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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Cambodia’s Hun Sen calls for Thai film ban amid rising tensions
Cambodia is threatening to pull the plug on Thai culture and commerce as tensions with Thailand continue to boil over. Senate President Hun Sen has urged the Royal Government of Cambodia to consider banning Thai films and halting imports of Thai goods, citing rising hostility from Thai extremist groups. The bold remarks were made in a fiery social media post,…
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Pheu Thai reshuffles Cabinet, Prasert to lead Interior Ministry
A major reshuffle is in the works for Thailand’s Cabinet, with Pheu Thai proposing a significant change in leadership roles. The party is set to replace Prasert Jantararuangtong’s current position as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society with a new role as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior. According to a report from Government…
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Macron offers to mediate Cambodia-Thailand border dispute
French President Emmanuel Macron has extended a helping hand to resolve the ongoing border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, offering to facilitate the provision of documents if needed. The announcement came during a meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in Nice, France, with the French president expressing willingness to assist both countries in resolving their differences peacefully. Speaking at…
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Thai Journalists Association urges PM’s team to stop intimidating media
The Thai Journalists Association urged officials working closely with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to refrain from any intimidating behaviour towards journalists following a recent confrontation between the PM and a reporter. The Thai premier was seen expressing irritation towards a journalist during an interview on June 4 regarding the ongoing conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. The 38 year…
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United Thai Nation Party in chaos over Cabinet reshuffle demands
The United Thai Nation (UTN) Party is in turmoil after 22 MPs, led by deputy leader Suchart Chomklin, submitted a letter to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Monday, calling for a reshuffle of the party’s ministers. The move, which has sparked internal conflict, suggests that the reshuffling of the Cabinet members is necessary to improve governance and crisis management. Suchart,…
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Thai tourism at a crossroads: Can the industry survive?
Thailand’s tourism industry is facing a critical turning point, according to Yuthasak Supasorn, Chairman of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) and former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). While Thai tourism has weathered numerous crises in the past, it is now confronted with a significant structural change and a noticeable decline in tourist numbers. “Thai tourism…
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Phuket’s election results are in: 10 new mayors announced
Phuket officially confirmed its new batch of mayors after last month’s municipal elections, with 10 leaders set to take office across the island. Following the announcement by the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT Phuket) yesterday, June 10, the island’s political landscape is about to undergo a major transformation. Despite a slight delay in releasing the results, the ECT Phuket branch…
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Thailand, Cambodia to resolve border dispute through dialogue
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed she held direct talks with Cambodian leaders, Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Hun Sen, agreeing to resolve the ongoing border dispute through dialogue. The Thai premier stated that recent talks with Cambodia have been progressing smoothly, emphasising the government’s commitment to diplomatic solutions. Following a Cabinet meeting yesterday, June 10, she said that…
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Cambodia’s military incursion sparks border clash with Thailand
Thailand accused Cambodia of violating its sovereignty after Cambodian forces were caught building a military base on Thai soil in Ubon Ratchathani province, leading to a skirmish between the two nations’ troops last month. The Royal Thai Armed Forces released a series of aerial photos last night, June 9, showing the Cambodian troops entering the Chong Bok area in April…
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Health minister denies favouritism in photos with Chinese students
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin responded to mounting criticism over photos of him with Chinese students at Government House, clarifying that the encounter was simply a new year greeting, not an act of preferential treatment. Somsak addressed the controversy today, June 10, following a Facebook post by CSI LA, a popular social media page. The post, published on Sunday, accused…
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Phuket’s Biennale aims to put Thai art on global map
Thailand is aiming for artistic immortality, quite literally, with the launch of its 2025 Thailand Biennale campaign under the theme Eternal Kalpa, or more accurately, Eternal Eternity. The Ministry of Culture kicked off its promotional push at the Royal Phuket City Hotel, unveiling plans for the international contemporary art festival, which officials say will catapult Thai creativity onto the global…
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Health minister blasted over Thaksin hospital scandal meeting
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin is under fire this week for planning to attend a high-stakes Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) meeting, with critics accusing him of overstepping his authority and meddling in a politically sensitive case. At the centre of the storm is the controversial hospitalisation of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was swiftly transferred from prison to…
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Covid leads Thailand’s disease watchlist with 31 deaths
Covid-19 is making an aggressive comeback in Thailand, with over 111,000 new cases and 31 deaths reported last week alone, and health experts are raising the alarm. Associate Professor Dr Thira Woratanarat from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine revealed on Facebook that Covid has now become the most frequently reported disease under official surveillance. “This surge should not be taken lightly,”…
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Thailand goes to war on dengue with free vaccine plan
Thailand is waging war on dengue fever and it’s going all in to wipe out the deadly mosquito-borne disease for good. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin unveiled a new national strategy yesterday, June 9, during the 2025 ASEAN Dengue Day event, themed ASEAN United: Zero Dengue Death, a Future We Build Together. The goal? Zero dengue-related deaths in 2025. “No…
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Thailand threatens to cut Internet over Cambodia’s visa snub
Cambodia has reduced the visa duration for Thai visitors to seven days, prompting Thailand to reciprocate and consider cutting electricity and Internet services to Cambodia, according to the Foreign Ministry. Nikorndej Balankura, a spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs Ministry, announced at a press conference yesterday, June 9, that Cambodia initiated the reduction of visa validity for Thai visitors. Thai passport…
