Thai media digest Nov. 1, 2026

Politics

• Prime minister cannot say when Cambodia border checkpoints will reopen. Anutin Charnvirakul said on Oct. 31 that relations are unlikely to return to their earlier level until issues Thailand considers essential are resolved, including land and maritime boundaries, scam operations and the safety of Thai citizens, according to Thai PBS. He said policy would not change because of political pressure alone. Thai PBS.
• Reports allege Thaksin amnesty petition is linked to no-confidence votes. According to Thai Rath, Thaksin Shinawatra has authorized his lawyer to ask a peace-building committee to rule that he qualifies for amnesty, and the request is still at sub-committee stage. The paper says unconfirmed reports allege he is seeking support from Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai MPs in a no-confidence vote scheduled for Dec. 7–11; the report does not confirm any exchange. Thai Rath.
• Prime minister defends household solar plan against “blank check” criticism. Anutin said on Oct. 31 that the first phase targets one million households with a 50,000 baht subsidy each, drawn from 50 billion baht within a 200 billion baht borrowing decree. According to Thai PBS and Post Today, he said unclaimed funds would not be borrowed and so would carry no interest. Thai PBS and Post Today.
• Cabinet to hold off-site meeting in Udon Thani with farming focus. Anutin said the meeting next week will advance a national agriculture agenda, according to Thansettakij. He said the government also plans to extend SME credit terms to 30 days for farm goods and 45 days for other goods. Thansettakij.
• Phuket rally targets alleged “grey” foreign capital. A rally at Sapan Hin in Phuket on Oct. 31, led by Sondhi Limthongkul among others, called for stricter enforcement against what organizers described as illegal foreign-linked businesses and nominee schemes, according to Thai PBS and MGR Online. Speakers also called for Chabad houses to be closed nationwide; these are organizers’ claims and the reports do not verify them. Thai PBS and MGR Online.

Economy and cost of living

• Government cuts excise tax on E20 and B20 only, not all fuels. The cabinet decision of Oct. 27 cut the tax on B20 diesel by 5.50 baht per liter and on E20 gasohol by 5.60 baht per liter for an initial three months from Oct. 28, according to Thai Rath. Anutin thanked Thais for raising B20 use by about 3 million liters per day. Thai Rath.
• Border and transit trade rose 50.8% in September. The Department of Foreign Trade put combined trade at about 220.9 billion baht, according to Thai PBS. Over the first nine months, trade reached about 1.76 trillion baht, up 18.8% from a year earlier. Thai PBS.
• Domestic gold falls to lowest level in a year. The Thai Gold Traders Association cut prices by 1,550 baht per baht-weight on Oct. 31, with bar gold selling at 62,200 baht, according to Thai PBS. Global gold fell to about $3,880 per ounce, and analysts cited investors selling assets to raise cash. Thai PBS.
• “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” will not pay another 1,000 baht on Nov. 1. The payment is a single lump sum covering October and November, and unspent October money carries over, according to Bangkok Biz News. All funds must be used by Nov. 30 under the 60/40 co-payment model, which covers up to 200 baht per person per day. Bangkok Biz News.

Tourism, visas and foreigners

• Government targets 4 trillion baht in tourism revenue. A deputy government spokesperson said the draft national tourism plan for 2028–2032 aims at a top-30 global ranking, according to Thai Rath. A proposal to exempt visitors from Mexico, Colombia, Uzbekistan and Belarus from visas is under review, with a committee due to consider it on Nov. 9. A fee on foreign tourists has not been implemented and is still under study. Thai Rath.
• Three domestic travel stimulus projects launched. They include 500 baht off domestic flight bookings with seven airlines, subsidized bus and van costs for overnight group trips, and a solo-traveler program running in November and December, according to Thai PBS. Officials project at least 629 million baht in economic activity. Thai PBS.

Infrastructure

• Kanchanaburi flood-damaged roads under repair ahead of high season. Deputy Transport Minister Phattharaphong Phattharaprasit said floods hit 85 spots on 14 highway routes in September and October, according to Thai Rath. He ordered faster repairs and asked the province to promote tourism. Thai Rath.

Law and order

• Court convicts “Kamnan Nok” and others of road-project bid rigging. The Criminal Court for Corruption and Malpractice Cases on Oct. 28 convicted the group over a roughly 44.9 million baht road project in Nakhon Pathom, with prison terms of up to three years and fines, according to Daily News. Investigators allege the group won more than 1,500 government projects over 2012–2023; that allegation was not the subject of this verdict. Daily News.
• Kasikornbank files complaint over alleged forged transfer slip. The bank told police on Oct. 26 that an unidentified person fabricated a slip bearing its name and logo showing a 7 million baht transfer, according to Thai Rath. The bank says its system did not generate the slip and is asking police to investigate. Thai Rath.