F FEICELL News全球新闻 · 本地动态 · 实时更新
← 返回新闻首页
泰国主流

Thai Enquirer News Summary – September 17, 2026

Latest Thailand English Online News Thai Enquirer News Summary - September 17, 2026 Current Affairs - Thai Enquirer %

thaienquirerThai Enquirer Summary查看原文 ↗
《泰国询问报》新闻摘要 – 2026年9月17日

Election Commission looks to Prosecute People’s Party & iLaw for Senate Collusion

The Election Commission (EC) is preparing to proceed with the review of 3 additional case files regarding alleged collusion in the Senate election.

These complaints concern meetings held for Senate candidates at the Jupiter Room, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, involving the People’s Party, iLaw, and independent Senate groups—complaints filed around the same time as the case involving the 229 individuals associated with the “Blue Group”.

On September 14, during a press conference announcing the decision to prosecute 77 out of 427 accused individuals in the Senate collusion case, EC Chairman Narong Klanwarin clearly stated that three additional case files remain under investigation by Sub-committee No. 26.

These cases involve preparatory meetings for the Senate election held by 3 groups.

People’s Party/Progressive Movement/iLaw group at the provincial level

People’s Party/Progressive Movement/iLaw group at the national level

The independent Senate group

Regarding the complaints about the meetings at the Jupiter Room, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, the investigation by Sub-committee No. 26 has been slow. Preliminary findings indicate the candidates received free catering and venue access—a clear violation of election hospitality laws—despite claims by some that they paid individually.

Sources indicated that EC is considering whether to allow the 26 th sub-committee to continue its work or to appoint a new inquiry sub-committee, as Pol. Capt. Chanin Noilek—the EC Deputy Secretary-General and chairman of the 26th inquiry sub-committee—is set to retire at the end of September.

Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut, party list MP and leader of the People’s Party as well as opposition leader, has highlighted the stance of dissenting Election Commissioner Sitthichot Inthrawiset against the Election Commission president’s briefing. Natthaphong stated that the People’s Party is preparing to file petitions with the National Anti-Corruption Commission and take legal action under Section 157, incorporating new facts from the dissenting commissioner’s viewpoint to target the large-scale senate election fraud scheme linked to individuals connected to the Bhumjai Thai Party.

Regarding the upcoming no-confidence debate, Natthaphong signaled that members of parliament should review their voting stances and use their legislative powers to hold the government accountable, noting that investigating political integrity is permissible regardless of when the behavior occurred. He declined to single out specific coalition parties like Pheu Thai, emphasizing that all politicians will be judged by citizens in the next election.

Natthaphong also criticized state authorities for attempting to silence critics through lawsuits rather than demonstrating transparency, asserting that relevant investigative agencies must provide clear answers regarding remaining case files and handle the matter impartially.

Yesterday The Election Commission (EC) issued a statement clarifying a 4-3 vote regarding financial evidence provided by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in the Senate collusion probe. According to its January 12 meeting minutes, the EC voted against accepting DSI Special Case 24/2568 files because its internal inquiry subcommittee had not yet finalized its report, maintaining that no specific money trails were presented nor requested during 11 subsequent sessions.

Minority commissioner Sitthichot Intharawiset —who favored prosecuting Bhumjai Thai Party figures—publicly disputed the EC’s account on September 15, revealing he asked the inquiry team to trace the funds but was told the 4-3 resolution legally blocked them from examining the financial evidence.

Yesterday, during a heated session of the House of Representatives to acknowledge the performance reports of the Election Commission (ECT) for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years.

People’s Party list-MP Parit told parliament that the Election Commission (EC) ignored “3 elephants in the room” regarding the Senate collusion case: evidence of organized vote-rigging, links to Bhumjai Thai figures, and departures from its own standards. He highlighted coordinated voting patterns across 19 groups, hotel gatherings, and phone logs showing Bhumjai Thai official Rattana Botham making dozens of calls to senators, arguing this points to either party leadership involvement or failure to prevent interference.

