Ekanat pointed out that forming a government depends on election results, responding to criticism about targeting Anutin as prime minister and forming a cabinet in advance. He said nationalist policies do not need to be aggressively promoted because real war—not imagination—has occurred. Meanwhile, Thitiphas expressed confidence that her work can withstand public opinion after two and a half years, noting that Bang Kapi-Wang Thonglang has lacked representatives actively engaging with local communities.
On 3 Jan 2026, Mr. Ekanat Phonphan, a leader of the Bhumjaithai Party and head of the Bangkok area, campaigned to support Ms. Thitiphas Chotidechachainan, the Bhumjaithai candidate for MP in the Bang Kapi-Wang Thonglang district. They canvassed at Suan Pruek Market, introducing themselves and encouraging people to vote on 8 Feb 2026. He asked for support for Ms. Thitiphas, number 13, and party number 37. Some fans came to offer flowers and encouragement.
Mr. Ekanat said he intended to support Ms. Thitiphas because she has been a close team member since their time at the Ministry of Industry. While meeting locals during the campaign, he received positive feedback. He personally wants the public to choose quality MPs to govern the country.
Asked about changing his grassroots strategy for campaigning, Mr. Ekanat said no adjustment was needed because his approach is to confront all issues that cause problems for the people. He is ready to face and challenge influence or power and is never afraid. He noted concerns about gray market businesses, which his team has fought since he became Minister of Industry, cracking down on counterfeit goods, illegal currency exchange tours, and industrial waste smuggling that harms public health. If given the chance to work again, they will continue their thorough efforts.
“I consider it a sacrifice to send one team member to become an MP. Just think, we achieved so much at the Ministry of Industry—imagine what we can do as MPs. Last time, we narrowly missed winning; I was the top vote-getter when running with the United Thai Nation Party. This time, if we return as MPs with grassroots experience, I am confident we will serve the people fully,” Mr. Ekanat said.
Mr. Ekanat hopes for a chance in Bang Kapi-Wang Thonglang. Ms. Thitiphas’s style is to walk the campaign from the first to the last minute, ready to face difficulties ahead regardless of winning or losing. He supports her efforts, noting that many along the route recognize her, and while he is less known, some people do know him.
Regarding criticism that Bhumjaithai is selling nationalism to Bangkok voters, Mr. Ekanat laughed and said the party has proven itself by speaking and acting consistently. He asked if anyone is unconcerned about border problems or indifferent to the loss of soldiers defending the country. He is confident all Thais want to take pride in protecting sovereignty. Their territory is clearly theirs—this is not rhetoric or imagination. Soldiers have died, limbs lost, and bombs thrown into Thai sovereignty. The government led by Anutin Charnvirakul has supported the military in securing and maintaining sovereignty at 17 points.
“Do we worry that our efforts will be wasted? We don’t want that. We don’t want soldiers to die in vain. From now on, we will build fences and walls to protect soldiers and people from bullets, defend sovereignty, and also combat drugs, the economy, and illegal goods while borders remain closed. We announce in advance that if we form a government, Ekniti Supachai Sihasak will be deputy prime minister,” said Mr. Ekanat.
Regarding academics’ criticism that Anutin is being positioned prematurely as prime minister before elections begin, Mr. Ekanat said the answer is in the question: before 8 February, who forms a government early? They are simply openly and transparently announcing their campaign policy that if Bhumjaithai is elected, they will support Anutin as prime minister, and others will help push the policies forward.
On criticism of a predetermined government, Mr. Ekanat said people must trust the voters’ decision. Everyone has the right during elections to campaign. They listen to criticism and strive to do their best. Thailand’s crisis is real; citizens feel it—not only a security problem but also foreign policy that Thais want their representatives to communicate to the global community.
Regarding the fierce competition in the southern elections, Mr. Ekanat said that competition among parties is good, as politicians volunteer to represent the people. It is positive but requires full effort. Whether easy or difficult, all must try their best. There is no sure thing; everything depends on the people.
Ms. Thitiphas said the public has trusted and shown kindness since she was the MP here in 2019. During her four-year term, she was closely connected to the community. She is now running again because for two and a half years there has been no representative with her style of continuous grassroots engagement, which has been well received. Still cautious, she campaigns all day, determined to present her commitment and past work against public opinion, comparing her style to other representatives over the past two and a half years. She believes she must showcase her achievements.
