Thai media digest, Oct. 28, 2026

Politics

• Cabinet tells House it is available for no-confidence debate from Dec. 6. According to Thai PBS, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the Cabinet replied to the House speaker that it is available from Dec. 6 onward. The length of the debate is still to be set by the three whip teams; Thai PBS reports the opposition reportedly asked for five days. Thai PBS.
• Ethics complaint filed over an MP’s sharing of a disputed 7-million-baht transfer slip. Thai PBS reports a complaint was filed against an MP who shared a transfer slip; Matichon reports the complaint went to the anti-graft commission. Kasikorn Bank said it found no matching account, per Thai PBS; the allegations have not been tested. Thai PBS and Matichon.
• Special Branch reported moving to charge a social media page under Section 112. (royal-related) According to Matichon, dated Oct. 26, police Special Branch is moving to bring a Section 112 charge against a page called “Godd Dam.” Separately, Matichon reports the Technology Crime Suppression Division denied arresting the page’s owner. Matichon.
• Prime minister launches commemorative song for late Queen Mother. (royal-related) Matichon reports Anutin launched a song titled “Roi Yim Khong Mae,” sung by Bird Thongchai. Thai PBS carries the same event. Bare facts only; no further detail. Matichon and Thai PBS.

Economy and cost of living

• Cabinet approves three-month fuel excise cut. According to Thai Rath, the Cabinet approved cutting excise tax by 5.60 baht per liter on E20 gasoline and 5.50 baht per liter on B20 diesel for three months. Anutin announced it after the Oct. 27 meeting; the cut covers only those two fuels. Thai Rath.
• Rooftop solar program for 1 million households opens. Matichon reports Anutin launched a program offering a 50,000-baht state subsidy per household, with registration open until Jan. 31, 2027. Thai PBS says the prime minister estimated annual electricity savings of 24 billion baht (the figure is his claim, as reported). Matichon and Thai PBS.
• September exports up 24%; imports rise faster. Matichon cites the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy as reporting September exports up 24% and imports up 50%, a 63-month high. A separate Matichon item reports an opposition figure warning of a nine-month trade deficit of 1.4 trillion baht. Matichon.
• Global oil at five-month high, Thai economic planners warn of pressure. Thai PBS reports world oil prices hit a five-month high, and that the state planning agency NESDC warned high prices and imports could pressure the current account. Thai PBS.
• Commerce Ministry steps up price monitoring. (published Oct. 21; outside the 24-hour window but relevant) Thai PBS reports the ministry’s permanent secretary said energy and transport cost pressure has not yet spread widely, and that provincial offices will check prices. A “blue flag” low-price program with 3,036 outlets runs through January 2027. Thai PBS.

Tourism, visas and foreigners

• Beijing travel advisory prompts Thai foreign minister to plan talks with Chinese ambassador. According to Matichon, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the issue involves a specific group, not Chinese tourists in general, and that China should also warn its citizens. He said he had not yet spoken with the ambassador. Matichon.
• Hotel and accommodation deregistrations up 42% in nine months. Thai PBS reports 148 businesses deregistered in January–September 2026, citing the Department of Business Development, and quotes Kasikorn Research Center describing the sector as fragile. Kasikorn forecasts 31–33 million foreign arrivals in 2027. Thai PBS.
• Visa delays linked to 30% drop in Latin American arrivals. Matichon says visa delays cut Latin American tourist arrivals by 30% and that the tourism minister is considering offering free visas. Undated; the 30% figure is attributed, not verified. Matichon.

Law and order

• DSI deepens probe into husband of an MP. According to Matichon, dated Oct. 26, the Department of Special Investigation plans to summon the securities regulator and digital-asset firms for statements. No allegations are detailed. Matichon.