Election 2026: The Pheu Thai Party smiles after drawing party-list number 9, describing it as a lucky and easy-to-remember number. They clarify that a photo of conversations with Bhumjaithai Party was a gesture of encouragement and confidently predict securing 200 MPs, emphasizing their willingness to cooperate with parties that share similar policies and direction.
At 11:30 a.m. on 28 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Mr. Yotsanan Wongsawat, Pheu Thai Party's number 1 prime ministerial candidate, along with Mr. Julpan Amornwiwat, the party leader and number 2 prime ministerial candidate, and Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the number 3 prime ministerial candidate, together with the party’s party-list MP candidates, gave an interview after drawing their party-list number for the MP election. Pheu Thai received number 9. Mr. Yotsanan said that during the draw, one numbered ball floated up and they picked it immediately. Mr. Julpan, who conducted the draw, added, “Yes, there was only that one ball floating.”
When asked how he felt about the number drawn, Mr. Yotsanan replied, “It’s a good number and auspicious. It’s easy to communicate and will help us connect with the people because it’s a simple, single-digit number.” He made a gesture holding up nine fingers. Then Mr. Julpan added that it was a good number, noting that in 2005, the Thai Rak Thai Party also drew number 9 during Thaksin Shinawatra’s prime ministership and won as many as 377 seats. Asked if they expect another landslide victory, Mr. Suriya replied that with increased encouragement, their target of 200 seats is certain, but not more, so as to maintain good relations with other parties.
Mr. Yotsanan then added, that number 9 is easy to communicate. At minimum, next year they must lead Thailand forward together, overcoming conflicts, which is crucial. The Pheu Thai Party’s policies number more than nine points, but they will try to align their messaging to the number for easier recall. When asked about campaign strategy and how they will organize their efforts, Mr. Julpan said the party has planned main events nationwide, as well as medium-sized events and debates. All three prime ministerial candidates will appear together at the major events, while other events will be distributed among them. They intend to make the most of the remaining time by meeting people and explaining their policies and ideas, expecting positive reception, and asked voters to support Pheu Thai at number 9.
Regarding a recent NIDA Poll in Nakhon Ratchasima province where no candidate ranked first, Bhumjaithai was second, and Pheu Thai dropped in ranking, despite previously holding 12 seats there, the question was raised whether the poll results affected feelings. Mr. Prasert Chandraruangthong, Pheu Thai secretary-general, whispered from behind that the party’s popularity remains highest. Mr. Julpan agreed, saying voters still consider Pheu Thai a choice and that the prime ministerial candidates were only announced on 16 Dec. The poll timing overlapped with that launch, but the results are satisfactory. They accept the poll results as motivation to work harder for the people nationwide. The party leader added that Mr. Prasert launched their Nakhon Ratchasima MP candidates yesterday, declaring an intention to secure the entire province.
. Regarding a photo showing Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai party members talking before the draw, Mr. Julpan said they were just greeting each other normally as acquaintances. Mr. Yotsanan added they admire Bhumjaithai’s commitment to peace, including efforts to help people in the border areas return to normal life, which is why they offered encouragement first. When reporters asked again if there was any talk about forming an alliance, Mr. Yotsanan replied, that it was just mutual encouragement. On the topic of alliances, he said they would have to ask the public first. If anyone can pursue policies aligned with theirs, they would be happy to cooperate with those individuals. .
