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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Cambodia accused of claiming Thailand’s royal literary treasures
A storm is brewing between Thailand and Cambodia after claims emerged online that 22 classic Thai literary works have been quietly registered as Cambodian cultural heritage with UNESCO, sparking outrage over what critics are calling a brazen cultural grab. Social media erupted this week when reports circulated alleging that Cambodia had listed dozens of Thai literary masterpieces—many composed by Thai…
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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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Transgender Thais win free hormone therapy in gold card revolution
Thailand’s Board of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) has approved a sweeping plan to make hormone therapy for gender affirmation an official health benefit under the country’s Universal Health Coverage, known as the Gold Card system. The move, green-lit with a budget exceeding 145 million baht for fiscal year 2025, aims to promote equality and improve the well-being of…
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Pae’s the limit: New poll reveals most Thais want PM to quit
Pressure is piling on currently suspended Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, with a new poll showing most of the public want her to quit or call fresh elections, just weeks after a leaked audio tape threw her government into crisis. The latest survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA poll), titled “What path should Thai politics take?” found…
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Cambodian activist seeks Thai asylum after criticising government
A 37 year old Cambodian activist has sought refuge in Thailand, fearing for his safety after criticising the Cambodian government and military. Em Piseth, leader of the Cambodian International Youth Network in Thailand, is being pursued by Cambodian police following a social media video mocking soldiers. The video, drawing on information from a former soldier and associate, suggested that troops…
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Home lottery bonanza: 5,000 cheap Thai homes up for grabs
The Ministry of Transport has announced plans to launch a lottery system to allocate the first phase of 5,000 affordable housing units under the ambitious Home for Thais scheme. If approved, the project will see residents moving into their new homes by late 2026. Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote revealed that following the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding…
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US deadline looms: Thailand races to avert tariff pain
Thailand is racing against the clock to defuse a trade crisis after Washington dropped a bombshell 36% tariff on Thai exports, forcing Bangkok to scramble for last-minute concessions and emergency bailouts before the deadline hits. The United States has given Thailand until August 1 to finalise trade proposals under its tough new Reciprocal Tariff policy. The Thai government confirmed it…
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US picks ex-lawyer with Asian ties as new Thailand envoy
Washington has tapped a veteran Foreign Service officer and former Wall Street lawyer to take the reins as the next US ambassador to Thailand, if the Senate gives the green light. The White House nominated Sean Kotaro O’Neill to succeed Robert F Godec as the United States Ambassador to Thailand, ending months of speculation over who would fill the critical…
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Thaksin lifts lid on power plays as Bhumjaithai walks out
In a no-holds-barred political confessional, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has laid bare the fierce rivalries, power plays and behind-the-scenes bargaining threatening to tip Thailand’s fragile government into chaos. During the 55 Years Nation Exclusive Talk: Breaking Through Thailand’s Crisis Chapter 1 at the Eastin Grand Phayathai Hotel on Wednesday, July 9, Thaksin delivered a candid assessment of Thailand’s political…
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New regulations for ride-hailing services in Thailand announced
The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) announced new regulations for ride-hailing service providers. Drivers using such platforms must register their vehicles as public transport and possess a public transport driving licence. These new rules will be enforced 90 days following the announcement today, July 9. The Royal Gazette has published the ETDA’s announcement, specifying that digital platform services for public…
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Casino clash: Paetongtarn blasts Anutin for twisting Xi’s words
Thailand’s suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra fired back at Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, accusing him of distorting Chinese President Xi Jinping’s views on Thailand’s controversial casino policy. Speaking in her capacity as culture minister, Paetongtarn took aim at Anutin’s claim that President Xi had voiced strong objections to Thailand’s plans for entertainment complexes that include casinos. “Xi offered various…
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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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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…
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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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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…
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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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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…
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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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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…
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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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