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’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Thailand and Vietnam target US$25bn trade boost
Thailand and Vietnam have committed to strengthening economic ties and aim to increase bilateral trade to US$25 billion (833 billion baht) annually in the near future, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. During a media briefing following the 4th Thailand–Vietnam Joint Cabinet Retreat (JCR), co-chaired with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during her official two-day visit which ended yesterday,…
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Trapped in Thailand: US professor caught in royal law limbo
An American academic is stranded in Thailand despite prosecutors dropping serious royal defamation charges, sparking diplomatic concerns and fears of legal limbo. Paul Chambers, a 58 year old political science lecturer, was arrested last month under Thailand’s strict lese majeste law—a rarely enforced statute against foreigners that carries up to 15 years in prison. Though the state prosecutor recently dropped…
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Thai government’s G-token gamble sparks legal, public backlash
The government’s plan to introduce the digital Government Token (G-Token) as a new fundraising strategy has been met with criticism from economic experts. They caution that this move could breach existing legislation and mislead the public. The Cabinet approved the digital token initiative on Tuesday, May 13, aiming to provide an alternative to traditional bonds for retail investors. G-Tokens are…
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Flight club: Thailand plots new routes to Vietnam to boost tourism
Thailand is gearing up to launch new direct flights linking its northeastern provinces to Vietnam to supercharge tourism and deepen regional ties. The plan, revealed during Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s official visit to Vietnam, aims to make travel easier between the neighbouring countries while tapping into their growing tourism markets. Speaking during her two-day visit, which concludes today, May 16, the…
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Truce or just a tariff tease? Trump and Xi hit pause on trade war
The bitter trade war between the United States and China that rattled global markets is getting a breather — but don’t pop the champagne just yet. The US and China have agreed to suspend punishing tariffs on each other’s goods for 90 days, starting Wednesday, after a tense round of high-stakes talks in Geneva over the weekend. The temporary truce…
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Chon Buri transgender MP seeks expulsion from People’s Party
A Member of Parliament (MP) from Chon Buri urged the People’s Party (PP) leader to expel him so he can join a new party, citing a lack of support for his work and experiences of sexism. Krit Chevathamanon, a transgender MP from the PP, held a press conference at the Parliament building yesterday, May 13, to announce his desire to…
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BMW crash scandal fails to put brakes on election victory
Despite a lingering BMW crash scandal and outstanding compensation to victims, a politician and his mother clinched victory in the Thanya Buri Municipal Mayor and Council Members election yesterday. Kritsada Leenawarat, the former Thanya Buri Municipality, stepped aside this year, endorsing his wife, Yupayao Leenawarat, as the mayoral candidate for the Thanya Kaona Party. Their son, Smiththipat “Peach” Leenawarat, also…
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Corrections Department denies plan to challenge Thai doctors’ disciplinary action
The Department of Corrections refuted claims yesterday, May 11, that it intended to seek a court order to overturn a decision by the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) regarding disciplinary action against three doctors linked to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s contentious hospitalisation. The department clarified that it had only become aware of the MCT’s decision through media outlets and…
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Thaksin Shinawatra’s Qatar travel request denied
The Appeal Court has confirmed the Criminal Court’s decision to deny former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra‘s request to travel to Qatar, as reported by former senator Somchai Swangkarn. Somchai, referencing a justice system source, shared on Facebook that Thaksin’s appeal was rejected for two reasons outlined by the lower court. Firstly, there was no confirmed meeting between Thaksin and US…
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Thai green curry pizza takes Finland by storm
In an unexpected culinary twist, Finnish pizza lovers are diving into a flavour fusion that’s leaving taste buds tingling: the Thai Green Curry Pizza. Launched by Kotipizza, the largest pizza chain in the Nordic region, this exotic offering blends the creamy, spicy kick of Thai green curry with the beloved Italian classic, and it’s already creating quite a buzz. This…
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Phuket braces for polls as political heavyweights clash
Phuket is heading to the polls tomorrow in a high-stakes round of municipal elections set to reshape local leadership across the island — and voters are being urged to turn out in force. In a rally dubbed the “Big Day”, Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat led an event at Saphan Hin’s 4,000-seat gymnasium on Thursday, May 8, to stir civic spirit…
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Architect slams ‘botched’ Thai Parliament revamp
Thailand’s leading architect has launched a scathing attack on plans to renovate the country’s new Parliament complex, branding them “destructive” and “irreversible.” National Artist Chatree Ladalalitsakul, the chief designer of the grand riverside structure, broke a decade-long silence to condemn the proposed modifications, which he says would compromise both its artistic integrity and structural safety. “For 10 years, we have…
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Thailand lowers tourist target after 30% drop in Chinese visitors
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) considers lowering its target for foreign tourists this year due to a 30% drop in Chinese visitors. As a response, TAT plans to allocate 2 billion baht for the We Travel Together campaign, which will start next month. Teerasak Thepensri, TAT’s Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning, addressed this at the third Capital Market…
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Cheers allowed: Buddhist holiday booze ban eased
Just after Phuket had announced a 30-hour alcohol sales ban this weekend for its upcoming municipal elections and the Visakha Bucha holiday, the Thai government officially relaxed its alcohol ban on sacred Buddhist holidays — but only under strict conditions. The Royal Gazette announced today, May 9, that the Prime Minister’s Office has revised its previous order on alcohol sales,…
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Thailand to classify gas canisters as controlled products
Thailand’s Ministry of Industry proposes categorising gas canisters as a controlled product amid rising incidents of explosions at barbecue restaurants. Minister Ekanat Prompan highlighted the increasing popularity of barbecue eateries, which often use gas canisters for grills, and noted the risks of reusing canisters, which are designed for single use only. Despite existing safety standards, consumers are urged to adhere strictly…
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Royal Ploughing Ceremony kicks off Thailand’s rice planting season
