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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Retirees in Thailand are increasingly seeing the importance of health insurance in protecting their well-being during retirement. With insurance requirements for retirement visas and rising healthcare costs, many are moving away from short-term plans and choosing long-term coverage. Long-term health...
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Charter showdown: Court to rule on referendum timing
The Constitutional Court announced that it will deliver a landmark ruling on September 10, which could reshape how Thailand amends its constitution. At the heart of the case is a critical question: can Parliament greenlight a draft charter before the public has its say via referendum? The legal dispute stems from urgent motions filed during a joint parliamentary session on March 17 by…
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Cabinet approves 6-month reprieve for Cambodian border workers
The Cabinet yesterday approved a six-month extension for Cambodian migrant workers employed in border provinces. This decision was prompted by changes in border checkpoint operating hours across seven provinces, affecting the movement of workers in the area. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub stated that due to unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border and stricter border control measures being implemented, many Cambodian workers…
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RTN backs down in Phuket land clash as zoning deal takes shape
A bitter turf war between villagers and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) in Phuket’s protected forest reserve is finally moving towards resolution — and the RTN is backing off. At a high-stakes meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall, chaired by Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, provincial officials and senior RTN chiefs agreed to push forward with a zoning plan aimed at ending…
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Thailand rejects 0% tax policy with US, protects agriculture
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira clarified that Thailand will not agree to a 0% tax policy with the US due to potential widespread impacts. The government is preparing a 200 billion baht soft loan scheme to aid private sectors and farmers. Julaphan Amornwiwat, Deputy Finance Minister, confirmed yesterday, July 21, that Thailand cannot accept a 0% tax…
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Education Minister’s jeans stir controversy over teacher dress code
Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat ignited an online debate after wearing jeans during an official school visit in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat. The incident raised questions about why female teachers are not permitted to wear jeans to school, despite the minister’s casual attire. Narumon and other officials from the Ministry of Education visited schools in Nakhon Si Thammarat…
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Border bombshell: Thailand blames Cambodia for landmine attack
A deadly landmine blast near the Thai-Cambodian border has reignited a fiery diplomatic row, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of planting fresh anti-personnel mines in violation of international law. Three Thai soldiers were critically injured last week by a Russian-made PMN-2 landmine in Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani province. One soldier lost his foot. Two more mines were found just metres…
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Thaksin to attend secretive coalition dinner sparking influence row
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be dining with ruling coalition MPs today, reigniting speculation over his behind-the-scenes influence in Thai politics. Chief Government Whip Wisut Chainaroon confirmed the meeting, calling it a rare but much-needed gathering to strengthen unity before Parliament reconvenes. “This isn’t unusual,” said Wisut, a list MP from the Pheu Thai Party. “Since this government took…
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Ex-Thai beauty queen accuses MP of shady 120k baht transfer
A beauty queen-turned-entrepreneur has sparked political fireworks by accusing a ruling party MP of pocketing a dodgy cash transfer, and she’s brought receipts. Netdao Watchainanwong, better known as Madame Cher, filed a formal complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), claiming that Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) MP Sutham Jaritngam unlawfully accepted 120,000 baht from her bank account. Netdao, a former…
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Free trade or free fall? Thailand struggles to keep up with Vietnam in US talks
Thailand is falling behind Vietnam in trade talks with the United States and could be forced to make tough choices if it wants to stay in the economic game, a top economist has warned. According to international trade expert Somjai Phagaphasvivat, Thailand’s lack of wide-ranging free trade agreements (FTAs) is putting it at a disadvantage compared to Vietnam, which has…
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Hackers breach Thai Labour Ministry website, data safe
