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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Sponsored Why retirees in Thailand are choosing long-term health insurance over quick fixes
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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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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)…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Phuket ramps up drug-free drive with workplace testing push
Phuket officials are stepping up their campaign to make workplaces drug-free, with more than 2,500 employees screened, several companies certified, and dozens of staff referred for treatment. At a meeting chaired by Deputy Governor Suwit Phansengiam at the Phuket Provincial Labour Protection and Welfare Office, officials reviewed progress on the province’s drug-free labour initiative this year. The scheme is designed…
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Democrats to abstain as Anutin nears prime minister vote
The Democrat Party has confirmed that its MPs will abstain from voting in the upcoming prime ministerial selection, a move likely to strengthen Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul’s chances of clinching the top job. Deputy leader Pramual Pongthavaradet, who also serves as chair of the Democrat MPs and represents Prachuap Khiri Khan, convened the party’s parliamentary members at 9.30am today,…
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Anutin poised to take top job as PM vote nears
Anutin Charnvirakul is expected to be confirmed as Thailand’s next prime minister today, following a key political shift involving party alliances and a planned vote. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha confirmed that the parliamentary vote for the new Prime Minister will be held today, September 5. The move follows the latest twist in Thailand’s turbulent political landscape, which now…
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Election Commission to reject petition against Pheu Thai Party
The Election Commission (EC) is likely to reject a petition aimed at dissolving the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its five coalition partners, after allegations that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra influenced the parties’ operations. The petition, which has been under review by the political registrar of the EC, claims that Thaksin exerted control over these parties, despite no official…
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Phuket tackles high fees at Deep Sea Port after complaints
Phuket’s provincial officials convened an urgent meeting yesterday to address growing complaints from transport operators regarding the high entrance fees being charged at Phuket Deep Sea Port. The meeting, chaired by Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai, took place at the Damrongtham Centre (Phuket Provincial Ombudsman’s Office) in Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, September 3. The discussions were deemed crucial enough to involve…
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Thailand and Malaysia boost cooperation on border security issues
Thailand and Malaysia have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing border security and regional stability at the 117th Thai-Malaysian Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting, held yesterday at the Angsana Laguna Phuket Hotel. The high-level meeting yesterday, September 3, co-chaired by Major General Apinan Chaemchaeng, Commander of the 5th Infantry Division, and Maj. Gen. Dato’ Hj Fazal bin Hj Abdul Rahman, Commander…
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Political showdown: Thailand’s House to vote on new PM tomorrow
Thailand’s House of Representatives will vote tomorrow to elect a new Prime Minister, following the dismissal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The outcome could reshape the country’s political landscape. As stipulated by the Constitution, the entire Cabinet was removed from office, with the caretaker government remaining in place until a new administration is formed. In response to the ongoing political turmoil, the…
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Sri Lanka brews Thai ties with world-famous Ceylon tea
Sri Lanka is banking on its world-famous Ceylon tea to deepen ties with Thailand, using the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations as the perfect occasion to showcase its prized export. On Monday, September 1, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Bangkok hosted a glittering evening reception titled Ceylon Tea Finest Evening. The event spotlighted the nation’s premium teas while highlighting their…
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