Parit criticized the EC for referring only 77 individuals—including 26 active senators—despite investigators suggesting action against over 200, alleging that key Bhumjaithai figures, including Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, avoided referral due to votes from blue-bloc-backed commissioners. Consequently, he called on the EC to publicly disclose its decisions, forward all case files to the Supreme Court, pursue remaining evidence, and reopen the investigation if new evidence surfaces.

House Speaker Sophon Saram (Bhumjaithai) barred MPs during a House debate from linking Prime Minister and party leader Anutin Charnvirakul to alleged Senate collusion, warning that speakers repeating the claim would be stopped.

The directive followed remarks by People’s Party MP Parit Wacharasindhu, who questioned why the Election Commission (EC) excluded Bhumjaithai leaders despite referring 77 individuals for legal action and evidence connecting respondents to the party. In response to being blocked, Parit expressed disbelief that the House speaker would openly declare the prime minister uninvolved in the matter.

The Election Commission (EC) defended its Senate election oversight before the House, stating that candidate group travel, shared hotel stays, and joint meetings became legal after introductory restrictions were annulled—a court decision the EC chose not to appeal to avoid delaying elections. EC Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee rejected allegations of neglecting collusion, confirming all evidence from inquiry panels 26 and 36 will be submitted to the Supreme Court, with further cases possible if new connections emerge.

Addressing opposition questions regarding why no Bhumjai Thai Party executives were among the 77 indicted individuals despite mention in investigation files—including a leaked Nong Khai hotel recording—officials noted that existing evidence had already been evaluated, while an internal inquiry is underway regarding the leaked documents.

Reserve Senate candidates petitioned the Supreme Court on Wednesday to reopen cases

against 112 senators cleared by the Election Commission (EC) and order a full review of all 138 originally investigated senators. Led by Pol Lt Gen Kamrop Panyakaew, the group argued that voting lists point to a organized operation rather than isolated misconduct, noting that the EC’s own referral of 26 serving senators suggests the selection process was compromised.

Filed within 3 days of the EC’s September 14 ruling under Section 44 of the Senate selection law, the candidates asserted this decision represents a new, challengeable order—distinguishing it from a previous petition dismissed for being filed well after result certification. Furthermore, the group accused the EC of inappropriately applying criminal standards while ignoring Section 62, which only requires reasonable grounds of suspicion, and requested the court revoke the dismissals to examine voting patterns, conduct, and alleged network connections.

Two US House committee chairs, Representative Brian Mast and Representative John Moolenaar, have sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent requesting a 180-day investigation into 28 foreign individuals and entities. The lawmakers are asking authorities to determine whether these parties qualify for sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act and other laws due to their involvement in online scam networks.

The letter highlights that transnational criminal organizations based in Southeast Asia operate massive industrial-scale scam compounds, including cryptocurrency investment schemes known as pig butchering. These operations heavily rely on an estimated 400,000 human trafficking victims from over 70 countries, while corrupt officials in countries such as Burma, Cambodia, and Laos largely ignore the illicit activities.

The list of 28 targets under review includes international names and features an individual identified as a former minister in the Anutin 1 government, alongside corporate entities such as the Fully Light Group of Companies, LTD and White Sands Palace Casino.

The appointment of Vorapak Tanyawong, former Deputy Minister of Finance in the Anutin 1 administration by the request of Deputy PM and Minister of Finance – Ekniti, and also by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, has started to come back and haunt them after the release of this list by the US.

Ekniti had released a statement that Ministry of Finance has appointed Vorapak to curtail the ‘grey’ economy. The US’ release of the name of Vorapak on the list of ‘sanctions’ is a slap on the face of Ekniti and Anutin.

Vorapak Tanyawong, former Deputy Minister of Finance in the Anutin 1 administration who resigned shortly after his appointment following allegations regarding the BIC Group and Ben Smith, has addressed reports that his name was included in a letter from US House Committee chairs to the US Secretary of State and Secretary of the Treasury regarding potential sanctions.

