The Election Commission hosts a debate among four major parties, showcasing competing policies on society and education, with Pheu Thai facing Bhumjaithai, Democrats measuring their vision against Prachachon Party. The program is set for nationwide broadcast in early February 2026 GMT+7.
On 12 Jan 2026 GMT+7 at Centara Life Hotel, Government Complex Chaeng Watthana, the Election Commission recorded the first day of the “Election Debate Thailand 2026,” a national-level policy contest. Five parties fielding candidates in 300-400 constituencies participated: Pheu Thai, Bhumjaithai, Prachachon, Democrat, and Kla Tham. The debate covered two topics: 1. Social issues, where Pheu Thai competed against Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham. Pheu Thai was represented by Ms. Theerapa Pairohkul, a party-list candidate; Bhumjaithai by Mr. Warawut Silpa-archa, party-list candidate; Kla Tham was to be represented by party leader Ms. Narumon Pinyosinwat but she was unable to attend due to a campaign speech in Roi Et province.
The second topic, education, featured a debate between the Democrat Party and Prachachon Party. The Democrats sent Ms. Kadee Liaopairoj, their prime ministerial candidate, while Prachachon was represented by Mr. Paramee Waichongcharoen, a party-list candidate.
The policy debate recordings will take place from 12 to 16 January 2026 GMT+7. The broadcasts will air on television, radio, and online news outlets from 2 to 6 February 2026 GMT+7, between 05:00 and 01:00 the following day.
It was revealed that no political parties have yet submitted budget-related policies for verification.
Mr. Kriangkrai Pandokmai, Deputy Secretary-General of the Election Commission, updated on the progress of reviewing party policies used in advertisements that require spending. So far, only six parties have submitted their policies for review. He expects more parties will gradually submit policies by 19 January 2026 GMT+7, the deadline stipulated in the Political Parties Act, Section 57.
Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai confident they will submit policies to the Election Commission on time.
Ms. Theerapa Pairohkul, a Pheu Thai party-list candidate and party executive, stated that Pheu Thai has prepared over 50 policies under Section 57 covering all aspects of national administration. Each policy specifies the budget amount, funding sources, allocation methods, cost-effectiveness, risks, and benefits to the public clearly. They are currently undergoing final review and expect to submit them to the Election Commission before 19 January 2026 GMT+7.
Mr. Warawut Silpa-archa, Bhumjaithai party-list candidate, said Bhumjaithai’s policy team, led by Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, has nearly completed drafting policies under Section 57. They plan to submit them to the Election Commission next week. He affirmed that the budget-related policies are not populist giveaways but practical and implementable plans.