Dr. Ae gave a major speech in Korat, urging the completion of the high-speed rail project. He emphasized that "education is the economy; education is the cure for poverty," and warned that accepting money is equivalent to cheating future generations. Meanwhile, Khunying Kalaya promoted the "Chumphae Model" to combat poverty.
On 20 Jan 2026 GMT+7, reports stated that yesterday (19 Jan), Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich, chairwoman of the Thai Khao Mai Party and prime minister candidate, along with Dr. Ae Suchatvee Suwansawat, party leader and prime minister candidate, gave interviews after a large northeastern region rally at Safe One Market in Nakhon Ratchasima. They declared their vision to tackle poverty and accelerate infrastructure development for the Isan people.
Khunying Kalaya recounted that during her visits she found many children with dreams but lacking opportunities, stressing the necessity of truly free education. She said she is not exaggerating: previously, with one million births annually, many students filled universities, but now birth rates have dropped to 400,000 per year, though the budget remains the same without increase. She is ready to send children nationwide to complete doctoral degrees if they qualify. Higher education leads to better family welfare, employment, income, and quality of life. Education is thus essential for family livelihood. While we cannot choose where we are born, she stands proudly as a Northeasterner, a granddaughter of Ya Mo.
“Today I asked for Ya Mo's blessing, saying: This grandchild wishes to follow Ya Mo's footsteps to lead the country through crisis and help Thai people and the nation advance. Every Thai child must receive modern education to compete globally.” Dr. Khunying Kalaya said.
Dr. Ae Suchatvee emphasized his determination to end poverty in Isan and volunteered to be the prime minister who personally accelerates projects. The high-speed rail project, he said, must be completed as quickly as possible and safely, especially the segment passing through Nakhon Ratchasima province, which poses a major regional concern if delayed. He promised to restore Thai people's dignity and prevent daily crane collapse accidents from recurring.
Additionally, Dr. Ae Suchatvee warned citizens against vote-buying, stating: “If you accept money to vote, you are committing corruption against your own children.” The money taken will come back to harm future generations through poor-quality construction projects and stagnant education. He asked for votes for himself and party number 49 to gain enough power to bring world-class teams to solve flooding, drought, and attract new industries to Isan.
Meanwhile, Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich disclosed she has campaigned in 4–5 provinces including Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Roi Et, and now Nakhon Ratchasima and Sikhio district. As a "child of Sikhio," she aims to repay the land of Isan and Thailand by promoting the "Chumphae Model," a proven successful project that has genuinely enriched farmers.
Furthermore, Dr. Ae Suchatvee mentioned the crane collapse tragedy in Sikhio district, noting one of the victims was “Nong Night,” a 25-year-old woman from Khon Kaen who worked in Bangkok. She dreamed of building a house for her mother and had sent 10,000 baht to buy a door before passing away. She was traveling to Ubon Ratchathani to start a business with her boyfriend and build a new home, but that dream was cut short by the accident.
“Her mother said she does not want compensation money but wants her daughter's life back. The question is, why must such an incident happen to a grateful child from Isan? How would you bear it?”
Dr. Ae Suchatvee, as an engineer, said the high-speed rail represents Isan's progress, but mismanagement has caused delays and accidents. If he becomes prime minister, he will personally inspect the work to ensure standards, safety, and timely completion.
“If I am prime minister, I will personally oversee the high-speed rail project to ensure standardized, safe, and fast construction at every stage. I volunteer for this. If Isan prospers, the country prospers. This is the truth. Isan children are the hardest working—they build high-rise buildings in Bangkok but have never become wealthy. We need new industries in Isan. The high-speed rail must bring factories, jobs, and high salaries to the people here.”
Moreover, Dr. Ae Suchatvee added that Isan is suitable for large battery factories and high-tech industries. He reiterated that the Thai Khao Mai Party does not sell empty dreams but uses knowledge, technology, and professionals to solve drought, flooding, and poverty problems comprehensively. He emphasized, “Our enemies are not political parties but poverty, corruption, and inequality.”
Dr. Ae Suchatvee stated that the reason to choose the Thai Khao Mai Party is because it champions education with concrete examples: Isan children from poor farming families like Khunying Kalaya, who earned a doctorate in physics and is now a distinguished alumna of the world-ranked Imperial College. He emphasized education as the core.
“Are you tired of the same old politics, same old people, same old parties leading to national decline? If the old guard could succeed, Isan would have prospered long ago, but they have not. Therefore, it is time to open your heart to new choices.” Dr. Suchatvee concluded, stressing that the Thai Khao Mai Party candidates are genuine locals from Sikhio, Korat, and Isan, clearly demonstrating that “education is the economy, education is the cure for poverty.”