In a statement released on September 16, Vorapak clarified that the letter serves as a request for US government agencies to review information and determine if individuals meet criteria for sanctions, rather than an investigation result, final ruling of wrongdoing, or an enacted sanction. He strongly denied any involvement, support, or awareness regarding scam centers, money laundering, human trafficking, cybercrime, or transnational crime.

Vorapak confirmed that he has officially contacted the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury to request channels for submitting facts and documentary evidence and is preparing letters to the two committee chairs to request an opportunity to clarify the facts. Additionally, he noted that he has pursued defamation lawsuits in Thailand against individuals spreading accusations, with one case accepted by the court and another awaiting a court order following the completion of the evidentiary hearing.

Thaksin Files Case against 15 billion Baht Tax Collection

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has filed a lawsuit in the Central Tax Court to block the Revenue Department from seizing further assets to cover a 15.88-billion-baht tax assessment linked to the 2006 sale of Shin Corporation shares. His lawyer, Winyat Chatmontree, argued that the tax calculation stems from the same share proceeds from which the Supreme Court already confiscated 46.37 billion baht in 2010, leaving no remaining taxable income and rendering the current enforcement duplicative and unlawful.

Thaksin’s legal team is seeking an injunction to suspend all asset seizure operations while the legal challenge is under review. The Central Tax Court, where the case was initially lodged on July 2, is set to hear the injunction request on October 7, with full court proceedings scheduled to begin on November 16.

The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced former Pheu Thai MP Saranwut Saranket to 8 months in prison for allowing another MP to use his electronic voting card to register attendance and vote on a transport borrowing bill on September 20, 2013, while he was in Sukhothai. Ruling the conduct of a serious act of corruption that undermined parliamentary trust, the court found Saranwut knowingly surrendered his card, though he was subsequently granted bail pending appeal.

Organizers marking the 50th anniversary of the October 6, 1976, massacre have launched a signature drive aiming for 50,000 sign-ups to repeal Order No. 41 of the Administrative Reform Council, a coup-era directive that heightened penalties under several laws, including Section 112. The petition remains open until October 6 via decoup6octsins.com, alongside the release of six historical photographs documenting the tragedy to raise public awareness.

A commemorative three-day event featuring screenings, discussions, performances, and a candlelight vigil will take place at Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan campus from October 4 to 6. Additionally, campaign leaders plan to reach out to major political parties—including Bhumjai Thai, Democrat, Pheu Thai, and People’s—on September 22 to gather political support for the repeal initiative.

Thailand’s Ministry of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has confirmed that a joint ticketing system capping electric train fares at 17 to 45 baht across all lines, colors, and routes will take effect on January 1, 2027. Passengers will be able to travel across different lines without paying an initial entry fee. The government will initially approve the policy on a year-by-year basis until the Green Line concession expires in mid-2029, after which a long-term approach will be considered. The state will bear the burden of subsidizing the fare difference for actual travel exceeding 45 baht rather than directly compensating operators.

Krung Thai Bank has been designated to act as the clearing house for backend financial management and fare difference refunds. The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning lacks accumulated funds in its joint ticketing pool, requiring the government to seek an annual central budget of approximately 5 billion baht starting around November 2026. This subsidy figure remains uncertain as negotiations with private operators regarding revenue increases from projected passenger growth of nearly 20% will determine funds returned to the joint ticketing pool.

Due to a limited timeframe of three and a half months before implementation, Krung Thai Bank must expedite EMV card reader installations across all rail lines. To avoid delays caused by replacing the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Green Line card readers, BTS will adapt its system to utilize Rabbit EMV cards, enabling passengers to tap and use the card across all train lines by the target date. Following the rail system completion, the Ministry of Transport plans to expand the joint ticketing system to BMTA buses and passenger boats.

