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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Thai MP faces 100m baht defamation lawsuit over scam allegations
South African businessman Benjamin Mauerberger, widely known as Ben Smith, has filed criminal and civil defamation lawsuits against People’s Party MP Rangsiman Rome, seeking 100 million baht in damages. The lawsuits stem from remarks made by Rangsiman during a Parliamentary debate on September 30, in which he alleged that Smith was a central figure in Cambodian-linked scam networks, call-centre fraud,…
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Thaksin second royal pardon request denied by justice minister
Thailand’s justice minister has rejected a second royal pardon petition filed on behalf of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, meaning the 74 year old must serve the remainder of his one-year jail term. Justice Minister Rutthapon Naowarat said he has formally submitted his opinion on Thaksin’s appeal to the Cabinet Secretariat after reviewing the findings of a special committee. The…
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Thaksin gets visit from sister and ex-PM Somchai at Klong Prem Prison
Former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and his wife, Yaowapha Wongsawat, visited Thaksin Shinawatra at Klong Prem Central Prison this morning, October 6, to offer moral support, as the former leader awaits the outcome of his royal clemency plea. This marked the seventh family visit since the Supreme Court ordered Thaksin back to prison on September 9 to serve a one-year…
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Democrat Party revival as Abhisit Vejjajiva set to return
The Democrat Party is experiencing a revival as seasoned politicians rejoin its ranks, driven by the anticipated return of former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to the party leadership. This movement is gaining traction ahead of an important general assembly scheduled for later this month. Among the notable individuals returning is Supatra Masdit, a former minister to the prime minister’s office.…
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Sri Racha approves 175-million-baht boost for parking
Sri Racha Municipal Council has approved a combined budget of 175 million baht to fund two major local initiatives aimed at improving city infrastructure and supporting residents in need. The decision was made during the council’s second extraordinary meeting of the year yesterday, October 3, chaired by Council President Anan Wanpaisan at the Sriracha Municipality Office. The meeting was attended…
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Celebrity cop hire lands Thai House speaker in hot water
House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha is facing an ethics complaint after allegedly pulling strings to appoint a high-profile officer to a key role in the parliamentary office. Former Democrat MP Wachara Phetthong has filed an ethics complaint against House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, accusing him of bypassing parliamentary procedures to bring a high-profile police officer into the Secretariat…
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New Phuket governor kicks off term with youth unity project
The newly appointed governor of Phuket headed to a neighbouring province to join a youth event promoting unity, culture, and leadership through shared experiences. Phuket Governor Saransak Srikruanetra travelled to Phang Nga on Thursday, October 2, to join more than 100 youths from Thailand’s southern border provinces as part of the 45th San Jai Thai Su Jai Tai project. The…
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Thai PM draws red line on border as tensions with Cambodia grow (video)
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul chaired a National Security Council (NSC) meeting yesterday to address ongoing tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border. The focus was on Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Sa Kaeo province, where Cambodian encroachments have raised concerns over sovereignty. The meeting yesterday, October 2, covered bilateral mechanisms such as Regional Border Committee (RBC), General Border…
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Thai minister threatens suits over scammer link claims
Thailand’s deputy prime minister announced plans to file lawsuits against those linking him to a fugitive scammer at the centre of a major fraud case. A fiery war of words erupted in Thai politics after Deputy Prime Minister and Agriculture Minister Captain Thammanat Prompao launched a blistering legal counteroffensive against allegations tying him to a fugitive scam ringleader. Thammanat declared…
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Anutin heads to conflict-hit border to boost morale and aid (video)
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will visit two eastern provinces to inspect security operations and meet residents affected by recent border unrest. The PM, who also serves as Interior Minister, will visit Surin and Buriram provinces from today, October 3, to tomorrow, October 4, to monitor security operations, assess rehabilitation efforts, and provide moral support to military personnel and civilians…
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British actor flies in to boost morale at Trat border post
A British actor travelled from overseas to Thailand’s eastern border to donate solar panels and supplies to boost morale among local border patrol police. Actor Mark Shelley and his Thai wife, Naphatwarun Sirirattanasap, travelled from the UK to Trat province, making a patriotic stop at a Border Patrol Police base to donate vital equipment to officers stationed along the Cambodian…
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Thaksin’s royal pardon bid under review by justice panel
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra may be one step closer to freedom as the Justice Ministry confirms a panel has been formed to review his royal pardon request. Justice Minister Police Lieutenant General Rutthapon Naowarat announced yesterday, October 2, that the committee will assess Thaksin’s petition and is expected to decide within three days. The move follows a formal submission…
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Thailand and Mexico celebrate 50 years of friendship in Phuket
Diplomats, officials and guests gathered in Phuket to celebrate five decades of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Mexico at a gala dinner event. Hosted at the elegant Silk Restaurant at Andara Resort & Villas in Kamala, the event was organised by Natthakanya Sangpho, Honorary Consul of Mexico in Phuket. The evening welcomed an illustrious gathering of guests, including dignitaries, diplomats,…
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Thai govt brings back co-pay scheme with more baht in your pocket
The Thai government will reopen registration for its co-payment scheme, offering increased daily subsidies to support consumers and small businesses. A fresh round of registration will open from October 20 to 26. The scheme aims to support both consumers and small businesses, with increased daily spending power and broader financial benefits for those within the tax system. Deputy Prime Minister…
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Phuket’s new governor vows to fix traffic and boost tourism
Phuket’s newly appointed governor took office, pledging to tackle traffic, infrastructure and sustainable development to improve life for residents and tourists. Phuket officially welcomed its new governor, Saransak Srikruanetra, who took office yesterday, October 1, with a promise to tackle the island’s most pressing problems head-on. The 57 year old Udon Thani native pledged to focus on infrastructure, traffic congestion,…
