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Thai Enquirer News Summary – September 22, 2026

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《泰国询问报》新闻摘要 – 2026年9月22日

Call to use 50 billion Baht to help subsidize Gasoline Prices to help people

Yesterday the opposition People’s Party said the proposed Thai Chuai Thai Plus Phase 2 scheme will not meaningfully reduce living costs or stimulate the economy, calling the planned 1,000-baht subsidy an attempt to boost government popularity. The scheme is expected to run from October 1 to November 30, pending cabinet approval.

Deputy party leader Sirikanya Tansakun criticized the 40% co-payment requirement and questioned using funds originally intended for the energy transition. She said the 200-billion-baht loan should instead provide targeted assistance to groups including farmers, fishers and transport workers. The government says 40–50 billion baht remains available from the original relief allocation, but the Phase 2 budget has not been finalized.

Social Media War of Words between Anutin and Sirikanya

A war of words has erupted between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Sirikanya Tansakun —a party-list MP and deputy leader of the People’s Party—following Sirikanya’s statement declaring the “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” scheme a failure on all fronts.

Subsequently, Anutin shared an article from the “Ringside Kan Mueang” Facebook page, which described the scheme as having morphed from a cost-of-living relief measure into a full-blown political battleground; the post warned that the opposition was engaging in excessive politicking—prioritizing scoring political points over the actual hardships faced by the public.

Sirikanya retorted via Facebook: “You’re diligent on Facebook, reading every post, yet you fail to read the laws before signing them. If you have this much free time, please do us the favor of showing up to answer parliamentary inquiries.”

Anutin, who by the way is on an official trip to the United States at the moment, then replied to a comment on the “Matichon Online” page—which had shared Sirikanya’s post—stating, “Wait until you’ve accumulated enough merit, alright?”.

He also shared a news report from “Prachachat Business” highlighting the Prime Minister’s confidence in the government’s high level of stability—citing strong parliamentary support, solid relations among coalition partners, and effective cooperation with the military as key national strengths.

During a visit to Tokyo before departing for the 81 st UN General Assembly in New York, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul urged Team Thailand officials to foster a deeper economic partnership with Japan focused on high-tech sectors, clean energy, and joint supply chain development. Emphasizing a shift toward “manufacturing together,” he called for increased Japanese direct investment in key industries such as electric vehicles, semiconductors, and digital technology.

To assure investors of Thailand’s stability and credibility, Anutin highlighted significant achievements, including a crackdown on illicit operations that yielded over 20 billion baht in asset seizures. He supported the nation’s positive investment outlook by citing Thailand’s first capital inflows in four years, as well as Fitch Ratings’ recent decision to upgrade the country’s credit outlook from Negative to Stable with a BBB+ rating.

Today Anutin is attending the 81 st UN General Assembly in New York, where he will join the General Debate and meet with UN Secretary-General candidate Rebeca Grynspan. During the trip, he and his delegation are also conducting an investment roadshow to build global investor confidence, collaborating with Bank of America and meeting executives from bond management giant PIMCO to attract foreign capital to Thailand.

Last night he also posted that arrived safely in New York for a UNGA mission at United Nations and to conduct Thailand Roadshow with SET for potential investors and financial institutions until Friday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas addressed proposals to use remaining crisis-relief loan funds from Middle East conflict impacts to lower oil excise taxes. He explained that Thailand primarily manages energy prices through three mechanisms: the Oil Fuel Fund, contributions from excess refining margins, and excise tax cuts.

Tax reductions have been withheld so far because lowering revenue while expenses remain high would ultimately force the government to borrow additional funds to cover the deficit. If tax adjustments become necessary, the government is considering targeting specific fuels like E20 and B20, which feature higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel, ensuring tax benefits directly support Thai farmers who supply sugarcane, cassava, and palm oil.

Emphasizing fiscal discipline, Ekniti stressed that policies must be executed prudently and at the right time. With the current fiscal year ending in September, Thailand’s remaining borrowing authority is limited to just over 10 billion baht; reckless tax cuts could severely strain fiscal stability and trigger a compounded financial crisis.

The government plans to reassess its fiscal space in the upcoming fiscal year before making further policy decisions. He also noted that Fitch Ratings’ latest report praised Thailand’s energy management while highlighting its continued strength in maintaining robust fiscal discipline.

Meanwhile the Oil Fuel Fund Executive Committee has resolved to keep retail fuel prices unchanged by reducing subsidy rates across key fuels. Under the new resolution, the subsidy for Diesel B7 drops by 1.47 baht per liter, bringing the net support down to 5.48 baht per liter. Meanwhile, subsidies for Gasohol 95 and Gasohol 91 have been reduced by 0.37 baht per liter, leaving their remaining subsidy at 4.19 baht per liter.

Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund deficit has widened to 92.286 billion baht, rapidly closing in on the 100-billion-baht threshold.

The Thai government clarified that its national diesel price of 40.69 baht per litre is lower than the general market prices in Malaysia 42.96 baht and Indonesia 44.73 baht, responding to social media criticism comparing local fuel costs. Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Perisvivatana cited Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) data, emphasizing that while neighboring countries offer lower subsidized rates for specific groups, Thailand’s general market price remains competitive.

She noted that cross-country comparisons must account for differing tax structures, exchange rates, fuel quality, and subsidy systems.

To further cushion consumers from global market pressures, Thailand implemented a targeted energy support measure that reduces ex-refinery prices for B0, B7, and B20 high-speed diesel by 4 baht per litre from September 16 to October 31, 2026. Approved by the Committee on Energy Policy Administration, the measure aims to alleviate cost pressures within the domestic pricing structure and prevent further price spikes at the pump.

At today’s Cabinet meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas will propose a two-month extension of the “Thai Chuai Thai Plus” scheme, designed to support citizens and small retailers amid an economic slowdown compounded by U.S. tariff policies and high energy prices.

Driven by ongoing Middle East conflicts, the energy crisis continues to strain Thailand’s fragile economy due to its heavy reliance on energy imports. In response, the government issued an Emergency Decree authorizing the Ministry of Finance to borrow up to 400 billion baht in 2026, allocating an initial 200 billion baht toward energy crisis relief.

Following an initial Cabinet resolution on May 19, 2026, approving 176 billion baht for the “Thai Chuai Thai Plus: Overcoming the Crisis Together” initiative, funds were divided into three programs: 18.8 billion baht for low-income support, 36.9 billion baht for additional welfare benefits, and up to 120 billion baht for the core “Thai Chuai Thai Plus (60/40)” scheme. With the current phase set to expire on September 30, 2026, the Ministry of Finance will submit a proposal on September 22, 2026, to extend the measure through October and November using the remaining budget.

According to a Ministry of Finance source, the ministry is preparing to propose C-10 Director-General level civil servant appointments and reshuffles at today’s Cabinet meeting to fill upcoming vacancies due to retirements and resignations across major departments, including the Revenue Department, the Treasury Department, and the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO).

The critical post of Revenue Department Director-General—vacant as current chief Somsak Anantawat retires at the end of September—has narrowed to two candidates: internal figure Salakjit Pongsirichan and Excise Department Director-General Pornchai Thiraveja.

Pornchai is considered the frontrunner, though the new chief will face the major challenge of managing revenue targets alongside an ongoing lawsuit filed by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra against the department.

If Pornchai moves to the Revenue Department, Deputy Permanent Secretary Theeralak Saengsanit is expected to take over at the Excise Department.

The Central Administrative Court held a hearing for the case filed by Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), against the NBTC Selection Committee. The lawsuit challenges a ruling that deemed Sarana ineligible for office due to an alleged conflict of interest involving his continued paid hourly work as a physician at Ramathibodi Hospital after the state employment deadline.

The court prohibited news reporting and interviews about the case on its premises. Following a three-hour hearing, Sarana departed immediately. It will hold its first hearing at 11 a.m. on Sept. 25 and deliver its judgment at 3 p.m. that day.

The SET Index closed yesterday at 1,598.03 points, up 13.88 points or 0.88%, with a trading value of 68,454.74 million baht. The index remained in positive territory throughout the day, briefly rising above the 1,600-point mark during trading. A key driver was Fitch Ratings’ decision to revise Thailand’s outlook from “Negative” to “Stable,” which boosted market sentiment and foreign investor confidence, while also stimulating buying interest in commercial banking stocks—particularly large-cap issues.

Other supporting factors included the outlook for political stability, policies addressing the energy price crisis, investments in AI and data centers, domestic consumption, and a public debt-to-GDP ratio that remains within manageable limits. Additionally, the electronics components sector benefited from positive sentiment surrounding technology stocks across Asian markets, driving up share prices in the sector and further lifting the SET Index.

For today, the index is expected to fluctuate sideways within a specific range as investors await the meeting between US and Chinese leaders this week, as well as the Cabinet meeting—where the market is closely watching for a decision on extending the “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” scheme by another two months.

Kla Tham party ready to join Government Coalition

Kla Tham party, the party whose de-facto leader was jailed in Australia for drug smuggling, has removed itself from the ‘opposition whip’ in what many view as the indication that they are getting ready to join the government coalition.