Surasak Phankasemworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, announced that the 4-billion-baht ‘Thai Tiew Thai Plus’ domestic tourism promotion project will likely be delayed from its original start date to April 2027. The postponement aims to stimulate the economy during the low season and school break, avoiding the upcoming high season when hotels are already fully booked and spending yields lower economic impact.

The project retains its original framework of 1 million privileges, featuring government accommodation subsidies of 1,500 baht per night for up to five nights alongside 50:50 co-pay digital coupons valued at 1,500 baht per day for primary cities and 2,000 baht per day for secondary cities. The 4-billion-baht budget is secured from a specific allocation under the first 400-billion-baht emergency loan decree.

The ministry will hold further discussions with the private sector to reach a clear consensus before submitting the plan to the Cabinet for formal approval. Meanwhile, the ‘Thai Chuay Thai Plus’ project will be extended to stimulate spending and travel during the final quarter of 2029 through the end of the year.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas chaired the second meeting of the sub-committee on financial data linkage to enhance tracking of suspicious transactions, known as the Connect the Dots board. The board instructed Permanent Secretary for Finance Lavorn Sangsnit to formulate a master plan establishing a central database that integrates information across seven key agencies to enhance financial risk prevention, improve fund-tracking efficiency, and accelerate asset seizure.

The seven core agencies participating in the integration are the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, the Royal Thai Police, the Anti-Money Laundering Office, the Bank of Thailand, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Thai Bankers Association. The project format and budget framework will be finalized within 30 days, utilizing an automated data sharing system to track grey money and scammer networks without waiting for formal complaints.

The new infrastructure unifies reporting channels into a single Case ID to simplify procedures for the public, while establishing uniform KYC and EDD standards across commercial banks, securities, and digital assets. Furthermore, the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand are collaborating with the Gold Traders Association to regulate gold transactions and close channels used to transfer illicit funds.

A source at Government House revealed that Anan Kaewkamnerd, Director of the Bureau of the Budget, has proposed issuing a formal notification to all government agencies—including permanent secretaries, heads of government bodies, state enterprises, and other entities—to clarify the management of personnel expenditure budgets under the public sector personnel plan for the 2027 fiscal year, following the enactment of the 2027 Budget Act.

Under the new rules, agencies may only hire within explicitly approved budget allocations and must freeze non-essential temporary vacancies unless funded through surplus budget reallocations. While general retirement vacancies are restricted to a 1-month salary allocation, independent bodies—including the Judiciary, Parliament, Prosecution, and Royal Thai Police cadet recruitment—are permitted 4-month hiring windows, with any unallocated staffing expansion requiring prior Bureau approval under the 2018 State Financial and Fiscal Discipline Act.

Wattanapong Kurovat, Director-General of the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO), announced that Thailand’s Ministry of Energy is closely monitoring volatile global energy prices driven by escalating Middle East tensions—particularly around the Strait of Hormuz—which have spiked crude, refined oil, and Spot LNG prices.

To protect consumers from rising electricity bills, the ministry is prioritizing long-term, stable-priced LNG supply contracts and absorbing excess clean energy into the grid to minimize expensive Spot LNG imports. Meanwhile, to stabilize domestic retail fuel prices, the ministry is leveraging the Oil Fuel Fund—which currently carries an 80-billion-baht deficit—aiming to keep losses below 100 billion baht while promoting biofuel use, though gradual retail price increases may become necessary if global oil markets continue to surge.

Meanwhile Pornchai Jirakulpaisarn, Director of the Policy and Planning Office at the Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO), revealed that global oil prices remain exceptionally high—with diesel recently surpassing $195 per barrel—and are projected to stay around $180–$190 per barrel through late 2026. To cushion the public from severe living costs, the Oil Fuel Fund is currently spending a massive 770 million baht daily (23 billion baht per month) in price subsidies, pushing the fund’s total deficit toward 80 billion baht, with expectations to hit 100 billion baht by October 2026.

