DESPERATE ECONOMICS
For much of the nation, economic matters have been central to most parties’ campaigning during an election lead-up largely devoid of ideological contrasts.
The situation stretches far beyond those forced away from their land, stores and homes and into evacuation centres.
Across Isan, the poorest major region in Thailand with per capita output among the lowest nationwide, the situation feels desperate, locals told CNA.
The labour force is heavily reliant to agriculture. And household debt relative to local incomes is high, a key driver of economic stress and vulnerability among rural families.
Recent Bank of Thailand analysis showed sluggish economic activity and low business confidence in the region. Isan also suffers from structural issues like an ageing population and the out-migration of workers to other regions, where salaries are higher.
“The most urgent issue to address is the economy and cost of living, as this affects people nationwide. On other issues, opinions differ widely, making it harder to find common ground,” said Sathaporn Wichairam, an assistant professor in public administration at Buriram Rajabhat University.
In the very same market that Anutin toured briefly on his regional visit, vendors said they would support the prime minister; give him a chance to prove himself. But their pledges had economic caveats tied to them.
“If I have to choose, I’ll save my vote for Mr Anutin,” said Khemjira Poonsub, a vegetable seller.
“But I want them to see that our economy has worsened. This year is the worst, to the point that I don’t want to wake up to work anymore,” she said.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/thailand-election-2026-anutin-cambodia-border-conflict-5902821
