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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Minister to face inquiry over 40 million baht bribery claims
The House Committee plans to call Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob and relevant agencies tomorrow, October 9, to address allegations of a 40 million baht bribery linked to online criminal activities. Siam Hathasongkroh, chairman of the House Committee on Communications, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy and Society, and a Pheu Thai MP for Nong Bua Lam Phu, stated that…
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Thaksin’s royal pardon petition doesn’t need Cabinet approval
The Cabinet Secretariat announced yesterday, October 7, that the petition for a royal pardon by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra does not necessitate Cabinet approval. Natjaree Anantasilp, the secretary-general, confirmed that Thaksin’s petition had been forwarded to the justice minister for review and that the application was highly confidential. “The Ministry of Justice has already provided information. This is not…
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Paetongtarn appoints new Pheu Thai election director
Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra named Suriya Jungrungruangkit as the party’s election director today, October 7, to lead preparations for the next general election. The announcement was made during a meeting at party headquarters, where Paetongtarn introduced a preliminary list of prospective MP candidates. Key figures in attendance included party Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong, Prime Ministerial candidate Chaikasem Nitisiri, and…
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Pheu Thai denies Isaan MP defections, to unveil 190 candidates ahead of election
The Pheu Thai Party has denied reports that a group of northeastern MPs is preparing to leave the party, while acknowledging that some member turnover is expected as part of regular political developments ahead of the next general election. At a party meeting earlier today, October 7, held under the theme “Rebuilding Pheu Thai, Rebuilding Thailand,” party secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong…
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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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Ukraine asks Thailand to name envoy for post-war rebuilding
Ukraine has urged Thailand to appoint a special envoy to help coordinate trade and reconstruction efforts as part of wider post-war recovery cooperation. The request was made during an official visit by three Ukrainian MPs: Vadym Halaichuk, Tamila Tasheva, and Lesia Vasylenko who met with Thai lawmakers, diplomats, and academics in Bangkok this week. Halaichuk, from the Servant of the People…
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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 hitman jailed for life over Cambodian MP’s murder
A Thai court sentenced a former marine to life in prison for murdering a Cambodian ex-MP in Bangkok, following his arrest shortly after the killing. The suspect, 41 year old Ekkalak Paenoi, was convicted of premeditated murder for the cold-blooded shooting of 74 year old Lim Kimya, a dual Cambodian-French citizen and former member of the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue…
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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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China denies fuelling Thai-Cambodian border tensions with arms
China has denied claims that its weapons were used by Cambodia in recent border clashes with Thailand, insisting it had no part in escalating the conflict. The denial comes after speculation in regional media that Chinese-made rockets were deployed by Cambodian forces during violent exchanges between July 24 and 28, reigniting scrutiny over Beijing’s growing military and economic influence in…
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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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New minister reveals scam gang bribe offer in Parliament
The newly appointed Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DES) from Bhumjaithai Party, Chaichanok Chidchob, claimed that call centre scam gangs offered him a monthly bribe of 40 million baht in exchange for halting crackdowns on illegal businesses. Speaking during a Parliamentary session on September 30, Chaichanok explained that this was his first appearance as a minister since being appointed to…
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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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Royal Thai Navy targets Cambodian casino in border crackdown (video)
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) is demolishing Cambodian structures built on Thai territory in Trat, with a casino complex set to be the final target of the operation. The RTN has confirmed it is pushing forward with the dismantling of 17 Cambodian-built structures that encroach into Thai territory in Trat province. The operation, which began earlier this month, has already…
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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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Phuket Thai-Chinese Association ushers in new president
Phuket’s Thai-Chinese community held a ceremony to appoint a new leader and honour historic ties between Thailand and China through a cultural celebration. The Phuket Thai-Chinese Association marked a significant chapter this week, commemorating both the 76th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and its own 37th year of service to the island’s community, all while welcoming a new…
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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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