Cyber crooks launched a bold attack on Thailand’s Ministry of Labour website yesterday, replacing the homepage with a brazen “hacked” message — but officials say no sensitive data was compromised. The ministry confirmed that its systems were breached but insisted the core database remained untouched. Permanent Secretary Boonsong Thapchaiyuth assured the public that the digital assault, while serious, caused no…
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Paetongtarn visits rangers hurt in Ubon border blast
What began as a routine patrol near the Thai-Cambodian border ended in a bloody blast, leaving one soldier without a leg and two others wounded. Now, Thailand’s Prime Minister and Culture Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is stepping in to deliver more than just sympathy—she’s promising action. Today, July 18, Paetongtarn travelled to Sapphasitprasong Camp Hospital in- Ubon Ratchathani province to visit…
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Thaksin plans to turn Thailand into a tech and aviation powerhouse
Thaksin Shinawatra is back in the spotlight—and he’s thinking big. The former PM has laid out an ambitious strategy to turn Thailand into a regional superhub for aviation, electric vehicles (EV), and green-powered data centres, in what he calls a “golden opportunity” for national transformation. In his recent public statement, Thaksin said Thailand is geographically primed to become ASEAN’s premier…
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Thai MPs accuse government of trading national security for tariff cuts
Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) MPs accused the government of concealing a significant deal with the United States from the public, claiming officials plan to allow the US to use a naval base in southern Thailand in exchange for a tariff reduction. A group of MPs from the Palang Pracharath Party, led by Phang Nga MP Chakaj Phatthanakitwibun, held a press…
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Charges urged against 229 over Thai Senate vote-rigging scandal
An investigative panel has urged charges against 229 people, including executives from the Bhumjaithai Party, related to allegations of extensive vote-rigging during Thailand’s Senate election last year. The Election Commission (EC) must now evaluate these findings to decide on further action, which might involve petitioning the Constitutional Court to disband the Bhumjaithai Party. The group of accused comprises 138 sitting…
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Phuket governor wins top honour for anti-drug crusade
Phuket’s top official just bagged a royal seal of approval—and a national spotlight—for leading the fight against drugs. Governor Sophon Suwannarat has been crowned with the coveted Outstanding Governor award for his role in championing the To be Number One campaign, a youth-focused anti-drug initiative that’s making waves across Thailand. The award was handed out during the star-studded To be Number…
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Landmine blast injures 3 soldiers near Thai-Cambodian border
A border patrol mission turned into a nightmare after three Thai soldiers were injured in a landmine blast in a former conflict zone near Hill 481 in the Chong Bok area in Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani province. Military sources say the men are lucky to be alive. At around 8pm yesterday, July 16, Lieutenant General Boonsin Phadklang, Commander of the…
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Thai House passes amnesty bills but snubs lese majeste cases
Thailand’s lower house approved three Promote Peaceful Society amnesty bills in their first readings yesterday, but rejected two others backed by the People’s Party and civil society networks, sparking criticism for excluding those charged under the kingdom’s harsh royal defamation laws. The passed bills, tabled by MPs from the United Thai Nation (UTN), Klatham, and Bhumjaithai parties, garnered overwhelming support.…
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Red flags at the border: Thai senator calls for crackdown committee
Thailand’s border tensions are escalating, and Senator Sawat Thatsana is calling for urgent action. Citing increased incursions, unresolved territorial disputes, and rising unrest in the Deep South, he is urging the Senate to establish a special committee to address the growing security crisis, strengthen cross-border relations, and safeguard long-term peace. Speaking yesterday, July 16, Senator Sawat pointed to several flashpoints…
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Thai health officials warn against dangerous kids’ pimple popper toy
The Department of Health (DoH) has initiated a campaign to protect children from dangerous toys, including a new item dubbed the “pimple popper.” The campaign was introduced at the department’s Data Centre with participation from the Royal College of Paediatricians of Thailand, the Child Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Centre, and the Foundation for Consumers. Director General Amporn Benjapolpitak expressed…
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Thaksin to hear lese majeste ruling on exile anniversary
All eyes are on Thailand’s Criminal Court as it prepares to deliver a high-stakes verdict in the lese majeste case against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra—a decision that could reignite political tensions across the country. Today, July 16, Thaksin’s lawyer, Winyat Chartmontree, announced that the court had scheduled August 22 as the date for the ruling. Fittingly, the decision will…
