Welcome to the Bangkok Post’s Thailand Decides

Microsite covering Thailand’s new general election scheduled on May 14, 2023.

Thailand will hold a crucial election that will determine the future of the country and its citizens. The election was called after the prime minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, dissolved the House of Representatives, and now more than 50 political parties are running campaigns to attract voters.

This election comes at a critical time for Thailand, as the country faces many challenges from both internal and external factors, including global economic risk, geopolitical conflicts, and energy price volatility. As such, the outcome of this election will have a significant impact on the country’s future.

The election will be conducted under new rules, and who becomes the next prime minister and whether Gen Prayut can return to office after serving as prime minister for up to 8 years are among the key highlights of this election. As the campaign heats up, we’ll bring you the latest news, analysis, and insights into the election’s developments, so be sure to check back often for updates.

Ballot Box Temptations

Populist policies being touted by political parties to woo voters.

Pheu Thai Party

key figure: Paetongtarn ‘Ung Ing’ Shinawatra

A 10,000 baht in digital wallet to be handed out for each of all Thai adolescents and adults
An income guarantee of 20,000 baht per month per household
A minimum daily wage of 600 baht
A salary of at least 25,000 baht for university graduates
A yearly income of at least 200,000 baht
Creating 20 million jobs for highly skilled workers, with a combined yearly income of 4 trillion baht

Palang Pracharath Party

leader: Gen Prawit Wongsuwon

Increasing monthly allowances for state welfare cardholders to 700 baht
Child support subsidies for newborns until age six
Increasing monthly allowances for the elderly, the disabled and the poor

United Thai Nation Party

key figure: Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha

Building on the success of the state welfare scheme
Building on the success of the 'Khon La Khrueng' co-payment scheme

Democrat Party

leader: Jurin Laksanawisit

Price guarantees for crops such as rice, palm fruit, maize and rubber
Subsidies for rice farmers of 30,000 baht per household (there are 4.7-4.8 million households)
Annual subsidies for fish farmer groups at 100,000 baht per group (there are about 2,800 groups)
A grant of 200,000 baht for each village and community bank

Move Forward Party

leader: Pita Limjaroenrat

Monthly allowances for the elderly of 3,000 baht each
10,000 baht for funeral expenses
A gift of 3,000 baht for new parents to buy items for their newborns
Monthly allowances for preschool children of 1,200 baht each
A minimum daily wage starting at 450 baht that will increase each year. The government will give SMEs subsides during the first six months

Bhumjaithai Party

leader: Anutin Charnvirakul

A moratorium on all kinds of debt for three years
Giving people the right to buy electric motorcycles at 6,000 baht, which they can pay for with 100-baht monthly instalments
Electric train fares start at 15 baht and cost no more than 40 baht for the entire route
Increasing monthly allowances for village health volunteers to 2,000 baht