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.
-
Sponsored Travel vs international health insurance: Which coverage do you need overseas?
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...
-
Phuket’s shortest-serving governor axed after just 14 days
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved the sudden transfer of Phuket’s newly appointed governor, just weeks after he began his term, sparking public scrutiny. The Thai Cabinet has approved the sudden transfer of Phuket Governor Saransak Srikruanetra after only two weeks in office. Saransak, who began his term on October 2, is now officially Phuket’s shortest-serving governor. His shock exit was confirmed…
-
Trump dangles trade deal to push Thai-Cambodian peace pact
The US has linked trade talks with Thailand to resolving its border conflict with Cambodia, urging both nations to reach a peace agreement soon. The Trump administration has thrown a geopolitical curveball into US-Thai trade negotiations by demanding that Thailand resolve its border dispute with Cambodia or face economic consequences. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, spokesperson for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, revealed that…
-
Scam crackdown central to Thailand-Cambodia negotiations, says Anutin
Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul affirmed that cracking down on scam operations is one of four key conditions Thailand has outlined in its negotiations with Cambodia, following concerns raised by South Korea and recent tensions along the border. Anutin addressed the situation today, October 14, in response to South Korea’s special travel advisory against visiting Cambodia. The advisory…
-
Bhumjaithai backs coalition draft for charter reforms
The Bhumjaithai Party has affirmed that the coalition’s draft will likely serve as the primary guideline for constitutional amendments, with Chapters 1 and 2 remaining unchanged. These chapters pertain to the form of the state and the monarchy. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led a meeting yesterday, October 13, with coalition partners to prepare for a Parliamentary debate scheduled for today…
-
Pheu Thai challenges Bhumjaithai charter draft on public role
The Pheu Thai Party has raised concerns over the Bhumjaithai Party’s charter amendment draft, citing a lack of public involvement. They suggest that their draft should serve as the primary version for Parliamentary deliberation. This upcoming week, on Tuesday and Wednesday (October 14 and 15), three drafts from Pheu Thai, Bhumjaithai, and the People’s Party (PP) are set for their…
-
Thaksin may teach English in prison instead of hard labour
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, currently serving a prison sentence, may be assigned to teach English to inmates due to his age, officials confirmed. Police Lieutenant Colonel Prawut Wongseenin of the Department of Corrections confirmed that officials are considering a teaching role for Thaksin due to his age, making physical labour unsuitable. “At his age, it’s more appropriate to assign…
-
Thai minister claims 40 million baht bribe tied to scam crackdown
A Thai minister submitted evidence to a House committee alleging a multimillion-baht bribe was offered to halt action against online scams and gambling. Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob has reportedly submitted evidence to a parliamentary committee to back his claim of a 40-million-baht bribery attempt aimed at derailing efforts to dismantle call centre gangs and online gambling networks.…
-
Anutin tells Cambodia: Pull out weapons, civilians first
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul outlined key demands in response to a letter from the US president, insisting that Cambodia withdraw weapons and put civilians first. Anutin has laid out Thailand’s firm stance on the ongoing border tensions with Cambodia, insisting that the withdrawal of heavy weaponry and civilians from contested zones is non-negotiable. The announcement came during Anutin’s visit…
-
Thaksin stays upbeat in jail as political heat builds outside
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra remains in good spirits after completing the first month of his prison sentence, as family visits and legal scrutiny continue. Thaksin’s daughter, Pintongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong, visited the 76 year old veteran politician along with her husband, Nuttaphong Kunakornwong and Pidok Sooksawas, husband of former PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The family spent over an hour with Thaksin,…
-
Phuket MP slams outdated booze ban laws and calls for reform
A Phuket MP criticised Thailand’s alcohol laws after a religious holiday ban caused confusion over who can sell booze, calling for urgent legal reform. Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee has criticised the country’s alcohol laws for causing confusion and chaos, particularly during religious holidays, and called for urgent reform to support Thailand’s tourism and nightlife industries. Chalermpong blasted the long-standing Entertainment…