In response, the OFFO is preparing an exit strategy to gradually reduce subsidy levels, which may cause domestic diesel prices to rise beyond the current 40 baht per litre, while simultaneously considering additional borrowing under a previously approved 20-billion-baht cabinet credit line and coordinating with the government on complementary relief measures.

Oil prices remain unchanged today. Recently the Oil Fuel Fund Executive Committee announced updated levy and subsidy rates for various fuel types, effective September 17, 2026.

Pongpol Yodmuangcharoen, spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy, revealed that current electricity requests from the data center sector have reached 35 gigawatts—nearly matching Thailand’s peak national demand of 40 gigawatts—though much of this is “phantom demand” caused by investors requesting extra quotas and backup power sources. To address this responsibly, the government has capped data center electricity demand at a conservative 8.8 gigawatts within the draft National Power Development Plan (PDP 2026) while switching its power reliability metric from reserve margin to Loss of Load Expectation.

Furthermore, to support the “Solar Rooftop for 1 Million Households” policy—which will add over 5,000 megawatts of clean power—the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is allocating approximately $1 billion (35 billion baht) to upgrade the grid into a two-way dynamic system, focusing heavily on the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) to manage renewable energy fluctuations.

Three NBTC commissioners are requesting an investigation into five Universal Service Obligation contracts totaling 5.42 billion baht, raising concerns over whether the winning bidders received proper supervisory approval. ACM Thanapant Raicharoen noted that procurement exceeding 200 million baht requires supervisor sign-off, questioning if the secretary-general acted alone or sought approval from Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, whose chairmanship is currently disputed following an Administrative Court ruling.

The call follows the collapse of the NBTC’s 11th due to a lack of quorum has left 193 agenda items stalled, including 82 with statutory deadlines. The operational deadlock, which began in July, three commissioners continue to boycott meetings chaired by Dr. Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, asserting his term has ended, while Sarana maintains he remains the lawful chairman. Meanwhile, Commissioner Pirongrong Ramasoota clarified that the group is not attempting to oust Sarana, but rather asking him to stop blocking proceedings so they can address urgent matters, including the digital television master plan and upcoming 2029 license expirations.

The SET Index closed yesterday at 1,562.73 points, down 15.93 points or 1.01%, with a trading value of 75,541.19 million baht. The index traded in negative territory throughout the day and weakened significantly in the afternoon due to pressure from various domestic negative factors. The first factor was the resolution by the Energy Policy Administration Committee to cut ex-refinery diesel prices; this negatively impacted energy and refinery stocks, causing their share prices to drop sharply.

Meanwhile, tourism-related stocks faced afternoon pressure following news reports suggesting a possible postponement of the “Thai Tiew Thai Plus” scheme, leading to sell-offs in the sector and further weighing on the index. Communication sector stocks—particularly ADVANC and TRUE—also declined; some analysts downgraded their recommendations due to a less-than-impressive earnings growth outlook for the sector in 2027.

Today’s market outlook hinges on the outcome of the US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) monetary policy meeting and the Fed Chair’s statement, which will help assess the future direction of interest rates. Support levels are estimated at 1,560 points and 1,550 points, while resistance levels are seen at 1,575–1,580 points.

Thai refinery stocks tumbled yesterday following the Energy Fuel Fund Executive Committee’s (OFFEC) resolution to slash ex-refinery diesel prices by 4.00 baht per litre from September 16 to October 31, 2026, aimed at easing public living costs amid Middle East tensions. Major refiners posted sharp losses: TOP fell 4.17% to 63.25 baht (3.05 billion baht volume), BCP dropped 3.08% to 55.00 baht (2.14 billion baht volume), PTTGC slid 3.98% to 48.25 baht (1.52 billion baht volume), and IRPC plummeted 7.43% to 2.74 baht (1.13 billion baht volume).

