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.
-
Anwar confirms ASEAN meeting on Thai-Cambodian conflict
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced today, December 18, that Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to the deployment of an ASEAN observer team as part of efforts to de-escalate ongoing border tensions. The announcement comes ahead of a special ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting set to take place on December 22 in Kuala Lumpur. Anwar confirmed that both Thailand and Cambodia…
-
Thailand confirms Cambodia hired US lobbying firm
Thailand’s Defence Ministry confirmed yesterday, December 16, that Cambodia has hired a US lobbying firm to influence global opinion against Thailand, amid the ongoing border conflict. Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, spokesperson for the Defence Ministry, said the confirmation followed the release of a confidential document by the STRONG Anti-Corruption Club Thailand. The document revealed that Cambodia had enlisted National Consulting…
-
American man detained in Surin after photographing military airport
Police in Surin province detained a suspicious American man yesterday, December 16, after he was seen taking photographs near a military airport and refusing to allow officers to inspect his mobile phone. Border Patrol Police Unit 21 (BPP 21), which was stationed near Chaloem Phra Kiat 80th Anniversary Park in Mueang district, alerted officers from Mueang Surin Police Station after…
-
Thai energy firms deny Cambodia fuel exports after unusual surge detected
The 2nd Army Area yesterday, December 15, ordered tighter controls on the export of all types of fuel at the Chong Mek Border Checkpoint in Ubon Ratchathani province to prevent supplies from being transported to Cambodia. The order resulted in more than 100 fuel tanker trucks being stranded at the checkpoint yesterday. Drivers were instructed to stop and wait while…
-
Embassy rejects claims of Russian spies targeting Thai military site
The Russian Embassy in Thailand firmly denied accusations made by local police officers in Nakhon Ratchasima province, who claimed that Russian nationals were hired by Cambodia to spy on and potentially attack Thai military facilities. The allegations first appeared on the official Facebook page of Phon Krung Police Station on Sunday, December 14. In the now-deleted post, police said they…
-
Pheu Thai unveils prime minister candidates, including Thaksin’s nephew
Pheu Thai is set to reveal its candidates for the position of prime minister on Tuesday. The list includes Yodchanan Wongsawat, who is the nephew of Thaksin Shinawatra. At 46 years old, Associate Professor Yodchanan is the eldest son of former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat and Yaowapha Wongsawat, Thaksin’s sister. He holds a PhD from the University of Texas at…
-
EC prepares for nationwide election following House dissolution
Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) has confirmed it is fully prepared to conduct the next general election, with all systems in place following the dissolution of the House of Representatives. A February 8, 2026, poll date is under consideration. Newly appointed EC Chairman Narong Klunwarin, a former judge endorsed earlier this month, is leading preparations as the agency gears up for…
-
Cambodia honours pregnant soldier killed in border clash
Yesterday, December 11, Cambodian authorities paid tribute to a pregnant female soldier who was reportedly killed during a frontline clash with Thai forces. The Phnom Penh Post reported that Cambodia’s Minister of Women’s Affairs posted a message mourning the loss of 43 year old Mut Saveun, a member of the 67th Tank Battalion. Saveun, who was four months pregnant, was…
-
PM Anutin dissolves parliament, says he wants to ‘return power to the people’
Thai Prime Minister (PM) Anutin Charnvirakul announced the dissolution of Parliament late last night, December 11, saying he wanted to “return power to the people.” At around 10pm, Anutin posted a brief message on his Facebook account confirming that his government had submitted a request to dissolve the House of Representatives for royal approval, and the request was officially approved…
-
Trump to intervene in renewed Thailand-Cambodia conflict
Following a successful brokering of a ceasefire in July, which ended a five-day conflict between the two countries, US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to intervene by phone call after fighting between Thailand and Cambodia continued into its third day today, December 10. In an interview yesterday, December 9, Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, said he doubts…
-
Cambodia withdraws from SEA Games over safety concerns amid border clashes
Cambodia announced its withdrawal from the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand today, December 10, citing safety concerns from parents and guardians of athletes following the escalating clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border. A small group of Cambodian athletes attended the opening ceremony at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok yesterday, December 9. Cambodia had earlier confirmed it would send athletes to…
-
Cambodian rockets fall near Surin hospital, forcing evacuation
Cambodian troops allegedly targeted Phanom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin this morning, December 10, firing BM-21 rockets into the surrounding area and forcing medical staff and patients to evacuate for safety. According to an update from the 2nd Army Area, a total of six BM-21 rockets were launched into Thai territory at around 8.40am. Several rockets landed near the hospital…
-
Thai foreign minister says ‘nothing to negotiate’ until Cambodia ready for talks
Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister insisted the country did not initiate the renewed border clash with Cambodia and responded to calls from the United Nations (UN) for negotiations, saying there is “nothing to negotiate if Cambodia is not ready.” Clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces resumed on Sunday, December 7, despite both countries signing a peace declaration in October witnessed by…
-
Photo of Thai PM with Cambodian governor resurfaces
Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has posted a video and photos showing Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his wife together with the Cambodian governor, accusing Anutin of betraying former ties to gain political advantage. In the post, viewers can see Anutin and his wife, Thananon Niramit, in the same frame as Pailin Governor Ban Sreymom. Hun Sen claimed that…
-
Rocket fire and armed exchanges continue along Thai–Cambodian border
Clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border have continued for a third consecutive day since December 7, with further exchanges taking place this morning, December 9. No new casualties have been confirmed. ThaiRath reported yesterday, December 8, that Cambodian military activity was detected across several provinces bordering Cambodia, including Ubon Ratchathani, Buriram, Si Saket, and Sa Kaeo. In Buriram’s Ban Kruad district,…
-