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, held at Sanam Luang today, marked the beginning of the rice planting season in Thailand. King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida presided over the annual event. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, members of the Cabinet, and diplomatic representatives were also in attendance. The ceremony, a traditional ritual promoting good fortune and agricultural prosperity, coincides with the sixth…
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Tsunami alert: Phuket braces for large-scale emergency drill
Sirens, search dogs, and simulated chaos—Phuket is gearing up for the biggest tsunami disaster drill in years. Local officials announced the CMEX 25 national crisis response exercise, set to hit six Andaman coastal provinces from June 24 to 26, with Phuket taking centre stage. The simulation aims to prepare government agencies, rescue teams, schools, and residents for a worst-case tsunami…
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Thailand’s bold ‘3 Cuts’ plan cripples border call centres
Criminal call centres in Myanmar are running out of juice thanks to Thailand’s tough new crackdown strategy. Three months after launching its “3 Cuts” campaign, the Thai government claims a major victory against cybercrime networks exploiting the border. The operation began on February 5 and aimed to sever the power supply, fuel delivery, and Internet access to five notorious scam…
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Doctors disciplined over Thaksin’s hospital stay amid ethics probe
Three doctors involved in former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s controversial stay on the 14th floor of the Police General Hospital have been disciplined by the Medical Council of Thailand. The disciplinary actions stem from the findings of an investigation into Thaksin’s treatment, which has raised ethical concerns about the standard of care provided. Today, May 8, Professor Doctor Prasit Watanapa,…
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Compensation for SAO building collapse victims to begin tomorrow
The first wave of compensation is set to be delivered tomorrow to the families of victims affected by the tragic collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok. A total of 21 relatives from the first batch will receive financial assistance after a series of negotiations with the ITD-CREC Joint Venture, involving Italian-Thai Development and China Railway No.10…
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Phuket to enforce 30-hour alcohol ban for Buddhist holiday
Phuket residents are in for a weekend of sobriety as two significant events, a municipal election and the Buddhist holiday Visakha Bucha Day, trigger a major alcohol sales ban. From Saturday evening, May 10 to Sunday evening, May 11, Phuket will see a 30-hour alcohol ban in areas with municipal elections, while a separate 24-hour ban will also be enforced…
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Anutin slams media over ‘false’ ISOC blacklist claims
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul fired back at persistent media claims that he’s been blacklisted by the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) for exploiting the monarchy for political gain. Speaking out on Tuesday, May 6, Anutin, who also serves as deputy prime minister and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, slammed the allegations as “false” and called on the media to stop…
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Senate committee to grill PM Paetongtarn on casino bill next week
The special Senate committee examining the government’s casino-entertainment complex bill plans to invite Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to elaborate on the bill’s rationale in the upcoming week. The committee, led by Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, announced yesterday, May 7, that it will conduct its second meeting to review the project today. Despite media speculations, Dr Veerapun clarified that the Thai PM…
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Thai Airways warns of delays as airspace dispute disrupts flights
Travel chaos looms for passengers heading to South Asia and Europe as Thai Airways International issues a crucial warning about potential delays due to the ongoing airspace closure between Pakistan and India. Last night, May 7, the Thai flag carrier urged passengers flying to India, Pakistan, and European destinations to double-check their flight details. While flights between Thailand and India…
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Public outrage after People’s Party member arrested in drug trafficking
The People’s Party issued a public apology after one of its members, a candidate in the upcoming Samut Prakan Municipal Council election, was arrested for drug trafficking along with three other suspects yesterday, May 7. Officers from Min Buri Police Station carried out a crackdown on a drug trafficking gang known as Boon Raksa. Four suspects were apprehended, and a…
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Cambodia, Laos ban Thai livestock over anthrax fears
Cambodia and Laos have temporarily halted the importation of livestock and related products from Thailand to prevent the spread of anthrax. According to China’s Xinhua News Agency, Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries has implemented this precautionary measure and is closely monitoring the anthrax situation in Thailand. The ministry stated that while there are currently no anthrax cases in…
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People’s Party slams pricey Thai Parliament car park project
The People’s Party (PP) disclosed details about another expensive parliamentary project involving the construction of a car park building. Parit Wacharasindhu, an MP from the opposition who leads a House committee focused on political development, mass communications, and public involvement, stated yesterday that the House of Representatives’ secretariat announced a successful bidder for a 104.5 million baht project to design…
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Thai F-16s scramble as Myanmar fighter sparks panic
A Myanmar fighter jet triggered a tense military response this week after flying close to Thai airspace in Kanchanaburi province, prompting the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to deploy two F-16 fighter jets to intercept what was initially classified as an unidentified aircraft. But according to Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, the drama never truly crossed the line, literally. “The aircraft…
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Lèse majesté: US academic fights Thai university sacking
A US academic is challenging his dismissal from a Thai university after being sacked following a dropped lèse majesté charge. The American national claims the termination was unlawful, lacked due process, and violated university regulations. The case has sparked debate over academic freedom and the treatment of foreign scholars in Thailand. Chambers, a former lecturer in the Faculty of Social…
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Paetongtarn hits back over Thaksin hospital scandal
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra came out swinging yesterday, defending her father, ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, amid growing backlash over his controversial hospital stay. Thaksin, now 75, was sentenced to eight years in prison (later reduced to one via royal pardon) after returning from 15 years in self-imposed exile, but instead of doing time behind bars, he was transferred directly to a…
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