Anutin, wearing a King Naresuan amulet, visits the ancient capital, takes the stand to cheer as Bhumjaithai Party candidates for Ayutthaya MPs draw their ballot numbers, aiming to secure the entire province. He pays respects at the city pillar shrine praying for national victory, stating that election success depends on ourselves, not on divine beings.
At 08:35 on 27 Dec 2025 GMT+7, at the provincial stadium of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, serving as leader of the Bhumjaithai Party. Together with his wife, Ms. Thanonon Niramits, he came to support Bhumjaithai candidates for Members of the House of Representatives (MPs) in all five districts, consisting of:
District 1: Mr. Songpol Suksomboon.
District 2: Mr. Nop Cheewanan.
District 3: Ms. Pimpruda Tanjararuk.
District 4: Mr. Kongkrit Ramsak.
District 5: Mr. Pradit Sangkhajai.
Welcoming them were Mr. Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Deputy Leader of the Bhumjaithai Party; Mrs. Somsong Phancharoenworakul, President of the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Administrative Organization; and Mr. Kueakul Danchaivijit, former Deputy Leader of Bhumjaithai and former MP for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Upon arrival, Anutin ascended the stand on the side crowded with Bhumjaithai supporters to watch the ballot number draw. He applauded the candidates and raised his hand to show the number each candidate drew.
After the draw, Anutin came down from the stand to bless Ms. Pimpruda, the candidate for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District 3, by touching her head, and greeted supporters who offered roses and marigolds. During handshakes, many supporters pulled his hand strongly, causing him to stagger.
Meanwhile, the public expressed anticipation for the 'Khon La Khrueng Plus' program, to which Anutin smiled, gave a thumbs-up, and made a gesture indicating the 'Plus' extension. Supporters encouraged him with “Prime Minister, fight on!” Anutin responded by raising his hand and pointing toward the amulet of Luang Pho Ruay from Wat Tako, Phachi District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Reporters noted that Ayutthaya is a key target area for the Bhumjaithai Party aiming to sweep all MP seats this election, as in the previous 2023 election, when the party won 3 of 5 seats.
At 09:55, Anutin led all five Bhumjaithai MP candidates in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya to pay respects at the city pillar shrine for good luck, marking the start of their campaign in the province. While waiting, Mr. Annop Areewongsakul, candidate for District 1 from the Pheu Thai Party, also paid respects and greeted Anutin. Anutin asked him about his ballot number; Annop replied number 1. Anutin wished him good luck. Candidates from the Kla Party also greeted Anutin.
Vendors near the city pillar shrine approached Anutin, praising his good looks and urging him to continue the 'Khon La Khrueng Plus' policy, requesting a 10,000 baht handout if possible. Reporters asked to see the nine-gem ring Anutin wore and inquired about his amulet. Anutin revealed the King Naresuan the Great medallion tucked inside his vest. When asked about any superstition, Anutin laughed and said, “Just look at history.” He then presented garlands to the five Bhumjaithai MP candidates, took group photos in front of the city pillar shrine, made the 'Bhumjaithai Plus' gesture, and led them to worship the shrine for auspiciousness.
At 10:15, Anutin expressed confidence about the election in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, saying it depends on the voters. He noted that the Bhumjaithai MPs have served the people of Ayutthaya fully and that Mr. Surasak Phancharoenworakul serves as a minister in his cabinet and leads the team of five candidates presented to voters. When asked if he hopes to win all five seats, Anutin said they hope for all but respect voters' decisions. Besides hoping, they must deliver benefits and policies they can credibly implement. If voters trust them, they will choose them.
Asked whether the Bhumjaithai Party aims to serve the entire central region, Anutin replied they intend to work sincerely for the people. In elections, they cannot control outcomes but can present policies and fulfill them, such as the 'Khon La Khrueng Plus' project, which has satisfied and earned public trust. The party has proven progress in every phase. Had the parliament not been dissolved, the second phase of 'Khon La Khrueng Plus' would have been completed by now. He asked for a chance to govern again to continue phase two, which is not populism but a policy with public participation driving the economy, benefiting all parties in a win-win.
Anutin revealed that praying at the city pillar shrine today was to ask for Thailand’s victory in all matters, relief and happiness for the people, and stability. Regarding election victory, he said it depends on oneself. One should pray for good health and perseverance, but winning the election depends on the candidates themselves, not on divine beings.
Meanwhile, Mr. Weerachai Nakamas, former governor of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, registered to run for MP in District 4 (Bang Pa-in–Bang Sai) under the New Opportunity Party, drawing number 3, with supporters and team members present to encourage him.
