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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Sponsored Planning to extend your Thai visa? Why health insurance is more important than ever
If you plan to stay longer in Thailand, having health insurance is now more important than ever. Thai immigration often asks for proof of medical coverage when you apply to extend your visa. This applies to many types of visas,...
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Phayao to become Thailand’s next eco-tourism hotspot
In a move set to transform Phayao into Thailand’s next eco-tourism hotspot, the Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, unleashed a whopping 300 million baht across 13 projects. This ambitious blueprint not only aims to catapult Phayao onto the global sustainable travel map but also promises a future where rubber farmers rejoice over record-breaking profits. PM Srettha, who also…
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Giant albino buffalo stuns PM Srettha in historic encounter
Ko Muang Phet, a majestic albino buffalo, towering at an impressive 180 centimetres and tipping the scales at a hefty 1.5 tonnes, made a grand entrance at the Government House yesterday. The nearly five-year-old stud, a symbol of rarity and grace, was escorted to meet Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in remarkable advocacy for the promotion of Thai buffaloes as a…
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Police chiefs suspended over alleged gambling links
The Prime Minister of Thailand suspended two top police chiefs of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) from their positions due to alleged internal conflict and connections to online gambling. PM Srettha Thavisin, yesterday, March 20, transferred the RTP Commissioner Torsak “Big Tor” Sukvimol and Deputy Commissioner Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, to temporary roles at the Prime Minister’s Office for 60 days.…
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PM Srettha pledges two-month Thailand stay amid travel criticism
In the face of mounting public criticism over his frequent overseas travels, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has vocally committed to staying put in Thailand for the next two months. The announcement was made via his Twitter account, highlighting that he had taken on board the citizens’ concerns and was grateful for their feedback. “I will not be travelling abroad from…
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Thai health ministry assures data security amid breach rumours
The Public Health Ministry of Thailand, under the leadership of Cholnan Srikaew, assured the public of the safety and security of patient data in their system. This response was prompted by a rumour suggesting a breach that exposed the personal information of more than 2.2 million Thai citizens. The rumour originated from the Rural Doctors Society (RDS), which alleged that…
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Thai govt’s cash splash: 500 billion baht digital wallet green light
With a budget proposal of 3.48 trillion baht (US$96.5 billion) for the fiscal year under discussion, the Government of Thailand is determined to proceed with a significant 500-billion-baht (US$13.8 billion) digital wallet handout scheme, according to Deputy Finance Minister, Julapun Amornvivat. During the parliamentary debate, Julapun stated the possible necessity of securing a loan via a bill to finance the…
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Hong Kong national security law tightens its grip
Hong Kong’s lawmakers unanimously greenlit a new national security law, unleashing a wave of concerns over the erosion of civil liberties. The legislation, dubbed the Safeguarding National Security Bill, sailed through the Legislative Council, stacked with Beijing loyalists, in a move critics condemn as a hammer blow to dissenting voices. The controversial law, reminiscent of Beijing’s grip on power, arms…
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Thaksin Shinawatra meets probation officials ahead of schedule
Thaksin Shinawatra reported to the Department of Probation officials in Bangkok Noi district at the Bangkok Probation Office 1 on Monday, one day ahead of his scheduled visit. This step is a part of 74 year old’s parole conditions, having been convicted and now serving his sentence in a more lenient form. During his visit, the area around Bangkok Probation…
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Thai economy falters as high interest rates impact major sectors
The Thai economy has taken a hit, with government revenue collections falling short of the target. Lavaron Sangsnit, the permanent finance secretary, attributed the shortfall to high interest rates, which have significantly reduced the purchasing power of consumers, impacting major sectors such as automobiles and real estate. Consumers, particularly those interested in purchasing cars or homes, have found their ability…
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Health riders revolutionise medication delivery
To transform healthcare accessibility, volunteers dubbed “health riders” are poised to bring medicines directly to patients’ doorsteps, following a successful trial period. Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, unveiling the service on Monday, March 18, announced its rollout to cater initially to 30-baht plus universal healthcare beneficiaries across 32 provinces. This innovative initiative, part of the 30-baht plus healthcare scheme, ensures…
