Thairath's first debate featuring the '8 prime minister candidates' has arrived, with enthusiastic supporters eager to hear their visions and policies ahead of the 2026 election. Ice Rakchanok expressed confidence that 'Teng' can lead the country, urging everyone not to lose hope and encouraging the use of voting rights.
On 23 Dec 2025 GMT+7, reporters described the atmosphere before the first debate featuring eight prime ministerial candidates from eight political parties ahead of the 2026 general election on 8 Feb. Voters would hear their policies and visions together. The first to arrive was Mr. Theerachai Phuwanatnaranubala, deputy leader and prime minister candidate of the Palang Pracharath Party, who arrived at 15:39.
At 16:35, Mr. Yotsanan Wongsawat, prime minister candidate from the Pheu Thai Party, arrived second, accompanied by party supporters wearing red shirts and holding Pheu Thai signs. Then at 16:38, General Rangsee Kitiyanatsap, leader of the Economic Party and prime minister candidate, arrived third in a classic BMW car.
Fourth to arrive at 16:46 was Mr. Natthapong Rueangpanyawut, leader of the Prachachon Party and prime minister candidate. When asked about his debate readiness, he responded, "Fully prepared, 100%." Mr. Suchatvee Suwansawat, leader of the Thai Khao Mai Party and prime minister candidate, arrived fifth at 16:57, closely followed by Mr. Peeraphan Saleerathvipak, leader of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party and prime minister candidate, who arrived sixth. Upon Mr. Peeraphan's arrival, his supporters enthusiastically offered encouragement. He stated he was "ready every day" for the debate.
At 17:02, Ms. Rakchanok Srinok, former Bangkok MP from the Prachachon Party, gave an interview expressing support for her party leader. She said, "We have confidence in our leader. Having worked together for two years, we believe he will lead the country toward the vision we've envisioned. We approach this calmly and are fully prepared. I'm not worried. We have carefully developed detailed policies with budget frameworks. Our prime minister candidate is on par with anyone else, ready to take the debate stage and answer society's questions. Anutin Thammanat, if he proposes himself as a national leader but avoids attending debates, I think he should come forward to answer questions from the media so the public can understand his vision and stance. Avoiding the debate is unacceptable."
In this election cycle, the top issue for the public is corruption. Parties without vested interests, focused solely on serving the people, are expected to earn the public's trust. Our party aims for a future with quality education, a fair economy, no scammer ministers, no '888' ministers, and no monopolistic interests.
She encouraged people at home, acknowledging that politics can cause despair. She recognized society's uncertainty about placing hope in political parties. She warned, "If you lose hope in political parties and choose not to vote, it's like handing the country over to scammers. The forces of scammers or 'grey capital' are trying to seize state control and our country. Whenever people abstain from voting, it is tantamount to surrendering the country to grey capital. Regardless of who you support, I urge you to maintain hope that the country can move forward to a bright future."
At 17:09, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party and prime minister candidate, arrived seventh, accompanied by Mr. Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, the party spokesperson. Then at 17:12, Mrs. Sudarat Keyuraphan, leader of the Thai Sang Thai Party and prime minister candidate, arrived last as the eighth candidate. Supporters awaited her arrival to present flowers and offer encouragement before the debate scheduled from 17:30 to 19:30.
The eight prime minister candidates from eight political parties are as follows:
Mr. Natthapong Rueangpanyawut, leader of the Prachachon Party and prime minister candidate.
Mr. Yotsanan Wongsawat, prime minister candidate of the Pheu Thai Party.
Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party and prime minister candidate.
Mr. Theerachai Phuwanatnaranubala, deputy leader and prime minister candidate of the Palang Pracharath Party.
Mr. Peeraphan Saleerathvipak, leader of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party and prime minister candidate.
Mr. Suchatvee Suwansawat, leader of the Thai Khao Mai Party and prime minister candidate.
Mrs. Sudarat Keyuraphan, leader of the Thai Sang Thai Party and prime minister candidate.
General Rangsee Kitiyanatsap, leader of the Economic Party and prime minister candidate.