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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Fermented fury: Barefoot pensioner splashes Hun Sen portrait
Bangkok commuters were treated to a bizarre spectacle on Monday, July 7, when a barefoot pensioner splashed fermented fish sauce over a portrait of Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, earning himself a small fine and a lot of attention. Retired tennis coach 69 year old Thewa Sritawan set out from his home in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi province, before dawn, carrying…
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Thailand’s quiet bond with South Sudan takes off
Thailand has been quietly deepening its ties with Africa’s youngest nation, South Sudan, blending trade, peacekeeping, and even a dash of royal philosophy. Although diplomatic relations between the two countries remain limited—largely because South Sudan only gained independence in 2011—recent developments show that Thailand sees real opportunity in this far-flung relationship. The first formal step came on December 5, 2013,…
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Thailand flexes soft power with food and film frenzy
Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared Thailand’s creative soft power the key to global influence at a major Bangkok forum. Speaking yesterday, July 8, at the second annual SPLASH – Soft Power Forum 2025, held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Paetongtarn pulled no punches about the government’s ambitions to elevate Thailand’s soft power to dazzling new heights. “Creative culture…
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Thailand nominates traditional dress for UNESCO heritage status
The Ministry of Culture has formally proposed the traditional Thai costume, Chud Thai, as an intangible cultural heritage item for consideration by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The proposal is set to be reviewed in 2026. The ministry has dismissed as “baseless” the social media rumours suggesting that Cambodia‘s nomination for its traditional weddings would include…
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Monkey business banned: Thai coconuts go cruelty-free
Thailand’s coconut industry is finally cracking down on a controversial practice that has tarnished its reputation worldwide: using monkeys to harvest coconuts. In a landmark move to rescue its image and secure farmers’ livelihoods, the Thai Coconut Industry Group has joined forces with the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) to ban monkey labour once and for all. The country’s coconut…
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Thai human rights lawyer hit with 29 years for lese majeste
Thailand’s most prominent human rights lawyer has been slapped with yet another prison sentence, adding to his already staggering time behind bars for challenging the monarchy. Today, July 8, Bangkok’s Criminal Court sentenced Arnon Nampa to an additional two years and four months for royal defamation and sedition over a fiery speech he delivered at a protest in November 2020.…
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Casino chaos: Thailand scraps gambling bill amid turmoil
Thailand’s rollercoaster ride to legalise casinos has come to a screeching halt, as the government announced it will withdraw the hotly debated Entertainment Complex Bill following fierce public backlash and a fresh wave of political upheaval. Yesterday, July 7, Chief Government Whip Visuth Chainaroon confirmed that a motion to pull the bill from the current parliamentary session will be raised…
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Booze bonanza: Phuket bars cleared to serve on holidays
Thirsty tourists and locals can breathe a sigh of relief, Phuket’s bars and entertainment venues have been officially cleared to serve alcohol this Asarnha Bucha Day and on other major Buddhist holidays, the island’s top cop has confirmed. Confusion erupted earlier this week when a bar in Koh Kaew, which doesn’t sit squarely in a designated tourist area, was warned…
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Government warns Thais: Nominee roles risk jail time
The government issued a warning against acting as nominees for foreign investors in business ventures, particularly in tourism-related sectors, highlighting the risk of severe legal repercussions. Sanctions include imprisonment, substantial fines, asset confiscation, and the revocation of business licences. Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukul Pruksanusak stated that many are either unknowingly or willingly being used as fronts or nominees by foreigners…
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Deal or no deal? Thailand rocked by Trump’s 36% tariffs bomb
Donald Trump has lobbed another economic grenade into global markets, slapping punishing new tariffs on key US trading partners, including Thailand, in a fresh trade tirade that’s left allies fuming and markets tumbling. The US president kicked off his latest trade war salvo by revealing a raft of “reciprocal” tariff letters, and warned this was only the beginning. Starting August…
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Senate panel summons PM Paetongtarn over border issues
Thailand’s Senate Committee on Military and National Security has invited suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to explain the government’s approach to mounting security concerns along the Thai-Cambodian border. Senator Chaiyong Maneerungsakul, the committee’s secretary and spokesperson, said the decision was prompted by disputes affecting Thailand’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests under the constitution. He added that Cambodia’s actions were…
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Bhumjaithai dismisses Anutin’s PM ambitions
The Bhumjaithai Party refuted claims by the Pheu Thai Party that its leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, is aiming to become the next prime minister amid political uncertainty following Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s suspension. Boonyathida Somchai, the party’s spokesperson and MP for Ubon Ratchathani stated yesterday, July 6, that Anutin has not shown any ambition or intention to pursue the premiership, despite…
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Thaksin unfazed as court reviews hospital stay legality
Thaksin Shinawatra‘s legal representative has stated that the former prime minister remains unconcerned about the current court proceedings scrutinising his stay at the Police General Hospital. The lawyer highlighted that the process is adhering to legal protocols without any political interference. The case, being reviewed by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, continued on Friday with…
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Thailand denies imminent artefact return to Cambodia
Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has refuted claims that Thailand is on the verge of transferring 20 ancient artefacts to Cambodia. Yesterday, July 4, speaking as the new culture minister, Paetongtarn clarified that 23 artefacts were returned to Cambodia in 2015 following confirmation of their origins. Although the Cabinet approved in principle the return of another 20 artefacts related to…
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App chaos: Half-Half travel scheme stalls, millions left stranded
Thailand’s Half-Half travel scheme descended into chaos after a failed registration rollout left travellers locked out and scrambling for subsidies. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong faced the music today, July 4, admitting on the Inside Thailand programme that the Half-Half Thai Travel campaign was plagued with system failures from day one. “The problems began immediately,” Sorawong said. “Users couldn’t…
