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.
-
Sponsored How much does it cost to see a doctor in Thailand?
Thailand is known for its high-quality yet affordable healthcare system, but how much does it really cost to see a doctor? As an expat, this question might be crucial for budgeting your health needs. The answer depends on whether you...
-
Thai police fire rubber bullets at Cambodian border clash (video)
Thai riot police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse Cambodian civilians who clashed with security forces during a border confrontation in Sa Kaeo. The confrontation took place yesterday afternoon, September 17, in Khok Sung district, near Ban Nong Ya Kaeo, where the border is marked between posts No.42 and No.43. Thai police had earlier reinforced the area with…
-
Drinkers in Thailand face 10,000 baht hit for after-hours pints
Drinkers in Thailand face fines for consuming alcohol in pubs and bars after legal hours, under tougher rules aimed at curbing late-night drinking. From November 8, anyone caught drinking in pubs and bars outside the permitted times faces fines of up to 10,000 baht. The Department of Provincial Administration confirmed the new penalties under an amendment to the Alcoholic Beverage…
-
People’s Party leader stands firm on lese majeste reform stance
People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut reaffirmed his stance on Thailand’s lese majeste law, stressing that any reforms must follow court rulings. Speaking yesterday, September 16, Natthaphong expanded on comments he made in a recent interview with Time magazine, where he addressed the controversial law. The magazine quoted him: “Article 112 still causes problems in Thailand, and if we get power,…
-
Abhisit tipped to retake reins of struggling Democrat Party
Abhisit Vejjajiva will return as leader of the Democrat Party after the resignation of Chalermchai Sri-on, prompting a new leadership transition. Former Prime Minister Abhisit will return as leader of the Democrat Party, according to confirmation from Sathit Wongnongtoei, a former party MP for Trang. The announcement follows the resignation of Chalermchai, who left the leadership citing health issues that…
-
NACC pushed to rule on digital wallet fund misuse claims
Thailand’s anti-graft body is under pressure to wrap up its probe into claims that two governments misused state loan funds for a flagship handout scheme. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has been urged to finalise its investigation into allegations that the administrations of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra breached the constitution by diverting state loan repayment funds to…
-
Anutin confirms Cabinet ready, vows swift action on economy
Thailand’s new Cabinet lineup has been finalised and is awaiting royal approval, after which the government will present its policy and begin official duties. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has confirmed that Thailand’s new Cabinet list is now complete and awaiting royal endorsement, expected later this week. Once approved, the government will deliver its policy statement to Parliament and begin its…
-
Thaksin not seeking special prison transfer, says lawyer
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is not currently seeking detention outside prison, according to his lawyer, who said any such request would only be made in line with Department of Corrections criteria. Winyat Chartmontree, the former premier’s legal counsel, gave the update after visiting Thaksin at Klong Prem Central Prison on Ngamwongwan Road today, September 15. It was the first…
-
Pheu Thai faces election setback after Shinawatra controversies
Pheu Thai list-MP and spokesperson, Danuporn Punnakanta, acknowledged yesterday, September 14, the criticism suggesting the party might secure fewer than 100 seats in the upcoming general election. This follows significant developments involving former prime ministers Thaksin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Danuporn stated that the party would refrain from responding to criticism regarding its waning popularity, which has led to predictions from…
-
Thai-China rail delays pile up as minister faces tough test
Thailand’s high-speed rail project is facing fresh delays as the new transport minister takes charge of stalled contracts and unresolved heritage concerns. Thailand’s long-awaited China-backed high-speed rail project is once again facing delays, forcing the new Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn to step in as pressure mounts to push the scheme forward. The project, first launched with a groundbreaking ceremony at…
-
Phuket officials clash over Bang Tao building permit dispute
A legal battle has erupted in Phuket as two local administrations clash over who holds the authority to issue building permits in the Bang Tao area. A jurisdictional dispute between two local administrations in Phuket has reached the Administrative Court, as Cherng Talay Municipality and Cherng Talay Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor) battle over authority in Bang Tao. The legal case,…
-
Thai Democrat Party leader quits over health and party loyalty row
Democrat Party leader Chalermchai Sri-on has stepped down from his position, citing health concerns that he says have affected his ability to lead effectively. In an official letter submitted to the Election Commission (EC)’s political party registrar yesterday, September 12, the 60 year old politician stated that he could no longer carry out his duties at full capacity and feared…
-
Thailand urged to tighten rules on cosy inmate detentions
Thailand’s anti-graft body is urging the new Cabinet to review prison detention rules over concerns they could allow inmates to serve sentences at home. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is urging the new Cabinet to instruct the Department of Corrections (DoC) to review its rules on off-site detention, following concerns that current regulations could allow prisoners to serve their sentences…
-
Thaksin starts prison life with Covid quarantine and calm
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has begun serving a prison sentence under Covid quarantine, as officials assess his condition and consider future duties in detention. Now serving a one-year sentence at Klongprem Central Prison following a Supreme Court ruling, the 76 year old veteran politician is being held in a separate ward with other elderly inmates while officials determine his placement.…
-
Former Bangkok governor sworn in as new party-list MP
A familiar face is back in politics after a high-profile former Bangkok governor took the oath as one of three new MPs sworn into Thailand’s House of Representatives this week. The appointments were officially confirmed in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday, September 9, following recent resignations that left vacant party-list seats in the Pheu Thai and United Thai Nation (UTN)…
-
British YouTuber’s Thailand trip derailed by Nepal riot chaos (video)
A British YouTuber travelling from Thailand to the UK by motorbike was caught filming violent protests in Nepal, with his video going viral worldwide. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Thaiger (@thethaigerofficial) Harry’s video racked up more than 4 million views in just one day. Best known for his channel We Hate The Cold,…
