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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Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Phuket council election set for February 1 next year
The Phuket Election Commission (PEC) confirmed that the election for the new president and council members of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO) is set for Saturday, February 1, 2025. The decision has stirred some concern, as Parit Wacharasindhu, a member of the People’s Party in the House of Representatives, pointed out the potential impact on voter turnout. Elections must…
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Thai Cabinet approves 3 new holidays for 2025 and 2026
The Thai Cabinet has approved an addition of three special public holidays for the years 2025 and 2026, resulting in a total of 21 official holidays next year. These additional days aim to extend existing holiday periods into longer breaks. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Phumtham Wechayachai, announced the decision following the Cabinet meeting at Government House earlier…
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Ex-Finance Minister Kittirat to head Bank of Thailand amid backlash
Former Finance Minister Kittirat Na-Ranong has been selected as chairperson of the Bank of Thailand (BOT), sparking fierce debate over his potential influence on the nation’s economic policies. In a closed-door meeting that lasted five hours yesterday, November 11, the selection committee decided to appoint Kittirat to replace Poramethi Vimolsiri, whose term ended in September. The committee also appointed two…
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Minister defends ‘controversial’ land title decision in Buriram
Deputy Interior Minister Songsak Thongsri recently stepped into the spotlight by defending a contentious decision made by a land committee regarding land title documents for plots in Buriram’s Khao Kradong area. This decision comes despite a 2021 Supreme Court ruling that the land is owned by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). The crux of the issue lies in the…
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Bangkok plans cycling lanes to ease congestion in key districts
The capital’s bustling streets may soon see a transformation as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Thailand Walking and Cycling Institute Foundation (TWCIF) are set to introduce a walking and cycling lane project in four heavily congested areas. A feasibility study for this initiative is scheduled to conclude next month, setting the stage for a city-wide shift in transportation…
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Thaksin’s Pheu Thai campaign in Surin election ‘not unlawful’
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra‘s planned campaign activities in Surin province are within legal bounds, Defence Minister and Deputy PM Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed today, November 11, at Government House. Thaksin, who is widely seen as Pheu Thai Party‘s de facto leader, is scheduled to visit Surin from November 19 to 20 to support Natthamon Siriwattanawanit, a former vice CEO of…
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Thailand to spotlight climate change at COP29 in Azerbaijan
Thailand unveils its plans to spotlight climate change initiatives at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Azerbaijan. The Thailand Pavilion will be a central feature, offering a platform to display the nation’s strategies and actions against climate change. Among the highlights are activities revolving around Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippo, which will draw attention at the international…
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Thai-Cambodia skirmish rumours on Koh Kut debunked
Reports of alleged confrontations between Thai and Cambodian soldiers on Koh Kut have been dismissed by the government as fake news. Despite the rumours, government agencies maintain that the tourism situation on the island remains positive, with visitor numbers surpassing those of previous years, according to Jirayu Houngsub, an adviser to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Koh Kut, located in Trat…
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Tak Bai massacre impacts Pheu Thai ahead of Thai election
The unresolved issue of the 2004 Tak Bai massacre in Thailand’s deep south is perceived by many locals as a potential detriment to the Pheu Thai Party, as revealed by a recent opinion poll. Meanwhile, the People’s Party emerges as the preferred choice for the upcoming General Election. This survey, conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), gathered…
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Big pay day: Thailand minimum wage to hike to 400 baht in 2025
Thai workers could be ringing in the new year with a pay boost, as the Labour Ministry announces plans to raise the minimum wage to 400 baht per day in 2025. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed the increase, calling it “a new year present” for the nation’s workforce. Initially slated for October, the raise faced delays as the national wage…
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Thailand grants citizenship to 483,000 migrants
The Thai government’s recent decision to grant citizenship to a significant number of migrants and ethnic minorities has received a warm welcome from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The move, announced by the Cabinet yesterday, aims to provide Thai citizenship to over 483,000 individuals who have either been residing in Thailand for an extended period or were born within…
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Pattaya mayor wins big for Thai-Chinese diplomacy
In a glittering ceremony that brought together stars and statesmen, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet proudly took home the prestigious Political News award at the Thailand Headlines Person of the Year Awards 2024. Celebrating leaders who champion Thai-Chinese relations, this high-profile event highlighted Thailand’s diplomatic soft power and the approach of a landmark year – the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese ties…
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Thailand nears referendum compromise with one and a half layer proposal
A potential compromise is emerging between Thailand’s House of Representatives and the Senate regarding the criteria for a referendum to amend the constitution. Discussions gained momentum yesterday following a meeting of the joint House-Senate committee tasked with reviewing the charter referendum bill. The House advocated for a simple majority of participating voters to approve the government’s constitutional rewrite plan. Conversely,…
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Bangkok survey finds 377 homeless on Ratchadamnoen Avenue
Bangkok’s initiative to survey the homeless population along Ratchadamnoen Avenue has uncovered 377 people, prompting police to record their details and facilitate access to welfare rights and vocational training. This operation took place at the Rattanakosin Room in the Bangkok City Hall, located in the Phra Nakhon district. The meeting was chaired by Chakkapan Phewngam, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, alongside…
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Trump victory prompts Thai stock market strategy reevaluation
Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election, coupled with a comprehensive Republican majority in Congress, has prompted a reevaluation of investment strategies in the Thai stock market. Natchat Mekmasin, assistant managing director of securities analysis at Trinity Securities, suggests that the Thai stock market is likely to align with the broader trend observed in emerging markets. However, he points…
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Ancient artefacts to return to Thailand for cultural preservation