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Coup freeze or countdown? Thailand’s military walks tightrope
Thailand’s military top brass says the era of tanks rolling through Bangkok is over, at least for now. But as political chaos looms, sceptics wonder if history could yet repeat itself. After nine months steering the Defence Ministry, Phumtham Wechayachai insists the armed forces are shedding their old ways. “The mindset of military leadership has evolved,” he said. “They want…
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Grammar gaffe puts Thai deputy education minister in hot seat
Thailand’s freshly appointed deputy education minister has come under fire, not for policy blunders, but for her punctuation. Dr Ying Linthiporn Varinvacharoj, unveiled this week as part of the kingdom’s new Cabinet, found herself facing a grammar grilling after social media users spotted basic Thai language slip-ups in her old Facebook posts. A popular Thai-language Facebook page called her out…
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Bangkok to dim down blinding billboards with new regulations
Bangkok’s skyline is about to get a little less dazzling, as the Bangkok Metropolitan Council takes action to tackle the growing issue of excessively bright billboards. In a bid to protect residents’ eyes and prevent dangerous distractions for drivers, the council has approved a new regulation to limit light intensity from illuminated advertisements. Yesterday, July 2, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt…
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Sinkhole shocker: Road caves in on Jomtien road
A gaping hole on Phra Tamnak Road near Soi 5 in Pattaya has left locals stunned and worried after a section of road suddenly caved in, creating a dangerous hazard for drivers, pedestrians, and motorcyclists. When the Jomtien municipal enforcement team was alerted to the sinkhole, they sprang into action, promptly inspecting the scene and coordinating with other city departments…
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Outgoing minister Phumtham approves submarine deal before exit
Outgoing Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed he approved the long-delayed submarine procurement deal before leaving office, marking it as one of his final decisions. The agreement awaits placement on the Cabinet agenda for final endorsement. Following a farewell ceremony at the ministry yesterday, July 2, Phumtham stated that the deal was signed before the end of last month in his…
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Google accused of ‘fake maps’ in Thailand-Cambodia temple spat
A fresh row has erupted over ancient ruins straddling the Thai-Cambodian border, after the Royal Thai Army (RTA) slammed Google Maps for allegedly “misleading the world” about the true ownership of the historic Ta Muen Thom temple. The RTA insists the ancient site in Surin province belongs to Thailand and blasted the popular mapping service for showing it as Cambodian territory.…
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People’s Party backs new interim PM without joining coalition
The People’s Party (PP) expressed its willingness to support the election of a new prime minister without joining the governing coalition, provided that the succeeding administration serves solely as a temporary government. This interim government would be tasked with organising a General Election and conducting a public referendum to establish a Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) for rewriting the charter. The…
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Legal battle intensifies over Paetongtarn’s audio scandal
Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s temporary suspension from duties as prime minister following a decision by the Constitutional Court, could have significant political consequences in the future. The court yesterday, July 1, voted 7-2 to accept a petition filed by senators seeking her removal, based on an audio clip allegedly featuring a conversation between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. The…
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Thai Cabinet expands eligibility for ‘You Fight, We Help’ debt relief
Thailand is extending a lifeline to millions of debtors, expanding the eligibility for the popular “You Fight, We Help” debt relief initiative. The crucial change will allow debtors with arrears ranging from just one day to those overdue by more than a year to access vital assistance. To provide broader support, the Cabinet approved a revised framework that now includes…
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Thailand eyes alcohol law reform to boost tourism and safety
The Thai Ministry of Public Health anticipates the review of a new bill, which proposes amendments to the Alcohol Control Act 2008, to conclude later this month, according to Minister Somsak Thepsutin. This legislation aims to eliminate outdated military-era sales restrictions, ease advertising curbs, and introduce stricter regulations, including increased fines for selling alcohol to minors. The House of Representatives approved…
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Bangkok minimum wage hits 400 baht: Boost for 700,000 workers
A historic pay boost is on the horizon for Bangkok’s workers, as the government acknowledges a major wage hike that will benefit hundreds of thousands. The Cabinet has officially confirmed a significant increase in Bangkok’s minimum wage, with the daily rate set to rise to 400 baht starting July 1. The wage increase, which will benefit approximately 700,000 workers, was…
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Jobless win big as Thailand ups unemployment payouts
Thailand’s workers are set to get a bigger lifeline as the Labour Ministry rolls out more generous unemployment benefits. The Labour Ministry officially approved higher unemployment compensation rates, offering fresh relief to insured employees under Thailand’s social security system. Marasri Jairangsi, Secretary General of the Social Security Office (SSO), confirmed that a new ministerial regulation took effect on Saturday, June…
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Thaksin faces court over monarchy remarks in closed-door trial
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra appeared at the Criminal Court on Ratchadapisek Road today as prosecutors began presenting witnesses in his high-profile lese majeste case. The proceedings mark the first witness hearings since charges were filed accusing Thaksin of insulting the monarchy under Section 112 of the Penal Code and breaching the Computer Crime Act. The case centres on a…
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Paetongtarn on pause: PM suspended amid leaked audio storm
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been temporarily suspended from office after the Constitutional Court voted 7 to 2 in favour of an investigation into a leaked audio clip that has rocked the nation’s political landscape. At 9.30am, today, July 1, a panel of judges met to deliberate on the petition submitted by Senate President Mongkol Surasak, which was backed…
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PM Paetongtarn takes culture role as Cabinet reshuffle stirs intrigue
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has officially welcomed her expanded role as Minister of Culture following a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle confirmed in the Royal Gazette today. Speaking after the Royal Command announcing her new Cabinet appointments, PM Paetongtarn described the moment as a profound honour. “It is a great royal benevolence to have received the royal command for the new Cabinet…
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