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 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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Anutin launches inquiry after Bangkok sinkhole causes shutdowns (video)
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered an investigation after a road collapse near a Bangkok hospital damaged buildings, forced evacuations and shut services. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin rushed to the scene and has ordered an urgent investigation into the cause of the collapse, which occurred at a construction site for the new MRT Purple Line. “This is a purely…
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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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Anutin plans UN trip to defend Thailand over border row
Thailand’s prime minister is preparing to attend the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York to address border tensions with Cambodia and hold key talks. Speaking yesterday, September 22, Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed discussions are underway with the Council of State and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assess the appropriateness of his attendance. “This is a valuable opportunity to engage with…
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People’s Party slams backroom deal rumours on lese majeste case
The People’s Party leader denied claims his party struck a secret deal with Bhumjaithai to protect MPs under investigation over lese majeste. The controversy centres on 44 lawmakers who were previously members of the dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP) before joining the People’s Party. They are currently under investigation for allegedly pushing to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code,…
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Bhumjaithai bets big on Phuket with 3 fresh candidates
The Bhumjaithai Party has announced three candidates who will contest Phuket constituencies in the next general election as it targets seats in the South. The move is part of the party’s ambitious drive to capture 30 seats across South Thailand. At a press conference yesterday, September 22, senior party figure Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn joined Supachai Jaisamut, Bhumjaithai’s legal team leader, to…
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Court of Appeal extends OAG deadline in Thaksin lese majeste case
The Court of Appeal has granted the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) until October 22 to appeal the lese majeste case of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The Criminal Court acquitted Thaksin of the charge on August 22, but the OAG formally requested more time to prepare an appeal. The extension was confirmed in an OAG statement released on…
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Thailand to keep Cambodia border closed amid escalating tensions
Thailand will keep its border with Cambodia shut as long as civilians from the neighbouring country continue provocative actions on Thai soil, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared during a visit to Sa Kaeo province yesterday, September 21. The statement follows reports of Cambodian civilians staging violent demonstrations along the Thai side of the border in an apparent attempt to assert…
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Abhisit Vejjajiva top choice to lead Democrat Party: NIDA poll
Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is the public’s top pick to lead the Democrat Party into the next general election, according to a recent NIDA Poll. The survey, conducted on September 15 to 16 by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), interviewed 1,310 people aged 18 and above nationwide. Respondents came from diverse educational and occupational backgrounds. The poll…
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