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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
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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House committee debates amnesty for lese majeste law violators
A special House committee is urging the government to decide whether to include those who violated the lese majeste law in an amnesty bill following the death of Netiporn Saneysangkhom. Nikorn Jamnong, chairman of the House sub-committee focusing on politically motivated cases, announced that the meeting addressed several key topics. Among these was the demand from Thalufah, a political group,…
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Southern Thailand: Locals unite to halt Land Bridge project
People’s networks from Ranong and Chumphon provinces rallied yesterday in front of the Lang Suan district office, vehemently opposing the controversial multi-billion baht Land Bridge project planned for their region. Protesters issued a powerful statement demanding the immediate cancellation of the project, arguing it would deplete vital resources better preserved for future generations. “Our children and grandchildren deserve a sustainable…
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Black May deceased protesters honoured: Demand for democracy
In a poignant gathering to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the Black May protests, politicians, academics, activists, and relatives of those killed in the 1992 crackdown honoured the fallen democracy heroes. The Black May 1992 Memorial on Ratchadamnoen Avenue was the site of a solemn ceremony and merit-making rituals for the deceased yesterday. Officially, 44 lives were lost, though the…
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Thailand and Italy to strengthen ties in renewable energy
Thailand and Italy will intensify cooperation in renewable energy, sports tourism, medical science, pharmaceuticals, and defence, according to Deputy Government Spokeswoman Radklao Intawong Suwankiri. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni will discuss these topics to bolster bilateral ties during the premier’s official five-day visit to Italy which started yesterday. Celebrating the 156th anniversary of diplomatic relations,…
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Red carpet rollout: Thaksin spotted at ex-redshirt’s new restaurant
In a surprising public appearance today, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra surfaced to congratulate an ex-redshirt leader on the grand opening of his second southern Thai cuisine restaurant in Bangkok. The 74 year old ex PM was warmly welcomed at Yeam Tai on Chaiyaphruk Road by a cadre of influential political figures. Among them were Bhumjaithai Party leader and Deputy…
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Thai government cracks down on illegal loans
Illegal lenders have been given a final ultimatum: Register with the Thai government’s debt settlement programme by May 31 or face severe consequences. Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaised announced this stern warning yesterday, emphasising that this crackdown on illicit lending is a top priority for Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s administration. Despite the Interior Ministry’s success in bringing over 100,000 illegal…
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Worker shortage hits Pattaya as Myanmar junta blocks emigration
Dismayed Pattaya employers are raising the alarm over a sudden surge in job vacancies following the Myanmar junta’s recent move to restrict young people, especially men, from leaving the country. The junta’s spokesman, Zaw Min Tun, justified the enforcement of Myanmar’s long-standing conscription laws, stating it was crucial for now due to the mass exodus of citizens to neighbouring countries,…
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Taxing times: Local governments urged to ‘build’ a better law
Local governments must take a more active role in revising the land and building tax law, which has been in effect for five years, according to the Director-General of the Fiscal Policy Office, Pornchai Thiraveja. Pornchai stated that the Land and Building Tax Act of 2019 grants local administrative organisations the authority to collect taxes to fund local development initiatives.…
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Progressive Movement leader’s monumental move in Paris
Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the leader of Thailand’s Progressive Movement, is set to make waves this weekend with his grand revelation concerning the former residence of the esteemed late Thai Prime Minister Pridi Banomyong, nestled in the serene suburbs of Antony, Paris. The much-anticipated announcement, scheduled for Saturday, will be broadcast live via the movement’s Facebook page. In a tantalising sneak peek…
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PM Srettha: Six advantages to make Thailand an investment hotspot
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, addressing potential investors at SUBCON Thailand 2024, asserted that Thailand possesses a plethora of advantages positioning it as an investment hotspot for crucial industries such as electrical vehicle (EV) and electronics manufacturing. Hosting the international trade show for part-sourcing and business-matching, the premier highlighted Thailand’s standout traits, starting with its geopolitical stability, distinguishing it from its…