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Thailand builds giant bridges to save wild elephants from roads
Thailand has launched two colossal new bridges to stop wild elephants from meeting a grisly end under speeding cars. Yesterday, July 15, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit declared open the towering structures built in Rayong’s Khao Chamao district and Chanthaburi’s Kaeng Hang Maew district—key corridors for elephant herds roaming the east. “These bridges will help wild elephants coexist with humans sustainably,”…
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Phuket MP fury as budget crumbs leave paradise island penniless
A furious Phuket MP slammed the Government of Thailand over a shockingly low stimulus handout, calling the move “a betrayal” and “an insult” to one of the country’s top tax-contributing provinces. Chalermpong Saengdee, who represents Constituency 2 for the opposition People’s Party, hit out after Phuket was handed just 267.34 million baht from the 157-billion-baht national stimulus budget, ranking 75th…
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Thai travel subsidy fiasco triggers backlash
Thailand’s flagship tourism stimulus project has spiralled into disarray, sparking fury among hotel operators and senators alike as delays drag on with no end in sight. The Senate Committee on Tourism and Sports is now demanding answers from Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong over the botched rollout of the much-touted Half-Half Thai Travel scheme. Senate Committee Chairperson Phisut Rattanawong…
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RTA ready to fence Ta Muen Thom temple amid tensions
The commander of Thailand’s 2nd Army Region has declared the military’s readiness to erect a fence around the disputed Ta Muen Thom temple in Surin province if the government and the Department of Fine Arts give the green light. Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang confirmed that, despite the simmering dispute, stability currently prevails along the border. He noted that while local…
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Bangkok launches waste separation campaign with fee discounts
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched a new waste-separation campaign named This House Doesn’t Mix Waste. This initiative encourages city residents to sort their waste correctly in exchange for discounts on trash collection fees. Registration for the campaign starts on August 1, with the official rollout scheduled for October. The programme involves collaboration with the private sector and offers…
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Thai ministers deny US bid for Phang Nga navy base (video)
Top Thai ministers have slammed swirling rumours that the United States tried to swap tariff perks for military access to a strategic naval base on the Andaman coast, calling the claims baseless and speculative. Three senior Cabinet ministers today firmly denied a report suggesting the US had demanded use of Thailand’s Phang Nga naval base during recent tariff negotiations. Deputy…
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Thailand calls Cambodia to Bangkok for border talks
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa confirmed today that Thailand will send an official invitation to Cambodia for the long-awaited seventh Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting. The summit is scheduled for September 15 in the Thai capital, with hopes of injecting momentum into stalled negotiations over contested stretches of their shared frontier. Speaking at Government House, Maris admitted the border situation has…
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Thailand shelves tourist tax plan over fears of deterring visitors
Thailand’s controversial 300-baht entry fee for foreign tourists has been kicked down the road yet again, with officials admitting that sluggish demand and global uncertainty make this the wrong moment to squeeze travellers’ wallets. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has announced that the long-discussed Travel Fee—dubbed the Kha Yeap Pan Din, meaning “stepping onto Thai soil”—will not be enforced…
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Pheu Thai hits back: Thaksin no puppet master, just an adviser
The Pheu Thai Party firmly rejected accusations that Thaksin Shinawatra is exerting improper influence over the government, branding the claims as baseless and politically driven. Wisut Chainarun, a Pheu Thai list-MP and chief government whip, defended the former prime minister’s involvement, stressing that seeking his counsel does not amount to taking orders. “Thaksin is a knowledgeable and capable individual who…
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NHSO to hire 18,000 caregivers for dependent patients in Thailand
Thailand is set to unleash an 18,000-strong battalion of caregivers to rescue frail pensioners and dependent patients nationwide, in a record-breaking health push fuelled by a multi-billion baht stimulus plan. The board of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) has approved the recruitment of 18,000 caregivers to support more than 100,000 dependent people across the country. The ambitious initiative is…
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