban, an ex-convict, as a Cabinet minister. They announced plans to submit their closing statement to the Constitutional Court by the end of the month. Somchai Swangkarn, a former Senator, revealed that the group is finalising a written closing statement for…
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Neighbours come together for peace in Myanmar conflict
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa called on Myanmar’s neighbouring countries to strengthen their cooperation in encouraging all parties involved in Myanmar’s civil war to halt the ongoing conflict since the 2021 military coup. Maris spoke to Kyodo News and Thai media in Vientiane yesterday, July 29, noting that he had informal discussions with his counterparts from Myanmar and India concerning the…
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Pheu Thai confident digital wallet bill will pass final House readings
Pheu Thai Party expresses confidence that its supplementary bill, designed to fund the flagship digital wallet handout scheme, will pass the House’s second and third readings tomorrow. A Pheu Thai MP-list and chief government whip, Wisut Chainaroon, asserted that the bill will pass due to the digital wallet scheme igniting new hope among the public. The final deliberation of the…
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Energy Ministry’s new bill targets stable oil and LPG prices
The Energy Ministry’s new bill aiming to control domestic oil and cooking gas prices requires a public hearing to assess its impact on oil traders and government revenue, according to an energy expert. Currently under review by the Council of State, the bill proposes the establishment of a new commission, akin to the Energy Regulatory Commission, to regulate retail prices…
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Thailand PM faces ousting over controversial appointment
Debate is intensifying over whether Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin should be ousted from office following his controversial decision to appoint Pichit Chuenban, a former convict, as a PM’s Office Minister in the latest Cabinet reshuffle. Former senator Wanchai Sornsiri expressed confidence that the Constitutional Court will likely dismiss the case against PM Srettha, pointing out that no court ruling has…
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Thai Senate to cut standing committees amid reduced membership
The Senate is poised to reduce the number of its standing committees to align with the decreased number of senators in the Upper House. Concerns have been raised that this reduction could affect the chamber’s functionality in government. The Senate will debate this issue in its second meeting tomorrow, July 30. Mongkol Surasajja, recently elected as Senate speaker, confirmed that…
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Bhumjaithai Party allies dominate new Thai Senate
The new Senate is poised to play a crucial role in the forthcoming political power dynamics and efforts to amend the Thai constitution. Observers note that the Upper House is now heavily influenced by senators with connections to the Bhumjaithai Party, the third-largest political faction in Thailand. The newly elected Senate Speaker and one of his deputies are perceived to…
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Pattaya: Major electrical system overhaul on Walking Street
To modernise Pattaya’s infrastructure, plans are underway for a significant electrical system upgrade in the bustling Walking Street area. The ambitious project, spearheaded by Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, aims to revitalise the city’s electrical grid and enhance public safety. At a recent City Hall meeting on Wednesday, July 24, Mayor Poramet and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) finalised the project details.…
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Amnesty bill committee divided on Thailand’s lese majeste inclusion
The House Committee tasked with studying an amnesty bill has concluded its work but has not reached a decision on whether offences under Section 112, the lese majeste law, and Section 110 of the Criminal Code should be included. Pheu Thai MP and Committee Chairperson Chusak Sirinil announced that the panel has endorsed a report for submission to the House.…
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New bill to combat corruption in Thailand’s public sector
A new bill designed to streamline licencing and establish standards for government services is in the works, promising to be a significant tool in combating bribery and corruption in the public sector, according to Wissanu Krea-ngam, the prime minister’s legal adviser. Wissanu, during a lecture on preventing corruption in the public sector amid digital disruption, highlighted that this bill is…
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Thailand court ruling to impact PM and Move Forward Party
The Constitutional Court is set to rule next month on two pivotal cases that could significantly impact Thailand’s political landscape, determining the future of the Move Forward Party (MFP) and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan expressed doubts about the MFP’s chances, stating that I believe the prospects of the MFP surviving the dissolution case are slim.…
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MFP introduces bills to reduce military power, prevent coups
The Move Forward Party (MFP) introduced three significant charter amendment bills aimed at mitigating the impact of the military regime’s orders, preventing future coups, and abolishing the junta-supported 20-year national strategy. An MFP list-MP, Parit Wacharasindhu, emphasised that although the Pheu Thai-led government has committed to rewriting a new charter, this process could take up to two years. The MFP…
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Thaksin’s birthday bash: Alms, lunch, and A-list guests
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to mark his 75th birthday with a private yet lavish celebration at his Chan Song Lar mansion in Bangkok. According to his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin will offer alms to Buddhist monks and host a lunch for a select group of close friends tomorrow. Paetongtarn revealed that her father plans to make…
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Paetongtarn kicks Chalerm Yubamrung out of Party’s chat group
