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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Shinawatras open kitchens to feed flood victims in Chiang Mai
The Shinawatras are back in action, and this time it’s all about giving back. Former Thai premiers Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra have stepped up in a big way, sponsoring two relief kitchens in their hometown of Chiang Mai, ensuring flood victims don’t go hungry. Thaksin, who recently returned to Thailand after years in exile, has funded a kitchen at Paed Kao…
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No more slack: Thailand tightens the noose on illegal workers
The Government of Thailand is tightening the noose on illegal foreign workers in a sweeping crackdown, with over 2,000 arrests in recent weeks. While the bulk of those detained are undocumented migrants from neighbouring Myanmar, the hunt is expanding to include Western foreigners working illegally in jobs reserved for Thai nationals. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director General of the Department of Employment…
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PM Paetongtarn urges swift update of laws to boost road safety
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has directed officials to expedite the amendment of outdated laws to enhance road safety. At a road safety meeting yesterday, the 38 year old prime minister highlighted the tragic accident on October 1, which has led the government to reassess existing frameworks and regulations concerning vehicle safety for passengers. Paetongtarn emphasised the necessity for stricter…
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Vaping a chance: Thailand aims to clear the air for 20,000 youths
The Public Health Ministry plans to rehabilitate 20,000 young e-cigarette users as part of its efforts to curb the spread of e-cigarettes, according to Minister Somsak Thepsutin. vaping a chance: health ministry aims to clear the air for 20,000 youths! Somsak’s announcement came in response to concerns raised by Senator Premsak Piayura during a Senate meeting about the increasing use…
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Kitrat Phanphet named Thailand’s new national police chief
Deputy National Police Chief Kitrat Phanphet has been appointed Thailand’s 15th national police chief following a unanimous vote by the Police Commission, chaired by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Kitrat secured eight votes in his favour, emerging as the top candidate among three contenders. He is set to serve until his retirement at the age of 60 in 2026. The other…
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Debate on lese majeste amnesty crucial, says former MFP leader
Granting amnesty to those convicted under Thailand’s lese majeste law has historical precedent and should not be a cause for political anxiety, according to a former leader of the now-disbanded Move Forward Party (MFP). Speaking on the anniversary of the October 6, 1976 massacre at Thammasat University, Chaithawat Tulathon highlighted that students and members of the public connected to the…
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Thailand stands firm: Government won’t walk down protest alley
The Thai government dismissed threats of street protests against its policies, asserting it will not yield to pressure from any faction. Somkid Chueakong, the PM’s Deputy Secretary-General for political affairs, stated there is no need to prepare for any anti-government demonstrations. Instead, he urged critics to submit petitions outlining their demands. “This government understands people’s needs. We won’t restrict people’s…
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Paetongtarn defends iPad use at Qatar summit amid criticism
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed criticisms after a photograph of her reading from an iPad at her first international summit in Qatar circulated on social media. The image, taken last week, raised questions about the 38 year old’s leadership abilities. Responding on Instagram, Paetongtarn addressed a netizen who posted the photos and described them as embarrassing for Thailand. The netizen…
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Finance minister prioritises funding access over rate cuts
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira affirmed the significance of access to funding sources over lowering interest rates. Following discussions with Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, Pichai underscored that interest rate policy remains under the purview of the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which is set to convene on October 16. Describing the talks as comprehensive, Pichai highlighted various factors…
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Thailand races to attract 10 million more tourists before year-end
Thailand is pulling out all the stops to reclaim its crown as a world-class tourism destination. In a high-profile meeting yesterday, October 3, at the Dusit Thani Bangkok, the Tourism and Sports Ministry, along with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), unveiled their ambitious plans to attract more tourists to the Land of Smiles. With representatives from TAT’s 74 domestic…
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Paetongtarn’s diplomatic debut: Thailand’s PM faces global stage
Thailand’s youngest prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, kicked off her international leadership journey with a high-stakes appearance at the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Leaders’ Summit in Doha, Qatar. This trip, running between October 2 to 4, marks her first official overseas engagement since taking office just a month ago. The ACD holds special significance for PM Paetongtarn, as it was…
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Chadchart paves way for smoother days ahead on Sukhumvit Road
Bangkok’s streets are in for a major overhaul, and not a moment too soon. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, along with Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon, inspected Sukhumvit Soi 23 in Watthana district on Wednesday, October 2, highlighting some glaring urban headaches. Top of the list? The road surface. It’s been damaged by water pipe installations and shoddy temporary repairs made during leak…
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Bangkok races ahead: Minister shifts gears for F1 street spectacle
Bangkok might soon be revving its engines as Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, vows to secure a Formula 1 (F1) street race in the capital. Sorawong is working hard to finalise the deal by the end of this year, after holding talks with Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body of F1. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is…
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Thailand welfare card benefits updated for October
Thailand’s Comptroller General’s Department has updated the welfare card benefits for October. Eligible individuals will receive various allowances and benefits starting this month, including purchasing allowances, transport subsidies, and additional disability payments. The welfare card benefits for October began on Tuesday, October 1. Teeraporn Phasuk, Deputy Director-General of the Comptroller General’s Department and spokesperson for the department, stated that those…
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Thai activist-turned-filmmaker takes home top award
Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal, best known for taking on the Thai establishment as a student activist, has swapped protest placards for a camera, earning him a prestigious film accolade. His co-produced documentary, The Last Breath of Sam Yan, claimed Best Documentary Film at the 2023 Suphannahong Awards, bringing attention to an ongoing battle over Bangkok’s cultural heritage. The documentary, directed by Prempapat…
