Thai politics | Thai PBS Verify

Thailand’s ‘Landbridge’ project: Balancing economic ambition with social impacts

Thailand’s ambitious Southern Landbridge project—a strategic link between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea—is moving forward. The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) is now in the process of finalizing feasibility studies and initial designs. This phase also involves rigorous environmental impact evaluations and the crafting of an all-encompassing investment model to ensure the project's long-term viability.

May 6, 2026

Sihasak signals upcoming reopening of Thai-Myanmar border checkpoints

Thai PBS Verify has confirmed reports that Thai-Myanmar border checkpoints may soon reopen. This follows an interview with. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, regarding his discussions with Myanmar’s leadership.

Apr 24, 2026

Commerce Minister Suphajee’s policy does not urge farmers to grow less rice

Thai PBS Verify has found a social media post, claiming that Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun’s incentive would give farmers 2,000 baht per rai if they cultivate less rice and more cash crops. In fact, the policy aims to create income diversification, not direct handouts.

Mar 19, 2026

Senator proposes 10% VAT within 3 years, Bhumjaithai wants economic growth first

A social media post has claimed that the Senate will propose that the new government increases Value-Added Tax (VAT) to 10% within three years, but the deputy Bhumjaithai party leader says that they have no plans to do so yet, as their initial focus must be on jump-starting the economy.

Feb 26, 2026

False claim: Phumtham “will take drastic action against Cambodia if appointed Minister of Defense”

Thai PBS Verify has identified a viral post on Phumtham Wechayachai to "take drastic action against Cambodia" if appointed Minister of Defense. Phumtham has confirmed the report is fake news.

Feb 23, 2026

Breakdown of ballot sheet controversy after 2026 Thai election

A social media post claimed that there were barcodes on ballot papers in the 2023 election, instead of just QR codes that could not identify and be traced back to the voters.

Feb 20, 2026

Looking into EC regulations: are “ballots” and “stubs” stored separately?

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.

Feb 18, 2026

Viral clip of “Anutin” with bruised eye after Ranong visit revealed as AI-generated image

Thai PBS Verify found a viral video claiming that Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul had sustained a bruised eye from a drumstick strike during a tour to thank his supporters in Ranong. After a thorough investigation, the image has been confirmed as AI-generated.

Feb 17, 2026

Image claiming to depict People’s Party IO is actually AI-generated

Thai PBS Verify found an image claiming to show information operations (IO) by the People’s Party, to be AI-generated. The party’s spokesperson also denied the allegation of conducting IO, stating that the party had merely hired someone to manage the party’s social media pages.

Feb 16, 2026

Video of protest against EC identified as old footage from symbolic “Senate’s cremation”

Thai PBS Verify identified a video clip showing the protest atmosphere at the Democracy Monument, which featured captions questioning the necessity of the Election Commission (EC). This video misled many into believing it as a present-day occurrence. In reality, it was a recording of a political rally held on July 19, 2023, during a symbolic "cremation" protest directed at the then-Senators.

Feb 16, 2026

Social media claim of “vote recount” in Sisaket proven false

On February 10, 2026, Thai PBS Verify investigated social media posts alleging a recount in Sisaket’s 6th and 7th constituencies. The claim was found to be false.

Feb 10, 2026

Election day: test for Thailand’s democratic system readiness

The election held on February 8, 2026 reflected ongoing issues of disorganized management and lack of readiness in several stages — from the preparation of ballots by polling station officials to the vote-counting process, a crucial period closely watched by the public to see who would become the country’s next leader.

Feb 9, 2026

Election is over, but fact-checking mission never ends as “malinformation” threatens democracy