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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    How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?

    Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....

  • Thailand flexes soft power with food and film frenzy

    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…

  • Thailand nominates traditional dress for UNESCO heritage status

    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…

  • Bangkok unveils 47km canal walkway for safer commuting

    Bangkok unveils 47km canal walkway for safer commuting

    Bangkok is stepping up its game with an ambitious plan to reinvent urban commuting—a sprawling 47.5-kilometre walkway and cycle path project that promises to make getting around safer, greener, and more enjoyable than ever before. Yesterday, July 7, Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon showcased the Saen Saeb Canal footpath and bike lane extension during a media tour, underlining the city’s drive…

  • Monkey business banned: Thai coconuts go cruelty-free

    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…

  • Casino chaos: Thailand scraps gambling bill amid turmoil

    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…

  • Booze bonanza: Phuket bars cleared to serve on holidays

    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…

  • Thai royal award celebrates Vietnam’s top teachers

    Thai royal award celebrates Vietnam’s top teachers

    Vietnam’s star educators are basking in the royal spotlight after a Thai delegation arrived to celebrate their achievements and ramp up educational ties across Asia. From July 6 to 8, a high-profile delegation from the Princess Maha Chakri Award Foundation (PMCAF), led by Chairman Dr Krissanapong Kirtikara, visited Vietnam to meet past award winners, promote regional cooperation and prepare for…

  • Government warns Thais: Nominee roles risk jail time

    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…

  • Senate panel summons PM Paetongtarn over border issues

    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…

  • Bhumjaithai dismisses Anutin’s PM ambitions

    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…

  • Thailand’s interior minister launches nationwide anti-drug campaign

    Thailand’s interior minister launches nationwide anti-drug campaign

    Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has committed to a comprehensive nationwide campaign to address narcotics, crime syndicates, and mafia-style figures, highlighting the drug crisis as a significant threat to national security. Phumtham, currently acting as prime minister, outlined these policies to senior ministry officials and provincial governors across the country on his inaugural day at the Ministry of Interior. He underscored…

  • Thaksin unfazed as court reviews hospital stay legality

    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…

  • App chaos: Half-Half travel scheme stalls, millions left stranded

    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…

  • Coup freeze or countdown? Thailand’s military walks tightrope

    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…

  • Casino bill meltdown: Government on brink amid public fury

    Casino bill meltdown: Government on brink amid public fury

    Thailand’s controversial casino bill to legalise vast entertainment complexes could collapse, as ministers rush to ease public outrage and political divisions. The government is now widely expected to withdraw the Entertainment Complex Bill from the House agenda, just days before MPs are set to meet on July 9. Chousak Sirinil, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed yesterday, July…

  • Grammar gaffe puts Thai deputy education minister in hot seat

    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…

  • Sinkhole shocker: Road caves in on Jomtien road

    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…

  • Outgoing minister Phumtham approves submarine deal before exit

    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…

  • Bhumjaithai considers no-confidence debate amid PM suspension

    Bhumjaithai considers no-confidence debate amid PM suspension

    The Bhumjaithai Party stated that the no-confidence debate motion against the government remains under consideration following the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Ubon Ratchathani MP and party spokesperson Nan Boonthida Somchai reported on the party’s participation in the opposition whips meeting yesterday, July 2, after Bhumjaithai recently left the ruling coalition. Nan explained that six Bhumjaithai MPs attended the…

  • Google accused of ‘fake maps’ in Thailand-Cambodia temple spat

    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.…

  • Legal battle intensifies over Paetongtarn’s audio scandal

    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…

  • Thai Cabinet expands eligibility for ‘You Fight, We Help’ debt relief

    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…

  • Thailand Post senior employees get first salary rise in 18 years

    Thailand Post senior employees get first salary rise in 18 years

    The Thai Cabinet yesterday, July 1, approved a long-awaited increase in the maximum salary cap for senior employees at Thailand Post, marking the first such adjustment in 18 years. The decision follows recommendations from the State Enterprise Labour Relations Committee (SELRC) and will come into effect immediately. Thailand Post, a state enterprise providing nationwide mail, logistics, financial, and agency services,…

  • Thailand eyes alcohol law reform to boost tourism and safety

    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…

  • Jobless win big as Thailand ups unemployment payouts

    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…

  • Thaksin faces court over monarchy remarks in closed-door trial

    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…

  • Transport minister takes over as audio scandal topples Paetongtarn

    Transport minister takes over as audio scandal topples Paetongtarn

    Thailand was thrown into political upheaval today as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was abruptly suspended over a leaked audio scandal, paving the way for Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit to seize the top job — at least for now. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya, a senior figure in the Pheu Thai Party, has been appointed acting PM following…

  • Paetongtarn on pause: PM suspended amid leaked audio storm

    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…

  • Thailand rolls out cannabis prescription form for 15 conditions

    Thailand rolls out cannabis prescription form for 15 conditions

    The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) issued an official prescription form for medical cannabis. The move yesterday, June 30, follows the Ministry of Public Health’s announcement on controlled herbs, which sets out strict regulations for cannabis use. The form, known as P.T.33, allows authorised practitioners across seven professions — including doctors, dentists, pharmacists and traditional healers —…

  • Pheu Thai delays casino bill debate for further review

    Pheu Thai delays casino bill debate for further review

    The Pheu Thai Party has announced a delay in the debate over the proposed casino-entertainment complex bill, initially scheduled for July 3. The postponement, which extends the timeline by about a month, is attributed to the need for further review rather than political discord. Danuporn Punnakanta, a Pheu Thai Party MP and spokesperson, confirmed the delay and emphasised that the…

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