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Thai Cabinet grants 300 million baht for northern provinces
A significant financial boost of 300 million baht (US$8.3 million) has been granted by the Thai Cabinet for the development of 13 projects aimed at tourism growth across four northern provinces; Phayao, Chiang Rai, Phrae, and Nan. The decision was made during a mobile meeting in Phayao, overseen by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin during his two-day visit to the region.…
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House Committee’s Myanmar crisis plan for stability
The Committee on Foreign Affairs in the House has proposed a strategic four-point plan aimed at mitigating the crisis in Myanmar. The chairman of the committee and representative of the Pheu Thai Party, Noppadon Pattama, revealed that the committee supports all initiatives to bring an end to the Myanmar crisis, and has been closely observing the developments there. A special…
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Bangkok governor defends handling of Klong Ong Ang amid criticism
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stood firm on Saturday against criticism aimed at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and its handling of Klong Ong Ang in the Samphanthawong district. The BMA found itself on the receiving end of accusations of abandonment, with critics arguing that the area had been left to deteriorate. Chadchart staunchly refuted these claims, reinforcing that the district…
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Srettha pledges to address Thai civil servant debt issue
Addressing the debt crisis affecting nearly three million Thai civil servants, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pledged to address the issue accordingly. The government’s focus is on reducing interest rates to alleviate the financial burden. PM Srettha spoke of the positive progress made in the last two months following a meeting with 11 state agency chiefs who are working towards solving…
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PM Srettha joins dinner with Thaksin and Somchai in Chiang Mai
In an extraordinary meeting, Srettha Thavisin, Thaksin Shinawatra and Somchai Wongsawat gathered for dinner last night in Chiang Mai. The trio, led by current PM Srettha, are set to gather as Thaksin, on parole, returns to his hometown for various engagements, including paying homage to his late parents. Thailand’s 23rd prime minister, Thaksin, despite a corruption conviction, barely tasted prison…
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US asks TikTok to cut ties with China or face ban
In a landmark decision, the US House of Representatives voted to pass a bill that could force TikTok’s owner, ByteDance, to cut all ties with its Chinese parent company or face a ban in the United States. With United States President Joe Biden signalling his readiness to sign off on the legislation pending Senate approval, fears over Beijing’s sway on…
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Deputy spokesperson exposes deadly truth about colon cancer
Deputy Government Spokesperson Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri warned against the silent killer, colon cancer. Radklao brought the grim reality of colon cancer to the forefront, shedding light on its menacing rise globally. She highlighted how changing lifestyles have propelled its prevalence, transforming it into a leading cause of death and a pressing public health crisis each passing year. In Thailand alone,…
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MSDHS holds workshop to find solutions for family stability
In a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), Chulalongkorn University’s Institute for Population and Social Research, the Chula Art Project, and the World Bank, the workshop produced a white paper titled Family Stability on Top, Stop Demographic Crises. Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, spearheading the initiative, declared that the comprehensive white paper encapsulates pivotal solutions derived…
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UN official urges stronger action for sustainable development goals
The Chief of Outreach & Engagement at the UN Global Compact highlighted a pressing need for stronger collective action from all stakeholders to reach the United Nation’s sustainable development goals by 2030. During a media interaction in Thailand, Sue Allchurch expressed concerns about the sluggish progress towards these goals, despite global recognition of their importance. Allchurch outlined various obstacles that…
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US pledges boost in semiconductor investment for Thailand
To ramp up global semiconductor production, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo promised investment in Thailand’s manufacturing sector. Raimondo, speaking at an event in Bangkok hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce, asserted that Thailand stood to benefit significantly from increased US investment in semiconductor production, stating that American firms were poised to supercharge their investments in the nation. Highlighting the…
