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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Sponsored Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
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Cambodia assures SEA games go ahead despite border tensions
Despite growing political tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, the kingdom’s athletes are pushing forward with their preparations for the upcoming 33rd SEA Games, set to take place in Bangkok this December. Vath Chamroeun, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), reassured the public that the ongoing border dispute will not interfere with the prestigious sporting event. Speaking…
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Thai military may close Surin temple amid border tensions
Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated yesterday that local military commanders may advise the closure of Ta Muen Thom Temple in Surin province if tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border escalate. The temple, along with the nearby Prasat Ta Kwai, has become a focal point in the ongoing border disagreement. Recently, there were complaints from Thai citizens regarding inappropriate behaviour by Cambodian…
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Half-price holidays: Thailand’s 1.75 billion baht tourism boost
Thailand is rolling out an exciting new campaign to encourage domestic tourism, with a generous budget of 1.75 billion baht set aside to fuel the Half-Half Thailand Travel initiative. Announced by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong today, June 24, the programme is designed to stimulate travel during the low season, aiming to bolster the country’s tourism industry and help…
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UN urges Thailand to tackle cross-border trafficking linked to scams
The United Nations issued a stark letter to the Thai government, demanding answers on its role in combating cross-border human trafficking connected to online scam operations across Southeast Asia. The communication, sent on March 10, calls for urgent clarification on 10 critical points, highlighting serious concerns over human trafficking and forced labour in scam centres, which are reportedly operating in…
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Tourism slump in Thailand as political instability sparks concerns
Thailand’s foreign tourism numbers have taken a hit, with arrivals from January 1 to June 22 falling by 4.24% compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data from the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Some 16.04 million foreign visitors came to the country during this period, but the dip in numbers has raised concerns among tourism operators…
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Cambodia blasts Thailand’s Buriram temple for copying Angkor Wat
A cultural storm is brewing between Thailand and Cambodia, with latter’s Minister of Culture and Fine Arts strongly condemning the construction of Wat Phu Man Fa in Buriram province, northeast Thailand. The Cambodian government accuses the temple of copying the design of Angkor Wat, a world-renowned UNESCO heritage site and a symbol of Khmer culture. The accusations are not new,…
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Chulalongkorn University ranks among top 10 in ASEAN
Chulalongkorn University has solidified its position as one of Southeast Asia’s premier institutions, securing a spot in the top 10 universities in ASEAN according to the QS World University Rankings (WUR) 2026. Announced on June 19, this prestigious recognition highlights the university’s continued excellence in education, academic reputation, and employability outcomes. Not only does Chulalongkorn remain at the forefront of…
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2026 World Cup stripped from ‘Must-Have’ TV broadcast list
The Royal Gazette published a new announcement from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), removing the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup from the list of “Must-Have” sports for free TV broadcasting. The update signals a shift in television regulations that will impact how key events, including major international sports, are accessible to Thai viewers. The decision, detailed in the…
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Israel’s attack on Iran threatens Thailand’s tourism recovery
Thailand’s tourism sector, already struggling from global uncertainties, is facing another blow as Israel’s unprovoked attack on Iran threatens key international markets. The United States, Europe, and the Middle East, which were once seen as “hope markets” for Thai tourism in 2023, may see a significant dip in tourist arrivals. According to Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, President of the Thai Hotels Association…
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High and dry: Health minister’s war on cannabis shops
The minister of public health declared a dramatic U-turn on cannabis policy but with thousands of shops raking in billions and a booming weed culture now woven into daily life, critics say his war on weed is destined to go up in smoke. Health chief Somsak Thepsuthin sent shockwaves through Thailand’s green economy today, June 24, by signing off on…
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Thai border opens for emergency medical aid for Cambodian man
Thai officials coordinated a special border opening at Ban Khlong Luek permanent crossing in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, to facilitate urgent medical treatment for a Cambodian man experiencing a sudden heart condition. This occurred yesterday, June 23, at 6pm, just an hour before the First Army Area commander was to sign an order closing the border in the same…
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Thai hotels warn of layoffs amid 400 baht wage hike proposal
The Thai Hotels Association (THA) has raised concerns about potential large-scale layoffs in the hotel sector during the low season, should the government proceed with plans to increase the daily minimum wage to 400 baht next week. The THA has submitted a petition to the prime minister, urging the cancellation of this policy. La-iad Bungsrithong, an advisor to the THA…
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Bourse of concern: Thai stocks tumble after US strike on Iran
A United States military strike on Iran* has sent shockwaves through global markets, with Thailand’s stock exchange plunging to post-pandemic lows, prompting emergency stabilisation measures to stop the slide. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) went into crisis mode yesterday, June 23, after fears of an escalating Middle East conflict caused oil prices to surge and Thai stocks to slump 1.3%,…
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NACC probes PM Paetongtarn over leaked call with Hun Sen
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has launched an investigation into Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra after a controversial audio clip of her phone conversation with Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen was leaked. The NACC is probing whether the contents of the call could amount to a serious ethics violation, with the investigation expected to wrap up in just 10 days. The leaked…
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Bhumjaithai criticises Pheu Thai for cannabis regulation delays
Bhumjaithai Party senior member Supachai Jaisamut has urged the swift passage of a cannabis control bill, criticising the Pheu Thai Party’s Ministry of Public Health for its perceived inaction in regulating cannabis. This, he claims, has resulted in its widespread availability and associated challenges. Supachai has reiterated that since 2019, the BJT has supported cannabis use solely for medical purposes.…
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Borderline chaos: Thai-Cambodian crossings shut amid spat