This move comes after Kla Tham voted 58 votes (all MPs) in favor of the budget and over the past few months has been seen cozying up with the Anutin led coalition.

Parit Wacharasindhu, People’s Party MP and Chief Opposition Whip, clarified reports regarding the Kla Tham Party’s withdrawal from the opposition coalition, stating that working within the whip’s framework relies on mutual understanding and respect.

Parit stated that he will present a new list of opposition whip members to the Opposition Leader on September 22 for submission to the House Speaker. The updated opposition coalition now comprises five parties: the People’s Party, Democrat Party, Thai Pakdee Party, Seri Ruam Thai Party, and Thai Ruamพลัง Party—the latter joining this session after consistently voting alongside the opposition on key matters. These five parties share a crucial mission to lodge a censure motion against Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s government as soon as possible.

The People’s Party announced plans to file a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission against the Election Commission and related individuals over alleged misconduct and collusion in the Senate election. Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut stated he intends to submit the finalized complaint personally by Friday, while also warning that the alleged electoral fraud and government conduct could feature in an upcoming no-confidence debate planned for October or early November.

Additionally, the opposition has demanded that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul explain his refusal to endorse four finance-related bills, which include three People’s Party proposals on local governance, wage standards, and sports regulations, as well as Pheu Thai’s creative-culture bill.

Democrat Party deputy leader Karndee Leopairote has filed a petition with the State Audit Office (SAO) demanding an investigation into the transparency and legality of the Digital Economy and Society Promotion Agency’s (DESDA) 1.62-billion-baht “TH-AI Passport” project. While supporting AI skill development in Thailand, she highlighted critical concerns regarding the project’s “Pay per Active User” payment model, which reportedly lacks clear written calculation criteria, and alleged that the project failed to comply with mandatory integrity pact requirements for high-value state procurement.

The petition asks the SAO to review potential specification tailoring, the legal validity of the contract, and the project’s overall cost-effectiveness, noting claims that the platform’s AI quality falls short of free alternatives and lacks key performance indicators for skill improvement.

The People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut blamed low turnout and poor public awareness for the party’s defeat in the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation chief election. Its candidate, Decharut Sukkumnoed, lost to Naruphon Yenprasert despite the party previously sweeping all eight parliamentary constituencies in the province. Turnout fell from 41% in the 2025 PAO election to 35% on September 20. While Party secretary-general Phicharn Chaowapatanawong denied that the defeat showed declining party support and defended Decharut as its best candidate.

The explanation came despite a heavy 31-day campaign covering all six Nonthaburi districts. Former Future Forward leaders Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, former Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat, and senior People’s Party figures joined the campaign trail for Decharut.

Deputy Prime Minister in charge of legal affairs Pakorn Nilprapunt said a 180-day deadline has been set to complete an amnesty covering politically motivated offenses linked to two decades of color-coded conflict. Two subcommittees will review complaints, manage public communications and receive petitions. Police, prosecutors, courts and corrections officials must report eligible cases and actions taken within 30 days.

The law will be interpreted broadly within its legal limits. People whose cases were omitted may petition the committee, whose decisions will be final. The amnesty covers offenses against the state, including damage to government property, but excludes private offenses and corruption cases. It may also restore political rights affected by covered convictions.

On September 21, Senator Tewarit Maneechai posted an urgent document on Facebook regarding the suspension of court judgment readings under the Promotion of Peaceful Society Act B.E. 2026 (2026). The Office of the Judiciary issued an urgent circular dated September 17 to its affiliated agencies, establishing procedural guidelines to align with the new legislation.

Under these guidelines, lower courts are instructed to refrain from reading pending Appeal Court judgments or orders for political cases spanning from 2005 to 2025 that meet the law’s criteria. Instead, primary courts must immediately return case files along with sealed judgment envelopes to the Appeal Court for further processing in accordance with the new law.

The Thai Meteorological Department has issued its first warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall affecting Thailand from September 23 to 27, 2026. The severe weather is driven by a strong low-pressure area along the central coast of Vietnam moving into the lower northeastern and eastern regions, combined with an active monsoon trough and strengthening southwest monsoons across the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.

Provinces across the northern, northeastern, central, eastern, and southern regions, including Bangkok and its vicinity, are expected to experience widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall. Citizens are urged to remain alert to potential flash floods, river overflows, and short-term water accumulation, particularly in low-lying areas and near foothills.

Maritime conditions will also deteriorate, with wave heights reaching 2 to 3 meters in the upper Gulf of Thailand and over 3 meters in thundershowers. Authorities advise small boats in the upper Gulf to stay ashore during the warning period, while all vessels in the Gulf and Andaman Sea should proceed with extreme caution and avoid thunderstorm zones.

