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.
-
Sponsored Where to travel in Thailand in July [2025]
This month, I want to invite you to wander through art spaces, misty hills, and garden paths, where the only thing on the itinerary is to linger. Let’s take a slower route, one for the dreamers, the journal keepers, and...
-
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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…
-
Protesters demand PM Paetongtarn resignation, deny coup support
Anti-government protesters have intensified demands for the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, while also denying claims from the Pheu Thai Party and the People’s Party that they support a military coup. The United Power of the Land to Protect Sovereignty group, which organised a large rally at the Victory Monument on Saturday, June 28, is pressuring PM Paetongtarn to…
-
Protest showdown: Bangkok governor inspects Victory Monument
Bangkok braces itself for a day of tension and traffic chaos as Governor Chadchart Sittipunt swept into Victory Monument to personally oversee preparations for a massive political rally. This morning, Governor Chadchart, accompanied by Sobchoke Na Srito, Chief of Ratchathewi district, and a team of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officials, toured the landmark to inspect safety arrangements and ensure everything…
-
Cambodia accused of mislabelling rice as Thai jasmine in China
Cambodia has been accused of falsely labelling its rice as Thai jasmine rice and selling it in China, prompting the Thai Ministry of Commerce to act swiftly. Yesterday, June 27, Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, director-general of the Department of International Trade Promotion, revealed that reports from Thai nationals in China indicated Cambodian rice was being sold in Chinese supermarkets with packaging displaying…
-
Thai PM promotes peace amid Hun Sen’s provocative claims
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has responded with a forgiving message following provocative remarks made by Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen during a recent livestream, amid escalating tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. Neither the 38 year old Thai PM nor her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, have issued a formal response to Hun Sen’s comments. Instead, Paetongtarn shared a reflective…
-
Pattaya cracks down on illegal ramps to tackle drainage issues
Pattaya is cracking down hard on illegal ramps obstructing public footpaths, with officials warning that unauthorised structures will be removed and could result in legal action. The renewed effort aims to tackle recurring drainage issues caused by the concrete ramps, which have long been a source of frustration for residents. This week, municipal teams from the Office of Public Works,…
-
People’s Alliance rallies to protect Koh Kut, oust Thai PM
The People’s Alliance for Democracy has kicked off a movement to protect Thailand’s sovereignty over Koh Kut, rallying against neighbouring Cambodia’s claims on the island. The movement, led by Kanyut Boonloy, a former civil servant and local leader, gathered around 200 people in Trat yesterday, June 26. Residents, civil servants, former civil servants, students, and merchants donned yellow shirts, waving…
-
Pattaya sports complex plagued by delays and corruption concerns
A staggering 774 million baht sports complex in Pattaya, Chon Buri, designed to serve as a national hub for sports events, has been left in a state of neglect and disrepair since its construction began in 2008. Yesterday, June 26, Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), led by Secretary-General Saroj Phueng-ramphan, conducted an on-site inspection of the Eastern Region National Sports…
-
Hun Sen warns Thaksin: Betrayal, treason, and exposing the truth
In a display of frustration and betrayal, Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen has lashed out at his former “godbrother” and ex-Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, accusing him of betrayal and warning that he will expose the “treasonous” actions of Thaksin’s family, including their alleged disrespect towards the Thai monarchy. But Hun Sen has made it clear he’s not acting alone…
-
Phuket soldier honoured in royal ceremony after fatal sniper attack
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua has granted a final tribute to Private First Class (PFC) Pakom Suden, a young Phuket soldier killed during a patrol in Thailand’s Deep South. The special ceremony took place yesterday, June 26 at 1.30pm, at the Muslim cemetery in Baan Bang Malao, Sakhu, where officials, soldiers, police officers, Islamic religious leaders, and family…
-
Alcohol sales hours to change in Thailand starting today
In a major shake-up to alcohol sales in Thailand, the Royal Gazette has announced that new regulations will take effect starting today. Under the new rules, the sale of alcoholic beverages will be restricted to specific hours, but there are three major exceptions. Here’s what you need to know about the changes that will affect bars, restaurants, and travellers. Yesterday,…
-
Thailand and Cambodia relax border rules amid tensions
In a significant move to ease tensions, the Royal Thai Army (RTA) has temporarily relaxed regulations at four border checkpoints in Sa Kaeo province, allowing Thais and Cambodians to cross the border after days of strict closures. The announcement, made by the Burapha Task Force today, June 26, comes amid increasing calls for a relaxation of the blanket border closures…
-
Pattaya takes to the streets in World Drug Day march
In a powerful show of unity, Pattaya took to the streets today to mark World Drug Day with a major anti-drug campaign march. Led by Bang Lamung District Chief Patcharapat Srithanyanon, the event along Pattaya Beach Road, in front of Central Pattaya Shopping Mall, attracted participants from all walks of life, united in the battle against drug abuse. The march,…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.