Anutin’s agenda: Border wall and barter-based arms deals

2026-02-09 - 08:06

It is increasingly clear that the Bhumjaithai Party, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, is set to take the lead in forming Thailand’s next coalition government after securing the largest number of seats in the 2026 general election. The People’s Party, meanwhile, is expected to take on the role of the main opposition force in parliament. Bhumjaithai is widely regarded as a conservative party and campaigned on a range of policies at a time when Thailand is facing multiple challenges, including a prolonged economic slowdown, weak GDP growth forecast to lag behind other ASEAN countries, uncertainty stemming from US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, and renewed tensions along the Thai–Cambodian border. Clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces have resulted in multiple deaths, while land border crossings between the two countries remain closed, dealing a heavy blow to border trade and local economies. Security policy: “Building a wall” On its website, Bhumjaithai outlines a security policy centred on what it calls “building a wall” to protect the country from long-standing threats along its borders. The party says these threats include territorial encroachment, smuggling of agricultural products, drug trafficking, illegal labour, and other illicit goods, which it argues have gradually undermined Thailand’s security, economy and social stability. According to the party, the proposed “wall” is not limited to military defence but extends to economic and social protection. It would target illegal imports that depress prices of Thai agricultural products, as well as transnational crime networks linked to drugs, online scams, gambling, casinos and so-called grey capital. “Thailand does not accept these threats and must have a strong wall to protect its sovereignty, economy and the quality of life of its people,” the party states. Barter trading to support agriculture Under its “secure agriculture” policy, Bhumjaithai proposes the use of barter trading for major government purchases from abroad. The policy would require large-scale procurement, such as fighter aircraft, submarines or frigates, to be negotiated in exchange for the purchase of Thai agricultural products, including rice, rubber, cassava and maize. The party says this approach is based on mutual benefit and would create additional channels to absorb Thai agricultural output. If strictly enforced, it argues, the policy would help prevent surplus stockpiles and push farm-gate prices higher. Economic stimulus: “Half-Half Plus” Bhumjaithai has also pledged to continue economic stimulus measures through its proposed “Half-Half Plus” scheme. Under the policy, the government would subsidise half the cost of daily consumer spending for citizens. The co-payment model was first introduced under the government of former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and later continued during Anutin’s administration, where it was credited with boosting domestic consumption. Foreign policy: “Thailand stands free on the world stage” In foreign affairs, the party says Thailand must pursue a proactive and comprehensive diplomatic approach, covering economic cooperation, security, and the suppression of transnational crimes such as online scams, human trafficking and drug trafficking. Bhumjaithai emphasises that Thailand should play a constructive role in making the world a better place, while strengthening its presence and influence on the global stage. The party also stresses the importance of reaffirming Thailand’s democratic credentials, with foreign policy that is transparent and supported by public participation. “The goal is to bring Thailand back to the front ranks of the global community with honour and dignity, while advancing national interests in every dimension, so that Thailand can truly stand free on the world stage,” the party states. Electricity prices capped below 3 baht On energy policy, Bhumjaithai has pledged to lower electricity prices to less than 3 baht per unit for the first 200 units consumed by households. Electricity costs are a major expense for more than 29 million Thai households nationwide. Under its “Green Economy Plus towards Net Zero 2050” policy, the party plans to promote direct power purchase agreements (Direct PPA) using green energy. The scheme would allow community-based solar power to supply electricity directly to households, bypassing intermediaries and associated fees and taxes that drive up prices. The party says the measure would significantly reduce household energy costs and ease the financial burden on the public.