Residents in Chiang Mai have reported confusion and dizziness caused by malfunctioning streetlights flashing intensely like a disco at an intersection near the Royal Park Rajapruek entrance in Hang Dong district.

The unusual light display drew attention as locals were returning home from exercising, prompting social media sharing and public discussion regarding the erratic street lighting.

BTS Sukhumvit Line Sees Disruption

BTS Skytrain services on the Sukhumvit (Green) Line experienced significant delays on Monday following an electrical malfunction at Asok station that began around 9:45 a.m. While trains between Khu Khot–Phloen Chit and Bang Chak–Kheha continued normal operations, the section connecting Phloen Chit and Bang Chak suffered delays, leaving platforms heavily congested and passengers stranded past 11:30 a.m.

Commuters expressed frustration on social media over the operator’s lack of clear communication and failure to restrict station entry despite overcrowded platforms.

This disruption occurred just a day after a track fire on Sunday forced a temporary service suspension on the MRT Blue Line between Tao Poon and Bang Pho stations, which had only resumed normal operations on Monday morning. Together, the back-to-back incidents across both major Bangkok transit networks—operated by Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTS) and Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (MRT)—caused widespread inconvenience for urban commuters.

However, MRTA and its network operators have announced free travel on all four MRT lines for passengers carrying bicycles or foldable electric scooters on Tuesday, September 22, in celebration of World Car Free Day 2026. Applying to the Blue, Purple, Yellow, and Pink lines throughout operating hours, the initiative aims to promote public transportation, ease traffic congestion, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Eligible commuters can collect free travel coupons at station ticket offices.

The Ministry of Culture has raised a formal objection over the unauthorized use of a historic Thai photograph during the Miss Universe Cambodia 2026 preliminary round. Thai officials identified the image—presented as ancient Khmer culture—as a 1906 photograph of women from Kamphaeng Phet during King Chulalongkorn’s reign, which is preserved in the National Archives of Thailand as part of a UNESCO-inscribed glass-plate negative collection.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1393946375628938?locale=th_TH

Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised alleged that the photograph was cropped to remove the Fine Arts Department’s watermark and used without attribution. Consequently, the ministry is demanding an official correction, the removal of the material, and an apology from the pageant organizers, while reserving the right to pursue legal action if corrective measures are not taken.

Thailand’s Attorney General has ordered the indictment of four alleged members of a transnational drug ring linked to former Thai Airways flight attendant Mina (“Air Mina”). The case follows her arrest at Melbourne Airport after Australian authorities discovered over 1 kilogram of heroin, valued at A$500,000, hidden within the linings of elephant-print tote bags.

The four suspects in Thailand face charges including participation in a transnational criminal organization, drug conspiracy, possession of heroin for sale, heroin export and attempted export. Three of the suspects are currently in custody while a fourth, Chantra also known as “Da” or “Rose Rose,” remains at large. The Thai suspects could face penalties up to the death sentence, while Mina remains held in Australia facing up to 25 years in prison.

Political News Headlines in Thai Media

PP to submit Senate vote collusion ‘evidence’

Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/3323610/pp-to-submit-senate-vote-collusion-evidence

Senators query EC after names appear in probe files

Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/3323625/senators-query-ec-after-names-appear-in-probe-files

OECD bid makes ‘significant progress’

Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3323720/oecd-bid-makes-significant-progress

City Hall working on new master drainage plan for Bangkok

Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3323500/city-hall-working-on-new-master-drainage-plan-for-bangkok

Navy commander defends frigate bid

Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3323690/navy-commander-defends-frigate-bid

Economic News Headlines in Thai Media

Larger data centres set to shift beyond Bangkok

Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3323820/larger-data-centres-set-to-shift-beyond-bangkok

Postal law set for enactment by year-end

Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3323890/postal-law-set-for-enactment-by-yearend

Thailand Sets 30-Day Deadline to Wire Private Sector Wish List Into Government Fast-Track System

Link- https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40071300

Myanmar import curbs disrupt Mae Sai on September 21 as Tachileik eggs reach 15 baht each

Link- https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40071293

Petronas LNG targets transformation into energy solutions partner

Link- https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3323484/petronas-lng-targets-transformation-into-energy-solutions%E2%80%AFpartner

SET and Chulalongkorn University Partner to Advance Thai Family Businesses Education And Develop Next-Gen Leaders

Link- https://www.kaohooninternational.com/markets/591147

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Issues to be watched out for

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 1,598.03 +13.88

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 21 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 68,454.74 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.

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