PM rules out negotiations with Cambodia, gives reassurance on the Trump Tax Deal
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared that Thailand will end diplomatic negotiations with Cambodia and reassured that the conflict will not derail the Trump tax agreement. Anutin explained that the Thai armed forces already activated full defensive measures, though he declined to disclose operational details. He emphasised that the military will confront any invasion with force if necessary. When asked whether…
-
People’s Party demands deputy PM’s removal over alleged crime ties
The opposition People’s Party has renewed its call for the dismissal of Deputy Prime Minister Thamanat Prompow, citing concerns that his continued role in the Cabinet may affect ongoing investigations into a transnational crime and money laundering network. The remarks were made by Rangsiman Rome, Deputy Leader of the People’s Party, following the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO)’s seizure of assets…
-
Minister denies hiring designer amid SEA Games ceremony controversy
The Sports and Tourism Minister responded to the controversy over the cancelled SEA Games ceremony design, insisting that no hiring contract was ever made with the designer or his team. The drama began after Thai visual and lighting designer Rueangrith “Ton” Suntisuk shared on December 2 that he and his team had been working on the opening and closing ceremony…
-
Thailand and UAE mark 50 years of diplomatic relations
Thailand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) marked 50 years of diplomatic relations this week during a ceremony held at the UAE Embassy in Bangkok. The celebration coincided with the UAE’s 54th Union Day. UAE Ambassador to Thailand, Obaid Saeed Obaid Bintaresh Aldhaheri, addressed the attendees on Monday, praising the steady growth of bilateral ties. He remarked that the long-standing…
-
Corrections Department defends Thaksin family photo in prison visit
The Corrections Department has defended its policy allowing family photographs of inmates after a photo of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra during a prison visit sparked criticism from a former senator over security protocols. The image, which circulated widely online on Thursday, November 27, showed Thaksin posing with his children and extended family. According to the department, the picture was…
-
People’s Party hits back at PM Anutin’s dissolution threat
The opposition has criticised the prime minister for suggesting a possible House dissolution, warning it could be used to avoid scrutiny during a no-confidence debate. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has drawn fire from the People’s Party (PP) after hinting he may dissolve Parliament on December 12, the same day the new parliamentary session opens, to avoid a looming no-confidence debate.…
-
People’s Party mulls Bangkok comeback with new contender
The People’s Party, which holds more than 140 MPs, is reportedly preparing for a potential early election by laying groundwork in Bangkok’s political scene. Party insiders indicate that former MP Sita Divari, also known as “Captain Pun,” is being considered as a candidate for the upcoming Bangkok gubernatorial race. Sita, a former Thai Sang Thai candidate, re-entered politics in 2022…
-
Bhumjaithai names 3 PM hopefuls in leadership shakeup
Bhumjaithai Party announced three prime ministerial candidates during a press event, aiming to expand its leadership ahead of the upcoming election. Speaking at Government House, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, along with Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, will join him on the official candidate list. Their nominations are expected to be submitted…
-
Thaksin joins Dhamma rehab as Paetongtarn exits spotlight
Thaksin Shinawatra has entered a dhamma-based rehab programme at Klong Prem Prison, as his daughter Paetongtarn steps away from politics. Ex-PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed her father, Thaksin, is currently participating in the Dhammanavawang rehabilitation programme at Klong Prem Central Prison. Speaking after a visit to the Bangkok prison, Paetongtarn said Thaksin’s physical condition remained stable despite changing weather, but hinted…
-
Thailand plans to extend civil servants’ retirement age from 60 to 65
The government plans to extend the retirement age for all civil servants from 60 to 65 in response to declining birth rates and the country’s transition to an ageing society. Deputy Prime Minister for Legal Affairs, Bowornsak Uwanno, discussed the progress of the study on extending the retirement age for civil servants, as assigned by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Bowornsak…
-
Thailand may delay decision on scrapping Cambodia border pacts
A Thai House committee reviewing controversial border MoUs with Cambodia is seeking more time to decide whether to recommend their cancellation. A parliamentary committee tasked with reviewing two controversial memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Thailand and Cambodia is requesting a 30-day extension as it struggles to sift through a mountain of evidence. The current deadline is December 3, but committee…
-
Miss Teen Cambodia contestant accuses Thailand of starting war (video)
A Miss Teen Cambodia contestant sparked controversy when she tearfully accused Thailand of provoking conflict during a speech at a national pageant event. The woman accused Thailand of instigating conflict and demanding the return of 18 Cambodian soldiers. The moment unfolded during the pageant finals and was later uploaded to TikTok by the account @queencambodiaofficial_17. The video, which quickly went…
-
PM Anutin denies bending jail rules to help Thaksin
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has denied accusations that his government amended prison regulations to help a former leader avoid jail or aid political allies. Speaking to reporters at Government House today, November 19, Anutin, also leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, defended changes relating to inmate medical transfers, sentence suspensions, and alternative detention arrangements. Critics suggested the revisions were politically…
-
Royal Thai Army denies rangers assaulted Cambodian workers
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has strongly denied accusations made by Cambodian officials and human rights groups, dismissing the claims as fake news and part of an orchestrated attempt to damage Thailand’s international reputation. The allegations surfaced between November 17 and 18, when Cambodian government agencies and civil society groups claimed that seven Thai rangers had detained, beaten, robbed, and…
-
Thai activist Jatuporn hits out at Trump, Anwar over border dispute
A Thai political activist announced plans to protest outside the US and Malaysian embassies over alleged foreign interference in the Thai-Cambodian border dispute. During his Facebook Live programme Thailand Must Come First – Sovereignty! on Sunday, November 16, activist Jatuporn Prompan announced that his People’s Integration Group, along with student and civil society networks, will rally on November 22 to…
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.