2026 Election Weekly Briefing (Jan 9)
Pheu Thai rally, Songkhla polling, and more
In another busy week of campaigning, Pheu Thai announced a raft of new policies, the Democrat surge continues in the South, and the People’s Party tries to course-correct.
Pheu Thai holds its first rally
The first political party to hold a major campaign rally is Pheu Thai, which was headlined by its PM candidates. It turns out that many of its most attention-grabbing policies had been saved for this rally. Yodchanan announced a proposal that all Thais be guaranteed at least 3,000 baht in income per month. The policy is intended to help 3.4 million people who live below the poverty line. PM candidate Suriya Juangroongrueangkit also announced that the party would take Bhumjaithai’s “Khon La Khrueng” policy further, saying that the state would pay for 70% of costs instead of the current 50%. The rally was also attended by former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was cheered by the party faithful.
Songkhla poll a boost for the Democrat Party
NIDA released new polling results from Songkhla province in the South. Unlike in virtually every other region where most are undecided, the Democrat Party had a commanding lead with around 45 percent party-list support. The People’s Party and Bhumjaithai were some way in the distance at 15 and 12 percent respectively. (While similar results were replicated when asked about the constituency ballot, I doubt that these numbers translate to local constituencies). It shows that a significant Democrat revival in support is well under way in its historical stronghold is well under way, but they are unable to convince their supporters to cast away incumbents from other parties, the Democrats’ seat haul is still likely to be limited.
If the Democrats are successful, however, that could seriously dent Bhumjaithai’s ability to make an electoral breakthrough. Bhumjaithai and the Democrats have been at war, with Bhumjaithai’s Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn asking Southern voters to take back “thirty lost years.” (This predictably prompted a fiery rebuke from former prime minister Chuan Leekpai).
People’s Party unveils more cabinet picks
The People’s Party has been in need of some positive headlines after a bruising end to 2025, when a Bangkok candidate had to be dropped when news broke that there was an arrest warrant after he was charged with money laundering. (Not helpful when the party is campaigning on eliminating gray capital). The party has also found itself on the defensive back foot after candidates were repeatedly confronted about previous rhetoric that was deemed hostile to the military.
They will have hoped, therefore, for an energizing boost with the announcements of more picks for a prospective cabinet. This included Munin Pongsapan (law professor and former dean at Thammasat University) for Minister of Justice and Pisan Manawapat (former ambassador to the United States) for Minister of Foreign Affairs. They plan to unveil even more picks on January 11. (The party earlier revealed four deputy prime ministers).
Debate between economic policymakers
I enjoyed watching a debate between three candidates for prime minister — Veerayooth Kanchoochat (PP), Julapun Amornvivat (Pheu Thai) and Korn Chatikavanij (Democrat) — that was oriented specifically around economic policy. The format allowed for cross-party scrutiny, with candidates being pushed to question each other. (For example, when Julaphan said that Pheu Thai’s goal is to turn Thailand into a high-income country within four years, Veerayooth immediately questioned whether this was realistic, explaining that this would require GDP growth of around 20 percent a year). It was also innovative; at one point the candidates were asked to pitch their flagship policy to Google Gemini, which did not mince words in its critical replies.
Palang Pracharath’s leadership transition is complete
After earlier stepping aside as a candidate for prim minister, General Prawit Wongsuwan resigned from the leadership of the party. Trinuch Thienthong, the Labor Minister and PM candidate, is now in full leadership of the party.
The Economic Party runs into trouble
I’ve written previously that the new Economic Party has been gaining momentum through its hardline stances on national security, as espoused in the soldierly tone of party leader General Rangsi Kittiyansap. In recent weeks, however, the party appears to be stumbling. First it was revealed that Rangsi was placed tenth on the party list — it will be extremely difficult for the party to win enough votes to go down that far in the party list. Then there was a backlash from the party’s conservative supporters about the fact that some of the party members placed before Rangsi had previously been members of the Move Forward Party. Party chairman Chris Potranandana gave a press conference where he “declared war” on his old party. But other conservative parties may be happy to know that they are less likely to be outflanked from the right by this new party.
Thanks for another great roundup. Do you know if there is a transcript of the economic debate (Thai or English) available?