Bangkok: The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) has released an analysis of the financial expenditure and strategies employed by Thailand's five major political parties during their election campaigns.
According to Thai News Agency, the TDRI's findings reveal that these parties are collectively spending between 150 billion and 740 billion baht annually to support their campaign promises.
Dr. Somkiat Tangkitvanich, President of TDRI, highlighted the institute's efforts in assessing the financial implications and funding sources of various policies by analyzing documents submitted to the Election Commission for the upcoming 2026 general election. This analysis culminated in the publication of an article titled "Policies the Country Needs and the New Government Should Implement," which aims to guide political parties in developing effective election policies. The five major parties have proposed policies each requiring substantial financial commitments.
The People's Party, for instance, has proposed 18 policies with annual budgets exceeding 10 billion baht, including two significant initiatives surpassing 100 billion baht per year: "Increasing Elderly Allowance" and a "Mega-Project to Improve Quality of Life." The party plans to allocate an average of 740 billion baht annually, focusing heavily on welfare programs, including healthcare, to establish a "welfare state."
The Pheu Thai Party has earmarked a budget of 240 billion baht per year for its policies, with five initiatives exceeding 10 billion baht each. Notably, the "Thai People Without Poverty" policy receives the largest allocation. Other key policies include debt management strategies, such as the "Farmers' Debt Moratorium" and the "Erasing Informal Debt" policies, as well as agricultural policies like the "Guaranteed 30% Profit for Agricultural Products."
The Bhumjaithai Party, in contrast, has proposed only eight policies with a total declared budget of 148 billion baht, significantly less than its counterparts. The party's strategy includes appointing "professional ministers" to establish political transparency, allowing the public to know the governing team in advance.
The Kla Tham Party has outlined 14 policies with an annual budget exceeding 10 billion baht, targeting agriculture and urban development in Bangkok. Noteworthy initiatives include "Where there is land to cultivate, there must be water" and "Bangkok Shield" for flood mitigation. The party also emphasizes combating corruption through legislative amendments.
The Democrat Party has proposed 10 policies requiring more than 10 billion baht annually, including the "Universal Elderly Allowance of 1,000 baht," which exceeds 100 billion baht per year. The party combines original flagship policies with new welfare and infrastructure initiatives, such as regional airports and a bridge connecting to Koh Samui.
The TDRI suggests that the Election Commission revise its guidelines for political parties submitting policy information, emphasizing transparency in budget calculations, funding sources, and policy impact assessments. This approach aims to enhance policy competition and provide voters with accurate and timely information, thereby strengthening democratic processes in Thailand.