Thai politics
- Phuket News
Phuket kicks off bold campaign for clean politics and fair elections
Phuket is making waves in political reform, launching a high-profile campaign to ensure fair and transparent elections across the island. The Phuket Provincial Election Commission Office unveiled its Honest Political Reform on the Basis of Elections project at a lively event held at the Bhukitta Boutique Hotel & Residence Phuket yesterday, January 8. Presiding over the ceremony was Phuket Vice…
- Thailand News
Most Thais expect Paetongtarn to remain PM all year, poll shows
A recent poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) indicates that a majority of Thais foresee Paetongtarn Shinawatra holding the position of prime minister throughout the year. The survey, carried out over three days, involved 1,310 participants, offering insights into public opinion on the current political landscape. The results, released yesterday, January 5, reveal that 51.22% of…
- Thailand News
Thaksin sparks outrage with racist remarks in Chiang Rai
The former Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, delivered a controversial speech containing racist remarks about international models from Africa while supporting his daughter and Pheu Thai Party members in the Provincial Administrative Organisation chief election campaign in the northern province of Chiang Rai. Thaksin has taken a prominent role in the local election campaign in Chiang Rai as his…
- Thailand News
Same-sex marriage to gain legal status in Thailand
Thailand’s Interior Ministry is set to enforce the Marriage Equality Bill, expected to become law later this month, according to a statement from ministry spokesperson Traisulee Taisaranakul. The Department of Provincial Administration (DoPA) has aligned its regulations with the new law and established guidelines to streamline the registration process. The department has also upgraded its computer systems and marriage registration…
- Thailand News
PM Paetongtarn embraces political moniker amid press scrutiny
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been nicknamed “Paetongphoey” by Government House reporters, as part of their tradition of assigning monikers to senior officials at the year’s end. The nickname combines the first two syllables of her name with the Thai word “phoey,” meaning “script,” referencing her reliance on prepared speeches during significant events. When asked about the nickname, the 38…
- Thailand News
20 expelled PPRP MPs to join Thailand’s Kla Party
Narumon Pinyosinwat, leader of the Kla Party, announced that the 20 MPs recently expelled from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) are set to join her party soon. The confirmation came following their ejection last week due to their association with Thamanat Prompow, a former influential figure in the PPRP. Thamanat is anticipated to take on a significant role within the…
- Thailand News
Paetongtarn Shinawatra 29th on Forbes’ 2024 Power Women list
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been named among Forbes Magazine’s 100 World’s Most Powerful Women 2024, securing the 29th position globally and ranking third in Asia. This prestigious recognition places her among influential figures such as Sandy Ran Xu, CEO of China’s JD.com, and Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, who hold the 27th and 28th positions,…
- Thailand News
Thai PM’s first official visit to Malaysia to boost trade ties
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to embark on her inaugural official visit to Malaysia, where she will co-chair the 7th Annual Consultation. The consultation will take place in Putrajaya, located just south of Kuala Lumpur, as confirmed by deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan. Spanning two days, the visit will begin on Monday, December 16, marking Paetongtarn’s first official…
- Thailand News
Thai social security wage ceiling set to increase by 2026
The Thai Social Security Office (SSO) is set to revise its wage ceiling, planning an increase to between 17,500 and 23,000 baht. This change aims to enhance pensions and compensation benefits for insured individuals under Section 33, with implementation expected by January 2026. The SSO of the Ministry of Labour opened a public consultation recently to gather opinions on a…
- Bangkok News
PM: Ex-minister’s parole release unrelated to Yingluck’s return
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra firmly dismissed any links between the parole release of former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom and the speculated return of ex-premier Yingluck Shinawatra. Addressing the media yesterday, PM Paetongtarn clarified that Boonsong’s release was strictly in accordance with the Department of Corrections (DoC) regulations and had no connection to her aunt, Yingluck. “It is about the DoC’s…
- Thailand News
House dissolution: Phumtham shoots down charter row rumours
A fiery political debate over Thailand’s charter referendum sparked speculation about a potential House dissolution but Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai isn’t buying it. Brushing off claims from Pheu Thai list-MP Cherdchai Tantisirin, Phumtham insisted that tensions between the ruling Pheu Thai Party and coalition partner Bhumjaithai Party wouldn’t boil over. “Dr Cherdchai is entitled to his opinion.” Phumtham stressed that…
- Thailand News
Old friends, new deals: Singapore PM makes visit to Thailand
