The Committee to Review Political Party Policies held its first meeting, beginning with the examination of five parties' policies via video conference. Several major parties have yet to submit their policies. The committee noted that parties failing to submit by 19 Jan will be fined 500,000 baht.
On 14 Jan 2026 at 13:30 at the Election Commission (EC) office, Mr. Saweang Bunmee, Secretary-General of the EC and chair of the committee reviewing political party policies involving expenditures used in campaign announcements, held the first meeting. He said this matter is urgent and the timeframe is short, requiring policy reviews to be completed before election day. The committee's observations will be presented to voters before they cast ballots. The committee was established to oversee policies involving government spending after parties assume office and fulfill their campaign promises. They assess whether these policies benefit the public or negatively affect the country's finances and public debt. Since the EC lacks expertise in this area, they rely on experienced agencies and experts, which is the reason for forming this committee. It is viewed as a way to serve the nation during the election period.
Reporters noted that six political parties have submitted policies for review: Prachachon Party, Pracha Asa Nation Party, Prachakon Thai Party, Pracha Thai Party, Thai Dharma Party, and Ruam Jai Thai Party. However, Ruam Jai Thai Party withdrew its policy submission to re-examine it, so today the committee reviewed policies from five parties.
During the meeting, the committee established a process for policy review, holding Zoom sessions with party representatives to clarify any questions about campaign policies without allowing other party members to listen in. This aims to expedite the review before the election. Parties failing to submit policies by 19 Jan will face a fine of 500,000 baht, with an additional 10,000 baht daily fine until submission for EC review.