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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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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British actor flies in to boost morale at Trat border post
A British actor travelled from overseas to Thailand’s eastern border to donate solar panels and supplies to boost morale among local border patrol police. Actor Mark Shelley and his Thai wife, Naphatwarun Sirirattanasap, travelled from the UK to Trat province, making a patriotic stop at a Border Patrol Police base to donate vital equipment to officers stationed along the Cambodian…
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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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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’s new governor vows to fix traffic and boost tourism
Phuket’s newly appointed governor took office, pledging to tackle traffic, infrastructure and sustainable development to improve life for residents and tourists. Phuket officially welcomed its new governor, Saransak Srikruanetra, who took office yesterday, October 1, with a promise to tackle the island’s most pressing problems head-on. The 57 year old Udon Thani native pledged to focus on infrastructure, traffic congestion,…
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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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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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Thai foreign minister slammed over UN debut controversy (video)
Thailand’s new foreign minister addressed the UN General Assembly, sparking debate at home over whether he breached constitutional rules by acting too soon. Thailand’s newly appointed Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has come under fire for potentially breaching constitutional rules after delivering a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The 80th UNGA session, which ran from…
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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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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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People’s Party to target ministers in Anutin’s policy debate
The People’s Party (PP) is preparing more than 20 MPs to speak during the upcoming Parliamentary debate on Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s policy statement, set for Monday and Tuesday, September 29 to 30. The party plans to raise urgent policy issues and question the qualifications of certain Cabinet ministers, although no names have been disclosed. Sirikanya Tansakul, deputy PP leader…
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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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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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Thailand MPs back bills to cut work hours, add menstruation leave
Thailand’s House of Representatives approved two opposition bills to amend labour laws, aiming to reduce working hours, expand leave rights and boost workplace equality. The bills, both tabled by MPs from the People’s Party, were approved during a heated session today, September 24, and will now be reviewed by special committees before any further readings. The first bill, introduced by…
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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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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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Bhumjaithai Party members accused of secret ties to casinos in Cambodia
A former police officer accused four executives of the Bhumjaithai Party of accepting bribes from nine casinos in Cambodia. The party leader and Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, has reportedly denied meeting the ex-officer. The former Special Branch Bureau officer, Santana Prayoonrat, visited the Bhumjaithai Party’s head office on September 22 to submit 50 pages of evidence in support…
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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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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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Pheu Thai to scrutinise govt over alleged political influence networks
The opposition Pheu Thai Party has pledged to closely examine ministers in the new government led by the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) after concerns have been raised about a possible “Buri Ram power connection” involving political influence networks that could potentially impact high-profile legal cases. Chanin Rungthanakiat, the Pheu Thai deputy spokesperson, highlighted public concerns regarding integrity, conflicts of interest, and…
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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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Thai army slams Hun Manet over false border dispute claims (video)
The Thai army accused Cambodia’s leader of spreading false claims in a border dispute, warning Malaysia against being misled and seen as taking sides. The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has accused Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet of misleading his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, with “false narratives” over Ban Nong Ya Kaew in Sa Kaeo province, warning that Malaysia could appear…
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Thai king endorses Anutin’s new Cabinet of 36 ministers
Thailand’s new Cabinet was officially endorsed by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, allowing the prime minister and ministers to take office following a recent leadership change. The announcement was published in the Royal Gazette today, September 19, allowing the ministers to proceed with their oath-taking ceremony before the king and formally present their policy statement to Parliament: Thailand’s final step…
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