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Fears mount as Thailand’s 10 year old rice set to hit Nigeria
Growing concerns and fears are emerging in Africa’s most populous country over the possibility of Thailand’s 10-year-old stored rice entering the Nigerian and African markets. This comes after the Thai government announced plans to sell it to the public, BusinessDay Nigeria has reported. Thailand plans to auction 150,000 sacks of rice that have been kept in warehouses for 10 years,…
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Outcry as activist dies in custody: PM Srettha vows transparency
The untimely demise of political activist Netiporn Sanesangkhom sparked outrage and drew sharp attention to the justice system’s handling of detainees. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, expressing profound sorrow, conveyed his condolences to Netiporn’s family. Vowing transparency and justice, the Thai PM promptly ordered the Justice Ministry to investigate the circumstances of her passing. Netiporn’s demise on Tuesday ignited a storm…
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Thai PM stands with Slovakia PM following public shooting
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin released a message this morning, condemning the attack on the Slovakian Prime Minister Roberto Fico. The 62 year old Thai PM’s message, released on the social media platform X, revealed his shock and condemnation of the violent attack, cementing his stance in solidarity with the people of Slovakia and the international community. “We are shocked…
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Thailand to discuss lese majeste suspects’ amnesty
Amidst Thailand’s ongoing political tension, the House of Representatives‘ special committee is poised for a crucial meeting today to deliberate the formation of a new committee. This body is to consider the inclusion of lese majeste suspects in the proposed political amnesty. Nikorn Chamnong, the committee’s secretary-general, confirmed the upcoming discussion. Yuttaporn Issarachai, leading a sub-committee dedicated to the evaluation…
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Tripartite committee rejects uniform 400-baht minimum wage hike
The tripartite wage committee has chosen to uphold the autonomy of provincial wage panels in setting minimum wages, rejecting the Thai government’s uniform 400-baht minimum wage hike. During a tense session on May 14, the 15-member committee, representing the Ministry of Labour, employers, and employees, did not endorse the proposed nationwide increase. This decision followed closely on the heels of…
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Tantawan moved to hospital after activist’s death sparks stress
Political activist Tantawan Tuatulanon was transferred to Thammasat University Hospital due to severe stress after learning of the death of fellow inmate Netiporn Sansomsak, known as Bung. The transfer was recommended by medical professionals, and the prison authorities stated that there was no emergency condition prompting the move. Tantawan, who was being held at the Bangkok Remand Prison, was reportedly…
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Finance Minister, Central Bank Chief to discuss interest rates
A crucial meeting is scheduled tomorrow between Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira and Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput to address the prevailing contention over interest rates. The government, under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s directive, has been advocating for a rate reduction to stimulate the economy. In contrast, the central bank has maintained its key rate at the highest in ten…
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Phuket gears up for unique senator selection process
Phuket prepares for senatorial selection with Governor Sophon Suwannarat at the helm. Phuket’s approach to selecting its next senator takes an unorthodox turn, as the process described in official notices by the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) Phuket oddly employs the term elected for what is essentially an appointment. The process, outlined in the Royal Gazette on May 13, allows…
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PM Srettha’s diplomatic marathon: France, Italy, and Japan await
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set for a whirlwind diplomatic tour, spanning France, Italy, and Japan, to bolster international ties and attract investment to Thailand. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s diplomatic agenda is packed to the brim as he gears up for his second official voyage to France on May 15 to 16, followed by visits to Italy and Japan from…
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Ombudsman: No jurisdiction over digital wallet scheme complaints
Keirov Kritteeranon, the secretary-general of the Office of the Ombudsman, revealed that they lack the power to escalate complaints about the contentious digital wallet scheme to the Constitutional Court or any other legal forum. At the heart of the furore are the government’s ambitious plans to distribute 10,000-baht payments to a staggering 50 million adult citizens through digital wallets, alongside…
