Suwat Liptapanlop wishes for the New Year 2026 that the nation and its people overcome the crisis. He invites everyone to participate in the election to collectively build a clean, pure, and just political system, selecting good, knowledgeable, and capable leaders to govern the country.
On 31 December 2025, marking the end of 2025 and the start of 2026, Suwat Liptapanlop, former Deputy Prime Minister and chairman of the Chart Pattana Party, offered his New Year wishes. He said 2025 was a difficult year for the country, impacting the livelihood of the people and the national economy significantly. We faced global volatility on all fronts, geopolitical changes, wars in several countries, economic powerhouses’ trade wars, increased export taxes to the U.S., shifts in business and industrial production due to AI technology, global warming, and natural disasters. Domestically, the economy struggled with GDP growth of only 2%, and tourist numbers dropped, with an estimated 33 million foreign tourists in 2025 compared to the 39 million target. Household debt reached about 90% of GDP, and public debt about 66% of GDP, limiting the budget available for development and problem-solving. The grassroots economy, especially SMEs, continued to suffer from the COVID-19 situation, along with flooding in the south and Thai-Cambodian border security issues. All these factors created an economic crisis throughout 2025 that we must work together to resolve in 2026.
The New Year 2026 is crucial for the country's future, with a general election scheduled for 8 February. This is an important opportunity to establish a new government with strong political stability and capable leaders to manage the country, gaining acceptance both domestically and internationally, to restore confidence and overcome all crises.
"I invite everyone to exercise their voting rights, to build a clean, pure, and just political system. Choose good people and good political parties to take on the responsibility of governing the country successfully for the nation's progress and improving the livelihoods of our fellow citizens."
On the occasion of the New Year 2026, I respectfully pray to the Triple Gem and all sacred entities worldwide and in our country to grant all citizens and their families happiness and prosperity. May all your wishes be fulfilled. I wish everyone strong spirit, energy, and good health so that together we can overcome the economic crisis and successfully navigate through the New Year 2026.