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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Thai forces intercept 37 Cambodian migrants hidden in truck
Thai forces intercepted a truck carrying 37 undocumented Cambodian nationals in Sa Kaeo province late last night, January 8, after uncovering a smuggling operation that used foam sheets to hide migrants inside a six-wheel lorry. The arrest took place around 11.30pm in Aranyaprathet district, when a joint task force patrolling the Ban Dong Ngu–Ban Pa Rai road signalled a suspicious…
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RTAF explains Thai-Cambodian border actions to 22 countries
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) briefed foreign military attaché assistants from 22 countries today, January 9, regarding recent military operations along the Thai-Cambodian border, reaffirming its commitment to restraint and civilian safety. The session, held by Air Chief Marshal Sakesan Kantha, Commander-in-Chief of the RTAF, aimed to clarify Thailand’s position and ensure transparency about its air operations near the…
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Pheu Thai pledges to top up income to 3,000 Baht for vulnerable Thais
BANGKOK – Pheu Thai Party has officially declared a “War on Poverty,” promising a new income guarantee scheme that ensures every Thai citizen earns at least 3,000 Baht per month. On the evening of January 8, Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, the party’s Prime Ministerial candidate, unveiled the policy during a major rally at Lan Khon Muang in front of Bangkok…
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Cambodia denies Thai claims of harsh airport screening
A Cambodian aviation official yesterday, January 7, dismissed Thai media claims that Thai travellers faced harsh screening at Phnom Penh’s Techo Airport, calling the reports false and unreflective of the country’s hospitality. Sin Chanserivutha, spokesperson for Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, clarified that Thai nationals leaving Cambodia with verified travel histories would not face additional questioning. He said only…
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Abhisit campaigns in Nakhon Si Thammarat with policy pitch
Abhisit Vejjajiva hit the campaign trail in Nakhon Si Thammarat yesterday, urging voters to back the Democrat Party as it fights to win back support in one of its long‑standing strongholds. The Democrat Party campaign team visited the Thewada fresh market in Sichon district, where Abhisit was joined by party executives and local figures to rally support for Chanwatthana…
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Thai nurse blames leading politician for jail term and loss of unborn child
A Thai nurse accused a deputy leader of the Pheu Thai Party of causing her to be imprisoned, an ordeal she claimed ultimately led to the loss of her unborn child. The allegation emerged after the Facebook page CSI LA shared leaked audio yesterday, January 5, of a conversation between the nurse and the politician. According to the page, the…
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Thai Army warns Cambodia after mortar lands in Ubon Ratchathani
Thailand’s army issued a warning to Cambodian authorities today, January 6, after a mortar round landed inside Thai territory in Ubon Ratchathani province, injuring a soldier and raising concerns over a potential ceasefire breach. According to Army spokesperson Major General Winthai Suvaree, the incident occurred at around 7.40am on Hill 469 in Nam Yuen district, close to the Thai-Cambodian border.…
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PM candidate sparks controversy after claim to buy 10 nuclear warheads
A prime ministerial candidate from the New Alternative Party sparked online controversy after claiming he would acquire up to 10 nuclear warheads to strengthen Thailand’s security against global powers. As the General Election approaches in February, the party’s PM candidate Mongkolkit Suksintharanon promoted one of his security policies on Facebook yesterday, January 5. In the post, Mongkolkit wrote… “Nuclear weapon costs…
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Cambodia allows 162 Thais to return, 6 wanted by police
Cambodia allowed 162 Thai nationals to return to Thailand through a border checkpoint in Chanthaburi province on Saturday, January 3, with six of them later found to be wanted criminals. Cambodian authorities reportedly pushed back hundreds of Thai workers who had been stranded in the country, sending them home via the Chanthaburi border following a ceasefire. According to Channel 7,…
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Thailand calls for restraint amid US-Venezuela tensions
Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday, January 4, issued a statement calling for restraint amid escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela. The US launched a military strike across northern Venezuela on Saturday, January 3, under an operation named Operation Absolute Resolve. During the raid, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured following allegations that…
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Thailand human trafficking police crackdown overview
The Royal Thai Police have announced an intensified nationwide crackdown on human trafficking, with a renewed focus on child sexual abuse, exploitation within the fishing industry, and crimes committed through online platforms. Authorities say the move comes in response to a rising number of cases and increasingly complex criminal methods, particularly those involving children and digital networks. Police General Thatchai…
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Thai Cambodian border dispute: army reaffirms sovereignty
The Royal Thai Army has reaffirmed that a recently reorganized border area remains firmly within Thai sovereign territory, stating that the land has been subject to long-term encroachment by Cambodian forces and settlements. Army officials are urging the public to review official protest letters previously submitted by Thailand through the Memorandum of Understanding 43, known as MOU 43, which governs…
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Will Thailand’s 2026 election reshape tourism, foreign investment, and transport policy?