-
PM Anutin cools Trump’s peace bid in Thai-Cambodian spat
US President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate peace talks between Thailand and Cambodia was met with caution by the Thai prime minister, citing key conditions. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has poured cold water on President Trump’s attempt to mediate peace talks between Thailand and Cambodia, stressing that any negotiations must meet strict conditions agreed upon by Bangkok. Responding to a…
-
Minister to face inquiry over 40 million baht bribery claims
The House Committee plans to call Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob and relevant agencies tomorrow, October 9, to address allegations of a 40 million baht bribery linked to online criminal activities. Siam Hathasongkroh, chairman of the House Committee on Communications, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy and Society, and a Pheu Thai MP for Nong Bua Lam Phu, stated that…
-
Paetongtarn appoints new Pheu Thai election director
Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra named Suriya Jungrungruangkit as the party’s election director today, October 7, to lead preparations for the next general election. The announcement was made during a meeting at party headquarters, where Paetongtarn introduced a preliminary list of prospective MP candidates. Key figures in attendance included party Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong, Prime Ministerial candidate Chaikasem Nitisiri, and…
-
Pheu Thai denies Isaan MP defections, to unveil 190 candidates ahead of election
The Pheu Thai Party has denied reports that a group of northeastern MPs is preparing to leave the party, while acknowledging that some member turnover is expected as part of regular political developments ahead of the next general election. At a party meeting earlier today, October 7, held under the theme “Rebuilding Pheu Thai, Rebuilding Thailand,” party secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong…
-
Thai MP faces 100m baht defamation lawsuit over scam allegations
South African businessman Benjamin Mauerberger, widely known as Ben Smith, has filed criminal and civil defamation lawsuits against People’s Party MP Rangsiman Rome, seeking 100 million baht in damages. The lawsuits stem from remarks made by Rangsiman during a Parliamentary debate on September 30, in which he alleged that Smith was a central figure in Cambodian-linked scam networks, call-centre fraud,…
-
Thaksin second royal pardon request denied by justice minister
Thailand’s justice minister has rejected a second royal pardon petition filed on behalf of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, meaning the 74 year old must serve the remainder of his one-year jail term. Justice Minister Rutthapon Naowarat said he has formally submitted his opinion on Thaksin’s appeal to the Cabinet Secretariat after reviewing the findings of a special committee. The…
-
Democrat Party revival as Abhisit Vejjajiva set to return
The Democrat Party is experiencing a revival as seasoned politicians rejoin its ranks, driven by the anticipated return of former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to the party leadership. This movement is gaining traction ahead of an important general assembly scheduled for later this month. Among the notable individuals returning is Supatra Masdit, a former minister to the prime minister’s office.…
-
Ukraine asks Thailand to name envoy for post-war rebuilding
Ukraine has urged Thailand to appoint a special envoy to help coordinate trade and reconstruction efforts as part of wider post-war recovery cooperation. The request was made during an official visit by three Ukrainian MPs: Vadym Halaichuk, Tamila Tasheva, and Lesia Vasylenko who met with Thai lawmakers, diplomats, and academics in Bangkok this week. Halaichuk, from the Servant of the People…
-
Sri Racha approves 175-million-baht boost for parking
Sri Racha Municipal Council has approved a combined budget of 175 million baht to fund two major local initiatives aimed at improving city infrastructure and supporting residents in need. The decision was made during the council’s second extraordinary meeting of the year yesterday, October 3, chaired by Council President Anan Wanpaisan at the Sriracha Municipality Office. The meeting was attended…
-
Celebrity cop hire lands Thai House speaker in hot water
House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha is facing an ethics complaint after allegedly pulling strings to appoint a high-profile officer to a key role in the parliamentary office. Former Democrat MP Wachara Phetthong has filed an ethics complaint against House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, accusing him of bypassing parliamentary procedures to bring a high-profile police officer into the Secretariat…