Analysts noted that the 4.00 baht reduction exceeds the previously assumed 2.40 baht discount, posing a 3–4% downside risk to 2026 earnings for refiners like TOP, SPRC, and BCP, as well as a 0.6–1.2% potential downside to their 2027 target prices.

Sarath Ratanavadi, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited (GULF), revealed that the company is considering an investment plan to develop a “Data Center Park” industrial complex with a capacity of at least 1,000 megawatts (MW). Clarity on the project is expected within this year, with negotiations currently underway with numerous potential clients. Preliminary estimates place the investment value in the range of 100 billion baht.

The concept behind the Data Center Park stems from the view that data centers should be co-located to enable efficient management of utilities—including electricity, water, and environmental systems. Several locations are currently under consideration, both within and outside the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). It has not yet been determined whether the company will undertake the investment entirely on its own or invite partners to co-invest.

Regarding nuclear energy, GULF is independently studying potential domestic sites for Small Modular Reactors (SMR). While technology costs remain high, the company anticipates greater commercial viability in 2–3 years as costs decrease, opting to manage the project independently for faster execution and direct risk control.

Banpu Public Company Limited (BANPU) reported that its NYSE-listed subsidiary, BKV Corporation (BKV), completed the acquisition of upstream, midstream, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) assets in Barnett Shale, Texas, on September 15, 2026. Funded via cash on hand and revolving credit, the deal strengthens BKV’s position in the region, though the transaction value remains undisclosed per the agreement terms.

The acquisition advances BANPU’s U.S. closed-loop gas strategy by integrating low-decline Barnett Shale assets into BKV’s natural gas, midstream, and carbon capture operations. This move enhances operational efficiency through shared infrastructure and boosts supply to high-demand markets like Dallas-Fort Worth and the Gulf Coast, with BANPU confirming the transaction requires no special regulatory disclosures under capital market rules.

Thaiyihong Ceramic Co., Ltd. has ceased operations and laid off over 200 workers at its Nakhon Phanom factory due to liquidity issues driven by declining overseas orders, increased US tariffs, and global conflicts. While daily workers were dismissed on September 7 and monthly staff face termination on September 30, employees report unpaid wages dating back to early August, with no clear timeline provided for severance payouts.

Provincial labor officials are currently investigating these claims and advising affected workers on accessing the Employee Welfare Fund if the company fails to pay. Additionally, agencies are assisting dismissed staff with job re-registration and filing for unemployment benefits, which offer eligible workers 50% of their wages for up to six months through the Social Security Fund.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has issued a nationwide warning for 76 provinces and Bangkok, urging vigilance against flash floods, forest runoff, landslides, water stagnation, and strong winds between September 15 and 20. The warning follows forecasts from the Thai Meteorological Department predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall across various parts of the country due to a high-pressure system from China intersecting with an active monsoon trough and strengthening southwest monsoons.

Authorities have designated all provinces as risk areas for flash floods, forest runoff, and landslides, while Bangkok is specifically monitored for urban water stagnation. Additionally, six southern provinces face warnings for strong winds with waves reaching two to three meters high in the Andaman Sea. Medium and small reservoirs holding over 80 percent capacity, as well as multiple major river basins and low-lying areas, are also under close watch due to rapidly rising water levels.

The Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command has instructed provincial authorities and regional centers to deploy operational teams, machinery, and 24-hour monitoring units to high-risk zones. Measures include clearing drainage systems, closing risky natural tourist sites such as waterfalls and caves, restricting coastal swimming, and advising vessel operators to exercise caution or suspend navigation as conditions demand.

Google Flood Hub has issued an early warning indicating a high probability of flash floods in Bangkok and surrounding areas within the next 24 hours. The platform processes weather data, rainfall amounts, river water levels, and topography using artificial intelligence to forecast flood risks.

According to the system’s map, areas including Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Samut Prakan are highlighted in red, indicating a high likelihood of urban flooding within 24 hours, alongside regions marked in orange for potential flood risks.