As Thailand moves toward its 2026 general election, the future of the country’s tourism industry has become a central issue for investors, operators, and local communities. With tourism accounting for a significant share of national income, the policies adopted by the next government are expected to influence foreign direct investment, public safety, and long-term infrastructure planning, particularly in rail transport.…
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Thai politician’s daughter sues actor in first case under new sex crime law
Thai actor and singer Pakorn Lam, better known as Dome, is facing a lawsuit after his sexual harassing comment under the picture of the daughter of a leading Thai politician, making the case the first legal action brought under Thailand’s newly enforced sex crime laws. The victim is Yossuda “Jinny” Leelapanyalert, the daughter of prominent female politician Sudarat Keyuraphan. Jinny…
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Thai PM candidate defends sea prison plan amid ‘Azkaban’ mockery
A prime ministerial candidate from the United Thai Nation Party (UTN) insisted that the party’s proposal to build a sea prison for influential criminals is not a fantasy, after online users mocked the idea and compared it to Azkaban prison from the Harry Potter series. Following the dissolution of parliament on December 11, Thailand is now heading towards a General…
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Thai and Cambodian diplomats meet in China to reinforce ceasefire and border stability
Top diplomats from Thailand and Cambodia met in China on Sunday for high-level talks aimed at reinforcing a fragile ceasefire and preventing a return to fighting along their disputed border, as Beijing steps up its role as a regional mediator. The meetings follow the signing of a new ceasefire agreement intended to halt weeks of clashes that have killed more…
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People’s Party MP candidate arrested in drug money laundering probe, denies involvement
A parliamentary candidate from the People’s Party was arrested on Monday morning in connection with an ongoing investigation into a large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering network, according to officials from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau. At approximately 10:45 a.m. on December 29, 2025, officers from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau detained Mr. Boonrit Raorungroj, also known as Bank, at his residence…
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Thailand Clarifies with Q&A about 72-Hour Ceasefire With Cambodia as Border Tensions Ease
The Thai government has released a detailed public explanation of the 72-hour ceasefire agreed upon with Cambodia, as authorities continue to monitor border conditions and prepare for possible next steps. On December 28, the Joint Press Center for the Thai-Cambodian Border Situation issued a comprehensive Question and Answer document addressing public concerns surrounding the temporary ceasefire. The clarification follows heightened…
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52 political parties register party-list and prime ministerial candidates ahead of 2026 election
Thailand’s political landscape took a major step toward the February 8, 2026 general election on Sunday as representatives from 52 political parties formally registered their party-list candidates and prime ministerial nominees with the Election Commission at the Government Complex in Laksi district, Bangkok. The number of participating parties marks an increase from the 47 political parties that contested the 2023…
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King grants General rank to Lt Gen Boonsin, awards royal decorations to 15 special guards
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklao Chao Khun has graciously conferred the military rank of General upon Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, along with granting royal decorations to 15 Special Royal Guards officers, according to a royal decree issued on December 28. The announcement was made through an official royal command, detailing the promotion and decorations awarded in recognition of…
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Why “Boycott Thailand” is trending on social media
A social media backlash has erupted after a video showing the partial demolition of a Hindu deity statue near the Thai–Cambodian border went viral, triggering calls to boycott Thailand among some Indian social media users. The footage, widely shared across X and Instagram, appears to show heavy machinery damaging a statue of Lord Vishnu located near the border area between…