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MFP warned of legal implications ahead of general debate
A general debate has been scheduled for April 3 and 4, with a cautionary note to the opposition that they may face legal consequences if issues related to the ex-premier, Thaksin Shinawatra, are raised. This debate doesn’t require a censure vote under Section 152 of the constitution and will span over two days, revealed Wisut Chainarun, the chief government whip.…
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Illegal workers in South Korea: Amnesty for Thai nationals
The Labour Ministry of Thailand has approached the South Korean government to consider granting amnesty to around 150,000 Thai workers currently residing and working unlawfully in South Korea. The plea was made yesterday by Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Phiphat met with his South Korean counterpart, Lee Jeong-sik, in Seoul on Wednesday, March 13, to examine the predicament. According to Phiphat,…
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Former Thai PM Thaksin returns to Chiang Mai after 17 years
A remarkable event unfolded in Thailand’s northern city of Chiang Mai when former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to his hometown. Accompanied by his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who also leads the Pheu Thai party, and other family members, Thaksin arrived via private jet at precisely 9.28am on March 14. On his arrival, the Deputy National Police Chief, Surachet Hakparn,…
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Transgender woman faces 25 years behind bars for lese majeste
A transgender woman has been slammed with a hefty 25-year prison sentence for lese majeste and computer crimes. In a swift ruling from the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court, the 26 year old defendant, Maggie, faced the grim reality of her fate today. Lawyers from Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) disclosed details of the verdict, shedding light on a case fraught…
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MFP: Is Thaksin really sick or just playing politics?
Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Rangsiman Rome cast doubt on the transparency of Thailand’s government regarding the health status of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. During a three-day visit to his hometown of Chiang Mai, questions arose about Thaksin’s sudden discharge from hospital and his subsequent busy schedule, prompting Rangsiman to demand answers. Rangsiman challenged the government’s narrative, highlighting Thaksin’s…
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Thai workers set to transform South Korea’s shipbuilding industry
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn secured an agreement during his recent visit to Seoul as 3,000 Thai workers are set to revolutionise South Korea’s shipbuilding sector. The minister, in a high-stakes meeting at Lotte Hotel Seoul, clinched a deal with representatives from five top South Korean shipbuilders: HD Hyundai Heavy Industry, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, Hyundai Samho, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Hanwha…
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Bite back: Call for Thai Parliament to ban shark fin consumption
To safeguard marine ecosystems, WildAid and Love Wildlife Foundation penned an open letter to Thailand’s Parliament, urging an immediate halt to the serving and consumption of shark fin. This call to action follows shocking revelations of shark fin soup being dished out at Parliament House, sparking outrage among conservationists and environmentalists alike. In a detailed plea to the President of…
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Thai school exam paper sparks debate on academic freedom
A seemingly routine social science exam paper ignited a firestorm of controversy across Thailand, leaving citizens and educators alike questioning the boundaries of academic freedom. The exam, which tasks students with discussing contentious issues ranging from Thai society and the monarchy to the commercialisation of Buddhism, thrust Wat That Thong High School into the spotlight. But it’s not just the…
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Japan’s visa-free privileges for Thais safe despite overstay concerns
Fears of a potential withdrawal of Japan’s visa-free privileges due to an increased number of Thais overstaying their visas have been dismissed by travel operators. The Department of Consular Affairs brought attention to this issue last December, revealing an increase in the number of Thais overstaying from 8,688 in 2021 to 11,472 in 2023. Reports suggest that the Japanese government…
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Thailand eyes visa-free agreement with EU countries
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently announced the country’s ambitions to boost its tourism industry and international relationships, following a promising discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron. Held at the prestigious Élysée Palace in Paris, the meeting centred around a visa-free agreement with Schengen area countries, a strategic move that France has expressed support for. The Thai prime minister’s announcement…
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