This high-risk projection aligns with the Thai Meteorological Department’s weather forecast, which warns that Bangkok and its vicinity will experience thunderstorms covering 70 percent of the area with heavy rainfall in some places.

The Thai government has outlined six key positions at the first meeting with the Thailand-Cambodia Conciliation Commission under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in Singapore. Speaking on behalf of Thailand, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow emphasized that while Thailand desires peace and is ready to negotiate as a good neighbor, it will not compromise its sovereignty or rights.

The six principles establish that Thailand seeks peace without sacrificing sovereignty, clarifies that the talks involve maritime boundaries rather than land territory or Koh Kood, and insists that international law must be based on facts rather than unilateral claims. Furthermore, the government noted that the 2001 MOU did not close the door to negotiations, affirmed a combined approach of diplomacy and international law, and maintained that the conciliation should yield a fair outcome without Thailand losing its legitimate rights.

Toxic haze from Indonesian forest fires has blanketed nine provinces in southern Thailand for three straight days, driving PM2.5 pollution to its worst levels since 2019 and threatening public health. Driven by a sharp surge in Indonesian hotspots—which have burned over 800,000 hectares of land this year—the transboundary pollution has exposed over 12.5 million people to severe air hazards and caused respiratory illnesses in the region to more than double. In response, Indonesia has deployed 53 aircraft for cloud seeding and water bombing, while monitoring blazes burning within 30 to 40 kilometers of its new capital, Nusantara.

Khon Kaen land officials formally updated the title deed for a 21-rai plot to register Wat Pa Adulyaram as the rightful owner, ending a decades-long dispute with the heirs of the original donor, Hiang Phimsri. Lawyer Ananchai Chaiyadet, chairman of the Dhamma Army Foundation, joined legal expert Thongthong Chandrangsu, National Office of Buddhism representatives, and local monks to oversee the official signing and handover to the abbot, Phra Kru Adulyasananithet.

The land was originally donated in 1990 before Hiang’s death, with the location officially registered as a temple in 1998. Although the temple won every court battle dating back to 2004, the donor’s heirs applied for a replacement deed in July 2026. The conflict escalated on August 10 when representatives of the heirs used vehicles and construction materials to block temple entrances, resulting in trespassing charges against them prior to the land office’s final resolution.

Police arrested 20-year-old Uthenthawai student Vichakorn at Pathumwan police station after CCTV footage linked him to a September 7 knife attack on two Pathumwan Institute of Technology students at Siam BTS station. He faces charges of joint attempted murder and carrying a knife in public without cause.

Vichakorn admitted to being the individual in the footage and fleeing the scene, though the student group claimed the fight resulted from a chance encounter over a personal dispute rather than institutional rivalry. Police opposed bail, and the Bangkok South Criminal Court subsequently denied his release.

Political News Headlines in Thai Media

Discord in the EC boils over

Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/3320935/discord-in-the-ec-boils-over

NACC targets EC bigwigs for ignoring allegations

Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/3320820/nacc-targets-ec-bigwigs-for-ignoring-allegations

Korn accuses Thai regulators of inaction over scam networks

Link- https://www.nationthailand.com/news/politics/40071103

Thai army shares Preah Vihear drone strike video on Sept 15

Link- https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40071075

Economic News Headlines in Thai Media

B350m on table to fight tilapia spread

Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3320825/b350m-on-table-to-fight-tilapia-spread

Phuket expressway plans taking shape

Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3320208/phuket-expressway-plans-taking-shape

BGRIM Brings ‘Empowering the World Compassionately’ Vision to Gastech 2026

Link- https://www.kaohooninternational.com/markets/590804

BGRIM Inks Dual Agreements to Secure GE Vernova’s Turbine For Thailand-Malaysia Projects

