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 tourism tax stalled again despite 11 billion baht potential
Thailand’s plan to introduce a tourist tax for foreign visitors remains stalled due to political delays, despite full readiness and strong industry backing. Initially backed by the National Tourism Policy Committee in February 2023, the fee would charge inbound travellers 300 baht by air or 150 baht by land or sea, applying only to overnight visitors. Despite its potential to…
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People’s Party faces axe over student aide salary scandal
The Klatham Party is preparing to file a petition with the Election Commission (EC) seeking the dissolution of the People’s Party (PP), following explosive allegations involving the misuse of parliamentary appointments and salaries. Klatham MP for Kamphaeng Phet, Phai Lik, announced his intention to take the matter to the EC, claiming that the PP appointed a Grade 10 student as…
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Thai charter reform at risk as border tensions take focus
Experts have warned that Thai voters may reject charter reform when they head to the polls, as rising nationalist sentiment shifts focus to border disputes. Yesterday, November 6, academics and political observers sounded the alarm that the junta-era charter is likely to survive another public vote, as attention shifts from constitutional reform to the more emotionally charged issue of revoking…
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Singapore names orchid after Thai PM Anutin and his wife
During an official visit to Singapore, Thailand’s prime minister and his wife were honoured with a new orchid species named in recognition of their visit. Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his wife were honoured with a floral tribute during an official visit to Singapore, as a newly cultivated orchid species was named Vanchoanthe Anutin Thananon Charnvirakul. The gesture came…
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Thai royals to make historic China visit for golden friendship
Thailand’s monarchs will make a state visit to China following an invitation from the president, to mark a key diplomatic anniversary between the nations. King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida will embark on a historic state visit to China from November 13 to 17, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit commemorates 50 years of diplomatic ties…
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UK sanctions hit Thai firms over Russia war links
The UK has sanctioned four Thai companies for allegedly aiding Russia’s war in Ukraine, prompting Thai authorities to warn businesses of reputational risks. Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade (DFT), under the Ministry of Commerce, confirmed the development following an announcement by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The UK’s latest round of designations targeted 39 individuals and entities…
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Anutin brushes off Hun Sen’s 500-year border closure jibe
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dismissed pointed remarks made by Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, who claimed Cambodia could withstand a closed Thai-Cambodian border for “500 years.” Speaking to reporters, Anutin played down the comments. “I haven’t read them.” Hun Sen had taken to Facebook to assert that Cambodia never asked Thailand to reopen any crossings, stating that it was…
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People’s Party hits back at salary deduction smear claims
Thailand’s opposition People’s Party has denied claims it used MP assistants’ salaries to fund memberships, calling the allegations politically motivated. The allegations were raised by Klatham Party MP Phai Lik, who suggested such deductions could constitute money laundering. In response, People’s Party deputy leader Rangsiman Rome dismissed the claims as baseless and legally flawed. “Diverting salaries to pay for party…
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PM Anutin threatens early House dissolution over censure plot
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul warned he may dissolve the House early if opposition parties push ahead with a censure debate driven by political motives. Anutin said he would not stand for politically motivated attacks. “If the censure debate is merely a political game and the government cannot counter it, the House will be dissolved.” The prime minister said the…
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Bangkok’s Mexican Embassy steps in after Miss Universe dispute
The Mexican Embassy stepped in after its Miss Universe contestant clashed with organisers in Thailand, following a dispute during pre-pageant events. The Mexican Embassy in Bangkok has confirmed it is actively monitoring the situation surrounding Fátima Bosch, the country’s representative at this year’s Miss Universe pageant. In a public statement, the embassy said it has remained in close contact with…
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Thailand splashes 4 billion baht to keep MotoGP roaring till 2031
Thailand has approved a multi-billion baht budget to extend its MotoGP hosting rights, securing the international racing event for another five years. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ayrin Phanrit announced yesterday, November 4, that the Cabinet has approved the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ proposal to extend Thailand’s MotoGP hosting rights from 2027 to 2031. The budget set aside for the high-octane…
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Thailand’s EC warns parties over fake membership scandal
Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) has warned political parties against using fake member data after a surge in online complaints from unsuspecting citizens. The warning comes after a surge in online complaints, where users discovered their names listed in party rosters despite never joining. One viral post on platform X sparked a wave of similar reports, prompting the EC to launch an…
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Thai MP and police accused of involvement in 2.5 billion baht online gambling network
A political activist accused a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Klatham Party and several police officers of involvement in and benefiting from online gambling operations with more than 2.5 billion baht in circulation. Recently, former Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, gave an interview to the media in which he accused a southern…
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Gun Jompalang probed over lottery quota and shady links
A Thai charity is under investigation after a political activist filed a complaint over lottery quota irregularities and suspected political connections. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has been urged to investigate the Gun Jompalang Chuai Su Foundation and its controversial face, Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet, over alleged irregularities involving 200,000 government lottery tickets and links to the Thamanat Prompow Foundation. The…
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People’s Party launches anti-corruption campaign ahead of early election
The opposition People’s Party (PP) has launched its early election campaign under the slogan With Us, No Grey, signalling a firm anti-corruption stance as the country inches toward a potential snap election. Sirikanya Tansakul, deputy leader of the PP and party-list MP, said the campaign reflects widespread public frustration over corruption, money laundering, and the rise of grey capital in…