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Pheu Thai hits the brakes on Amnesty push
The Pheu Thai Party has put the brakes on its push for an Amnesty Bill, aware that it could spark a political storm and risk the stability of its already fragile coalition government. The ruling party, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is walking a tightrope, as opposition from the Senate looms large. Despite holding a slim majority in Parliament,…
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Thailand’s new PM makes TIME100 Next list
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has made waves by being included in the prestigious TIME100 Next list of leaders for 2024, as announced by Time magazine. This remarkable recognition marks a significant milestone for the 38 year old politician, who has emerged as a trailblazer in Thai politics. Elected as Thailand’s 31st Prime Minister following the dismissal of property tycoon Srettha…
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Rice Department fraudsters cook up fake seed sales online
The Rice Department’s Facebook page highlighted an increase in online scams. Fraudsters are using fake pages to impersonate legitimate businesses, luring victims to purchase rice seeds and disappearing after receiving payments. The Rice Department’s Facebook page revealed that scammers have created a fake page named Phantawee Mall Corporation, falsely using images and names of Rice Department officials to build trust.…
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New opposition leader takes the helm after party collapse
People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has officially taken on the role of opposition leader, following a royal command issued by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. This appointment, made on September 25, marks the beginning of a crucial chapter for Natthaphong and the People’s Party, as they step into the role of holding the government to account. The royal…
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Thai PM orders embassy to evacuate nationals amid Israel-Iran tensions
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra directed the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv to vigilantly monitor the security situation in Israel, provide updates to Thai nationals residing there, and facilitate their evacuation if necessary. This directive came yesterday in response to rising tensions between Iran and Israel. Iran responded to missile attacks by the state after Israel claimed they were targeting Hezbollah…
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Agriculture minister vows to expedite debt relief for farmers
Ekaphap Phonsue, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, revealed that Saikrai Pimbueng, a committee member and secretary of the Farmers’ Rehabilitation and Development Fund (FRDF), recently met with Narumon Pinyosinwat, the Minister of Agriculture. The meeting aimed to discuss policies and actions concerning Thai farmers’ issues. Saikrai detailed that since 2019, the previous government had considered restructuring farmers’…
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Elderly woman dies in Nakhon Phanom after electricity cut off
The family of a 68 year old bedridden woman who tragically died is laying the blame squarely at the feet of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) after her electricity supply was cut off for failing to pay a bill of 1,500 baht in Nakhon Phanom province. Hospital director Nongluk Chanchana, along with the grieving relatives, is demanding accountability from the Provincial…
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Thai sex workers rally at Parliament for protection act
Thai sex workers protested outside Parliament today, October 2, to follow up on a protection act proposal in Thailand. This marked the third protest on the matter. Workers from entertainment venues, massage parlours, karaoke venues, go-go bars, as well as freelance sex workers and members of the Empower Foundation, hosted the event called “I come to demand my laws. Sex…
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From idol to outcast: Thaksin devotee switches allegiances
Once a die-hard fan of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a 60 year old Thai woman went as far as travelling from Thailand to the UAE just to see her political hero during his self-imposed exile. Armed with gifts, letters, and a banner, Podjanin Towatrakool wept upon meeting Thaksin in 2009, hugging him and calling him “father.” She even…
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Big Pom-ise: Prawit vows to return salary and attend Parliament
The party-list MP and leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), Prawit Wongsuwan, announced yesterday, October 1, that he intends to return his salary and related allowances to the Secretariat of the House of Representatives, and promised to attend parliamentary meetings more frequently. The Secretary-general of the PPRP, Paibun Nititawan, revealed at a press conference yesterday that the party leader,…
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Anutin denies Bhumjaithai influenced Senate’s double majority vote
Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, firmly denied allegations yesterday, October 1, that his party influenced the Senate’s decision to maintain the double majority requirement for passing a referendum on a new constitution. “We had nothing to do with it,” stated Anutin, responding to comments by Senator Nantana Nantavaropas, who suggested that the vote might have been manipulated. Anutin,…
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Thailand to withdraw military from southern provinces by 2027
Thailand plans to withdraw military forces from the nation’s southernmost provinces by 2027, with a focus on bolstering volunteer forces in the region. The Ministry of Interior and the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly train these volunteer forces. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Army Commander Charoenchai Hintao were present at the ceremony.…
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Paetongtarn’s anti-graft lawsuit over 30% stake rocks government
In a fresh scandal targeting Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, political firebrand Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC), accusing her of violating anti-graft laws by holding a significant company stake post-election. Ruangkrai claimed that Paetongtarn retained a 30% stake in Alpine Golf and Sports Club after being appointed PM in August. According to Ruangkrai, the…
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Activist faces extradition to Vietnam: Thai court
A Thai court sparked international outrage by ordering the extradition of a Vietnamese activist, despite fears he could face grave danger if returned to his home country. The Bangkok Criminal Court granted Vietnam’s request to extradite 32 year old Y Quynh Bdap, a co-founder of the Montagnards Stand for Justice group on September 30. Bdap was detained in Bangkok in June…
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Pattaya’s wastewater treatment project delayed again
Pattaya City Hospital is asking for a major budget extension to tackle its long-delayed wastewater treatment project. The hospital, under the Health and Environment Bureau, has requested an additional period for the disbursement of 23.8 million baht—part of a total 25.3 million baht budget—to continue its vital environmental initiative. Deputy Mayor Wuthisak Rermkijakarn presented the proposal at a Pattaya City…
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