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Thai navy vows to guard seas as Cambodia drills near Koh Kut
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) chief has reiterated the navy’s commitment to defending Thailand’s sovereignty, emphasising the necessity to repel any incursions into Thai territory promptly. Admiral Jirapol Wongwit made these remarks in Nakhon Si Thammarat amid reports that Cambodian naval forces were planning live-fire exercises near Koh Kut in Trat province. This latest issue between Thailand and Cambodia primarily…
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Thailand rejects ICJ jurisdiction in land dispute with Cambodia
Thailand does not acknowledge the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its land dispute with Cambodia. Yesterday, the Thai government issued its second statement about the border situation, indicating that since the clash in the Chong Bok area on May 28, both countries have agreed to use existing bilateral mechanisms for resolution. These include the Joint Boundary…
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Thailand secures 12 Saab Gripen jets in 60 billion baht deal
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has confirmed its plan to acquire 12 Saab Gripen E and F fighter jets from Sweden, in a deal valued at 60 billion baht. The initial delivery is expected by 2029. Commander of the RTAF, Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, announced yesterday, June 5, that the acquisition aims to replace Thailand’s ageing fleet of…
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Thailand launches free alcohol quality tests in 3 provinces
Thailand’s Excise Department is stepping up its efforts to improve the quality and safety of locally produced alcohol by launching a groundbreaking initiative aimed at ensuring community-made liquor meets safety standards. The Community Liquor Lab on Wheels programme, announced yesterday, June 5, by Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul, will deploy mobile laboratories to Lampang, Sakon Nakhon, and Songkhla—three provinces with…
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Thai healthcare scheme stable with 46 billion baht in reserves
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has assured the public that the 30-baht “gold card” Universal Healthcare Coverage scheme remains financially stable, with hospitals holding reserve funds of 46 billion baht after liabilities. During a meeting of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) board, Somsak addressed concerns regarding hospital budget deficits, which some attribute to the scheme’s compensation mechanism. Critics argue…
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Thai teachers demand MoU cancellation over alcohol discounts
Thai educators are up in arms over a controversial deal between a state agency and a beer company, launching a petition to cancel the agreement. The backlash is centred on concerns that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Office of the Welfare Promotion Commission for Teachers and Educational Personnel (OTEP) and Tawandang German Brewery undermines teacher integrity and sets…
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Thailand seeks 12m baht over coral reef damage by cargo ship
Thailand is pursuing compensation of at least 12 million baht after a Myanmar cargo ship, the MV Ayar Linn, ran aground on a coral reef in Mu Koh Surin National Park, Phang Nga, causing significant environmental damage. On June 1, the vessel was discovered lodged on a coral reef in Ao Jak Bay, according to Athapol Charoenshunsa, Director General of…
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Thailand plans new casino laws to combat money laundering
Thailand is set to implement measures to record and monitor financial transactions of casino visitors to combat money laundering, as the government aims to gain support for a bill to legalise gambling venues within new integrated resorts. The country plans to enforce responsible gaming regulations, which include prohibitions on casino advertising and barring those considered “financial risks” from entry, explained…
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Thai PM Paetongtarn clashes with journalist over Cambodia border dispute
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra clashed with a journalist during an interview yesterday, June 4, regarding the ongoing conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. A military clash between Thailand and Cambodia was reported on May 28 in the Chong Bok area of the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani. The clash began at approximately 5.30am and ended at 5.55am on the same day.…
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Pita Limjaroenrat’s political return sparks hope for ‘Orange Camp’
Pita Limjaroenrat’s brief reappearance in the political arena has reignited optimism among supporters of the “Orange Camp,” following his reaffirmed ambition to become Thailand’s prime minister in nine years. His involvement in politics was curtailed due to the dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP). In August 2024, the Constitutional Court found the party and its executives, including Pita, guilty…
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Activist demands court ruling over energy minister appointment
Thailand’s newest prime minister is already under legal fire, with a political activist demanding the Constitutional Court weigh in on her first big Cabinet move. Political activist Sonthiya Sawasdee has called on the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to seek a Constitutional Court ruling over Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s appointment of Pirapan Salirathavibhaga as deputy prime minister and energy…
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TCC flags legal red flags in 13 Bangkok high-rises
Thirteen flashy high-rises across Bangkok are under fire after watchdogs revealed they may be breaking the law—by blocking fire trucks and fudging approved plans. The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) has blown the whistle on 13 high-rise building projects across Bangkok, raising alarm over alleged legal violations and dangerous design shortcuts that could put residents at risk. Led by secretary-general Saree…
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People’s Party MP slams 26.5 billion baht budget for inequality
People’s Party MP Pukkamon Nunarnan criticised the government’s 26.5 billion baht provincial budget yesterday, arguing that it perpetuates inequality and fails to meet local communities’ needs. During the third day of the debate on the 2026 fiscal budget bill, Pukkamon, also known as “Lisa,” targeted the Interior Ministry’s budget. She asserted that the allocation model demonstrates a lack of power…
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Thaksin holds firm as Pheu Thai plans Cabinet shake-up
June is shaping up to be a stormy month in Thai politics, with tensions boiling over amid protests and courtroom drama targeting Pheu Thai’s spiritual leader, Thaksin Shinawatra. Despite rumoured flight and political chaos, Thaksin made a rare public appearance on Tuesday, May 27, dismissing speculation that he had fled the country. His keynote speech at a narcotics control event…
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F1 fever hits Bangkok: Street race plans rev up
Thailand is gearing up for a high-octane future as Tourism and Sports Minister Surawong Thienthong revealed plans to host the F1 World Championship on a street circuit rather than investing in a dedicated racetrack. This bold move aligns with Formula One’s preference and the private sector’s eagerness to back the event, signalling an exciting chapter for Thai motorsport. Minister Surawong…
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