Royal Thai Army (RTA) chiefs have slammed the gates shut on all Thai-Cambodian border crossings in Sa Kaeo, citing growing tensions, sovereignty breaches, and a spike in cross-border crime. Lieutenant General Amorn Boonsuya, Commander of the 1st Army Area, yesterday, June 23, issued a top-level emergency order banning all vehicles and travellers, both Thai and foreign, from crossing the border…
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Thai-Cambodian border checkpoint closures amid protest tensions
The Thai-Cambodian border checkpoint at Chong Sai Taku in Ban Kruat district, Buriram, has been closed by the military following a protest involving Cambodian visitors at Ta Kwai temple in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin, on June 21. This temple is a point of contention between Thailand and Cambodia. A group of 30 Cambodian visitors staged a protest at the…
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Second investigaion launched in Thaksin’s hospital transfer probe
The Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) has initiated a second disciplinary investigation into five doctors involved in former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s hospitalisation. This inquiry focuses on potential professional ethics violations during Thaksin‘s transfer from the Correctional Hospital to the Police General Hospital, possibly involving additional staff. While this new investigation expands on the initial probe, it will adhere to…
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Court set to review petition for PM Paetongtarn’s removal
Thailand’s Constitutional Court is set to commence a preliminary review of a petition submitted by Senators seeking the removal of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Filed last week, the petition will undergo an initial assessment by court officials to verify its compliance with requisite standards. According to a Bangkok Post source, this assessment involves checking the authenticity of the petitioners’ signatures…
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Ratsada’s bold plan: Mayor unveils 7 key initiatives for growth
Jirayut Songyos, the newly elected Mayor of Ratsada Subdistrict Municipality, laid out an ambitious policy plan aimed at transforming his subdistrict into a stronger, more prosperous community. Following his certification by the Phuket Provincial Election Commission on June 4, Jirayut spoke to the Ratsada Subdistrict Municipality Council, outlining his commitment to work under the principles of good governance and transparency.…
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Senate seeks to oust Paetongtarn over leaked call with Cambodia
The Senate Speaker has petitioned the Constitutional Court and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to remove Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office due to a leaked phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. The petitions question if the Thai PM engaged in corruption by violating the Constitution or laws, or if she seriously breached ethical standards. Concurrently, the Constitutional…
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Thai aide accuses Cambodian leader of national security threat
An aide to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has lodged a police complaint against Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, alleging threats to Thailand’s national security and causing internal discord. Somkid Chueakong, the deputy secretary-general for political affairs to the prime minister, submitted this complaint yesterday, June 20, to Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiewphan, head of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB).…
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Poipet casinos offer promotions to lure back Thai gamblers
Casino operators in Poipet, Cambodia, are implementing enticing travel promotions to attract Thai gamblers back after a noticeable decline in cross-border visits due to increased security measures at the Thai-Cambodian border. A local source noted that smaller gates at the Ban Khlong Luek border checkpoint in Sa Kaeo’s Aranyaprathet district remain operational to facilitate students travelling to school. The official…
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Phumtham defends PM, dismisses audio scandal backlash
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has come out swinging in defence of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, urging calm and diplomacy following the political storm triggered by her leaked audio conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. Phumtham, who also serves as Defence Minister, downplayed the fallout from the controversial clip, reaffirming the coalition’s support for Paetongtarn and brushing off…
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‘Get out!’: Rally erupts in Phuket over PM’s leaked clip
The streets of Phuket Old Town roared with anger as hundreds rallied against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, demanding her resignation following a bombshell leaked audio clip. Yesterday afternoon, June 19, a group that called themselves Phuket Loves the Nation staged a highly charged protest at Queen Sirikit Park on Thalang Road, drawing a crowd of 200 to 300 demonstrators. Their message…
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New driving rules: Foreigners must take test in Thailand
No more shortcuts — foreigners in Thailand will soon be required to pass a written test to get a Thai driver’s licence, even if they hold a valid international permit. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) is tightening its rules with a new draft regulation that scraps the use of international driving permits (IDPs) as acceptable proof for obtaining a…
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Thai activist calls mass protest to ‘sink the boat’ over PM scandal
Veteran activist Jatuporn Prompan has declared political war, calling for a mass protest at Bangkok’s Victory Monument on June 28. His mission? To oust Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, whom he accuses of betraying the nation. At a fiery press conference held at the Rattanakosin Hotel on Ratchadamnoen Road, Bangkok, at 10am today, June 20, more than 40 prominent figures from…
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Death penalty call: Activists accuse PM over leaked tape
Two fiery political activists have filed explosive charges against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, claiming she committed acts so severe they could carry the death penalty. The complaint was lodged on Thursday at Mueang Khon Kaen Police Station by anti-corruption campaigners Tul Prasertsilp and Chaichana Tasaniyom. The duo accused the prime minister of breaching multiple sections of Thailand’s Criminal Code over…
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EconThai warns against dissolving House amid political unrest
The Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai) has advised against dissolving the House of Representatives to tackle the weakened political stability in the wake of a leaked phone call between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Hun Sen, former Cambodian prime minister. Tanit Sorat, vice-chairperson of EconThai, expressed concern about the potential political vacuum that could result from dissolving…
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Democrat Party digs in: No exit from coalition after crisis talks
After hours behind closed doors, Thailand’s oldest political party has decided to stick with the ruling coalition — for now. The Democrat Party has confirmed it will remain part of the government coalition following a tense three-hour meeting yesterday, June 19, amid political turbulence triggered by a leaked audio clip involving Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Senate President Hun…
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