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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People’s Party MP sentenced to 4 years for lese majeste, appeals
A People’s Party MP has been sentenced to over two years in prison for lese majeste, with the court ruling she violated laws regarding defamation of the monarchy. Chonthicha Jangrew, a People’s Party MP for Pathum Thani, has been handed a prison sentence of two years and eight months for lese majeste, following allegations of defaming the monarchy. The sentence…
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Thaksin ordered to serve 1 year in prison for hospital stay scandal
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been ordered to serve one year in prison after the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions ruled on the controversial case surrounding his stay at the Police General Hospital (PGH). The ruling follows a lengthy legal battle initiated by former MP Chanchai Issarasenarak, who questioned whether Thaksin’s sentence was properly enforced.…
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Pheu Thai backtracks on bid to boot Anutin from office
In a dramatic U-turn, the Pheu Thai Party has withdrawn its petition to disqualify Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut over alleged constitutional breaches. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha confirmed the reversal, stating that the petition had not yet been submitted to the Constitutional Court, allowing for its legal withdrawal. The request was initially submitted…
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Thai news anchor faces blacklash for mocking MP with depression
A renowned female news anchor and political activist is under fire for mocking a Member of Parliament (MP) from the People’s Party who suffers from depression. The 53 year old news host, Lakkana “Khaek” Punwichai, better known as Kham Phaka, was caught making the remarks during a live broadcast of a news programme on NBT channel on Friday, September 5.…
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New PM Anutin vows swift economic recovery and border peace
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, newly appointed, has committed to rapidly addressing economic difficulties and resolving tensions at the Cambodian border, focusing on peaceful methods and safeguarding national sovereignty. Anutin announced these intentions at the Bhumjaithai Party‘s headquarters in Bangkok after receiving the royal command appointing him as prime minister. “I assure all the respected people of our nation that my…
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Cambodia seeks to restore ties with Thailand amid border tensions
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his admiration for the newly appointed Thai Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, yesterday, September 7, while emphasising the importance of restoring amicable relations between Cambodia and Thailand. In a congratulatory letter to Anutin, Hun Manet stated, “Your resounding victory is a reflection of the strong confidence in your leadership. It is my belief that under…
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Whales and dolphins win protection in Thai seas crackdown
The Cabinet has approved the addition of three marine mammals to Thailand’s list of protected wildlife species, aiming to strengthen efforts to safeguard ocean biodiversity. A draft ministerial regulation, endorsed on Thursday, September 4, designates humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, and Risso’s dolphins as protected animals under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act 2019. This means hunting, trading, importing, or exporting…
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Bangkok to host dazzling Colours of Africa fest at CentralWorld
Bangkok will host the fifth Colours of Africa event at CentralWorld, bringing together culture, trade, and diplomacy between Thailand and African nations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has confirmed that the fifth edition of the Colours of Africa event will be held on Monday, September 8 and Tuesday, September 9 at CentralWorld. The annual celebration, co-organised by the MFA,…
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Pheu Thai prepares for opposition role after prime ministerial defeat
Pheu Thai was pushed into opposition after losing the prime ministerial vote, while Anutin Charnvirakul secured victory with majority support in Parliament. Thailand’s Parliament witnessed a decisive vote yesterday, September 5, confirming Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul as the nation’s 32nd prime minister. He secured 311 votes, well above the 247 needed for a majority, defeating Pheu Thai candidate Chaikasem…
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Anutin clinches top job as 32nd Thai PM after tense vote
Thailand’s House of Representatives has elected Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, as the country’s 32nd prime minister. The election followed the Constitutional Court’s ruling that Paetongtarn Shinawatra must step down as prime minister. During today’s session, Parliament debated under Section 159 of the Constitution before moving forward with the nomination process. Candidates required a majority backing from at…
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Bangkok pushes waste reform with no mixed waste drive
Bangkok officials announced a new waste management campaign, where households will be encouraged to separate rubbish as part of reforms aimed at changing public behaviour and improving citywide sustainability. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is preparing to roll out sweeping waste management reforms on October 1, with its No Mixed Waste initiative already attracting more than 239,000 households. The programme…
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Phuket ramps up drug-free drive with workplace testing push
Phuket officials are stepping up their campaign to make workplaces drug-free, with more than 2,500 employees screened, several companies certified, and dozens of staff referred for treatment. At a meeting chaired by Deputy Governor Suwit Phansengiam at the Phuket Provincial Labour Protection and Welfare Office, officials reviewed progress on the province’s drug-free labour initiative this year. The scheme is designed…
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Ex-PM Thaksin pledges return to face court after surprise Dubai trip
The former Prime Minister (PM) of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, flew to Dubai last night, September 4, reportedly to seek medical treatment. He promised to return to Thailand before September 8 to appear in court on September 9. Thaksin faces charges under the Computer Crime Act and Section 112 of the Criminal Law, also known as the lèse majesté law, stemming…
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Anutin poised to take top job as PM vote nears
Anutin Charnvirakul is expected to be confirmed as Thailand’s next prime minister today, following a key political shift involving party alliances and a planned vote. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha confirmed that the parliamentary vote for the new Prime Minister will be held today, September 5. The move follows the latest twist in Thailand’s turbulent political landscape, which now…
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Election Commission to reject petition against Pheu Thai Party
The Election Commission (EC) is likely to reject a petition aimed at dissolving the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its five coalition partners, after allegations that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra influenced the parties’ operations. The petition, which has been under review by the political registrar of the EC, claims that Thaksin exerted control over these parties, despite no official…