In a historic first, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong touched down in Thailand yesterday, November 28, to meet Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Marking his first official visit since taking office in May, Wong is the first foreign leader the 38 year old Thai PM has hosted, setting the stage for a high-stakes dialogue on diplomacy and development. The visit coincides…
- Thailand News
Tensions rise on Thai-Myanmar border over alleged incursion
The Thai-Myanmar border in the Pai district of the northern province of Mae Hong Son is experiencing heightened tensions after the United Wa State Army (UWSA), also known as Red Wa, reportedly encroached on Thai territory. ThaiRath reported today, November 26, that the Shan State National Army (SSNA) revealed the situation along the border at Doi Nong Luang and Doi…
- Bangkok News
Former MP advocates for fair treatment in Yingluck’s planned return
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra plans to “face her legal obligations” in Thailand without requesting special treatment, according to Worachai Hema, an ex-member of Parliament for the Pheu Thai Party from Samut Prakan. Worachai, who serves on Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai’s advisory team, shared these insights following Thaksin Shinawatra’s media interview discussing his sister Yingluck’s anticipated return before Songkran 2025.…
- Thailand News
Justice minister says ‘no special treatment’ for Yingluck
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s potential return to Thailand sparked a national debate after her brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, hinted at a possible homecoming around next year’s Songkran festival. Speaking in an interview with Nikkei Asia, Thaksin stated his sister could be coming home. “I don’t think there’s any issue preventing her from coming home. I believe she…
- Thailand News
Attorney General throws out coup accusation against Thaksin
In a bold move that’s shaking up Thai politics, the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has flatly refused to process a high-stakes case accusing former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the ruling Pheu Thai Party of attempting to overthrow Thailand’s democratic system with the King as Head of State. According to a news source, the case was dismissed today, November 19, …
- Thailand News
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…
- Thailand News
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…
- Thailand News
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…
- Thailand News
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…
- Politics News
Parliament to debate charter amendments in December session
Parliament will deliberate on charter amendment bills during its next session in December, as confirmed by House Speaker Wan Muhammad Noor Matha. The decision followed an agreement between the government, opposition, and Senate whips to address the proposed revisions to the 2017 constitution in the upcoming Parliamentary session due to time constraints in the current one, which concludes tomorrow, October…
- Thailand News
EC investigates Pheu Thai Party, dissolution probable
The Election Commission (EC) has commenced an investigation into the ruling Pheu Thai Party, which could potentially lead to its dissolution, as reported by multiple local media outlets yesterday, October 18. The EC has formed a committee to examine complaints alleging that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been exerting influence or directing party activities. This information was shared by…
- Thailand News
Fugitive general resigns amid Tak Bai scandal
Retired General Pisan Wattanawongkiri, once the chief of Thailand’s 4th Army Region, has abruptly quit the ruling Pheu Thai Party and resigned from his MP position amidst a cloud of controversy. Wanted for his role in the brutal 2004 Tak Bai crackdown in Narathiwat, Pisan faces mounting pressure to return and face charges before the statute of limitations expires. The…
- Thailand News
PM Paetongtarn to host first informal dinner with coalition leaders
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will host an informal dinner with coalition party leaders next Monday, October 21, marking the first such gathering since she assumed office. This initiative aims to revive the practice of relaxed meetings similar to those held during the tenure of former prime minister Srettha Thavisin. The Thai premier highlighted the significance of these dinners, noting…
- Thailand News
Thai PM urges unity at ASEAN Summit to tackle climate change
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra attended the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits at the National Convention Centre in Laos at 9.30am yesterday, October 9. Upon arrival, the Thai premier received a warm welcome from Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and his wife. PM Paetongtarn addressed the assembly, underscoring the need for Collective Leadership within ASEAN to tackle regional issues and…
- Thailand News
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…
- Thailand News
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…
- Thailand News
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…
- Thailand News
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,…
- Thailand News
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,…