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, has removed veteran politician Chalerm Yubamrung from the party’s LINE application group. However, she has stopped short of expelling him from the party itself. Paetongtarn revealed her decision today, July 25, just one day after Chalerm held a press conference at his home in Bangkok’s Bang Bon district, daring the party to…
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Thailand freezes electricity prices to save consumers
To alleviate financial pressure on its citizens, the Thai government confirmed it will maintain the current cap on electricity prices at 4.18 baht per unit and diesel prices at 33 baht per litre until the end of the year. This announcement came from Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga following a recent Cabinet meeting. Minister Pirapan assured the public that a special…
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Thailand launches 10,000 baht digital wallet registration tomorrow
The Thai government will launch a new digital wallet initiative, allowing citizens to receive 10,000 baht through a simple registration process starting tomorrow, July 25. This initiative, managed by the Ministry of Finance, aims to stimulate the economy in the fourth quarter of the year. Between tomorrow and mid-September, citizens can register for the digital wallet via the Tang Rat…
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Politics in play: Golf outing sparks denials of secret deals by Thai parties
Pheu Thai Party and coalition partner Bhumjaithai Party have refuted claims of any secret agreements after former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul were seen playing golf together at a resort in Nakhon Ratchasima over the weekend. Anutin, who holds the positions of Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, clarified that Thaksin and his family stayed at…
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Wan Yubamrung joins Palang Pracharath after Pheu Thai fallout
Wan Yubamrung, who resigned from the Pheu Thai party last week, officially joined the Palang Pracharath Party today and was warmly received by its leader, Prawit Wongsuwan. “I was invited by several members from other political parties but I chose Prawit’s party.” Wan, the son of outspoken Pheu Thai MP Chalerm Yubamrung, made headlines when he left Pheu Thai following…
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Over 1 million vendors join Thailand’s digital wallet scheme
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will provide further details on the government’s flagship digital wallet scheme today, with over 1 million shops and vendors registering to participate, according to a government statement issued yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai revealed that the announcement will primarily cover the requirements for eligible recipients to obtain and use the digital money. Additional details will…
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Thailand Cabinet caps electricity at 4.18 baht, diesel at 33 baht
The Thai Cabinet approved measures to cap electricity prices at 4.18 baht per unit until the end of the year and diesel prices at 33 baht per litre until October 31. A new energy structure law is set to be introduced today, July 23. Following a Cabinet meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga announced that the government…
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Roadside bomb injures six police officers in southern Thailand
A roadside bomb detonated in Pattani yesterday, injuring six police officers and prompting the army to urge motorists to exercise caution. The explosion occurred on Road 42 in Nong Chik district as an armoured pickup truck carrying the officers was returning to base from a checkpoint. The Internal Security Operations Command’s (ISOC) southern frontline office reported that the blast caused…
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Royal roots: Bangkok blooms in anticipation for king-inspired park
Bangkok eagerly anticipates the completion of a new public park, dedicated to the memory of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, which promises to become a significant new landmark in the city. Situated on 279 rai in the Dusit district, the park will be designed as a forest park with thousands of new trees, adding a much-needed green space…
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Buriram’s next act: Ex-governor poised to lead Senate as speaker
Former Buriram Governor Senator Mongkol Surasajja is anticipated to be chosen as the Senate Speaker in the upcoming session of the Upper House tomorrow. The selection of the Senate Speaker and two deputies will occur after the swearing-in ceremony. The most senior senator has been approached to preside over the inaugural meeting. A source familiar with the situation indicated that…
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Senate factions prepare for speaker and deputy elections
Senate factions are gearing up for the election of the Senate Speaker and deputy roles, with three main groups emerging as contenders. The New Breed, the Blue group, and a faction representing independent Senate votes are all preparing their nominations. Each group is rallying behind its preferred candidates, though discussions about compromise candidates are also on the table. The New…
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MFP remains resolute ahead of key court ruling
The Move Forward Party (MFP) remains steadfast in its mission, regardless of the Constitutional Court’s impending decision on whether to dissolve the party, according to leader Chaithawat Tulathon. Chaithawat assured that the MFP has not only grown stronger but its members are now more equipped and prepared to ensure victory in the next General Election. Confident that the court ruling…
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Tak Bai tragedy court case to be decided next month
A lawsuit against nine former top officials implicated in the Tak Bai tragedy is set for consideration by the Narathiwat Provincial Court next month. The lawsuit, filed on April 26 by a group of 48 plaintiffs, seeks justice for the victims and their families who have seen no action taken by police or prosecutors beyond financial compensation. The plaintiffs, consisting…
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