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Phuket tackles high fees at Deep Sea Port after complaints
Phuket’s provincial officials convened an urgent meeting yesterday to address growing complaints from transport operators regarding the high entrance fees being charged at Phuket Deep Sea Port. The meeting, chaired by Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai, took place at the Damrongtham Centre (Phuket Provincial Ombudsman’s Office) in Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, September 3. The discussions were deemed crucial enough to involve…
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Phumtham faces legal heat over House dissolution request
A political uproar has erupted after caretaker Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai sought royal approval to dissolve the House of Representatives. Yesterday, September 3, a list MP and political activist filed a complaint with the police accusing Phumtham of lese majeste. The move has sparked allegations of corruption and malfeasance in office, with accusations that he exceeded his authority. Suratin Pichan…
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Political showdown: Thailand’s House to vote on new PM tomorrow
Thailand’s House of Representatives will vote tomorrow to elect a new Prime Minister, following the dismissal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The outcome could reshape the country’s political landscape. As stipulated by the Constitution, the entire Cabinet was removed from office, with the caretaker government remaining in place until a new administration is formed. In response to the ongoing political turmoil, the…
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Sri Lanka brews Thai ties with world-famous Ceylon tea
Sri Lanka is banking on its world-famous Ceylon tea to deepen ties with Thailand, using the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations as the perfect occasion to showcase its prized export. On Monday, September 1, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Bangkok hosted a glittering evening reception titled Ceylon Tea Finest Evening. The event spotlighted the nation’s premium teas while highlighting their…
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Constitutional Court defends ruling that ousted Paetongtarn as PM
Thailand’s political storm intensified today after the Constitutional Court stood firm on its decision to oust ex-Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, rejecting claims that the ruling was invalid due to a judge’s expired term. The court confirmed that its August 29 verdict, which removed Paetongtarn over alleged ethical misconduct linked to a leaked conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, remains…
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People’s Party backs Anutin as PM under strict terms (video)
Thailand’s political chessboard just shifted again, and the clock is now ticking on Anutin Charnvirakul’s path to power. In a dramatic U-turn, the People’s Party (PP) announced this morning, September 3, that it would support Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, as Thailand’s 32nd prime minister, but only under strict conditions that could collapse the new government within months. The…
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Thailand and Singapore deepen education ties after 60 years
Singapore aims to enhance its educational cooperation with Thailand as the two countries celebrate a six-decade-long partnership. At the Singapore Education Fair 2025 in Bangkok last week, Quek Shei Ting, Deputy Chief of Mission of Singapore to Thailand, emphasised education’s role as a key pillar in their bilateral relations. “Thailand and Singapore have shared a long history of friendship and…
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Cannabis clampdown: Thailand limits buds to 5 medical uses
Forget rolling a joint for fun: Thai health chiefs have slammed the brakes on cannabis use, ruling that buds can only be legally consumed by patients with specific medical conditions and a doctor’s prescription. The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) confirmed the strict new rules, narrowing the scope of cannabis usage after months of heated debate over…
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Ex-MP dances naked to fulfill vow after Paetongtarn removed
A former Member of Parliament (MP) from the Move Forward Party (MFP) stripped naked yesterday, 1 September, and performed a traditional Thai dance to fulfil her vow after the former Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was removed from office. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Thaiger (@thethaigerofficial) The ex-MP, Amarat Chokepamitkul, had announced…
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Bangkok protest set for today against Pheu Thai’s government formation
The United Power of the Land to Protect Sovereignty and its supporters are set to convene at Victory Monument in Bangkok today, August 31, opposing the Pheu Thai Party’s efforts to form a new government. This decision follows the Constitutional Court’s ruling on August 29, which removed Paetongtarn Shinawatra from the prime ministerial candidacy due to a leaked phone call…
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Anutin pushes plan for interim government with allies
Thailand’s political chessboard has been thrown into fresh turmoil as Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul declared his readiness to lead an interim government, with crucial backing from the opposition People’s Party. The move comes after the Constitutional Court removed Paetongtarn Shinawatra from the premiership, leaving the country in limbo. Anutin confirmed yesterday, August 29, that his party is canvassing support from…
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Thailand grants royal pardon to jailed activists and artists
Thailand has released several high-profile prisoners jailed under the controversial lese majeste law following royal pardons issued earlier this year, with activists, artists, and even a mother jailed while pregnant among those walking free. The mass release, which began on Wednesday, August 27, was confirmed by the Corrections Department. Those freed include those convicted under Section 112 of the Criminal…
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PM out: Paetongtarn booted over Hun Sen audio scandal
Thailand’s Constitutional Court today removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office, ruling she committed serious ethical violations in a leaked audio clip with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. At 9.30am today, August 29, the nine judges, led by court president Nakarin Mektrairat, convened to deliberate the petition lodged by 36 senators and endorsed by the Senate President. The complaint alleged…
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Thailand’s rights body urges halt to mega land bridge plan
Thailand’s ambitious Ranong–Chumphon land bridge project has hit a major roadblock after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) called for it to be suspended over fears of human rights abuses, flawed economics, and a lack of genuine public input. At its meeting on Tuesday, August 26, the NHRC advised the government to put the project on hold until comprehensive public…
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Power play: Anutin eyes PM seat if Paetongtarn falls
Political winds are swirling in Bangkok as reports emerge of a secret pact that could see Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul take over as prime minister if Paetongtarn Shinawatra is booted from office. According to Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) deputy leader Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, Anutin has urged PPRP leader Prawit Wongsuwan to back him for a six-month interim premiership, should the…
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