Follow Thai politics in English — government policy, elections, parliament and political developments, with reporting and analysis from Thai PBS World.
The parole board of the Ministry of Justice resolved today to release imprisoned former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on parole on May 11, requiring him to wear an electronic monitoring ankle bracelet for the remainder of his sentence.
The Klatham Party has elected a new executive board, with Thamanat Prompow stepping up as the new party leader, while Phai Lik retains his position as secretary general.
Critics have warned that the military-led approach to handling the conflict in Thailand’s southern border provinces may be prolonging unrest rather than resolving it.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has come under criticism again, this time from Thammasat University law lecturer Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, over its ruling clearing former transport minister and former secretary-general of the Bhumjaithai Party, Saksayam Chidchob, of concealing his assets.
The opposition People’s party will not shy away from speaking out on controversial issues in the public’s interest and will advance, with the people, to affect political change and bring about a democratic system that truly serves the public interest, said party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut today.
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Officer Holders decided today to accept for consideration a case filed by the Election Commission against 44 former members of the now defunct Move Forward party, including 10 incumbent MPs of the People’s party, accusing them of committing gross ethical misconduct by endorsing a bill to amend Section 112 of the penal code, commonly known as the lèse majesté law.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived at Government House early this morning to oversee final preparations for the official visit of China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The high-level meeting is expected to focus on agricultural exports, technological cooperation and a joint crackdown on transnational call center scams.
Thailand is pursuing what Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow calls “Diplomacy 2.0” to proactively drive the country’s interests through multi-dimensional and multi-directional foreign policy, amid pressing global challenges, including the current Middle East crisis and border tensions with neighbouring countries.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said today that the 2027 national budget is estimated at about 3.78 trillion baht, with a focus on precise and targeted spending, cuts to unnecessary expenditure, a 20% cap on budget increases, and the promotion of solar panels and other clean, renewable energy schemes.
The People’s party has formed a team of successors to replace its party leader, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, and other key party figures in case they are suspended from their parliamentary duties by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders.
Sexual harassment among parliamentarians has been in the spotlight, including in Thailand, prompting calls to revise mechanisms to increase workplace safety, to protect politicians, lawmakers and officials.
Werapong Prapha found himself a wanted man in April. As the Thai government scrambled to finalise a European Union free trade agreement to blunt the impact of US tariffs, the opposition Democrat Party deputy leader was headhunted for a high-stakes rescue mission.