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Thai activist autopsy underway, lawyer seeks clear cause of death
The autopsy of political activist Nethiporn, also known as Bung Talu Wang, is currently underway, with the results expected later today. Lawyer Krisadang Nutcharas, a key figure from the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights Centre, attended the procedure at the Forensic Medicine Department of Thammasat University Hospital. The presence of Nethiporn’s sister, who has chosen to remain anonymous, was noted,…
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Thai tyrant’s son blames shadowy figure for student massacre
Colonel Narong Kittikachorn, once notorious as one of Thailand’s three tyrants of the 1970s, passed away yesterday morning at the age of 90 in Bangkok’s Phramongkutklao Hospital. Hospital officials confirmed he had been receiving treatment in the intensive care unit. Born on October 21, 1933, Narong was the son of the infamous Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn and the son-in-law of…
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Justice minister vows action after hunger strike activist’s death
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong announced plans yesterday to visit political activist Tantawan Tuatulanon, who has been on a hunger strike since late January. This decision follows the tragic death of fellow activist Netiporn Sanesangkhom who succumbed to cardiac arrest at Thammasat University Hospital yesterday. Minister Tawee expressed his condolences over Netiporn’s death, emphasising the government’s commitment to transparency. “A thorough…
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Thai noodle giant unfazed by minimum wage increase to 400 baht
The imminent nationwide increase in the minimum wage to 400 baht holds little concern for major noodle producer Thai President Foods PCL, the maker of the popular instant noodle brand Mama, which believes the company’s ability to adapt will mitigate any significant impact, highlighting instead the potential challenges this wage hike could pose to smaller enterprises and small and medium-sized…
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Umphang-Sangkhla Buri route to boost tourism and border security
Tak Province recently inaugurated a new route connecting Umphang and Sangkhla Buri, serving as a scenic corridor for tourism and bolstering security along the Thai-Myanmar border. The opening of this pathway is a strategic move to enhance travel and stimulate economic growth between Tak and Kanchanaburi provinces through the beauty of nature. District Chief Manoch Pohtinium of Umphang, in collaboration…
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Trillion-baht gamble: Deputy minister defends Land Bridge project
In a heated defence yesterday, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri championed the government’s ambitious 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge project, which she claims has sparked considerable interest from foreign investors. Her statement came in response to sharp criticisms from former Democrat leader Samart Ratchapolsitte, who cast doubt on the project’s cost-effectiveness and feasibility. Despite his scepticism, Manaporn insists the initiative is attracting…
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Thai govt plans to ‘rice’ to the occasion with decade-old grain auction
The Thai government expressed a strong intent to auction off the last remaining stocks of decade-old rice. This move is in line to replenish the state coffers, as made clear by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, in a recent Facebook post. The aged rice in question is part of the controversial rice-pledging scheme initiated during the administration…
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Thai widow criticises government’s lack of aid after Hamas attack
A Thai widow, lamenting the loss of her husband in the Hamas attack in Israel on October 7, voiced concerns over the lack of financial aid from the Thai government. The Thai woman, 30 year old Narisara Malee, is mourning the loss of her 34 year old husband, Tianchai Yotthongdee, who was among the Thai agricultural workers who lost their…
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Ratchaburi locals labelled as threat to PM Srettha’s safety
Five residents of Ratchaburi province are demanding answers after being officially labelled as threats to the safety of the Prime Minister of Thailand. One of the residents, Thanu Ngamyingyuad, informed Channel 3 that he and four others, including a community leader, were given official documents, stating that they posed a threat to Thai PM Srettha Thavisin’s safety. The documents were…
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PM pledges commitment to forest conservation on 4-province tour
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday visited Ratchaburi where he pledged his commitment to forest conservation in Thailand during his four-province tour. The 62 year old Thai prime minister urged relevant agencies to meticulously review public requests for the utilisation of forested areas. PM Srettha emphasised the significance of land rights in improving the living conditions of the populace. However, he…
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