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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The Thaiger key takeaways Travel insurance is ideal for short-term trips, covering emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage, but not routine care. International health insurance suits expats and long-term residents, offering full medical coverage, including checkups, maternity, and chronic care. Choosing...
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Thai army tells Cambodia: Meet our terms or no soldiers release
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has confirmed it will release 18 detained Cambodian soldiers, captured in Sisaket in July, only if the Cambodian government fully complies with four stringent conditions. RTA spokesperson Major General Winthai Suvaree said the conditions, grounded in international law, must be met before any release is possible. “Hostile actions must cease significantly, and Cambodia must meet…
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Anutin brushes off China worries over rare earths deal with US
Thailand’s prime minister dismissed concerns that a new rare earth cooperation deal with the US could strain relations with China, calling it goodwill. PM Anutin Charnvirakul made the remarks after returning from the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, addressing media at Don Mueang’s Wing 6 terminal in Bangkok yesterday, October 28. Anutin was responding to questions about the memorandum of…
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Ministry confirms schools can celebrate during mourning
Thailand’s Education Ministry has clarified its stance on school celebrations, confirming that festivities are not banned, despite earlier confusion caused by conflicting guidelines. An urgent notice, issued to private schools yesterday, October 28, cancels the ministry’s previous directive and outlines revised measures. The new guidelines, effective from October 25, came following an executive meeting held on Monday, October 27. Academic…
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Royal tribute: Loy Krathong to proceed with subdued tone
The Ministry of Culture has confirmed that Thailand’s traditional Loy Krathong Festival will go ahead as planned, albeit with a more subdued tone to honour the recent passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother. Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaiset stated that the festival, traditionally marked by colourful celebrations and river lanterns, will continue under the revised theme, Thai Loy…
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Thailand and Vietnam vow to boost ties and economic links
Thailand and Vietnam are doubling down on their commitment to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties, following high-level talks at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia. In a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the summit, Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow met with his Vietnamese counterpart Le Hoai Trung to reaffirm their dedication to advancing the two countries’ comprehensive strategic…
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US calls on Thailand, Cambodia to release detained soldiers
The United States has turned up the pressure on Thailand and Cambodia to start the release of 18 detained soldiers without delay, following a new ceasefire agreement signed in the presence of US President Donald Trump. A senior State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Washington expects swift action now that both Southeast Asian nations have committed to…
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Thai and Cambodian leaders sign peace declaration witnessed by Trump
Thai Prime Minister (PM) Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian PM Hun Manet signed a joint declaration in Malaysia, witnessed by United States President Donald Trump and Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim. The ceremony, titled Delivering Peace: Cambodia-Thailand Peace Deal, was held in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, October 26. President Trump opened the event by expressing his condolences to Thailand over the passing of…
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Pheu Thai Party to elect new leader as four frontrunners emerge
The Pheu Thai Party will hold a special general assembly on Friday to elect a new leader and executive committee following the resignation of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, according to party sources and a report from Bangkok Post. Paetongtarn stepped down as party leader on October 22, after being disqualified from serving as prime minister by the Constitutional Court in August over…
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Anutin hits back at scam claims, calls rumours baseless
Thailand’s prime minister denied involvement in scam networks following international reports, reaffirming government efforts to crack down on cybercrime. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has hit back at allegations linking him to scam operations in Thailand, dismissing the claims as unfounded and politically motivated. The remarks follow a New York Times report naming Thailand as a hotspot for scam activity, sparking…
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Thai govt denies event ban, urges respect for Queen Sirikit
Thai officials have clarified that no ban has been imposed on private events, urging organisers to adjust activities respectfully during the mourning period for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. The government has clarified that no official ban has been imposed on private entertainment events during the national mourning period for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, urging only that activities…
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PM Anutin delays summit trip to lead Queen Mother funeral plans
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has delayed his planned trip to Malaysia to lead an urgent Cabinet meeting regarding the royal funeral arrangements for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. The Queen Mother passed away at 9.21pm yesterday, October 24, at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, as announced by the Bureau of the Royal Household. In response, the Thai national flag…
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Julapun poised to lead Pheu Thai reboot after Paetongtarn’s exit
The Pheu Thai Party is undergoing a major leadership shakeup after Paetongtarn Shinawatra resigned, paving the way for a new figure to guide the party through political headwinds. The shakeup has positioned Julapun Amornvivat as the leading candidate to take the reins, with a formal decision expected at the party’s general assembly on October 31. Julapun, known for his moderate…
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Thailand, Cambodia to sign peace path deal with US backing
Thailand and Cambodia will sign a joint declaration this Sunday, witnessed by the US and Malaysia, outlining steps to ease border tensions and boost cooperation. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeaw revealed the development during an interview today, October 24, ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit, noting the declaration, to be signed on October 26, outlines mutual steps towards de-escalation and cooperation.…
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Prince Andrew accused of royal romps on Thai taxpayer dime
A former UK official has alleged that Prince Andrew used taxpayer-funded trips to Thailand to meet women while serving as a government trade representative. According to Ian Proud, a former senior diplomat at the British Embassy in Bangkok, the disgraced royal regularly mixed business with pleasure during his visits to Thailand as the UK’s special trade envoy. “The prince would…
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PM Anutin pushes 4am pub hours and nationwide booze revamp