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Thailand and Cambodia sign 72-hour ceasefire agreement
Thailand and Cambodia have formally agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire following high-level talks held under the framework of the General Border Committee (GBC), marking a temporary pause in hostilities along the disputed border areas. The agreement follows the principles outlined in the Kuala Lumpur Joint Agreement and is tied to a proposal involving the possible release of 18 Cambodian soldiers…
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Three soldiers killed at Ban Nong Chan returned to Chakraphong Camp Hospital
The bodies of three Thai soldiers killed during fighting at the Ban Nong Chan border area were returned early Saturday morning to Chakraphong Camp Hospital, as families, military officials, and rescue teams gathered to receive them. At 12.15am on December 27, a convoy of more than 30 vehicles, including military transport and rescue units from the Sawang Bamphathammasathan Foundation in…
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Thai Pakdee Party plans to cancel 1,000 and 500 baht banknotes
The Thai Pakdee Party announced today, December 26, its plan to cancel the use of 1,000 and 500 baht banknotes across Thailand in an effort to combat corruption and disrupt the flow of illicit cash in underground networks. Warong Dechgitvigrom, leader of the Thai Pakdee Party, revealed the party’s latest anti-corruption policy on his Facebook post, stating their intention to…
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Thailand and Laos strengthen ties with fifth friendship bridge
Thailand and Laos are set to open the Fifth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge linking Bueng Kan and Bolikhamsai on Thursday, as the two neighbours celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. The opening ceremony comes as both countries highlight the bridge as an important step in improving cross-border connectivity, which officials say is expected to support people’s livelihoods in both countries.…
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Cambodia claims Buakaw is a Cambodian citizen
On December 20, the Army Military Force Facebook page claimed a Cambodian-led online campaign used AI to forge a fake passport portraying Thai boxing star Sombat “Buakaw” Banchamek as a Cambodian citizen. According to the page, the AI-generated passport image was part of a Cambodian Information Operation (IO) intended to mislead the Thai public about Buakaw’s nationality. The page said…
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CCTV trail points to coordinated hit in killing of Phatthalung village headman
CCTV footage has provided new leads in the fatal shooting of a former village headman in Phatthalung province, with investigators now believing the attack involved a coordinated group of at least six to seven assailants, likely linked to a local political dispute. The victim, Phayom Sangthong, 64, a former village headman and candidate for mayor of the Tha Chamuang Subdistrict…
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US trade deal on hold as tariffs could rise if border conflict drags on
A senior official at Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has warned that any trade deal with the United States cannot be finalized until a new parliament and cabinet are in place, as concerns grow that Washington could raise tariffs if fighting between Thailand and Cambodia is not resolved. Speaking on Friday, Chotima Iamsawadikul, director-general of the Department of International Trade Negotiations,…
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Ex-minister Prasert to be questioned over Singapore MoU with money launderer
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) plans to call in former Digital Economy and Society Minister, Prasert Jantararuangtong. They are concerned about his involvement in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Singapore. Alleged money launderer, Ben Smith, was reportedly present during this event. The MoU has since been brought under investigation by authorities. This decision comes after testimony from…
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Anwar confirms ASEAN meeting on Thai-Cambodian conflict
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced today, December 18, that Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to the deployment of an ASEAN observer team as part of efforts to de-escalate ongoing border tensions. The announcement comes ahead of a special ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting set to take place on December 22 in Kuala Lumpur. Anwar confirmed that both Thailand and Cambodia…
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