Jes led the Rak Chart Party team to campaign at Sirichai Market in Bang Bon district, promoting the policy "Crack Down on Corrupt Police Before They Become Criminals" to solve problems of extortion, racketeering, and illegal lending. He pointed out these are structural issues with complaints from residents in many areas.
On 4 Jan 2026 GMT+7, the Rak Chart Party team campaigned and surveyed public needs at Sirichai Fresh Market, Khlong Bang Bon subdistrict, Bang Bon district, Bangkok, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jes Tonawanik, Rak Chart Party prime ministerial candidate, along with party leader and PM candidate Mr. Chaiwut Thanakmanusorn, Bangkok MP candidate for district 28 Mr. Pin Jaengchawai (No. 9), and the party's young list candidates including Mr. Chanin Pinthong (No. 3), Mr. Chaiporn Jirawinijnan (No. 4), Mr. Natthakorn Tawiraksa (No. 5), and Mr. Ratthapoom Wallikul (No. 9). The party said this visit emphasized their political stance on transparency and national sovereignty protection.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jes Tonawanik, Rak Chart Party prime ministerial candidate, stated during the visit that one of the party's main policies is "Cracking down on corrupt police before they become criminals." He emphasized that the party understands there are many good police officers, but it is necessary to seriously address police involved in corruption and dark influence. One key policy is to combat extortion fees, which police have consistently denied exist. However, the party has received feedback from citizens across all areas confirming this problem persists. During this visit, complaints were received about extortion systems linked to multiple parties, including police and influential figures, sometimes using high-value concert or event tickets as payment.
In addition, Dr. Jes addressed the problem of illegal lending, noting residents reported involvement of influential figures and police. Although police may not directly lend money, there are lenders locally known as "Bang." They provide loans with high interest rates, for example, lending 10,000 baht and requiring 12,000 baht repayment within 40 days, with interest charged every 40 days, equaling an annual interest rate of about 80%, which is a heavy burden and illegal. Rak Chart Party aims to tackle this issue.
Dr. Jes also mentioned major local issues including flooding and foreign labor. He acknowledged Thailand employs foreign workers but expressed concerns about illegal labor working outside the tax system and residing or trading unlawfully. Residents noted such situations happen due to police involvement. While the party cannot confirm these facts, they have received similar feedback from multiple areas.
Dr. Jes reiterated that the "Crack Down on Corrupt Police Before They Become Criminals" policy must be implemented urgently and seriously. Rak Chart candidates across all districts will gather citizens' feedback to promote it as a main party policy for serious action. He affirmed that they will continue to reflect these problems for public awareness regardless of whether they become the government, join a coalition, or win parliamentary seats, viewing these as structural issues affecting citizens' lives and the nation.
Questioning the US: "Do they want peace or invasion?"
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jes also gave an interview in both Thai and English regarding the recent hot situation where the United States conducted an operation to capture President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, transporting them out of the country to the US last night. He expressed doubts about the US stance after it called on Thailand to cease fire, seek peace, end conflict, avoid further clashes, and engage in dialogue regarding border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia.
Dr. Jes stated that in reality, hostility remains from Cambodia's side with ongoing incursions, involving a hybrid war with physical attacks, incitement, and widespread disinformation globally. Yet the US tells "You must stop," especially addressing Thailand, even though Thailand never initiated the conflict and has only acted in self-defense.
Dr. Jes added that when it comes to the US itself, any minor provocation usually results in a harsh stance threatening severe retaliation. He questioned the US policy after its cross-border operation to capture President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Venezuela, leaving uncertainty about whether Donald Trump's or the broader US policy is aimed at peace or aggression. He asked, "Does the United States want to create peace in the world or invade people everywhere?"
Dr. Jes said the US needs to clarify its policy if it wants cooperation from countries like Thailand or if it seeks to provide cooperation, especially regarding its claims to build peace within countries, regions, and globally.
Without such clarity, cooperation is difficult to achieve. The US has not set a good example to tell other countries to act this way or that way, as good examples are more valuable than mere words.
