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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Thailand Malaysia cooperation advances during Anutin visit
Thailand and Malaysia agreed to strengthen cooperation on border security, transport connectivity, trade and economic development during Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s official visit to Malaysia today, July 9. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow attended a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Anutin and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the visit. Sihasak joined a small-group…
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China responds to Mekong pollution protests in Thailand
China yesterday, July 8, responded to protests outside its diplomatic missions in Thailand over heavy metal contamination in tributaries of the Mekong River, saying it recognises public concern and supports a joint investigation by Thailand and Myanmar. The response came after protests outside the Chinese embassy in Bangkok and the Chinese consulate in Chiang Mai over heavy metal contamination in…
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Politician accused of threats, assault against Thai journalist
A Thai journalist is pursuing legal action against a politician, alleging threats and physical assault following a dispute over claims involving the Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul. The journalist, whose identity has been withheld, sought assistance from social media figure Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet, citing concerns about his safety and the possibility of further incidents. He added that the alleged…
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Thailand, Malaysia plan September southern peace talks
A new round of peace talks on Thailand’s southern border is expected to take place in Malaysia this September, with a joint signing possible if the main committee reaches a consensus, Prime Minister’s adviser Wan Muhamad Noor Matha said today, July 1. Wan Muhamad Noor said two more internal subcommittee meetings remain before the main committee meets in Malaysia. If…
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Chadchart secures second term of Bangkok governor, landslide win
Former Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt leads the Bangkok governor election after unofficial results from voting held yesterday, June 28, setting a record for the highest amount of votes received in the capital’s history. The final certification from the Election Commission of Thailand is pending within 30 days. Polling for both the Bangkok governor and Bangkok Metropolitan Council members took place…
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Cambodia lodges protest accusing Thailand of border encroachment
Cambodia lodged a formal protest against Thailand today, June 28, accusing Thai troops of encroaching on its territory by clearing forest and installing barbed wire in Oddar Meanchey province, claiming the activities violated bilateral border agreements. In a statement, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the alleged encroachment took place in the Ampil community, Banteay Ampil district, between…
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Srinakharinwirot University vows investigation into govt recruitment exam fraud
As an organiser of the government recruitment examination, Srinakharinwirot University promised to conduct an investigation into the exam fraud, coordinating with the relevant agencies to ensure a thorough investigation. The examination corruption scandal emerged after the Central Investigation Bureau’s Anti-Corruption Division and the National Anti-Corruption Commission arrested a 31 year old suspect, Wichit, on June 22. Wichit and others were…
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Officials probe large-scale government recruitment exam corruption
Officers launched a crackdown on a cheating of local administrative organisation (LAO) recruitment examination, arresting a key suspect in Nonthaburi province and uncovered over 3,000 examination papers being altered illegally The operation was carried out by officers from the Central Investigation Bureau’s Anti-Corruption Division and the National Anti-Corruption Commission following a complaint supported by evidence of corruption in recruitment exams…
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Minister confirms Thais paid billions yearly in hidden electricity charges
Thailand’s Energy Minister acknowledged that households have been paying part of the public electricity expense through their electricity bills for more than a decade and pledged to reduce the burden starting next month. The issue gained public attention after Ekkawin Chokprasobruay, a People’s Party candidate for Bangkok City Council in Ratchathewi district, shared concerns on social media about public electricity…
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‘TH-AI Passport’ project accused of favouring large companies
Thailand’s TH-AI Passport project, valued at 1.62 billion baht, drew scrutiny over its cost, procurement process, and expected benefits. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), led by Minister Chaichanok Chidchob, recently presented the TH-AI Passport project to the Cabinet and the public as one of the ministry’s flagship digital initiatives. According to the ministry, the programme is designed…
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Anutin vows closer ties after meeting FBI deputy director
US Ambassador to Thailand Sean K. O’Neill and FBI Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at Government House yesterday, June 10, with talks expected to focus on cooperation against transnational crime. Anutin arrived at Government House and chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting at 10am. Police General Visanu Prasattongosoth, president of the FBI National…
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Princess Anne to make first Thailand visit since 1987
The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, and her husband Sir Tim Laurence, are scheduled to make an official visit to Thailand on July 16 and 17, 2026, the British Embassy in Bangkok has confirmed. It will be her fourth visit to the country, and the first in nearly four decades. During the two-day programme, the Princess Royal will attend an audience…
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Thirty seven years on: What happened at Tiananmen Square?
