Fact-Check Election 2026

It remains a heated issue as the public continues to demand answers. Although the Election Commission (EC) has clarified the mysterious "barcodes" on ballots, their explanation, stating they are "stored separately to maintain secrecy," is now being challenged by its own regulations.

Thai PBS Verify examined a post claiming that Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut gave an interview to foreign media about amending Article 112 of the Criminal Code. His remarks and positions were compared with those reported in Thai media to identify any differences or distortions in context.

Thai PBS Verify examines the “lottery” policy campaigns from Pheu Thai Party, Thai Sang Thai Party, and the People’s Party ahead of the 2026 election. According to the parties, these policies intend to encourage savings and support SMEs

Thai PBS Verify has investigated an online viral video claiming the arrest of an election vote-canvasser buying votes at 1,000 Baht per head. The investigation found that this was old footage from 2023. Additionally, the Phichit Provincial Election Commission (EC) confirmed that the event is outdated; the EC eventually resolved to dismiss the petition due to insufficient evidence to prosecute the accused on vote-buying charges.

Thai PBS Verify investigated a Facebook post claiming that amending the 2017 Constitution would result in a loss of public benefits. The post further cited severe penalties for corruption cases as a justification. Upon investigation, it was found that the content does not exist within the 2017 Constitution. The penalties cited are powers granted under other specific organic laws. Furthermore, a constitutional amendment does not automatically terminate the enforcement of organic laws or other existing legislation.

Thai PBS Verify reviewed the United Thai Nation Party’s proposal to reduce the retail price of gasoline and diesel to 25 baht per liter. Experts warned that such policy could impose an excessive financial burden on the government, instead they suggested that price reductions should be targeted to low‑income groups or holders of the state welfare card.

Thai PBS Verify examines the Democrat Party’s policy “Caring for Mothers, Nurturing Infants,” which proposes a 5,000 baht monthly subsidy for 12 months. Meanwhile, academics recommend providing care from pregnancy until age six, utilizing a universal subsidy system of 3,000 baht per month as a security for every child.

Thailand officially entered a complete aging society in 2023, with the population aged over 60 accounting for nearly 20% of the total population. For this reason, Thai PBS Verify takes an in-depth look at Thai Sang Thai Party’s “3,000-baht People’s Pension” policy, which draws interest from the elderly, to examine how it is similar to or different from past policies, and whether it can realistically be implemented following the 2026 election.

Thai PBS Verify examined a policy proposal to abolish the use of 1,000‑ and 500‑baht notes, framed as part of an anti‑corruption and anti‑scammer/online gambling campaign by Thai Pakdee Party. Academics argue the measure would not reduce corruption, recommending instead an introduction of new banknote series and a time limit of cash circulation to tackle “grey capital.”

Do MP candidates with ongoing legal proceedings meet the criteria for disqualification? Thai PBS Verify has investigated this matter. Legal provisions state that election candidates whose cases are currently under consideration and have not yet reached a final verdict are not subject to the disqualification criteria outlined in the election law. Being charged or undergoing court proceedings is not yet considered an admission of guilt under constitutional principles. Unless the court imposes a prison sentence and issues a detention order by court warrant, they will only be legally disqualified from being an MP candidate or a Member of Parliament.

Thai Kao Mai Party has announced a policy of “free education up to PhD level,” one of the education policies drawing close attention during the election period. Meanwhile, Thai PBS Verify has examined and traced the development of Thailand’s free education policy

Thai PBS Verify reviewed a statement made by Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of Bhumjaithai Party, during his policy announcement for the 2026 general election, regarding the “Khon La Khrueng Plus [Half-Half Plus]” government co-payment scheme. He said, “I still owe the people 2,400 baht, and I ask for the chance to return and settle that debt.” The review found that this wording could cause confusion and misunderstanding about the policy. The truth is that the 2026 budget already exists under the legal framework; it is not a personal debt but part of the national budget.

Thai PBS Verify examined a post on Threads that used a quote and an image of Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of People’s Party, claiming that he would speed up trade with Cambodia and step down if he failed to do so. The investigation found no such statement in any interview or official announcement, and Natthaphong himself confirmed that he has never made such a campaign-style remark as alleged.

Facebook posts have been found sharing images of Pheu Thai Party’s campaign posters for its 20-baht metro flat-rate rail fare policy, alongside questions asking: “Is this the same policy campaigned for since the era of former Prime Minister Yingluck, and can it be implemented immediately?”

After the dissolution of parliament by “Prime Minister Anutin,” under the tense situation along the Thai–Cambodian border, statements from the Secretary‑General of the Election Commission suggested that the announcement of an election date might be postponed. Thai PBS Verify examined the legal framework and found that the Election Commission does indeed have authority to adjust the election schedule, but only within constitutional limits.

Thai PBS Verify found that a Cambodian social media user, “Makaraboy,” claimed that elections in Thailand are meaningless because 250 senators still take part in selecting the prime minister. This claim is false. Under the 2017 Constitution, the current group of senators no longer has the authority to vote for the prime minister.