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Phuket bids warm farewell to outgoing governor Sophon
Phuket’s outgoing governor was honoured with a farewell ceremony at Provincial Hall, where officials, community leaders and residents gathered to pay tribute. At 9am yesterday, September 30, Sophon and his wife, Busadee, President of the Phuket Red Cross Society, began the day by paying homage to sacred objects enshrined at the front of the hall. The ritual, a longstanding tradition,…
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Anutin dismisses US shutdown fears, says Thailand secure
Thailand’s prime minister has assured the public that the US government shutdown will not affect the country, stressing that trade agreements with Washington remain secure. At a press briefing today, October 1, at Government House, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the fallout from the US Senate’s rejection of a budget bill, which triggered America’s first shutdown in…
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PM Anutin flies mission to deliver organs and save 7 lives
Thailand’s prime minister piloted his own plane to Loei to collect donated organs, which were flown to Bangkok to help save the lives of seven patients. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul touched down in Loei province yesterday, September 30, in what was his first volunteer flight since taking office. The Public Relations Department confirmed he landed at Loei Airport at 12.15pm…
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Thai foreign minister slammed over UN debut controversy (video)
Thailand’s new foreign minister addressed the UN General Assembly, sparking debate at home over whether he breached constitutional rules by acting too soon. Thailand’s newly appointed Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has come under fire for potentially breaching constitutional rules after delivering a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The 80th UNGA session, which ran from…
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Cannabis U-turn: Bhumjaithai vows drug war in 4 months
A senior Bhumjaithai MP told Parliament that the government will prioritise tackling the drug crisis, declaring cannabis reform finished and seeking four months to act. Deputy Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party MP for Buriram Sophon Saram made his stance crystal clear during a heated parliamentary session this morning, declaring that tackling Thailand’s drug problem will be his party’s top priority.…
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Big Joke strikes back with lawsuit against top judges (video)
A former senior police officer has filed a lawsuit against top judges, accusing them of interfering in a court ruling that led to his controversial dismissal. Former Deputy National Police Chief Police General Surachate Hakparn, better known as Big Joke, has filed a corruption complaint against two of the most senior figures in Thailand’s judiciary. The explosive lawsuit, submitted to…
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Anutin outlines new policies on tourism, trade, and constitutional reform
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul laid out his government’s policy direction in Parliament today, September 29, with a strong focus on tourism recovery, economic reform, and regional diplomacy. Anutin said restoring tourist confidence and tackling scams that target visitors were top priorities, alongside promoting domestic travel. He also stressed the need for a peaceful resolution to tensions with Cambodia and pledged…
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People’s Party to target ministers in Anutin’s policy debate
The People’s Party (PP) is preparing more than 20 MPs to speak during the upcoming Parliamentary debate on Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s policy statement, set for Monday and Tuesday, September 29 to 30. The party plans to raise urgent policy issues and question the qualifications of certain Cabinet ministers, although no names have been disclosed. Sirikanya Tansakul, deputy PP leader…
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Thaksin put to work cleaning drains during prison sentence
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been assigned to supervise drain-cleaning work during his prison sentence, according to his daughter Paetongtarn. The 39 year old Pheu Thai Party leader revealed her father’s new role during a visit to Klong Prem Central Prison in Chatuchak, Bangkok, where Thaksin is serving a one-year sentence. The 76 year old veteran politician was sent…
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PM Anutin pledges to dissolve Parliament by January 2026
The Prime Minister (PM) of Thailand and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, confirmed yesterday, September 24, that Parliament will be dissolved at the end of January 2026, with a new election expected between March and April, alongside a referendum on constitutional amendments. Anutin, joined by the Cabinet, held a press conference following a special Cabinet meeting. He began by clarifying government…
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Thailand to crack down on illegal border crossings from October 10
Thailand will begin enforcing legal action against illegal border crossers in a province bordering Cambodia, following heightened security concerns. From October 10, officials in Sa Kaeo province will ramp up surveillance and enforce legal measures against people entering the country illegally. The move comes amid ongoing tensions over disputed territory along the Thai-Cambodian border. Sa Kaeo Governor Parinya Phothisat made…
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Thailand MPs back bills to cut work hours, add menstruation leave
Thailand’s House of Representatives approved two opposition bills to amend labour laws, aiming to reduce working hours, expand leave rights and boost workplace equality. The bills, both tabled by MPs from the People’s Party, were approved during a heated session today, September 24, and will now be reviewed by special committees before any further readings. The first bill, introduced by…
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Bhumjaithai pushes charter change to cut Senate’s power
Bhumjaithai MPs submitted a draft amendment to the House Speaker seeking to lower Senate voting requirements and set up a new body to draft a constitution. Yesterday, September 23, Angthong MP Korrawee Prissananantakul, backed by colleagues from the Bhumjaithai Party, presented the proposed amendment to House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, in his role as President of the National Assembly.…
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Gunfire erupts as Cambodian troops target Thai border fence
Cambodian soldiers fired shots at a barbed wire fence along the Thai border in Sisaket, prompting Thai troops to hold fire while keeping watch on the area. The incident occurred yesterday afternoon, September 23, in Sao Thong Chai subdistrict, Kantharalak district. Reports indicate that between three and five rounds were discharged at around 1.20pm, with Thai troops stationed nearby choosing…
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Anutin pulls out of UN visit over policy statement clash
Thailand’s prime minister confirmed he will not attend the UN General Assembly (UNGA), citing the need to present his new government’s policy to Parliament first. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said today, September 23, that attending the UNGA could disrupt plans to present his administration’s agenda to lawmakers. “I do not want the trip to interfere with my duty to deliver…
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