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has proposed lifting alcohol zoning laws and extending pub hours to boost revenue and modernise nightlife regulations nationwide. Anutin has ordered the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Public Health to study the nationwide removal of zoning restrictions on alcohol sales and extend closing times for entertainment venues from 2am to 4am. The plan also…
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Thailand and Cambodia to sign peace pact at ASEAN Summit
Thailand and Cambodia plan to sign a declaration at a regional summit to ease border tensions and boost cooperation on security and territorial issues. Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow revealed that both nations are expected to officially sign the Declaration of Thai-Cambodian Relations during the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, held from October 25 to 28. The agreement is poised to…
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PM Anutin to seal rice and tech deals on Singapore visit
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will be making an official visit to Singapore on November 7, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties across multiple sectors, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. Sihasak, who was in Singapore earlier this week to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, revealed that preparations are well underway for the prime minister’s…
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Thailand scraps poker permits in major anti-gambling push
The Ministry of Interior has issued a sweeping order banning all poker and card games across Thailand, in line with the government’s strict anti-gambling policy. Signed by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the order No. 3179/2568 was made public today, October 22, and takes immediate effect. It fully revokes a previous order from July and suspends all existing…
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Thai House passes Clean Air Bill in sweeping 308–0 vote
Thailand’s House of Representatives has unanimously passed a new Clean Air Bill, aiming to crack down on pollution and protect public health nationwide. All 308 MPs present, from both coalition and opposition parties, voted in favour after three days of heated debate. The bill, which passed its third reading yesterday, October 21, will now move to the Senate for further…
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Curtain call: Paetongtarn quits Pheu Thai ahead of party shake-up
Former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is expected to formally resign as leader of the Pheu Thai Party this week, with senior figures set to meet at the party’s Bangkok headquarters this morning to confirm her departure. According to party sources, the meeting was scheduled to begin with a gathering of MPs at 8.30am today, October 22, followed by a session…
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Thailand announces second phase of co-payment scheme
The Thai government prepares to launch the second phase of its popular co-payment consumer subsidy scheme in January in a bid to jumpstart domestic spending and bolster economic growth. The announcement was made yesterday, October 20, by government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat who confirmed that the upcoming phase will be financed from the 2026 fiscal budget. However, the total budget allocation…
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Thai defence minister warns Cambodia: No deal, no summit
Thailand’s defence minister warned Cambodia that if border talks fail, there will be no peace deal, no ASEAN summit signing, and no further negotiations. Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated as Defence Minister General Nattapol Nakphanit issued a firm ultimatum over ongoing border negotiations. Speaking at Government House at 9.35am today, October 21, General Nattapol declared that the upcoming Thai-Cambodian…
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Thailand rolls out free dialysis as kidney disease cases soar
Thailand’s public health ministry has launched a free dialysis campaign to tackle rising chronic kidney disease cases and promote early prevention nationwide. Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat announced a nationwide campaign to provide free dialysis and promote early screening for chronic kidney disease (CKD). The campaign aims to raise awareness, expand access to treatment and encourage lifestyle changes to prevent…
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Thai senator faces death threats over border sound row
A Thai senator received death threats after criticising tactics used at the border, prompting concern from police and international human rights advocates. Thai Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit is facing a wave of death threats against herself and her family after publicly criticising controversial tactics used along the Thai-Cambodian border. The human rights advocate revealed the threats in a Facebook post, sharing…
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PM Anutin’s first foreign trip seals major Thai-Lao crime pact
The Thai and Lao prime ministers met in Vientiane to strengthen cooperation on cross-border crime, trade, and regional development initiatives. Marking his first official international visit as Thai premier, Anutin Charnvirakul was warmly welcomed by Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and his wife with a formal ceremony and guard of honour. He was accompanied by Thananon Niramit, with the meeting…
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DSI clears African man of call centre scam links after parliament discussion
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) confirmed that a South African accused of involvement with a call centre scam gang based in Cambodia has no record of legal violations, according to its database. The South African, Benjamin Mauerberger, also known as Ben Smith, drew attention from Thai political enthusiasts after being mentioned by two Members of Parliament (MPs) from the…
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Royal Thai Army’s 8.6 million baht border fence plan questioned
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has announced plans to build a high-security fence along the Thai-Cambodian border to strengthen defences and curb illegal crossings. The Army Development Command (ADC), under the RTA Headquarters, has announced a project to construct a reinforced prefabricated concrete fence topped with steel mesh and concertina wire. The total cost will be a staggering 8.66 million…
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Koh Chang tourism rebounds despite border tension
The tourist season kicked off in Koh Chang, Koh Kut, and Koh Mak as Thai tourism officials launched fresh campaigns to revive travel following border tensions. Clashes along the border led to a travel ban in Trat and nearby provinces, with martial law enforced for up to five months. The disruption triggered mass cancellations from international travellers, especially Europeans, costing…
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Phuket marks Austrian consul handover with honour and ceremony
Phuket hosted a diplomatic ceremony where Austria honoured a former consul and appointed a successor to strengthen ties in tourism, trade, and culture. Phuket marked a major milestone in Thai-Austrian relations on Tuesday, October 14, as long-serving diplomat Wanida Hongyok was honoured for her service, and Montawee Hongyok was officially appointed as Austria’s new Honorary Consul on the island. The…
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Thailand backs US crackdown on online scam empire
Thailand has voiced support for a US-led crackdown on scam networks operating in Southeast Asia, aligning with its own efforts to combat transnational crime. In a statement released on Monday, October 13, the Thai Foreign Ministry said it shared Washington’s resolve in dismantling scam networks that prey on victims across the region, often through violence, forced labour, and sophisticated fraud.…
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