-
Thailand lifts afternoon booze ban to boost restaurants
Thailand has lifted its decades-old afternoon alcohol ban, a move welcomed by restaurants that expect higher sales and a boost to tourism and the economy. Today, September 11, Sorathep Rojpojchanarat, president of the Restaurant Business Association and honorary adviser to the Thailand Hostel Association, praised the move and thanked both the former administration and opposition parties for “listening to the…
-
Thailand blasted for weak laws as domestic violence surges
Campaigners are calling out Thailand’s weak domestic violence laws, accusing them of protecting abusers more than victims, and demanding urgent reform. Civil society groups are ramping up pressure on the new government to prioritise a long-delayed draft law that would strengthen protections for victims of domestic and sexual violence. Yesterday, September 10, the Coalition Against Gender-Based Violence Thailand hosted a…
-
PM Anutin reveals billions in assets, private jets and antiques
Thailand’s new prime minister has declared billions in personal assets, revealing luxury items and raising questions about wealth and political influence. PM Anutin Charnvirakul has disclosed assets amounting to 3.9 billion baht, which include three private jets, two speedboats, and a luxury property in Bangkok. Among his assets, the former construction magnate also listed 1.09 billion baht in cash and…
-
Thaksin begins 1 year sentence at Bangkok’s Klong Prem Prison
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has officially begun serving his one-year prison sentence at Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok following a Supreme Court ruling. The 76 year old billionaire was initially committed to Bangkok Remand Prison in Chatuchak district before his transfer. Yesterday evening, September 9, Thaksin was moved to Klong Prem after completing admission procedures at the remand…
-
China hails Anutin election, pledges closer ties with Thailand
China has congratulated Anutin Charnvirakul on his election as Thailand’s new prime minister, signalling its readiness to strengthen strategic and economic cooperation. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Beijing aims to “carry forward traditional friendship, deepen practical cooperation, and contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the region.” The announcement highlights the close relationship between the two countries,…
-
Thaksin ordered to serve 1 year in prison for hospital stay scandal
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been ordered to serve one year in prison after the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions ruled on the controversial case surrounding his stay at the Police General Hospital (PGH). The ruling follows a lengthy legal battle initiated by former MP Chanchai Issarasenarak, who questioned whether Thaksin’s sentence was properly enforced.…
-
Pheu Thai backtracks on bid to boot Anutin from office
In a dramatic U-turn, the Pheu Thai Party has withdrawn its petition to disqualify Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut over alleged constitutional breaches. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha confirmed the reversal, stating that the petition had not yet been submitted to the Constitutional Court, allowing for its legal withdrawal. The request was initially submitted…
-
Thai news anchor faces blacklash for mocking MP with depression
A renowned female news anchor and political activist is under fire for mocking a Member of Parliament (MP) from the People’s Party who suffers from depression. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Thaiger (@thethaigerofficial) The 53 year old news host, Lakkana “Khaek” Punwichai, better known as Kham Phaka, was caught making the remarks during…
-
Ex-PM Thaksin keeps promise and lands in Bangkok ahead of court date
The former Prime Minister (PM) of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, kept his word by returning to Thailand via Don Mueang International Airport this afternoon, September 8, following a medical trip to Dubai. The ex-PM drew public attention on the night of September 4 when his luxury private jet, a Bombardier Global 7500, departed from the MJets Private Jet Terminal at Don…
-
Cambodia seeks to restore ties with Thailand amid border tensions
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his admiration for the newly appointed Thai Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, yesterday, September 7, while emphasising the importance of restoring amicable relations between Cambodia and Thailand. In a congratulatory letter to Anutin, Hun Manet stated, “Your resounding victory is a reflection of the strong confidence in your leadership. It is my belief that under…
-
Whales and dolphins win protection in Thai seas crackdown
The Cabinet has approved the addition of three marine mammals to Thailand’s list of protected wildlife species, aiming to strengthen efforts to safeguard ocean biodiversity. A draft ministerial regulation, endorsed on Thursday, September 4, designates humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, and Risso’s dolphins as protected animals under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act 2019. This means hunting, trading, importing, or exporting…
-
Bangkok to host dazzling Colours of Africa fest at CentralWorld
Bangkok will host the fifth Colours of Africa event at CentralWorld, bringing together culture, trade, and diplomacy between Thailand and African nations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has confirmed that the fifth edition of the Colours of Africa event will be held on Monday, September 8 and Tuesday, September 9 at CentralWorld. The annual celebration, co-organised by the MFA,…
-
RTAF unveils new US-built AT-6TH attack jets in Chiang Mai
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has inducted new US-made AT-6TH light attack aircraft into service in Chiang Mai to strengthen border patrol and anti-narcotics missions. RTAF commander Panpakdee Pattanakul confirmed the deployment on Thursday, September 4, saying that the new fleet replaces the ageing L-39ZA/ART aircraft. The AT-6TH planes were acquired under an Integrity Pact agreement with Textron Aviation…
-
Anutin clinches top job as 32nd Thai PM after tense vote
Thailand’s House of Representatives has elected Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, as the country’s 32nd prime minister. The election followed the Constitutional Court’s ruling that Paetongtarn Shinawatra must step down as prime minister. During today’s session, Parliament debated under Section 159 of the Constitution before moving forward with the nomination process. Candidates required a majority backing from at…
-
Bangkok pushes waste reform with no mixed waste drive
Bangkok officials announced a new waste management campaign, where households will be encouraged to separate rubbish as part of reforms aimed at changing public behaviour and improving citywide sustainability. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is preparing to roll out sweeping waste management reforms on October 1, with its No Mixed Waste initiative already attracting more than 239,000 households. The programme…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.