June 4, 2026, marks the anniversary of one of the most significant and heavily suppressed events of the 20th century. For those who have never heard of it, this is the story.To understand Tiananmen, you have to understand China in the 1980s. After the chaos of Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution, which devastated the country’s economy and social fabric, paramount leader…
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Thaksin to receive full release under royal pardon on Queen’s birthday
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to receive a full release under a royal pardon granted on the occasion of Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana’s birthday. Royal pardons are traditionally granted to eligible inmates during significant national occasions, including royal birthdays and other important commemorative events. This recent pardon coincides with Queen Suthida’s birthday today, June 3, and applies…
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Thailand strengthens defence ties with US, France in Singapore
Thailand moved to strengthen defence ties with the United States and France during separate talks at the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 29. Thai Defence Minister Adul Boonthamcharoen met US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to discuss regional security and paths to strengthen defence ties between Thailand and the US. Adul said Thailand valued its long-standing alliance and…
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Thai delivery riders protest social security inclusion plan
More than 100 Thai delivery riders gathered outside the Ministry of Labour yesterday to oppose proposals to place platform workers under the social security system, citing concerns over reduced work flexibility and lower income. The protest followed a meeting last week between members of the Platform Workers Federation and Labour Minister Julapun Amornvivat regarding labour rights and protections for delivery…
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Macron hosts Anutin as Thailand courts French investment
French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for a dinner meeting at the Élysée Palace in Paris yesterday, May 25, where both sides discussed trade, cybersecurity, and regional security issues. The meeting took place at 8.30pm local time in France. Both leaders agreed to strengthen trade and investment between the two countries, particularly in high-value industries including…
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Thai soft power push marks 170 years of Thailand-France ties
Thailand is looking to France for lessons in turning culture into global influence, as Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised led talks on May 22 to mark 170 years of Thailand-France diplomatic ties and push Thai soft power through five areas of cooperation. At 5.30pm local time, Sabeeda and senior Ministry of Culture executives met French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard during an…
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Environment minister apologises after tense exchange with journalist
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin apologised to a journalist after displaying aggressive behaviour during an interview about alleged corruption within the Pollution Control Department. The incident followed the release of a survey by the Zero Corruption working group under the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), which reportedly found the Pollution Control Department had the…
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Thai Cabinet officially ends 60-day visa-free scheme
Thailand’s Cabinet officially approved the cancellation of the 60-day visa-free scheme following a proposal from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, with revised visa categories for each country expected to be announced later. The visa-free programme previously allowed travellers from more than 90 countries to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa. The policy expanded an…
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Thailand, Bahrain mark closer ties ahead of 50th anniversary
Thailand and Bahrain agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, medical tourism, and food security following talks between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Bahrain’s ambassador to Thailand today, May 14. Bahraini Ambassador Khalil Yaqoob AlKhayat met Anutin at the Government House during an official courtesy visit following his appointment. Anutin congratulated AlKhayat on his appointment and said Thailand values Bahrain…
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Anutin clarifies ‘miscommunication’, insisting foreign businesses still require permits
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul apologised after confusion surrounding a Cabinet policy that led many people to believe that foreign investors would be allowed to operate businesses in Thailand without permits. The controversy emerged after Deputy Government Spokesperson Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn announced yesterday, May 13, that the Cabinet had approved changes affecting eight categories of businesses operated by foreign investors. Patdarasm assured…
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Thaksin returns home from prison with EM bracelet after parole release
Former Thai Prime Minister (PM), Thaksin Shinawatra, was released from Khlong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok with electronic monitoring (EM) bracelet this morning, May 11, and returned to his family home. Speculation about Thaksin’s release had circulated on Thai social media since April. The former PM was sentenced to a year in prison following his controversial stay at Police General…
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Hong Kong activist Zhang Xinyan arrested in Thailand
Hong Kong activist Zhang Xinyan, a wanted member of the overseas group Hong Kong Parliament, has been arrested in Thailand for overstaying her visa and is reportedly set to be deported to mainland China. According to the South China Morning Post, Hong Kong Parliament is an overseas pro-democracy activist group mainly founded and run by self-exiled Hong Kong activists. Sunai…
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Philippines hosts talks as Thailand, Cambodia seek renewed trust
Thailand and Cambodia agreed to rebuild trust and open a new chapter in bilateral relations after three-way talks initiated by the Philippines during the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu yesterday, May 7. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr at the Shangri-La Mactan hotel in Cebu to discuss the Thailand-Cambodia situation,…
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Several figures enter race ahead of Bangkok governor election in June
Several candidates began presenting their campaigns ahead of the Bangkok governor election 2026, while the current governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, announced that he would start his campaign after his term ends this month. The terms of Chadchart and members of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council are scheduled to expire on May 21. Elections for the Bangkok governor and 50 council members representing…
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Thaksin and family question EM bracelet ahead of prison release
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been approved for parole and is set to leave Klong Prem Central Prison on May 11, though his lawyer says Thaksin has questioned a requirement to wear an electronic monitoring (EM) bracelet given his age and health condition. Lawyer Winyat Chatmontree told reporters yesterday, April 30, that a Justice Ministry sub-committee had included Thaksin’s…
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Thaksin to return home under probation after parole set for May 11
Former Prime Minister (PM) Thaksin Shinawatra is set to be released on parole on May 11, with authorities requiring him to complete a four-month probation period before his full release in September. The 23rd PM of Thailand, Thaksin, entered Khlong Prem Central Prison on September 9 last year to serve a one-year sentence linked to his stay at Police General…
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Thai FM expresses frustration with US over war fallout
Thailand’s foreign minister has voiced frustration with the US, saying Washington offered no direct help to its long-standing treaty ally as rising fuel, fertiliser, and shipping costs from the US-Israel war against Iran continue to plague Thailand. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow told The Washington Post that the Trump administration appeared aware of the damage but…
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Cambodia pushes back against ‘Scambodia’ label in US media
Cambodia protested against the use of the term “Scambodia” in a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) article published on April 19, demanding its removal, which WSJ refused. The article, titled “How Cybercrime became a leading industry in ‘Scambodia’,” stated that Cambodia is a major global hub for scam operations, with compounds described as being the size of small towns. It also claimed…
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