Link- https://www.kaohooninternational.com/markets/590818

STECON-WHA Poised for Gains Amid Growing Data Center Investments in Thailand

Link- https://www.kaohooninternational.com/markets/590795

Thai Stock Exchange to Connect Investors With 56 Listed Companies at JUMP+ Event

Link- https://www.kaohooninternational.com/markets/590824

CPF Establishes New Subsidiary in Cambodia to Conduct Food Trading Business

Link- https://www.kaohooninternational.com/markets/590858

True Corp Partners With SWU to Expand Digital Learning and AI Skills Across Thailand

Link- https://www.kaohooninternational.com/technology/590848

_____________________________________________________________________________

Issues to be watched out for

September 17, 2026 – The committee responsible for screening loan-funded expenditures—under the 400-billion-Baht budget—will meet to consider details regarding the extension of the “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” Phase 2

September , 2026 – The Ministry of Commerce will announce Thailand’s export figures for August

September , 2026 – FTI announces production and export figures for automobiles, motorcycles, and auto parts

September , 2026 – The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) reports on the analysis of the poverty and inequality situation in Thailand in 2025

September , 2026 – The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) announces the overall stock market situation summary

September , 2026 – Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) reports fiscal economic conditions, regional economic conditions, and the Regional Economic Sentiment Index.

September 20-27, 2026 – Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will lead a Thai delegation to Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom from September 20–27, 2026.

September 28, 2026 – The Constitutional Court makes a decision on the ‘barcode’ on the February 8, 2026, General Elections that has been blamed as being infringement of secrecy of the ballot papers.

September 30, 2026 – Bank of Thailand (BOT) reports Thai economic and financial conditions

October 5, 2026 – September 2026 Consumer Confidence Inflation Data

October 12-18, 2026 – IMF and World Bank meeting in Bangkok

October , 2026 – The Ministry of Commerce will announce Thailand’s export figures for September

October 28, 2026 – Monetary Policy Committee holds its meeting

November 5, 2026 – October 2026 Consumer Confidence Inflation Data

November 16, 2026 – The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) reports on the state of the Thai economy and GDP for the third quarter of 2026, as well as outlook for 2026-2027

November , 2026 – The Ministry of Commerce will announce Thailand’s export figures for October

December 4, 2026 – November 2026 Consumer Confidence Inflation Data

December 23, 2026 – Monetary Policy Committee holds its meeting

SET Index 1,562.73 -15.93

Link – https://www.set.or.th/en/company/ipo/upcoming_ipo_set.html

Metal -Link http://www.bloomberg.com/markets/commodities/futures/metals/

Energy -Link – http://www.bloomberg.com/energy/

Baltic Dry Index (BDI)-Link – http://www.bloomberg.com/quote/BDIY:IND

Global Equity Market’s Movements

Link – http://www.bloomberg.com/markets/stocks/world-indexes/asia-pacific/

Asian Equity Markets Movement

Link – http://www.bloomberg.com/markets/stocks/world-indexes/

Information on 16 September 2026

Buying, Selling or Transfer of shares by Owners/Management

XD, XE or XM or other notifications

For list of Companies that have dividend payment and AGM meeting schedules click on https://www.set.or.th/set/xcalendar.do

Trading Breakdown on the Stock Exchange of Thailand

Total Trading Value 75,541.19 Million Baht

Background Information

According to the report by the Election Commission of Thailand as of May 8, 2019, the strength of each party in the Thai Parliament following the elections on March 24, 2019.

List of MPs – https://www.ect.go.th/ect_th/download/article/article_20190508184334.pdf

Information provided here is copyright of ThaiNews Corp and no part maybe reproduced in any form without the prior written permission. The opinions expressed are only those of the writer’s and is analysed based on the situation.

Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook

Share on X (Opens in new window) X

Thai Enquirer News Summary – September 16, 2026

Opinion: Anger Without a Common Front

Cambodia proposes interim joint resource development in maritime dispute

Thai Enquirer News Summary – September 15, 2026

Bhumjaithai Figures Avoid Action as EC Proceeds Against 77

Thai Enquirer News Summary – September 14, 2026

手机左右滑动，电脑按 ← → 键，也能切换新闻