Residents in Khon Kaen warned “Teng Natthapong” to be cautious with his words or risk making mistakes, before a vendor chased him away over the issue of amending Article 112 while he was seeking votes at Bang Lamphu market. Meanwhile, supporters from the Orange group waited to greet him with garlands and oranges in a show of strong encouragement.
At 09:00 on 3 Jan 2025, reporters observed that at Bang Lamphu market, Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party and prime ministerial candidate, accompanied by lawyer Pok and Veeranun Huadsri, a candidate for MP in Khon Kaen’s first district, was canvassing on foot in the morning. Some locals spoke to Natthapong, advising, “Be determined and watch your words carefully or you’ll slip up. If you make a mistake, fix it quickly because words travel fast and cause damage, which is hard to explain since people won’t listen. Don’t be harsh with your speech.” At this spot, a vendor also told him to go elsewhere, criticizing the move to amend Article 112 as disrespectful to the military and causing trouble for the armed forces, then she walked away to avoid further interaction.
Additionally, while Natthapong was canvassing at Chomphon market, locals approached to take photos and cheer him on, with some moved to tears of joy at meeting him. They confirmed they would continue supporting the Orange party. Many Khon Kaen residents also came to offer marigold garlands around his neck, having come specifically for this purpose. Besides marigolds, they presented oranges as tokens of encouragement.
Reporters noted that on 2 Jan 2025, Natthapong also campaigned at the municipal fresh market in Mueang Phon district, supporting Khon Kaen’s ninth district MP candidate, Fon Kamolchanok Suphanphai. A vendor called him over to ask how he would prioritize helping the people if elected to manage the country. Natthapong replied that improving politics was the first step; good governance would increase tax revenue, which has been lost to corruption amounting to hundreds of billions annually. Recovering tax funds would enable economic development and increase people’s income and welfare. His party planned to continue the “Half-Half” co-payment scheme to stimulate the economy. The vendor also asked about the military; Natthapong affirmed that protecting national sovereignty is the military’s duty, which he would fully support. When asked about Article 112, he said political constraints currently prevent its amendment. The vendor requested he not amend it yet, assuring that doing so would secure his next term as prime minister. Natthapong promised his party could fulfill all these commitments. Afterwards, many vendors asked for selfies, with fans of all ages eagerly taking photos to keep as mementos amid a joyful atmosphere at the municipal fresh market in Mueang Phon.