-
Thai PM draws red line on border as tensions with Cambodia grow (video)
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul chaired a National Security Council (NSC) meeting yesterday to address ongoing tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border. The focus was on Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Sa Kaeo province, where Cambodian encroachments have raised concerns over sovereignty. The meeting yesterday, October 2, covered bilateral mechanisms such as Regional Border Committee (RBC), General Border…
-
Thai hitman jailed for life over Cambodian MP’s murder
A Thai court sentenced a former marine to life in prison for murdering a Cambodian ex-MP in Bangkok, following his arrest shortly after the killing. The suspect, 41 year old Ekkalak Paenoi, was convicted of premeditated murder for the cold-blooded shooting of 74 year old Lim Kimya, a dual Cambodian-French citizen and former member of the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue…
-
Thai minister threatens suits over scammer link claims
Thailand’s deputy prime minister announced plans to file lawsuits against those linking him to a fugitive scammer at the centre of a major fraud case. A fiery war of words erupted in Thai politics after Deputy Prime Minister and Agriculture Minister Captain Thammanat Prompao launched a blistering legal counteroffensive against allegations tying him to a fugitive scam ringleader. Thammanat declared…
-
Anutin heads to conflict-hit border to boost morale and aid (video)
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will visit two eastern provinces to inspect security operations and meet residents affected by recent border unrest. The PM, who also serves as Interior Minister, will visit Surin and Buriram provinces from today, October 3, to tomorrow, October 4, to monitor security operations, assess rehabilitation efforts, and provide moral support to military personnel and civilians…
-
Thaksin’s royal pardon bid under review by justice panel
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra may be one step closer to freedom as the Justice Ministry confirms a panel has been formed to review his royal pardon request. Justice Minister Police Lieutenant General Rutthapon Naowarat announced yesterday, October 2, that the committee will assess Thaksin’s petition and is expected to decide within three days. The move follows a formal submission…
-
China denies fuelling Thai-Cambodian border tensions with arms
China has denied claims that its weapons were used by Cambodia in recent border clashes with Thailand, insisting it had no part in escalating the conflict. The denial comes after speculation in regional media that Chinese-made rockets were deployed by Cambodian forces during violent exchanges between July 24 and 28, reigniting scrutiny over Beijing’s growing military and economic influence in…
-
Thailand and Mexico celebrate 50 years of friendship in Phuket
Diplomats, officials and guests gathered in Phuket to celebrate five decades of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Mexico at a gala dinner event. Hosted at the elegant Silk Restaurant at Andara Resort & Villas in Kamala, the event was organised by Natthakanya Sangpho, Honorary Consul of Mexico in Phuket. The evening welcomed an illustrious gathering of guests, including dignitaries, diplomats,…
-
Thai govt brings back co-pay scheme with more baht in your pocket
The Thai government will reopen registration for its co-payment scheme, offering increased daily subsidies to support consumers and small businesses. A fresh round of registration will open from October 20 to 26. The scheme aims to support both consumers and small businesses, with increased daily spending power and broader financial benefits for those within the tax system. Deputy Prime Minister…
-
Phuket bids warm farewell to outgoing governor Sophon
Phuket’s outgoing governor was honoured with a farewell ceremony at Provincial Hall, where officials, community leaders and residents gathered to pay tribute. At 9am yesterday, September 30, Sophon and his wife, Busadee, President of the Phuket Red Cross Society, began the day by paying homage to sacred objects enshrined at the front of the hall. The ritual, a longstanding tradition,…
-
New minister reveals scam gang bribe offer in Parliament
The newly appointed Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DES) from Bhumjaithai Party, Chaichanok Chidchob, claimed that call centre scam gangs offered him a monthly bribe of 40 million baht in exchange for halting crackdowns on illegal businesses. Speaking during a Parliamentary session on September 30, Chaichanok explained that this was his first appearance as a minister since being appointed to…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.