![Spotlight: What Happened in Thailand This Week [29 Dec 2025 - 2 Jan 2026]](https://media.thairath.co.th/image/l822bIbgJg9Mn9vRQGR1nrZxTLsedtFuZ4yrYGZguHEe9vA1.jpg)
In the first week of 2026, several organizations implemented new policies as planned. Social Security contributions increased for salaries of 17,500 baht and above, rising from 750 to 875 baht. Additional benefits include a monthly pension of 3,500 baht and compensation of 8,750 baht per month for unemployment or illness.
The government also began collecting import taxes on online goods from the first baht, coordinating closely with online platforms for strict enforcement. The Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office revealed that prices of some items, such as clothing and apparel, may rise by approximately 20–30 percent. Taxes will be calculated and included in the product prices on the platforms, allowing consumers to pay once and receive items at home without needing to pay customs duties themselves.
The socio-political situation continues amid the upcoming elections. The Election Commission has opened advance voter registration for both in-district and out-of-district voters, including those abroad, for 12 days so far, with a total of 884,290 registrants. Citizens can still register until 5 Jan 2026.
A prominent political story this week involved Jinny Yotsuda Lilapanyalert, daughter of Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, leader of the Thai Sang Thai Party, who was subjected to sexually harassing comments by Dome Pakorn Lam under a photo. The Thai Sang Thai Party announced legal action under the recently enacted Sexual Harassment Prevention and Suppression Act, making Dome the first person to be charged under this law.
Meanwhile, the Thailand-Cambodia border clashes ended following a 16-point joint declaration signed by both countries at the special session of the General Border Committee (GBC). After a continuous 72-hour ceasefire, Thailand repatriated 18 Cambodian soldiers back to Cambodia as per the agreement.
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The Social Security Office plans to increase contributions in phases: In the first phase (2026–2028), salaries above 17,500 baht require 875 baht contributions, with added benefits like a 3,500 baht monthly pension and 8,750 baht monthly compensation for unemployment or illness. In the second phase (2029–2031), salaries of 20,000 baht require 1,000 baht contributions. From 2032 onward, salaries of 23,000 baht require 1,150 baht contributions.
The Election Commission has opened advance voter registration—both in-district, out-of-district, and abroad—for 12 days, totaling 884,290 registrants. Citizens can register until 5 Jan 2026. Those who change their minds or cannot vote on 1 Feb may cancel their registration and vote on 8 Feb instead.
The government is coordinating with online platforms to strictly enforce import tax collection from the first baht. The Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office stated that prices of some items, such as clothing and apparel, may rise by about 20–30 percent. Taxes will be included in platform prices, allowing consumers to pay once and receive items at home without handling customs tax payments themselves.
On 31 Dec 2025, at the Ban Phak Kad permanent border checkpoint in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand repatriated 18 Cambodian soldiers in accordance with the 16-point joint declaration signed by both countries at the special session of the General Border Committee (GBC). The ceasefire, effective from 27 Dec 2025 at 12:00, prohibited additional troop movements.
This week, poor ventilation in Bangkok trapped air near the surface with light winds, causing air quality to reach the orange level, beginning to affect health. In Chiang Mai, pollution exceeded standards, prompting the governor to ban burning for five months (1 Jan – 31 May). Residents in polluted areas must wear masks to protect against PM2.5 and limit outdoor activities or exercise. Vulnerable groups are advised to avoid outdoor activities.
The Thai Sang Thai Party sent a lawyer to file a complaint against Dome Pakorn Lam under the Sexual Harassment Prevention and Suppression Act, recently enacted, over his harassing comments towards Jinny Yotsuda Lilapanyalert, daughter of Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, party leader. Dome explained he posted the comments while intoxicated. Jinny and Khunying Sudarat continue to pursue legal action to set a societal precedent.