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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Army commander accuses Cambodia of staged border provocation
The Commander of the Second Army Area has stated that his forces are prepared for continuous combat operations, vowing to protect all Thai territory and planning to recover the contested Ta Kwai and Khana temples. Lieutenant General Weerayut Raksin announced this after visiting troops along the Thailand–Cambodia border in Surin province to assess their readiness and welfare amid ongoing tensions.…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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PM Anutin blasts NHSO as hospitals buckle under Gold Card debt
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has confirmed that hospitals nationwide are owed large sums under the Gold Card scheme, prompting urgent talks on government action. His comments came after Mongkutwattana Hospital in Bangkok announced the suspension of outpatient services for Gold Card patients due to unpaid medical bills exceeding 110 million baht. “The NHSO owes nearly every hospital in the country.…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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Thaksin’s royal pardon petition doesn’t need Cabinet approval
The Cabinet Secretariat announced yesterday, October 7, that the petition for a royal pardon by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra does not necessitate Cabinet approval. Natjaree Anantasilp, the secretary-general, confirmed that Thaksin’s petition had been forwarded to the justice minister for review and that the application was highly confidential. “The Ministry of Justice has already provided information. This is not…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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Thaksin gets visit from sister and ex-PM Somchai at Klong Prem Prison
Former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and his wife, Yaowapha Wongsawat, visited Thaksin Shinawatra at Klong Prem Central Prison this morning, October 6, to offer moral support, as the former leader awaits the outcome of his royal clemency plea. This marked the seventh family visit since the Supreme Court ordered Thaksin back to prison on September 9 to serve a one-year…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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New Phuket governor kicks off term with youth unity project
The newly appointed governor of Phuket headed to a neighbouring province to join a youth event promoting unity, culture, and leadership through shared experiences. Phuket Governor Saransak Srikruanetra travelled to Phang Nga on Thursday, October 2, to join more than 100 youths from Thailand’s southern border provinces as part of the 45th San Jai Thai Su Jai Tai project. The…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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British actor flies in to boost morale at Trat border post
A British actor travelled from overseas to Thailand’s eastern border to donate solar panels and supplies to boost morale among local border patrol police. Actor Mark Shelley and his Thai wife, Naphatwarun Sirirattanasap, travelled from the UK to Trat province, making a patriotic stop at a Border Patrol Police base to donate vital equipment to officers stationed along the Cambodian…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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Phuket’s new governor vows to fix traffic and boost tourism
Phuket’s newly appointed governor took office, pledging to tackle traffic, infrastructure and sustainable development to improve life for residents and tourists. Phuket officially welcomed its new governor, Saransak Srikruanetra, who took office yesterday, October 1, with a promise to tackle the island’s most pressing problems head-on. The 57 year old Udon Thani native pledged to focus on infrastructure, traffic congestion,…
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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,…
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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…
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Anutin dismisses US shutdown fears, says Thailand secure
Thailand’s prime minister has assured the public that the US government shutdown will not affect the country, stressing that trade agreements with Washington remain secure. At a press briefing today, October 1, at Government House, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the fallout from the US Senate’s rejection of a budget bill, which triggered America’s first shutdown in…
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Thai foreign minister slammed over UN debut controversy (video)
Thailand’s new foreign minister addressed the UN General Assembly, sparking debate at home over whether he breached constitutional rules by acting too soon. Thailand’s newly appointed Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has come under fire for potentially breaching constitutional rules after delivering a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The 80th UNGA session, which ran from…
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Cannabis U-turn: Bhumjaithai vows drug war in 4 months
A senior Bhumjaithai MP told Parliament that the government will prioritise tackling the drug crisis, declaring cannabis reform finished and seeking four months to act. Deputy Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party MP for Buriram Sophon Saram made his stance crystal clear during a heated parliamentary session this morning, declaring that tackling Thailand’s drug problem will be his party’s top priority.…
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