Artefacts from the ancient Ban Chiang World Heritage Site, which dates back 3,000 years, are set to return to Thailand next week to commemorate the International Day against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property. The return of these artefacts signifies a significant step toward preserving Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. The US Embassy in Bangkok, in collaboration with the regional office of…
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UN unveils toolkit to improve chemsex healthcare access
UN agencies have unveiled a novel toolkit aimed at enhancing healthcare access for those engaging in chemical sex, or chemsex, while minimising stigma. This initiative was launched during a two-day symposium in Bangkok, underscoring a commitment to improving health services for individuals involved in chemsex, a practice involving drug use to intensify or extend sexual experiences. The Joint United Nations…
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Thailand halves poverty in seven years despite ongoing challenges
Thailand has achieved a significant milestone in its battle against poverty, reducing the number of people living in poverty by half in just seven years, according to the 2024 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). Despite this impressive progress, many Thai citizens endure inadequate living conditions, particularly in rural areas, where access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and sanitation…
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Thaksin to fire up Pheu Thai campaign in Udon Thani province
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is back in the political spotlight as he gears up to boost the Pheu Thai Party’s campaign in a major way. Thaksin is expected to make his return to the stage in Udon Thani next week, marking his first public address since ending his self-imposed exile in August last year. The 74 year old’s…
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PM Paetongtarn launches ‘no gift policy’ to curb ISCOC corruption
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has initiated a bold new measure with the introduction of the No Gift Policy for the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), aiming to prevent officers from accepting gifts in exchange for their services. PM Paetongtarn, acting as ISCOC director, has formalised this policy through a declaration of intent signed on October 30. The document sets…
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Thailand-US ties remain strong despite US election outcome
Thailand maintains a robust diplomatic relationship with the United States, a bond that Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa believes will endure regardless of Donald Trump’s US presidential election victory. Speaking yesterday at Wing 6’s Military Terminal 2 in Bangkok’s Don Mueang district, Maris conveyed confidence in the continuity of bilateral ties, highlighting their historical strength and mutual goals. “Our relationship…
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Thailand’s public debt remains sustainable at 64% of GDP
The recent Cabinet meeting focused on the nation’s public debt status, revealing it remains well within sustainable limits. Public debt as of August reached 11.7 trillion baht, accounting for 64% of the country’s GDP, comfortably below the 70% benchmark for fiscal sustainability. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub detailed during the meeting that the Finance Ministry adhered strictly to the public debt…
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Thailand coalition agrees on constitutional drafting assembly
The coalition parties in Thailand have reached a consensus on the need to establish a constitutional drafting assembly (CDA) to oversee the proposed amendments to the constitution. The Bhumjaithai Party emphasised that any changes put forth by the CDA must genuinely serve the interests of the people. Chaichanok Chidchob, Secretary-General of the Bhumjaithai Party, highlighted that discussions on charter amendments…
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PM Paetongtarn pledges no interference in Thaksin detention probe
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed concerns regarding her involvement in an investigation into allegations that her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, received preferential treatment during his detention at the Police General Hospital. She reassured the public and officials that she would not interfere with the ongoing probe. The 38 year old Thai premier confirmed the government’s commitment to adhering…
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Thailand introduces new inspection system for fuel measurement
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has initiated a new registration system for private entities to become certified inspection units, aiming to enhance the reliability of fuel measurement at service stations. The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) announced the criteria for this registration process. Starting July 26, they have been promoting this initiative and welcoming applications since August. This move is part…
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PM Paetongtarn attends key regional conferences in China
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to attend two significant regional conferences in Kunming, China. These gatherings, scheduled today, November 6, and tomorrow, will precede her journey to Peru for the APEC summit on Sunday, as confirmed by Jirayu Houngsub, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office. The initial conference is the 8th Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation Programme Summit (GMS…
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PM ‘fund-amentally’ speeds up investment for 2025 economy
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra directed government entities to hasten the allocation of the investment budget for fiscal year 2025 to invigorate the nation’s economy. During a meeting with senior officials at the Finance Ministry yesterday, November 4, Paetongtarn highlighted that Thailand is grappling with longstanding issues compounded by new challenges. The 38 year old prime minister emphasised the necessity for…
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Indian tourists get visa-free entry with extended stays in Thailand
In a major move sure to excite Indian travellers, Thailand has indefinitely extended visa-free entry for Indian tourists, allowing them to stay for up to 60 days. Previously set to expire on November 11, the visa-free policy will now remain a permanent feature, making Thailand’s stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and rich cultural attractions more accessible than ever, reported India Today,…
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Moo Deng picks Trump: Baby hippo makes US election prediction (video)
In a bizarre twist of international fanfare, Thailand’s beloved baby pygmy hippo, Moo Deng, has waded into the 2024 US presidential race with her vote—and it’s got social media roaring. Just one day before the American Election Day, this Internet-famous hippo from Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri made her pick clear in a delightfully fruity showdown. In a…
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PM Paetongtarn leads Suan Dusit’s political-index survey
A recent survey conducted by Suan Dusit University reveals that the Thai government’s performance ratings have improved in October compared to September, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emerging as the most popular coalition politician. The Suan Dusit Poll, which surveyed 2,136 people across Thailand from October 25 to 30, asked participants to evaluate both government and opposition performance across 25…
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