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NACC probes ex-PM Srettha over 10,000 baht digital wallet funds
Former prime minister Srettha Thavisin is under fire as the country’s top graft-busting agency launches a high-stakes probe into claims he and senior officials misused state bank funds to bankroll the government’s controversial digital wallet scheme. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) announced it has accepted a complaint alleging malfeasance and violations of the Fiscal Discipline Act by Srettha and key…
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Thai MotoGP extension revs up for Cabinet approval
The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) plans to extend its MotoGP hosting rights following completed talks, with a five-year deal set for Cabinet approval soon. The proposal, aimed at securing the race’s place on the global calendar until 2031, will be tabled at the upcoming Cabinet meeting on November 4. SAT Governor Dr Kongsak Yodmanee confirmed that negotiations with Dorna…
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Locals ready tractors to reclaim disputed Thai-Cambodian land
A group of villagers and activists in Sa Kaeo province gathered near the Thai-Cambodian border to reclaim farmland they say has been occupied for decades. At the heart of the protest is the Nong Chan border area, where residents say Cambodian nationals have occupied Thai farmland for over 40 years. Today, October 31, more than 200 locals, led by activist…
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Julapun takes Pheu Thai reins after Paetongtarn steps down
The Pheu Thai Party has elected Julapun Amornvivat as its new leader, signalling a fresh chapter for Thailand’s largest political party after Paetongtarn Shinawatra stepped down to avoid ethical scrutiny. Julapun, a five-time Chiang Mai MP and former deputy finance minister, secured 354 out of 369 votes in an extraordinary general assembly held at the party’s headquarters today, October 31.…
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Prince Andrew loses title and royal lodge in scandal fallout
A British royal has been stripped of his title and ordered to leave his Windsor home following renewed scrutiny over ties to a convicted sex offender. Andrew has been officially stripped of his royal title and ordered to vacate his Windsor residence following weeks of mounting scandal over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a stunning announcement…
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Pheu Thai veteran Viroj Pao-in dies at 91 after illness
A former Pheu Thai Party leader passed away at a hospital in Pathum Thani after battling an infection, prompting tributes from political allies and MPs. Thailand’s political landscape bid farewell to a long-serving figure this week as Viroj Pao-in, former caretaker leader of the Pheu Thai Party, passed away at the age of 91. He died from an infection at…
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Thai MP blasted for wearing pink to mourning Parliament session
A Thai MP sparked public outrage after arriving at Parliament in a pink outfit during a mourning session, prompting a party apology and clarification. The incident occurred during a House of Representatives meeting yesterday, October 29, when all attending MPs were expected to wear black as a mark of mourning. Photos later emerged showing Somsak Boonprachom, MP for Ubon Ratchathani…
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Anutin pushes China on rice deal at high-stakes APEC summit
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will ask Chinese President Xi Jinping to speed up a major rice deal during their high-level meeting at the APEC summit in South Korea. Before flying out yesterday, October 29, Anutin confirmed he would request China to fast-track the consideration of importing 500,000 tonnes of Thai rice, a move expected to boost Thailand’s economy and strengthen…
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Border breakthrough: Thailand and Cambodia agree to disarm
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to begin withdrawing heavy weapons from their shared border in a phased plan to ease tensions and restore peace. Both nations have agreed to begin withdrawing heavy weaponry in a phased operation starting November 1. The move follows a high-level Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting at the Chong Chom checkpoint in Surin province. The decision…
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Anutin brushes off China worries over rare earths deal with US
Thailand’s prime minister dismissed concerns that a new rare earth cooperation deal with the US could strain relations with China, calling it goodwill. PM Anutin Charnvirakul made the remarks after returning from the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, addressing media at Don Mueang’s Wing 6 terminal in Bangkok yesterday, October 28. Anutin was responding to questions about the memorandum of…
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Ministry confirms schools can celebrate during mourning
Thailand’s Education Ministry has clarified its stance on school celebrations, confirming that festivities are not banned, despite earlier confusion caused by conflicting guidelines. An urgent notice, issued to private schools yesterday, October 28, cancels the ministry’s previous directive and outlines revised measures. The new guidelines, effective from October 25, came following an executive meeting held on Monday, October 27. Academic…
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Royal tribute: Loy Krathong to proceed with subdued tone
The Ministry of Culture has confirmed that Thailand’s traditional Loy Krathong Festival will go ahead as planned, albeit with a more subdued tone to honour the recent passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother. Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaiset stated that the festival, traditionally marked by colourful celebrations and river lanterns, will continue under the revised theme, Thai Loy…
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Education Ministry denies school event ban during mourning
Thailand’s Education Ministry has denied issuing a blanket ban on school activities during the national mourning period for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, following backlash from parents and educators online. Concerns were sparked after the ministry circulated a directive urging educational institutions to avoid “joyful activities” for one year out of respect. However, Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat has…
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US calls on Thailand, Cambodia to release detained soldiers
The United States has turned up the pressure on Thailand and Cambodia to start the release of 18 detained soldiers without delay, following a new ceasefire agreement signed in the presence of US President Donald Trump. A senior State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Washington expects swift action now that both Southeast Asian nations have committed to…
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Thai and Cambodian leaders sign peace declaration witnessed by Trump
Thai Prime Minister (PM) Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian PM Hun Manet signed a joint declaration in Malaysia, witnessed by United States President Donald Trump and Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim. The ceremony, titled Delivering Peace: Cambodia-Thailand Peace Deal, was held in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, October 26. President Trump opened the event by expressing his condolences to Thailand over the passing of…
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